Dundee-Crown, Kaneland can't break tie

Kaneland believes that it's ready to battle most teams this fall despite its tough schedule.

As a Class 2A team, the Knights are going to face mostly larger schools, including programs such as 3A Dundee-Crown, which paid a visit to Maple Park on Tuesday.

The Knights jumped on Dundee-Crown with a goal from Trevor Jahns late in the first half, but the Chargers answered with the equalizer from Jelani Washington about three minutes later and no one would score after that.

"We didn't have as many chances as they did, although we had some nice chances at the end," Kaneland coach Scott Parillo said. "We're not playing any powder puff teams though and this was a good team. I keep telling our guys that it's going to be a long season if we don't realize that."

Kaneland (0-2-1) was defending more than attacking for the greater part of Tuesday afternoon. The Knights were attacked often, but goalkeeper Andrew Mathys was at his best in goal, lunging left and right, and rising up when required, to nullify every one of Dundee-Crown's scoring chances.

"Their keeper kept them in the game," Chargers coach Rey Vargas said. "We had some chances, and some good ones to put them away, but he came up with some big saves."

Mathys has gotten off to a fantastic start for the Knights. He brings back experience from prior years, a hunger knowing that it's his final season as well as great confidence after a lot of preseason training.

"I just put in a lot of hard work this summer because my main goal was to get better for my team," Mathys said. "We had a big team effort and we're starting to come together. I think we'll pick up some goals and get going and we'll play better as the season progresses."

Dundee-Crown (2-1-1) constantly pressured Mathys and the Knights but failed to convert offensively.

"We have to do a better job of finishing our chances when we have them," Vargas said. "It sometimes takes a little while but we cannot pass those chances up."

The Knights may have been dealt a substantial blow as junior midfielder Angel Escontrias limped off the field midway through the season half after succumbing to an injury. His status is unknown for Thursday's rescheduled game against Jacobs.

While his loss would be huge, the Knights have already seen a few players step up in the early going.

"We need these young guys to step up anyway," Parillo said. "I was happy see Danny Perez, who really played a great game. He usually puts so much pressure on himself so to see him play like that was good to see."