Grayslake North next up
to try to slow Grayslake Central's roll
By Bobby Narang
GRAYSLAKE — One team is on an upward climb.
The other team is struggling with consistency and injuries.
But when Grayslake Central and Grayslake North clash on the pitch, anything can happen.
Grayslake North looks to slow down rival Grayslake Central’s momentum in a 7 p.m. Northern Lake County Conference road game on Monday.
The Rams (6-0-1), who placed fourth in Class AA last season, have been on a tear. They have outscored their opponents 16-4, and as the result of another big week, jumped up five spots to no. 5 in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25.
Grayslake Central coach Keith Andersson said his players have been driven to top last season’s success.
“This is a very special group of players, and I’m very lucky to have such an amazing group of players and parents who support the program,” Andersson said. “I’ve been pleased with their pace of play and their movement on and off the ball. We possess the ball very well.
“They’re not happy with how last year ended, and they want that same (Final Four) feeling again this year.”
Grayslake North (1-4-1) would love nothing better than to knock the Rams, off their high perch. But Knights coach Adam DeCaluwe admitted beating the Rams is a tall task, especially on their home turf.
“This will be one of the toughest games we play all season,” he said. “We try to play tough teams all year long, because we like the challenge and want to be able to compete with the best teams around.
“Still, (Grayslake) Central looks to be one of the best, and the form they are currently in is backing up their expectations this season.
“For us, we need to play together as a unit when defending, transitioning and attacking. We need everyone pulling together in order to put in a team performance worthy of a quality result.
“So far this season, we put in great effort for large portions of the games, but struggle to keep that consistency all game long. This is a must against a team like (Grayslake) Central.”
Keeping Grayslake Central’s high-powered attack from piling up goals is a tough chore for the Knights’ backline. Chicagoland Soccer all-stater and captain Danik Marynevych leads the Rams with 11 goals. Fellow quad-captain Alan Alonso is racking up assists. Junior goalie Uriel Garcia Perez has posted four shutouts. Junior Mitchell Fein continues his ascent to standout status.
“(Marynevych’s) pace is just amazing. He never stops, and he leaves it all on the field,” said Andersson. “Alan’s vision, first-touch, shoulder checking and speed make him one of the best center midfielders in the state. Uriel is a natural shot-stopper and has made some amazing saves to keep us ahead in games. Mitchell Fein has great service and skills on the ball. He gets better every game.”
Captain and Chicagoland Soccer all-stater Lucas Veenstra remains a rock for the team.
DeCaluwe said the conference opener represents a new start for his hobbled team. The Knights’ lone victory came against Prairie Ridge in their opener.
“We’ve have battled injuries and illness more than we would have ever expected to,” he said. “Unfortunately, a couple of the injuries are long term and will impact us all season long.
“However on the up side, some of our younger players are getting chances to step up, play meaningful minutes and learn what the game is like at this level.
“We knew we were young to start with and a couple of these injuries have certainly made us younger. But, even with that adversity, our group works hard together, and they have fun together.
“They’re looking to improve in everything they do. If we can stay fit and healthy, I think we will start to do a better job on both sides of the ball, particularly with a bit more composure and confidence in front of goal.”
to try to slow Grayslake Central's roll
By Bobby Narang
GRAYSLAKE — One team is on an upward climb.
The other team is struggling with consistency and injuries.
But when Grayslake Central and Grayslake North clash on the pitch, anything can happen.
Grayslake North looks to slow down rival Grayslake Central’s momentum in a 7 p.m. Northern Lake County Conference road game on Monday.
The Rams (6-0-1), who placed fourth in Class AA last season, have been on a tear. They have outscored their opponents 16-4, and as the result of another big week, jumped up five spots to no. 5 in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25.
Grayslake Central coach Keith Andersson said his players have been driven to top last season’s success.
“This is a very special group of players, and I’m very lucky to have such an amazing group of players and parents who support the program,” Andersson said. “I’ve been pleased with their pace of play and their movement on and off the ball. We possess the ball very well.
“They’re not happy with how last year ended, and they want that same (Final Four) feeling again this year.”
Grayslake North (1-4-1) would love nothing better than to knock the Rams, off their high perch. But Knights coach Adam DeCaluwe admitted beating the Rams is a tall task, especially on their home turf.
“This will be one of the toughest games we play all season,” he said. “We try to play tough teams all year long, because we like the challenge and want to be able to compete with the best teams around.
“Still, (Grayslake) Central looks to be one of the best, and the form they are currently in is backing up their expectations this season.
“For us, we need to play together as a unit when defending, transitioning and attacking. We need everyone pulling together in order to put in a team performance worthy of a quality result.
“So far this season, we put in great effort for large portions of the games, but struggle to keep that consistency all game long. This is a must against a team like (Grayslake) Central.”
Keeping Grayslake Central’s high-powered attack from piling up goals is a tough chore for the Knights’ backline. Chicagoland Soccer all-stater and captain Danik Marynevych leads the Rams with 11 goals. Fellow quad-captain Alan Alonso is racking up assists. Junior goalie Uriel Garcia Perez has posted four shutouts. Junior Mitchell Fein continues his ascent to standout status.
“(Marynevych’s) pace is just amazing. He never stops, and he leaves it all on the field,” said Andersson. “Alan’s vision, first-touch, shoulder checking and speed make him one of the best center midfielders in the state. Uriel is a natural shot-stopper and has made some amazing saves to keep us ahead in games. Mitchell Fein has great service and skills on the ball. He gets better every game.”
Captain and Chicagoland Soccer all-stater Lucas Veenstra remains a rock for the team.
DeCaluwe said the conference opener represents a new start for his hobbled team. The Knights’ lone victory came against Prairie Ridge in their opener.
“We’ve have battled injuries and illness more than we would have ever expected to,” he said. “Unfortunately, a couple of the injuries are long term and will impact us all season long.
“However on the up side, some of our younger players are getting chances to step up, play meaningful minutes and learn what the game is like at this level.
“We knew we were young to start with and a couple of these injuries have certainly made us younger. But, even with that adversity, our group works hard together, and they have fun together.
“They’re looking to improve in everything they do. If we can stay fit and healthy, I think we will start to do a better job on both sides of the ball, particularly with a bit more composure and confidence in front of goal.”