Fighting Saints edge York in shootout to stay unbeaten

St. Charles East kept its perfect start intact Friday night, outlasting York 5-4 in penalty kicks after the teams played to a 2-2 draw in regulation in the third game of the Rose Augsburg Drach Invitational. The Fighting Saints improved to 4-0-0 with a composed finish in the shootout after York twice battled back to erase St. Charles East leads.

The Saints struck first when Qori Strotkamp found the net at 35:13 of the first half, giving the home side an early spark. York answered at 19:00, sending the match into halftime even at 1-1. The back-and-forth tone never really changed, with both teams forcing each other to respond under pressure.

St. Charles East grabbed the lead again in the second half on a well-built scoring play from Mya Leon, who finished Sophia Wollenberg’s assist at 20:56. It was another timely attacking moment for the Saints, who have gotten steady production from multiple players during this unbeaten opening stretch. York pulled level once more at 4:33, setting up a tense finish as neither side could find the winner in regulation.

In goal, Mia Olenek delivered another strong outing for St. Charles East. The goalkeeper played all 80 minutes, made four saves and helped keep the Saints in position when York threatened. Her work, along with the Saints’ defensive effort in front of her, gave St. Charles East the chance to decide the match from the spot.

That chance turned into another memorable result. The Fighting Saints converted enough in the shootout to claim the 5-4 edge in penalties, finishing off an energized evening at Norris Stadium in St. Charles. With wins now over Boylan, DePaul Prep and York, the Saints continued to build early-season momentum, and Friday’s response in the biggest moments may have been the most encouraging sign yet. Now they will face Plainfield North in the tournament Championship on Saturday the 28th at 12 p in Norris Stadium.