Fighting Saints Soccer outlast St. Charles North in overtime Sectional semifinal
St. Charles East kept its season rolling Tuesday night, beating St. Charles North 2-1 in overtime in a sectional semifinal at St. Charles East. The decisive moment came just 44 seconds into the first overtime, when Averie Foulkes finished a chance created by Sophia Wollenberg, sending the Fighting Saints to another memorable postseason win.
The match was tight from the opening whistle, and neither side broke through in a scoreless first half. St. Charles East finally found the breakthrough with 7:51 left in the second half when Lilli Margewich scored off an assist from Mya Leon, giving the Fighting Saints a 1-0 lead and igniting the home side. St. Charles North answered with 4:18 remaining, leveling the match and forcing extra time.
That only set up the Saints' biggest response of the night. Early in OT1, Sophia Wollenberg delivered the setup and Averie Foulkes converted, putting St. Charles East back in front for good. The Fighting Saints protected that edge through the rest of the first overtime and all of OT2, showing the composure and resolve that have defined this group throughout the season.
Mia Olenek anchored the effort in goal, playing all 100 minutes and recording one save while allowing just one goal. In front of her, the Saints' defense held strong in a match where every chance carried weight. The back line and midfield helped limit clean looks, then closed down St. Charles North over the final minutes as St. Charles East preserved the one-goal advantage.
The victory added another highlight to an outstanding season for St. Charles East, which improved to 20-0-5 overall and continued its unbeaten conference and postseason form. On a mainly clear evening at Norris Stadium, with temperatures in the mid-80s, the Fighting Saints delivered when the pressure was highest, first through Lilli Margewich's late regulation goal and then with Averie Foulkes's overtime winner. The Saints will battle Wheaton Warrenville South on Friday at 6:30 pm at East for the Sectional Title.
