FRANKFORT – The Wheaton Academy boys soccer team practiced penalty kicks diligently in recent weeks, preparing precisely for this moment.

But needing to replicate their usual proficency on the IHSA Class 2A state semifinal stage – against a sizzling goalkeeper – the Warriors sputtered, losing a penalty-kick shootout and the match against Peoria Notre Dame, 2-1, on Friday at Lincoln-Way North High School.

“Really, it’s just nerves,” said Wheaton Academy junior Casey Zimmerman, one of three Warriors who were stymied in the shootout. “Going up against the keeper, I saw him in warm-ups dive well, he got down well. Really, if you don’t put the ball where you want it or if he guesses [the right way], he’s going to get there, most likely.”