Zelek's late score lifts Grens past pesky Wheeling

By Dan Santaromita

It's the same old story for teams that have to face Wheeling's tough defense.

Elk Grove struggled to score on the visiting Wildcats on Wednesday despite having most of the possession.

Jill Zelek's goal in the 73rd minute gave the Grenadiers a 1-0 win in a Mid Suburban League match in Elk Grove.

It was the third straight MSL win for the Grenadiers (6-5-3, 4-2-1), who remain tied with Hersey for first place in the East Division.

"I think we struggled solving them," Elk Grove coach Dan Klaus said. "We have to have a little bit more of a killer instinct from the opening whistle.

"Fortunately, Jill Zelek was in a good spot and tucked one in the far post."

A lob from freshman right back Emily Wary set up the goal. Junior Michelle Calmeyn was able to keep it from going past the end line and put the ball across the goalmouth where Zelek was waiting.

"When Michelle passed it I didn't really know where it was, but I got my leg around it and it went in," Zelek said.

Wary and sophomore Katie Naughton had great games at the back for Elk Grove's defense.

Senior Nicole Ricci only had to make four saves for her fourth shutout.

Early on, the Grens were flat and had trouble keeping their shape, which caused Klaus to frequently correct his players from the sideline.

"Give Wheeling all the credit in the world, but at the same time there's a level of frustration for us today," Klaus said.

"It wasn't like we had a zillion shots. It's got to be a growing and learning experience that you've got to come out with a little more conviction."

They still had the best early chance when Calmeyn sent a shot aimed for the upper 90 but it hit inside of the post and bounced back into play.

After that, the Wildcats showed more quality and almost took the lead in the 26th minute.

They put the ball in the net off a corner, but the ref blew the whistle for a foul before the shot.

Elk Grove played better in the second half at times and Calmeyn once again came ever so close to the go-ahead goal in the 61st minute.

She ripped a shot from outside the box, but a diving Chloe Majkowski (9 saves) made a sensational save to tip the ball out for a corner.

"(Majkowski) made one amazing save," Klaus said. "From our angle, I mean the thing was going side netting."

Zelek's game-winner was a relief for the Grenadiers as they remained in the hunt for the MSL East title.

"We approached it as more of an offensive game the second half because we wanted to win this really bad because we want to win the East Division," Zelek said.

Sophomore Kelli Hubly made numerous good runs with the ball up front. Her and Calmeyn spearheaded the Elk Grove attack.

Although Klaus expects better things from his team, he will take the win.

"It was like one of those nights where every ball was going off of us out of bounds and they were winning all the 50-50s," Klaus said. "But you know what, Wheeling has done this to other teams and they did it well to us. We found a way, barely, but we did.

"They bring it to you a little bit physically and you're very uncomfortable. I think today it was all about them and not about us. We've got to fight through this a little bit better. I don't sound like a coach who just won a game."

Elk Grove doesn't play again until next week, but Klaus is glad the Grens have more time to prepare for the big games ahead.

They host a talented Fremd squad Monday before a showdown at Hersey on Thursday that could decide the MSL East.

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