Tourney victories for Stevenson, Mundelein

Stevenson started off Glenbrook South's Titan Invitational with a leg up on the field, as Ben Brandt led the way with assists to goal-scorers Jun Min and Dennis Katsman.

Brandt's efforts were central to Stevenson a 2-0 shutout victory over Niles North in boys soccer in the opening game of pool play on Tuesday afternoon in Glenview.

"I actually do anything I can to help the team out," said Brandt, who plays the role of central midfielder for the Patriots. "We play a possession-style game. We move and play as a team and play attractive soccer."

That paid off for Brandt and Stevenson (2-0, 1-0) in the first half, when both goals were scored.

"We just had great runs from teammates," Brandt said. "They made the runs and I was able to find them. We do have some pretty good communication. When we move the ball so much, defenses get so worn out. Then those through balls tend to work better, and it gets pretty successful."

The Patriots opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Brandt connected with Min.

Then Katsman, after coming off the bench, took another pass from Brandt and found the back of the net for a 2-0 advantage in the 31st minute.

Niles North (2-3-1, 0-1) had some chances and tried pushing forward at times throughout the match.

But the Patriots' defensive strategy worked well throughout the game. Keeper Jeremy Klaber posted his first shutout of the season and had 3 saves.

"We're playing OK and had a really nice game," Stevenson coach Mark Schartner said. "We came through here with a nice start to the tournament. We're still a long way from being organized. But we're trying, and they're doing everything that their asked to do. I think we have a real solid defense back there along with Klaber."

• Mundelein also started off with an opening-match victory, getting past Taft 2-0 in pool play at Glenbrook South.

Josue Infante and Yann Nsoga both had goals for the Mustangs (2-0-1, 1-0).

"We're off to a solid start to the season," Mundelein coach Ernie Billittier said. "We have a brand new team, with a lot of new players. We're a work in progress, but I'm very pleased with their work rate, and the attitude is phenomenal. We do have talent, but over the course of the season, we need to find the unity as a team."

In the past, the Mustangs have had problems scoring. But through their first three games, they have netted 10 goals.

"It's not an awful strike rate, but it's soccer and scoring goals can be a difficult thing," Billittier said. "We have to find our niche in the attacking third. Our players have the green light to shoot if they're 25 yards or in."

The Mustangs were creating chances on Tuesday but had some problems finishing - until the 36th minute. That's when Infante hit a volley into the low corner after the ball had glanced off a Taft defender.

"It came at me, and I took a strike at it," said Infante, a sophomore. "I was thinking at the time that we needed a game-changer."

Mundelein added an insurance goal in the 65th minute after an Eagles defender intentionally blocked a shot headed for the goal. Nsoga stepped up to the spot and converted the penalty kick.

The Mustangs return to action on Wednesday, taking on host Glenbrook South at 5:45 p.m. Stevenson meets Schurz in the same time slot.