Girls soccer: Lockport uses passing, possession in win over Lincoln-Way East

LOCKPORT – Lockport soccer coach Todd Elkei had nothing but good things to say about his team’s 3-0 win over Lincoln-Way East on Thursday.

The Porters (9-3-1) dominated with passing and ball possession throughout the match, allowing the Griffins (6-7-1) precious few sustained possessions and even fewer real scoring opportunities.

“I think this is the most complete game we’ve played,” Elkei said.

Lockport wasted little time using that passing and crossing to keep Lincoln-Way East on its toes with early chances.

It took about 10 minutes for senior midfielder Emma Oster to find teammate Anna Domina in front of the goal. The junior forward quickly took a shot, which was blocked by a Griffin defender, but then scored off the rebound for a quick 1-0 lead.

Ten minutes later, midfielder Abigail Mack found the back of the net off a crossing pass from forward Karolina Stasik and Lockport was in control, 2-0.

Oster lauded her team’s marked improvement in “connecting passes out of the back, switching the field [and] getting wide” throughout this season.

“This is probably the most connected scoring we’ve had in a while,” Oster said.

Lockport could have added to its lead in the closing minutes of the first half, but missed an opportunity in front of the Lincoln-Way East goal.

About 15 minutes into the second half, the Porters added another goal to cement the victory. Junior midfielder Danielle Sulich received pass from the opposite side of the field and from outside of the keeper’s box, with the wind at her back, she blasted the ball into the corner of the net to put the Porters ahead, 3-0.

“I kind of just took a couple of touches and launched the ball, and it just went in the top left corner, and I was surprised,” Sulich said.

Oster said the team’s passing and crossing philosophy is what helps create chances for them.

“When we win it on one side we want to switch the field to the other side, so the faster we can do that the more effective we are getting through the backline,” she said. “So our biggest thing is, if you win it on one side connect two or three passes and we should be on net.”

Lincoln-Way East coach Michael Murphy praised Lockport’s quick start and ability to possess the ball. He conceded his team lacked the speed to keep up with long-ball passing, so he said he emphasized shorter passes and more possession, which the Griffins improved on as the match progressed.

“I thought we did a good job in the second half possessing the ball a little bit better,” he said. “Those things we have to do ... but like I said give them credit. They did a great job.”

Thursday’s match was Lockport’s second win over Lincoln-Way East this season after a 2-1 victory earlier this month.

Lockport next travels to Homewood-Flossmoor on Saturday. Lincoln-Way East will face Homewood-Flossmoor at home Monday.