Oswego East soccer team cruises past West Aurora

Updated: April 26, 2011 9:48AM

Right from the beginning it was clear host Oswego East wanted to get back to its winning ways as the Wolves feasted on West Aurora’s lethargic play for a 3-1 non-conference victory.

A rash of injuries figured into Oswego East (9-4-1) having a seven-match unbeaten string snapped Saturday when host Lake Park pulled off a 4-3 win in the championship of the LP Invitational. Coach Lauren Anderson was pleased to see her Wolves bounce back against the Blackhawks (5-5-3) despite the absence of three key players: senior standout Katie Ross — a University of Evansville signee — is gone for the season after hip surgery, sophomore Julianna DePoister was undergoing an MRI and senior Jill Hall remained sidelined after a concussion.

From the start, the hosts were racking up numerous shots and corner kicks only to find seemingly impossible ways to miss near-empty nets by hitting the crossbar or shooting just wide or high. Just when it seemed like Carli Schlaker’s consistent corners and excellent serves into the West Aurora goal box were going to be wasted, the Blackhawks yielded an own goal with nine seconds left before intermission.

Buoyed by that 1-0 halftime edge, Oswego East scored two quick goals to start the second half and although West Aurora cut into the 3-0 deficit, a comeback wasn’t in the cards.

“A mistake like that is usually a wake-up call for us,” West Aurora coach Laura Wagley said. “We just weren’t ready to play. Right from the start we didn’t defend and we just never seemed to have the desire to win the ball. It’s a head scratcher. We’re coming off an awesome game (1-1 tie vs. West Chicago) against a top team in our conference and we’re just flat.”

Oswego East’s Brittany Brewer’s through ball enabled Lee to get past a couple defenders for a one-on-one with Blackhawk goalie Felicia Dattolo and the Wolves’ sophomore parked the ball inside the right post just 2:46 into the second half.

“I saw the two defenders didn’t clear it so I just went for it and saw the keeper coming out so I just touched it to the right,” Lee said. “Once we got one (goal), it gave us more confidence for the second half. On the second goal, Sarah (Hossfeld) brought it up the side and I just went straight for the goal.”

Lee’s 14-yarder from the right side essentially went through Dattolo’s hands and in for the three-goal advantage just 8:57 into the second half. Having a pair of goals and an initial match winner was “special” for Lee. For the season, the sophomore midfielder netted her third and fourth goals to go along with a pair of assists for 10 points, moving her into a tie with her sister (Justine, 10 pts.—3g/4a).

“Sam’s been doing a great job of stepping up for us,” Anderson said. “As disappointing as the injuries may be, we can’t use that as an excuse. Instead it’s a great opportunity for others and Sam’s making the most of her chances.

“Carli continues to play well and considering how consistent and beautiful her crosses are, she should be leading not just our conference but the area in assists. That’s another opportunity for us to start making the most of.”

“My corner kicks are a result of practice and knowing my teammates will be there to finish them,” Schlaker said. “It’s a good feeling to get back to winning, now we just have to continue improving and finish strong.”

West Aurora’s Jessica Saffell chipped a through ball forward for teammate Reilly Kulakowski to get into position for a seven-yard strike from the right side. But that would be one of only two shots on goal for the Blackhawks who failed to put a single ball on frame in the opening 40 minutes. For the match, Oswego East boasted a 25-5 advantage for overall attempts and a 12-2 edge in shots on goal, plus a 10-1 tally for corner kicks.

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