West Suburban Sports

Corsairs post third straight shutout vs. Mundelein

By Dan Santaromita

After some early season injuries, Carmel is healthy and stringing together good results.

The host Corsairs topped crosstown rival Mundelein 1-0 Saturday afternoon for their third straight win.

On Thursday, Carmel picked up a big 2-0 win over East Suburban Catholic Conference opponent Fenwick with their full compliment of players, and kept the momentum going Saturday.

“This is our second game when we’ve had everyone healthy,” said Ashley Orth, who assisted Meegan Johnston on the goal. “We’re definitely a stronger team when everyone is here. It makes a big difference because a lot of the girls that were hurt were seniors so they’re the girls we’ve been playing with for four years.”

Coach John Halloran is excited to see his team overcome the injuries and string some wins together.

“We started the season missing four kids and then right when we got those four back, even though they weren’t at 100%, then we lost two different kids. So last week was the first time that we got a full lineup to choose from,” Halloran said.

“We had a very nice win on Thursday against Fenwick that I was really proud of and then to pick this one up certainly shows that when we have everybody at our disposal we can be a really competitive team against anybody.”

Neither team produced many shots on goal, especially early, but the game’s lone goal was a well-executed break.

Mundelein was looking to take the lead on a corner in the 55th minute, but Carmel countered quickly and crisply. The Corsairs cleared the corner and Orth had the ball at her feet around midfield. She hit a perfect through ball to Johnston, who won the race for the ball, cut back a defender and scored with a low shot.

“It was beautiful,” Halloran said. “We were emphasizing composure in finishing a lot over the last couple of days, especially with Meegan. She was very composed in the finish. She had a chance to take an early shot and she didn’t. She cut the girl back and then settled herself in front of net and that was nice to see.”

Orth said Johnston’s run made the play.

“Especially when it’s a defensive corner, we just try as offensive players to hold the ball as long as we can for our offense to get up,” Orth said. “It just so happened that she was making the run and I saw her. It was just open.”

The Corsairs almost added to the lead at 69 minutes following a flip throw into the box, but the officials ruled offside.

The missed opportunity nearly came back to haunt Carmel. With 5:36 to go, the Mustangs were awarded a penalty kick after Katie Larson (five saves) took out an attacker trying to go for a loose ball. Natalie Mathis pushed the penalty wide to Larson’s left.

“I think we were a little panicked at the end,” defender Sarah McHugh said. “But I think we held our own and even when they brought the third up there we adjusted to it. I think we took care of it pretty well.”

McHugh, Helen Wagner and Caitlin Jung did well in central defense to prevent the Mustangs from getting many opportunities.

Seniors Shannon Kouba, Lauren Bowles and Kelly Trillhaase showed their experience with some composed and dangerous play when going forward. Still, with some sloppy play late Halloran called it an ugly win.

“I think the lesson from today was don’t leave the game late because then you’re at the mercy of the officials and bad luck and what not,” the coach said.

Carmel (6-4-1) is hoping its recent win streak can boost its sectional seed. They play Libertyville Monday, another team in the Glenbrook South Sectional with the Corsairs.

“Hopefully our sectional seed is a little bit higher,” McHugh said. “I think we’re loads better. We’re playing more together and we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses so we’re just trying to build up now that we’ve got everyone back in there.”