Girls soccer: Lauren Reineke scores twice to lead Valpo into final
By Will Culbertson Post-Tribune correspondent October 10, 2012 11:47PM
Valparaiso junior forward Lauren Reineke lets go with a left-footed shot that put the Vikings up 1-0 in the first half of their regional against Lake Central Wednesday Oct. 10, 2012. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media
Updated: November 12, 2012 12:12PM
VALPARAISO — In the second game of the Valparaiso regional, the host Vikings defeated Lake Central 2-0 to advance to Saturday’s championship.
Valparaiso (15-3-1) set the tone early when junior Lauren Reineke opened the scoring 10:26 into the first half. The goal came on an assist from midfielder Andrea Violanti.
“Every goal at any moment is a good one; it was definitely nice to get one fairly quickly in the game,” said Valparaiso coach Rob Cespedes.
The Vikings added some insurance early in the second half when midfielder Kaylee Pullins found Reineke again for her second goal.
“Lauren is really quick and she’s at her best with the ball at her feet,” Cespedes said. “It was great to have that (second goal) to solidify our victory.”
Both Viking goals were assisted by seniors, which are plentiful for the Vikings.
“We’re extremely heavy on the senior side of things, which really carries into having a boatload of experience on the team,” Cespedes added. “They’ve been in these positions before, so they know what is expected from them.”
The Vikings defense was stifling only allowing three Lake Central (12-7) shots the entire match. The Valparaiso defense hasn’t allowed a goal throughout the entire postseason.
Cespedes beamed about his defensive unit: “They are a very strong group and they really play well together.”
Emma Kurt and Kristina Veljovic split duties in goal for the Vikings combining for the shutout. Lake Central’s Lindsay Kusbel saved four shots on eight attempts.
Valparaiso will face Crown Point in the 2A regional final on Saturday night in a rematch from last year’s final in which the Bulldogs edged the Vikings on penalty kicks.
Cespedes previewed the match by saying, “This is definitely the time for our play to be picked up to the next level, especially for a regional final ... that is the time for it to happen.”
