Hinsdale Central defeats Naperville North in PKs

Wes Bergevin established a new Hinsdale Central boys soccer school record for shutouts during Tuesday's Class 3A Lewis University supersectional against Naperville North in Romeoville.

But it was his diving denial of Naperville North's fifth and final penalty kick after a scoreless game and a pair of overtimes that sealed the fate of the Red Devils.

Bergevin smacked away Matty Sylvester's penalty kick attempt and the Red Devils overcame the Huskies 4-3 in the PK session after regulation and two overtime periods ended 0-0. The Red Devils advanced to this weekend's IHSA finals at Hoffman Estates.

It was Bergevin's 25th varsity shutout.

"We knew if we could make our chances on the PKs that Wes would get it done, and he came through in a huge way," Hinsdale Central coach Michael Wiggins said. "We know what we have with Wes, and we've been very fortunate over the years to have very good goalkeepers."

Naperville North (16-5-4) was playing with backup keeper, Riley Wiest, but he once again filled in admirably for regular Christian Robert, sidelined with a concussion.

Wiest denied Justin Yi's PK attempt before teammate Wesley Wong converted his to draw the teams even at 3-3. Bryan Loebig and Chris Sullivan converted their attempts for the Red Devils and Huskies, respectively, before Will McGowen put the pressure on Sylvester for the final kick of the night.

"It's unfortunate, but hat's off to them, they beat us," Naperville North coach Jim Konrad said. "Even when we win in PKs, you hate it for the other team, for that kid who misses a shot or a goalkeeper who takes the blame on himself. It's a tough way to end a season."

Hinsdale Central (17-4-4) outshot the Huskies 19-15, but neither team truly dominated the run of play. Each squad made things difficult for the other to create many scoring chances.

"We talked about how they were a very direct team and that we had to make sure we were accountable for their three up-top players," Hinsdale Central defender Evan Floersch said. "Our wing backs did a very good job to make it five defenders instead of three versus three, and that was huge for us. I thought our defensive shape and individual defense tonight was some of the best we've played all year."

Obviously, it was disappointing end for the Huskies.

"I told them this is the favorite team I've coached," Konrad said. "They were truly a team. There were no egos on this team. They played together as a group and that's why we had this great run."

The Red Devils advance to play Fremd at 7 p.m. Friday in a state semifinal.