Addison Trail gets angry, wins
The Addison Trail boys soccer team wasn’t in a very good mood after its first loss of the season Saturday against Naperville Central.
Tuesday night in Addison Downers Grove South felt the brunt of that mood. The Blazers (8-1) scored three second-half goals to defeat the Mustangs 4-2 in Addison Trail’s West Suburban Gold opener.
“They weren’t happy. They take pride playing here at home,” said Blazers coach Ryan Dini of the 1-0 defeat to visiting Naperville Central. “Naperville Central is No. 1 in the state for a reason. (The Blazers) hate to lose, but we proved Saturday that we can play with anybody.”
After a wide-open first half that resulted in a 1-1 deadlock at intermission, the Blazers tightened their defense in the second half against the Mustangs with winning goalkeeper Jonah Moran facing just one shot in the final 40 minutes.
“At halftime we were wanting to take care of the defense and transition the ball as quickly as possible,” Dini said.
The offense exploded with just more than 13 minutes left in the game.
Junior Trey Smith tied the game 2-2 with 13:18 remaining when he was left alone 17 yards out and his shot went up and over Downers South goalkeeper Nick Tannenbaum. An assist went to Jorge Levya.
Almost two minutes later, Smith, who came off the bench against the Mustangs, was left alone again and hit net to make it 3-2.
“Anthony Guzman made the cross and I just waited for it and timed it right and it went in,” Smith said.
Levya added insurance from 5 yards out with 2:10 left to play.
Dini said Smith provides quickness to a team where its crucial.
“Trey is the fastest guy on the team. He has wheels. We’re not a big team, so we have to use our speed,” he said.
The Mustangs (5-5, 1-1) reached the scoreboard first with 21:25 left in the first half on a header by Sam LaLonde from a pass by Eric Diaz. That advantage didn’t last long as the Blazers’ Cesar Chavez blasted a 25-yard shot into the net at 18:34. Downers South outshot Addison Trail 8-7 during the first 40 minutes.
The Blazers travel to Hinsdale South on Thursday night for a West Suburban Gold game.
“It feels good (being 8-1). We’re taking each game one at a time,” Smith said.