Youel sends CLC to sectional

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BURLINGTON – At the start of the season, Crystal Lake Central sophomore Nelle Youel had a difficult time seeing the soccer field.

In the IHSA Class 2A Burlington Central Regional championship Friday, saw the field clearly.

Youel took seven shots and scored two goals to lead the top-seeded Tigers to a 3-0 victory over No. 3 seed Kaneland. It was the Tigers’ first regional championship in school history.

“Through the practices and constant drilling, I’ve been able to see the field more and where to be,” Youel said. “I can see if a player has the ball. I’m able to read passes better from the beginning of the season.”

Central advances to the Belvidere Sectional to face Sycamore in a semifinal at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Youel gave the Tigers (12-6-1) a 1-0 lead with an unassisted goal seven minutes into the game. Youel fought off defenders and sailed a hard shot over goalkeeper Sophie Blank.

“I was just happy I was able to execute in the first 10 minutes of the game,” Youel said. “That boosted our confidence, and we kept plugging away at it.”

Youel added another unassisted goal five minutes before halftime, and Central led, 2-0. It was more than enough, as Tigers goalkeeper Jenae Taylor faced only three shots on goal by Kaneland (11-9-3) for the game. Central put 15 shots on goal.

“Our hats go off to Kaneland, but we’re every excited about our regional championship,” Central coach Josef Schroeder said.

Ashley Arent put Central up, 3-0, off an assist from Sam Johnson with 36:30 left in the second half.

“This the best season we’ve ever had.” Knights coach Parillo said. “It’s not like this is the end of the world for us, but it’s going to leave a bad taste in our mouth.

“Hopefully, that is going to drive the kids to want this. I think we’re going to bounce back and I won’t be surprised next year if we do win a regional championship.”