Crystal Lake South advances to state with 2-1 win over Vernon Hills

Crystal Lake South defeated Vernon Hills 2-1 in the IHSA Class 2A Grayslake Central Supersectional boys soccer match on Monday. The Gators advance to the state tournament for the fourth time since 2018.

Ethan Nawracaj scored both of the Gators' goals. His first strike came in the sixth minute. Standing roughly 20 yards outside the box, Nawracaj hit the ball over goalkeeper Max Gral, who had stepped too far off his line. The shot landed in the net to give Crystal Lake South an early lead.

Vernon Hills, with a record of 16-6-2, spent the first half controlling possession and shifting the ball across the field. Isaac Simpson headed a shot over the bar in the 18th minute, but the Cougars failed to convert their pressure into a goal during the opening 45 minutes. The teams entered halftime with South leading 1-0.

The second half shifted momentum in favor of Vernon Hills. Isaac Simpson dribbled past three Crystal Lake South defenders and delivered a cross to Michael Lyubkin, who equalized in the 46th minute. The Cougars continued to dominate the midfield with controlled passing.

Nawracaj restored the Gators' lead in the 55th minute. He chased a through ball and beat Gral and defender Justin Malfait to the loose ball near the top of the box. The collision left the net wide open for Nawracaj to finish the play. His brace proved to be the difference in the match.

South goalkeeper Noah Dunteman made six saves to secure the win. The Gators held off a late Vernon Hills surge that included a ball rolling untouched across the goal line before the defense cleared it. South will face Washington in the state semifinals Friday at 2:30 p.m. at Guilford High School in Rockford.

Coach Brian Allen credited Nawracaj's persistence for the victory. "He's a basketball player and I knew he'd just keep shooting," Allen said. "I think his confidence skyrocketed after that first goal, but his work rate really established and that's how he got the second goal."