Wind – gusts up to 30 mph – played a role in a girls’ soccer regional final match-up between John Hersey High School and Glenbrook South on Saturday that Hersey won, sending the team to the sectional semi-final against Lake Zurich.
After falling behind 1-0 in the first half and spending most of the game on defense, the Huskies were able to turn things around and score three goals in the second half.
Glenbrook South (16-5-3) had the wind at its back at the start of the game and took advantage with multiple scoring chances. The Titans broke the scoreless tie with less than 13 minutes to go in the half, when a long shot hit the crossbar and bounced out. But midfielder Kaily Bruch was in the right place at the right time and was able to head the ball past Hersey goaltender, sophomore Claire Gritt.
But that would be the only one the Titans would get by her. In the second half, this time with the wind at their backs, the Huskies became much more aggressive and immediately had several scoring opportunities. With 23:31 left in the game, senior forward Jessica Schmidt connected from about 20 yards out past Glenbrook South goalie Maude Tarbox.
The Hersey pressure continued, but it was a fluky goal that put them in the lead with 16:55 left. The Huskies received a direct penalty kick from close to midfield on a late call by the official. Hersey senior defender Annie Korff kicked the ball on goal, where it flew just over the outstretched heads of members of both teams, landing on the ground untouched just outside the goalie box. The ball took a big hop, over the head of Tarbox, and into the net.
Less than three minutes later, Schmidt broke away down the sideline and was able to get past the Glenbrook South defender on a nifty move. She got off a clean shot from about 10 yards out to the right of Tarbox and was able to connect for her second goal.
In the final 10 minutes, the Titans became aggressive in an attempt to catch up, but the Hersey defense did a good job of limiting their opportunities.
With the win, Hersey (15-5-3) advances in the IHSA 3A state playoffs. The No. 3 seed in the tournament, Hersey will now take on No. 2 seeded Lake Zurich. With a victory in that match, Hersey would advance to the sectional championship on Saturday at Glenbrook South High School against either No. 4 seeded Buffalo Grove or No. 1 seeded Barrington. Earlier this month, Hersey defeated Buffalo Grove to take the MSL East title.
Banowetz is a freelance reporter.
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