The Lincoln-Way West varsity girls' soccer team achieved a narrow 2-1 victory over Carl Sandburg on Thursday, clinching the win in penalty kicks after a tense regulation match.
According to the game details, senior forward Katelyn Mrozowski scored the Warriors’ only goal during regular play, capitalizing on an assist from Kate Kinsella to equalize the score. The teams remained tied through regulation and overtime, leading to a decisive penalty shootout.
In the shootout, goalkeeper Cora Franczyk played a pivotal role for the Warriors by making two critical saves that prevented Sandburg from scoring. Her performance was complemented by her teammates Jay Hughes, Molly Gillis, Mrozowski, and Kiersten White, who each successfully converted their penalty shots to secure the victory.
"This was a total team effort," head coach Joe Stephens said following the game. "Cora was phenomenal in goal and our shooters stepped up under pressure."
With this win, Lincoln-Way West enhances their record and gains momentum as they progress further into the season. The Warriors' ability to remain composed under pressure and their strong defensive strategy were instrumental in overcoming a challenging Sandburg team. The team is set to return to action next week with hopes of continuing their success in conference play.