Knights fall behind early in short match with Vikings

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By Dan Santaromita

Prospect ad Fremd only managed to play one half of soccer in Monday's Mid Suburban League match in Mount Prospect due to bad weather.

But that proved to be more than enough time for the Vikings to be able to jump out to a decisive early advantage over the hosts Knights.

The visitors scored twice in the first five minutes and led 3-0 at halftime before severe weather halted things with 40 minutes remaining.

"We scored three quick goals in the first half and then the match slowed down a bit," Vikings coach Steve Keller said. "Prospect had a couple of opportunities and so did we.

"I was pleased with our teams effort for the most part. Defensively, we were a little shaky at times, but overall it was a well played game."

In the fourth minute, Viking freshman Michelle Mottonen's corner kick fell near senior Kristen Kupstys, who volleyed the ball past Prospect sophomore goalie Megan McCabe (3 saves).

Less than a minute later, Mottonen and junior Elise Kotsakis got behind the defense and executed a training video-worthy give and go.

The break started from barely past midfield. From there, it went Kotsakis to Mottonen and back to Kotsakis for an easy finish in the box.

Before the game was out of its infancy, the Vikings (4-0) had a 2-0 lead and Mottonen had both assists.

In the 13th minute, Viking junior Alexis Tice crossed into Kotsakis for the third goal of the match.

Kotsakis controlled the ball, turned and scored her fifth goal of the young season with a shot into the upper 90.

Prospect (2-2) managed a couple of a shots but struggled to get the ball in the final third.

The Knights' best chance came when a through ball was directed towards sophomore Jessie Pretrovski.

It appeared Pretrovski would be clear through on a breakaway, but Fremd senior defender Danielle Romano made a nice last gasp tackle to stop the Knights' attack.

Romano and her teammates on Fremd's defense haven't given up a goal yet this season.

The Vikings have a home match on Wednesday against Rolling Meadows at 6 p.m while the Knights play at Hersey at the same time.