MAPLE PARK – The third time was a charm for the Kaneland Knights’ soccer team as they put an end to Sycamore’s perfect season in a 2-1 victory in the teams’ third meeting of the season.
Kaneland (11-2-1, 5-1 in Northern Illinois Big 12) junior goalkeeper Emma Ball took over in the second half, blanking the high-powered Spartan offense, despite facing constant pressure and a depleted defense.
“It was amazing because I didn’t find out until this morning that I was going to be without three of my four starting defenders,” Kaneland coach Scott Parillo said.
With substitute defenders in front of her, Ball snatched, punched, and dove to keep the Spartans (15-1, 5-1) at bay.
“They managed to hold us off,” Sycamore coach David Lichamer said. “We did all we could there at the end, sending bodies in to the box. The keeper made some key saves when she needed to. It was a great victory for them.”
Ball made six stops in the second half, including a leaping stab off a free kick and two point-blank diving saves to secure the victory for the Knights. Ball had 11 saves total for the game.
”It’s really nerve wracking, especially going up against Sycamore,” Ball said. “You always have to be on your toes and ready. It felt so good. I’ve been playing here for three years and this is the first time we’ve beat them.”
Sophomore Kayla Radisic evened up the game for the Spartans with 7:33 left in the first half, but the tie lasted less than a minute.
Freshman Taylor Carlson put the Knights back ahead for good less than a minute later at 6:59 in the first half.
Kaneland opened up the scoring with an Abigail Lomahan boot through the back of the net in the 24th minute of the first half.
By the numbers: This was the first victory for Kaneland over Sycamore in their last eleven tries. The Knights were 0-10-1 against the Spartans coming into this game.
Beyond the stats: The Spartans beat the Knights on penalty kicks in the championship game of the Pretzel Cup tournament and beat them 3-1 in an early season match at Sycamore in their other two meetings this season.
They said it: “It is big for us,” Parillo said. “I think the girls really believed today that they had a legit shot. They’ve been talking about it the past couple of weeks, ever since that loss in penalty kicks in the Freeport Championship game. They’ve wanted this game.”
Up next: Kaneland travels to Yorkville at 4:30 on Thursday. Sycamore plays at DeKalb at 4:30 on Thursday.