Madelyn Cummins Leads Lake Forest to Sectional Victory

Lake Forest senior midfielder Madelyn Cummins is well-acquainted with intense playoff situations. As a four-year starter, she contributed to the Scouts’ progress to a Class 2A supersectional in her freshman year. During the second half of a scoreless 2A Lake Zurich Sectional championship game on Friday, Cummins received a penalty kick opportunity. Her experience showed.

“We’ve been focusing heavily on penalty kicks, so I was prepared,” Cummins shared. “Facing pressure last year during regional losses on PKs taught us vital lessons. While stepping up is not comfortable, it’s necessary to secure the win.” Cummins converted the penalty kick in the 55th minute, earning the Scouts a 1-0 victory over fifth-seeded Lake Zurich.

Lake Forest, with a 15-7 record, had previously defeated the Bears (16-6-1) by one goal in a North Suburban Conference match. Now, they face Crystal Lake Central (19-2) in the upcoming Lake Zurich Supersectional, scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday. This match pits the Scouts against the team that defeated them in a supersectional in 2023.

During the game, Cummins effectively controlled the ball. “My freshman year, we lost a challenging match. We’re hoping to overcome that,” she said. “Advancing is an honor; I felt immense joy and had many thoughts racing after the game. Everyone gave their all and worked hard.” Cummins’ team-leading 14th goal of the season highlighted her pivotal role. Lake Zurich’s senior goalkeeper, Kelly Nelson, managed to touch the shot aimed at the upper-left corner but failed to stop it.

Soon after, Cummins sustained a nose injury from the ball, forcing her to leave the field. “I was drained,” she stated. “But I was ready for the PK. I wanted that moment.”

Lake Forest coach Ty Stuckslager underscored Cummins’ important contributions. “Maddy is a fierce competitor,” Stuckslager noted. “She combines deceptive speed with a skilled first touch, understanding what’s needed. Her poise increased as the game progressed.”

This article may receive further updates. Bobby Narang contributed as a freelance reporter.