Goalies save day for Rams in tourney opener

Updated: August 23, 2011 9:47PM

Grayslake Central rode hot goal-keeping to victory and Zion-Benton got a late goal to break a tie as the Rams and Zee-Bees posted wins Tuesday on Day 1 of the Vernon Hills Invitational.

The Rams blanked host Vernon Hills 1-0, and Zion-Benton knocked off Grayslake North 3-2.

Thursday, the two unbeaten teams will meet, as will the two 0-1 teams.

Goalies Jason Koziol and Kevin Anderson were the heroes for Grayslake Central.

Anderson played the first half and made three saves.

Koziol replaced him and with 1:33 left in the game, made a huge save, coming off his line and sliding near the penalty spot to stop Vernon Hills’ Evan Borden on a breakaway.

Koziol was hurt on the play, and had to depart.

Re-enter Anderson and 10 seconds later, Vernon Hills’ David White fired from point-blank range and Anderson reached his arm to the side and deflected it off frame to save the game.

“That (last save by Anderson) was phenomenal. That’s just a reaction save,” said Rams coach Mike McCaulou. “That’s being on your toes and doing what you can to keep it out of the back of the net.

“I thought our back four did a great job today for the most part. Jason made some great saves in the second half to keep us in the game. Everybody played well, so I’m very happy for the first game.”

Grayslake’s goal was by freshman Johnny Madrid in the eighth minute. He converted on a pass from Alex Stickler.

“Johnny’s going to be a player,” said McCaulou. “Maybe not this year, but you can tell he has a bright future ahead of him.”

Vernon Hills actually outshot the Rams 10-5, but couldn’t find the twine.

“I’m extremely happy with where we’re at right now,” said Vernon Hills coach Shannon Etnyre. “We just could not find the back of the net, and that’s how you win soccer games.

“But, it wasn’t for a lack of effort or a lack of opportunities.”

VERNON HILLS SOCCER TOURNEY SCOREBOARD

STANDINGS

Team W-L

Grayslake Central 1-0

Grayslake North 0-1

Vernon Hills 0-1

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Vernon Hills vs. Grayslake North, 4:30 p.m.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

Grayslake Central vs. Grayslake North, 10 a.m.

TUESDAY’S RESULTS

Zion-Benton 3, Grayslake North 2

Grayslake Central 1, Vernon Hills 0

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