Boys soccer: St. Francis blanks Bartlett
Technically, Bartlett had more than just home-field advantage for Saturday's nonconference boys soccer game with St. Francis.
Being a Class 2A program could lead some to believe St. Francis was in an uphill battle, but coach Kevin Ward and his Spartans figure doing little things right levels the field. In this instance, it was the reward of a penalty kick which David Gianos converted for a 1-0 victory at Streamwood's Millennium Field.
"Maybe the soccer gods smiled on us, but I also believe our ball possession, focus and composure put us in a position to win," Ward said after St. Francis (3-1-2) made Bartlett the fifth 3A program that couldn't claim a win over the Spartans.
"It's all about being one as a team, believing and not wanting to back down from anyone," Gianos said. "Coach has turned our attitude around."
"Our approach is not to shy away from anyone, this year we have the mindset and personnel to make it work," Ward explained in regard to taking first place in Lake Park's Hillner Classic and beating a Bartlett program struggling with consistency.
It was the third 1-0 loss in the last four games for Bartlett after notable wins over Naperville Central, Waubonsie Valley and Sandburg.
"I don't think we deserved to lose, maybe we didn't deserve a win, but we're still not healthy and if we don't score, we don't win," first-year Hawk coach Vince DiNuzzo said, acknowledging his dissatisfaction over the series of events that led to the penalty kick with only 10:33 left in regulation. "(The officials) are human, they make mistakes like we do."
Bartlett was convinced it should have been given a PK opportunity, but play continued with a St. Francis breakaway. Hawks goalie Jake Hasenstein raced out to make a save and the collision led to being issued a yellow card. With Hasenstein forced to the sideline, teammate Igor Zwada donned the keeper jersey and gloves, but wasn't able to stop Gianos from his first goal of the season.
"The key to PKs is to commit to your shot and not overthink it," Gianos said.
St. Francis compiled an 11-7 advantage for overall attempts and a 5-3 edge in shots on goal. For Spartan goalie Jonathan Burke, it was the fourth shutout of the season.
"I really have to give credit to my defenders and our communication," Burke insisted.
From the opposing side, Zwada also cited the importance of teamwork and effort.
"We need to get on the same page with the same work ethic," Zwada said. "Everyone is either trying to do too little, or too much. We have to get in sync and finish our chances."