Andrew sophomore Megan Nemec has been given an exciting opportunity this season: the chance to play forward alongside Brooke Zidek, the school's all-time leading scorer.

Nemec's mission is simple. She wants to improve enough to be a strong complement for Zidek.

Well, Nemec definitely looked up for the challenge Tuesday, scoring the game-winning goal with 58 seconds left as the Thunderbolts topped Tinley Park 2-1 in a Windy City Ram Classic semifinal at Reavis.

“I've been working hard to take on a bigger role for this team, especially with the players we lost from last year,” Nemec said. “I just want to step up and help my team as much as I can.”

Andrew (4-0) advanced to the championship game against Glenbard East, a 2-1 winner over Lincoln-Way East. The date and location of that game are to be determined.

On the winning goal, Nemec took a pass from Zidek, sped between two defenders down the center of the box and ripped a shot inside the right post.

“We wanted to get that goal and not have to go to overtime,” Nemec said. “I was lucky enough that it went in. It felt great.”

Nemec provided exactly what Andrew coach Loren Zolk was looking for.

“It was an easy decision to slot Nemec into that forward position this year,” he said. “Her and Brooke play off each other really well.”

Zidek scored in the 10th minute for Andrew. Stephanie Nichols answered for the Titans just a minute later, scoring on a free kick from 40 yards.

Andrew goalkeeper Gabriela Sportiello and Tinley Park goalkeeper Amanda Ashmus made three saves each.

According to Zolk, it was the first meeting between the teams in at least 10 years.

“We know a lot of their girls,” Zidek said. “It's a crosstown rivalry. It was fun to get to play them and get the win.”

In the nightcap, Dana Plotke scored with 6:14 left to lift Glenbard East (4-0) to a 2-1 win over Lincoln-Way East (3-1).

The Griffins struck first. After Glenbard East was called for a handball in the box, Bianca Galassini converted the penalty kick for a 1-0 lead with 28:10 left.

Lincoln-Way East, though, was hurt by an own goal off a corner kick with 18:33 to go. Plotke then headed home Mimi Camacho's cross for the winner.

Griffins coach Mike Murphy was nonetheless pleased with his team's ability to go toe-to-toe with the Rams, who finished third in Class 3A last year.

“It's probably the best game we've played,” Murphy said. “Glenbard East is a great team and it could have gone either way. We did a lot of good things.”

Steve Millar is a freelance writer for the Daily Southtown.