By RYAN ARENA
Sports Editor

After a deadlock that lasted almost 40 minutes of gametime, Dominican was finally able to shake free from St. Charles on Friday to capture a 4-1 victory at Marconi Meadows.

Dominican (6-3-3) scored three goals in the last nine minutes of the match to break a 1-1 tie.

It was the first time since the second game of the season that the Comets (9-3-2) had allowed a multi-goal game.

“At the end, it was just a defensive meltdown,” said SCC Coach Don Peyton. “It was a lot closer than the score would indicate. But I think when they scored that second goal to go ahead, it just took the wind out of our sails.

“Those girls were the state champions two years ago, though, and it was right there for us for 82 minutes.”

St. Charles took an early 1-0 lead on a Reyna Lubin goal 15 minutes into the match.

“We had her playing the middle of the field,” said Peyton. “Dominican was pressing it, and Reyna got it and took off. I think it kind of shocked them.”

That lead stood until Dominican answered with five minutes to go before halftime.

From there, the two teams couldn‘t find an answer for the others defense. For the first 32 minutes of the second half, neither team found the net.

But with nine minutes remaining, Dominican was able to put home the go ahead score.

“Our defense has played so well this season. To all of a sudden give up three in nine minutes…I’m not sure how it happened.”

Peyton said that the game provided a litmus test of sorts for his team before district play begins – SCC opens its district schedule on Thursday against Riverside. That game is expected to mark the return of senior forward Brittni Landry, who has been sidelined with an injury since the second game of the season.

“I wanted to play Dominican before district. It’s an eye opener for a team,” said Peyton. “We wanted a test. I think the girls will respond in an overwhelmingly positive way once we get back to work.”