Hurricanes can’t answer

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WOODSTOCK – Marian Central and Glenbrook North were so evenly matched it became apparent early in Saturday’s girls soccer match that the first team to make a mistake would pay for it.

Despite turning in an admirable performance, the Hurricanes committed the one critical miscue.

Junior goalkeeper Kaitlyn Logan came out to defend Glenbrook North senior forward Karen Burke’s breakaway with 12 minutes left in the first half, and although Logan wrapped her hands around the ball, it took an awkward bounce and came loose.

Burke followed the slow-rolling ball into the net, and the goal stood up in Marian’s 1-0 non-conference loss to the Spartans.

“We definitely were well-matched,” Logan said. “They had a little bit of speed on them, and I think that hurt at times.”

The Hurricanes headed into this weekend 16-2-1, but a loss to Lakes on Friday and to the Spartans on Saturday – Marian’s Senior Day – marked the season’s first losing streak.

Marian’s upcoming off week should rectify any discouragement the ’Canes
(16-4-1) might feel as they prepare for the Class 2A Marengo Regional, with quarterfinals beginning next weekend.

But Marian shouldn’t be dissatisfied with its play against the Spartans (16-4-2), who have clashed with some of the states’ elite teams, such as New Trier and Loyola.

“This would have been [a signature win],” senior defender Tess Hadick said. “I think we did a good job at some things today, but we didn’t do as well at other things. It was the little things that we could have done differently and then maybe we’d have pulled it out.”

Marian coach Jose Arias thought the ’Canes would push through a goal in the first half.

Marian controlled the tempo and took four key shots on goal, two of which hit the goal posts and bounced away.

The ’Canes were awarded five corner kicks in the final 20 minutes of the first half but couldn’t capitalize.

“In that first half we had several chances, but we weren’t able to finish,” Arias said. “In the second half, they won the 50-50 balls and the ball was bouncing their way.”

Logan turned the Spartans away four times in the second half, and the defense in front of her cleared up the chaos Glenbrook North tried to create.

The loss gives the ‘Canes all the determination they need heading into the regional, where they are the No. 2 seed. Marian will face third-seeded Marengo at 4 p.m. May 19 in a regional semifinal.

Hampshire is the top seed.

“We have to work this week on finishing, obviously, and on controlling our possessions,” Arias said. “ ... We plan to prove ourselves [in the regional].”