Boys soccer: Vernon Hills tops Wauconda for regional title

Second-seeded Vernon Hills won its third boys soccer regional title in the last four years, claiming a 1-0 victory over No. 7 seed Wauconda in a Class 2A regional final hosted by the Cougars on Friday.

Vernon Hills advances to the sectional semifinal round, where it will meet the winner of Saturday's 3 p.m. regional final between Rockford Boylan and Woodstock in at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

"We are so proud of our boys," said Vernon Hills coach Mike McCaulou. "To do what this group has one over the last four years in something to be proud of, but I know they want more - and fortunately for us, we will have the opportunity in sectionals."

Michael Harty had the game's only goal in the first half, and Brennan Reback made saves in goal for Vernon Hills.

"Michael Harty was the hero for us tonight," McCaulou said. "He hit a shot from range that found the back of the net. That was the difference tonight."

The Cougars were impressed with the gains Wauconda had made over the course of a season.

"A totally different team than when we saw them in August," McCaulou said. "They were well disciplined for 80 minutes on the defensive side of the ball. They held their shape very well and usually when you score, a team comes out of it and gets reckless - but not the Wauconda boys tonight. They should be proud."