In a tightly contested Class 3A Andrew Sectional semifinal on May 26, Sandburg’s senior midfielder Sarah Boertlein stepped up to take the decisive penalty kick that would seal a 1‑0 victory over Lincoln‑Way East. The match had stretched through regulation and two overtime periods, with the score deadlocked until the shootout.
A Clutch Performance That Defined a Season
Boertlein entered the game without a single varsity goal to her name, making the penalty kick all the more remarkable. Her composure under pressure was evident as she struck the ball low to the left corner, sending it past the outstretched hands of the opposing keeper.
Sandburg’s coach Tom Kubowicz later described the moment as a testament to the senior’s confidence and poise, noting that the team’s unexpected run had been built on the shoulders of a roster heavy with underclassmen.
The Eagles’ postseason surprise was fueled by a wave of fresh talent; freshmen Quinn Fahey and Sofie Ulleweit, along with other underclassmen, contributed crucial minutes and energy that kept the momentum alive throughout the bracket.
Beyond the sectional, Boertlein has already turned her attention to the next chapter, committing to Ole Miss where she plans to study nursing while continuing to play intramural soccer.
Lyons, meanwhile, saw their own season end in a heartbreaking 1‑0 shootout loss to Hinsdale Central in the Downers Grove South Sectional final. The Lions’ penalty‑kick round featured successful conversions by Carolina Capizzi and Avery Lusk, but it was not enough to overcome the opposition.
Zibby Michaelson had earlier powered Lyons past Oak Park with a 3‑0 semifinal victory, netting two goals while Lusk added a third, underscoring the team’s offensive depth despite the eventual defeat.
The twin narratives of triumph and heartbreak encapsulate a high school soccer season that will be remembered for its dramatic finishes and the emergence of new stars across the region.