Boys soccer: Late surge lifts Glenbrook North past Vernon Hills

Vernon Hills' boys soccer team has battled Glenbrook North for the Central Suburban League North Division title the last three years.

The Spartans, however, have switched spots with Niles North and are now in the CSL South.

Vernon Hills and Glenbrook North renewed their rivalry Tuesday night. The Spartans captured the crossover match 3-0, scoring all of their goals in the last 11 minutes.

"For the almost 70 minutes we were equal with them," Vernon Hills coach Mike McCaulou said. "They had a special player up top with pace. For the majority of the time, we were disciplined and our shape was great defensively. We had a few chances up top but nothing to show for it. ... At this time of year, we have to be mentally focused."

Vernon Hills (2-4-1) features a young group.

"We tried to play soccer the right way (against GBN)," McCaulou said. "We might have played a little bit too direct. Credit Glenbrook North for forcing us to do that. We have to be a little bit more confident inside, touching lines and playing it out of the back a bit more simpler."

Cougars sophomore midfielder Glen McGowean saw his team working hard to no avail.

"It's all a mind game. You have to give 100 percent in the game," McGowean said. "We all work hard in practice and we're all in good shape. We had to keep up our stamina to stay with (Glenbrook North). I thought we had this game."

Glenbrook North (3-3-1) broke the scoreless draw in the 69th minute when Joey Martens took a through ball from George Luke and found the back of the net.

Gabe Nayman made it 2-0 four minutes later with a move past a couple of defenders. David Schueler added one more goal in the final minute off a pass from Martens.

"Vernon Hills is such a hardworking team and they frustrate the play because they work so hard," Glenbrook North coach Paul Vignocchi said. "The first half they beat us to every single ball. That was the message at halftime and it got a lot better. We started to connect our passes more and they gave us a little more space in the second half."