Willows scores breakthrough win

For the first time in school history, Willows will send a team to an IHSA state tournament.

The Eagles advanced to the Class 1A state tournament in girls soccer after coming from behind to defeat Francis Parker 2-1 Tuesday and capture the Chicago Christian Sectional title in Palos Park.

``It’s an amazing feeling. You don’t even know,’’ Willows defender Mo Brown said. ``Everyone on the team was super tense today, but everyone else at school was so excited for us.’’

Brown got the go-ahead goal that sent the 38-year-old, all-girls school to its first state tournament. The senior was playing up to provide another body to attack the net on a corner kick. It is something that Brown usually doesn’t do.

``Mo usually stays in back on the corner kick,’’ Eagles coach Amy McMahon said. ``Yesterday at practice, I told her to get up and go for it.’’

Stephanie Prince booted the ball high from the left corner. The ball originally hit another player and deflected right in front to Brown. She didn’t hesitate to head the ball in with 5:35 left in the first half.

Willows (16-3-2) fell behind quickly to Parker (15-12). Evan Fencik, who is the daughter of Bears legend Gary Fencik, headed a ball into the left side of the net with 37:16 left in the first half.

Parker had defeated Willows 1-0 earlier in the year and the quick lead weighed on the Eagles.

``Right away it started bring back so many memories of that first game,’’ McMahon said. ``The girls kept pushing and worked hard. They really deserved this.’’

Willows tied the game with 23:59 left in the first half when Kate Dunaway connected on a free kick from 30 yards out. The ball hit the crossbar and came down into the net.

Parker had some good chances in the last few minutes, but Megan Brinckerhoff came up with some key blocks from her defensive position to keep the ball out of the net.

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