Girls soccer: Chalberg’s 2 goals send Schaumburg past Palatine
Schaumburg would treat its Senior Night crowd to an exciting 2-1 victory Friday over Palatine at chilly Gary Scholz Stadium to keep the Saxons in the thick of the MSL West race.
Caroline Chalberg would score on either side of the half — claiming her double in the 71st minute to give the hosts three important points to stay within three points (22-19) from division-leading Barrington.
"It was a real battle out there tonight. But when you're playing in the MSL, this is the type of game that you expect each time you go out," said Saxons coach Tracy Serafini.
The win moves the Saxons’ overall record to 6-4-2, and 6-1-1 in the league with Fremd up next Wednesday evening.
Chalberg would stun visiting Pirates (6-3-2, 3-3-1, 10 points) inside three minutes when, on the turn, left behind her defender before going past Pirates keeper Lila Hanson.
"(Obviously) not the start that we wanted tonight, but I was very proud of the way we responded after (Chalberg), who is a tremendous player, scored that early goal," said Pirates coach Aaron Morris.
The visitors would settle in nicely playing through captain Ava Millan, who in the middle of the park would distribute, win 50-50's and create for the Pirates. She would find freshman Kiera Seifert, and Maya Virgen, who in turn would help their club find its way back into the game.
Saxons senior Sam Iller, who sat just in front of her backline, and would win countless tackles, 50-50 and first ball challenges, was a key figure in the defensive stand that would help keep the Pirates from anything dangerous on frame, and keeper Sophia Dietz.
"We fought hard out there tonight, and it's been the way we've played all throughout the first half of the season, and a lot of credit goes to the leadership of a group of seniors who are here to change the culture of Saxons soccer this year, and for the future," said Serafini.
The Pirates came out on its collective front foot after the break, and would plenty of pressure on the Saxons in its own end until drawing back level just after the hour.
That's when a corner sent into the box from Lari Baldwin stayed in, and around the spot after a terrific save from Dietz.
Unable to clear the ball from the area, Allie Whitcomb found a way to steer in the equalizer through a maze of players.
A short ball played out of the back was collected with a sublime touch from Chalberg, who then unloaded an unstoppable 25-yard missile high into the upper corner of the Pirates net.
Chalberg's 13th goal of the season in the 71st minute would be enough for the Saxons to win their second game of the week.
"What can you say about Caroline," began Serafini. "She can flat out strike a ball from distance, and tonight she did it twice for us."
The Pirates will now prepare for Hoffman Estates on Tuesday at home.
"We did so many really good things in our attack in the second half, but we just have to be able to finish some of those chances," said Morris.
"We played well enough to come out of here with three points. But to their credit, Schaumburg is a very good team, and they were able to finish their chances thanks to Chalberg."