Erny’s goal lifts Stevenson to title

Zach Erny picked a great time to score his first varsity goal.

It happened Saturday afternoon, and it was a game-winner in the championship game of the Titans Invite as Stevenson topped Mather 2-1 at Glenbrook South in Glenview.

Erny notched the goal in the 55th minute to break a 1-1 tie.

“It was a good 1-2 with (teammate) Joey Hugener,” Erny said. “I took a shot and got the ball under the keeper.

“We do work on breakaways in practice, but it’s different in a game.”

The Patriots (2-0-2) got their other goal from Hugener with an assist from keeper Quentin Low, who initiated the play with a long punt.

Stevenson reached the final after a scoreless tie with Glenbrook South on Saturday morning. It was the first time the Patriots have won the title in the last 10 years.

“It’s always great to compete in this tournament with all the competition,” Stevenson coach Mark Schartner said. “Mather was a quick team, fast with their first touch. They were a complete team on the field and they go hard to the goal. All we could do was to counter against them.

“We didn’t let anybody alone defensively and our midfielders did a great job helping out.”

The Patriots’ four defenders were Robby Thomashow, Ryan Lovett, Scott Miller, Ross Comitor along with keepers Low and Jacob Azriel.

Warren finished the tourney in third place and defeated host Glenbrook South 4-1.

Tony Feverini scored twice; Ryan Foster and Nick Wegrzynowicz had the other goals for Warren.

The Blue Devils went unbeaten in the tournament at 3-0-1 but missed an opportunity of reaching the championship game. Instead, Mather advanced after winning the third-tiebreaker with more goals than Warren in pool play.

Warren tied Mather 2-2 on Thursday.

“It’s just one of those things,” Waren coach Jason Ahonen sad. “We did tie Mather, but they scored more goals than us in the other games.

“Still, this tournament was a great warm-up against some big teams. It also gives us a chance to see where players can play as we get into the long term.”

Warren won its earlier game Saturday morning over Mundelein 4-0 as Danny Szcepanek scored a hat trick and Aunor Solis had the other goal.

Mundelein (1-3) dropped its other game Saturday morning to Niles North 3-0.