Palatine defender Evan Kasparaitis launched a long throw into the Crystal Lake South box during the final minute of their game at the Alonso Sanchez Memorial Classic on Wednesday in Wauconda.

The throw soared above a group of Gators defenders and found its way to striker Mario Cruz, who tapped the ball into the net and helped Palatine seal a 2-0 shutout victory over South.

It was the latter of two second-half goals scored by the Pirates (2-1), who finished with 14 shots on goal compared to only six for the Gators (1-2-1).

“I was hoping for that goal a little earlier, but their keeper did an excellent job all evening,” Palatine coach Aaron Morris said. “In the first half, we were trying to find that perfect ball, but in varsity soccer, it’s not going to be perfect. We were taking too m

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