This one didn’t miss
Vogler scores winning goal as Lincoln-Way Central advances to state for first time in 15 years
For every post she hit or shot she sent just wide, the frustration built up this season for Lincoln-Way Central’s Emma Vogler. She’s had so many near misses.
The goals have been harder to come by in 2022 for the sophomore midfielder, particularly after having such a huge offensive season as a freshman last spring.
Vogler, however, continued to put herself in the right spot again and again.
“It’s discouraging when you keep hitting the post or just missing by an inch, especially when last year you scored a lot of goals,” Vogler said. “You want to live up to that.
“You just know it’s going to come at some point, though. You have to keep doing what you know is right.”
That persistence paid off in a big way Tuesday night as Vogler scored the goal that sent the Knights to state for the first time in 15 years.
Vogler converted with 28:10 left in the second half to lift Lincoln-Way Central to a 2-1 victory over Glenbard West in the Class 3A Sandburg Supersectional.
Madi Watt also scored and Grace Grundhofer had two assists for the second straight game for the Knights (24-1), who will take on Metea Valley (20-2-1) at 7 p.m. Friday in a state semifinal at North Central College in Naperville.
Emily Roberts scored for Glenbard West (15-7-1).
“It’s unbelievable right now,” Grundhofer said. “I’m just so happy — thankful we all worked for each other and very grateful for the opportunity we have.
“We did it.”
Both goals for the Knights came off Grundhofer’s dangerous, long flip throw-ins.
On Vogler’s winner, a scramble ensued in front after Grundhofer’s throw. Vogler knocked the ball out of the air and into the net.
“It was great,” Vogler said. “I’ll definitely remember that goal. We all knew we had to get it in to win.
“I was kind of feeling it in my heart we had to make it on that play and I was just able to get it.”
It was the sixth goal this season for Vogler, who scored 11 last spring. She has made soccer her only sport in high school, although she used to be a cheerleader.
“I like the competitiveness
of the sport and being able to play for your team and being able to compete,” she said. “You really have to work for it. It’s just really different than cheerleading.”
Lincoln-Way Central coach Sean Fahey is sure glad Vogler chose soccer.
“That kid puts herself in position time and time again,” Fahey said. “A ball will squirt through and she’ll be an inch away. She’ll put a ball back in and it’ll hit the post.
“This year, the goals didn’t really pour in for her and she’s been frustrated,
so for her to get that goal, it’s so fitting. She absolutely deserves it.”
Watt opened the scoring, heading in Grundhofer’s throw-in with 33:37 to go.
“Just like the last game, it’s a great advantage and a great tool when Grace can throw it that far and then we just get whatever we can on it,” Watt said. “I got my head on mine, Emma got her foot on hers, and we just got it by the goalie.”
Roberts answered right back for the Hilltoppers, scoring with 31:40 left for just the fifth goal allowed this season by Lincoln-Way Central.
The Knights, though, responded with their final push to state.
“It’s unbelievable,” Fahey said. “What a moment. We had a big turnover from last year with 10 new players. To have so many new players and do this, I don’t think they even realize how special this is.
“These kids deserve everything.”