Wheaton Academy makes itself at home

One goal of Wheaton Academy's 13 seniors was to go undefeated at home this fall.

Consider that an accomplishment for the Class of 2015.

The Warriors took care of Wheaton North 3-0 in Thursday's nonconference boys soccer game, finishing a perfect 9-0-0 on their new turf field.

“The seniors were able to go undefeated at home this year, which was a goal they had,” Wheaton Academy coach Jeff Brooke said. “I'm proud of them. They've got a beautiful new facility and they wanted to bring it in the right way and they did.”

It was a pair of juniors, though, who scored what would ultimately be the only goal needed all evening.

With 16:35 remaining before halftime, Ty Seager used a header to score off Jacob Kapitaniuk's corner kick.

Wheaton North (9-7-1) couldn't create much offensively but did get a couple shots in the first half from senior Jason Szumski.

“We tried to play to our strengths and they tried to play to their strengths,” Szumski said. “I thought we played well, but they were able to play more of their game. It looks like the better team came out on top today.”

Wheaton Academy (16-1-1) has almost come out on top every time it's taken the field this season. The Warriors controlled possession, although the Falcons were strong in back, frequently unsettling their attack.

“Credit to Wheaton North for disrupting us in the center of the field,” Brooke said. “Their center backs were very solid, so credit to them for coming out on the road and disrupting some things. But I was happy with how we could adjust and shift in the second half.”

Senior Reid Culberson connected on a cross from Seager midway through the second half to give the Warriors some breathing room.

“Whenever I see Ty shoot down the line I know I have to get in somewhere,” Culberson said. “The defender just missed the ball to be honest. I got kind of lucky and just slotted it in.”

Wheaton Academy reserve Luis Rocha may only be a sophomore and has a couple more years to enjoy playing at home, but that didn't stop him from getting in on the fun. He sent in a cross from Grant Rougas with 10:33 left to complete the scoring.

The Warriors now have a chance of defending the Wheaton Cup when they travel to Wheaton Warrenville South on Saturday afternoon.