Andrea Violanti's OT goal gives Vikings win over Lake Central

ST. JOHN | In a matchup of Duneland Conference girls soccer powers, Times No. 1 Valparaiso escaped No. 5 Lake Central with a 2-1 overtime win Tuesday.

Andrea Violanti's goal barely a minute into the first overtime was the difference after Jenelle Klumpe took a near-perfect corner and Violanti promptly headed it into the net.

"(Klumpe and I) have been in sync all season," Violanti said. "I knew right where she was going to kick it and I just tried to put my head behind it."

The goal keeps the Vikings (9-3, 5-1) in a three-way tie with Chesterton and Crown Point for the DAC lead.

"It was probably the best feeling ever (to score the game-winner)," Violanti said. "Especially for this game."

Lauren Doreski's goal at 76 minutes forced extra time. The Lake Central junior found the net during a confusing play in which the assistant referee raised the flag when Valparaiso goalie Elyse Horb appeared to corral the ball inside the box. Most of the Valparaiso defense stopped, but Doreski did not.

"The referee called the advantage, so they played on," Valpo coach Rob Cespedes said. "It was a lesson, a hard lesson, but you have to play to the whistle."

Kate Johnson's goal at 54:22 took the lead. The senior forward broke away, alone with L.C.'s Sam Miksich and pulled away just enough to take the shot from about 15 yards. The ball rolled by Indians keeper Megan Bereda and into the bottom right corner of the net.

The first half was dominated by defense as the Vikings took the only shot of the half.

"We weren't winning the ball," Indians coach Lori Smith said. "When you don't win the ball, how can you do anything?"

Johnson got a clear shot from inside the box in the 47th minute. The ball got by Indians keeper Megan Bereda but glanced off the crossbar and out of play.

"It definitely wasn't our game. That's not the way we play Lake Central soccer," Smith said. "When our girls are connecting, it's fun to watch, but today was very frustrating."

L.C. (8-5, 3-3) had a chance with 20 minutes to go in regulation with a free kick from just outside the box. Doreski's shot ricocheted off the Valpo wall and a scrum ensued with two Indians hitting the ground but no foul was called.

Johnson got another chance when Bereda was sprawled out after making a save. Johnson got a foot on the ball from point-blank range, but Bereda got just enough to deflect the ball to the left.

"Getting ready for the tournament, where it's cut-throat, it's definitely good to get a little bit of this in there," Cespedes said.