Warren shows skill in win over Wheeling
Warren seems primed to run deep into the boys soccer postseason this fall.
A year ago, the Blue Devils won the North Suburban Lake Division title over rival Libertyville before falling short against the Cats 3-2 in the regional. That decision fueled Libertyville’s dramatic run all the way into the state final.
On Wednesday afternoon in first-day play of Glenbrook South’s invitational, the Blue Devils (2-0-0) dominated the second half to defeat Wheeling 3-0 in pool play. Warren has scored 13 goals in its 2 matches thus far.
“We feel that we’re capable of playing with anybody this season, and the goal of this team is to win another conference title, then go on a long run in the state tournament,” said senior tri-captain Patrick Schulz, who is Marquette-bound next season. “We want to be there at the end of this season, but we also know there’s still a lot of work ahead of us. For us, it starts in the middle where our guys can attack in so many ways, and along the outside where we have the type of speed which can break down our opponent and help us create chances, much like our first goal today.”
Both Warren coach Jason Ahonen and his counterpart Ed Uhrik each agreed that Wheeling (1-1-0) enjoyed the run of play during the first quarter-hour. If not for some good play along the back by Schulz and keeper Brady Walsh, and the score might have been different at the break.
“I thought we did well to use the wind at our backs to create some good chances while keeping the pressure on Warren during that first half,” said Uhrik, “but when you don’t finish, and your opponent does on one of its only opportunities, you usually find yourself in trouble.”
When the Wildcats found Irving Balboa, their attack seemed to be energized. Balboa sent Jose Garcia through with a superb ball, which was broken up inside the box at the last moment by Colin Ciamarra.
Wheeling broke bravely out of the blocks when off the second half whistle, Balboa had Walsh all to himself after Garcia freed him in close and near the spot, but his strike was sent straight at the Blue Devils keeper, and after that it was all Warren, which owned all of the possession in the final third, and constantly broke down its opponent with some very efficient and entertaining football.
“It looked like we ran out of gas, and Warren did a good job of moving the ball around quickly, while we basically broke down in the middle of the field,” said Uhrik.
Wheeling keeper Rogelio Laredo deserved a better fate than the 3 goals he watched go into the back of his net. He was brilliant at times as he parried away at least a half-dozen well struck shots on frame but had no chance on the Blue Devils’ second goal 10 minutes into the half, as a wicked left-footer from Brunell went off a Wheeling defender and past a diving Laredo.
The goal culminated a patient build-up from the back, which eventually went through Daniel Sczcepanek and Alexis Lopez.
Walsh punched away well delivered corner from by Alfredo Jimenez, but that was about it for Wheeling scoring threats the rest of the way.
Jeff Klinka put an exclamation point on the scoring line just as the center official ended the match with his whistle.
Next up for the victors will be Mather from the Chicago Public League today in Glenview at 5:45, while Wheeling takes on Mundelein, also at 5:45.