Glenbard East, Wheaton North keep it even
A scoreless draw in double overtime might not generate an exciting, game-winning highlight but it doesn’t necessarily mean the match wasn’t animated.
While neither visiting Wheaton North nor Glenbard East could solve each other’s defense during Tuesday’s DuPage Valley Conference match in Lombard, each had its share of chances in regulation and in each of the overtimes.
“It’s disappointing to battle like that a full game and then two overtimes and have nothing to show for it,” Falcons senior midfielder Anne Denz said. “I thought we had some opportunities as the game went on and we did a better job of connecting our passes. We just couldn’t do enough to get the win.”
Wheaton North (8-7-2, 2-3-1) nearly took a 1-0 lead in the opening minute of the second half on a shot off the crossbar. Minutes later Denz had 20-yard free kick that nearly eluded Glenbard East goalkeeper Veronica Fairbairn, but neither proved successful.
“Both teams had some chances, but it was one of those nights where it didn’t happen,” Denz said. “We’ll just go onto the next one and try to better and get ready for the playoffs.”
Glenbard East (9-3-4, 0-2-3) had its fourth draw of the season as its overall record is starting to look like an obscure baseball double play.
“It’s tough, this is the second double overtime in a row where we couldn’t come out with the win,” Rams coach Kent Overbey said. “It’s taking its toll on us, but the kids are playing tough. We’ve got a young group and they’re maturing and coming along.”
The Rams remain winless in conference but haven’t lost since a 3-0 decision to Naperville North on April 10.
“I think we’ve been playing pretty well and unfortunately have nothing to show for it in the DVC,” Rams junior midfielder Alex Ruffer said. “Tonight I felt like we didn’t deserve to tie. I felt like we dominated most of the game and it stinks to not come away with anything more.”
Ruffer and sophomore Jordyn Fulton had the best two chances to win it in the first overtime for the Rams. Ruffer attempted a shot from 35-yards out that sailed wide left while Fulton got in close but appeared to rush her shot. Allison Martinez had a decent opportunity for the Falcons with four minutes left in OT but booted it too high.
Denz, Gracie Klatt and Lauren Szumski had shots in the second overtime for the Falcons while Ruffer got in close with a little more than a minute left for the hosts but saw her shot carom off a defender.