Harper strengthens its position in N4C men's soccer race

Entering Wednesday's North Central Community College Conference men's soccer matchup with Joliet, host Harper had amassed a 6-0-1 record in league play.

The Hawks added to their league lead with a 4-0 victory over the Wolves.

Harper has won three straight in league play to take control of the conference race.

Wednesday's outcome could be an important step toward securing the conference title. Coach Dan Klaus likes being at the top of the N4C table, but he also recalls what happened to last season's conference winner, which happened to be Joliet. The Wolves bowed out of the region tournament in the first round.

Klaus is trying to make sure his squad doesn't lose perspective.

"One through five, anyone can beat anyone (in conference play),"he said. "It's a matter of maintaining their consistency."

The Hawks' second-year coach credited Niko Mihalopoulos with making a big difference against Joliet, as the freshman forward fiished with a goal and an assist.

Angel Sarti (Hoffman Estates) scored, Manny Menjivar linked up with Mihalopoulos and Louis Vargas (Palatine) also tallied to stake the Hawks (7-2-2 overall) to a 3-0 halftime lead.

The defense got into the scoring act in the second 45 minutes as Enrique Avellaneda (Rolling Meadows) finished the scoring on a header from a set piece.

Avellaneda's job was now to defend, and despite the Wolves dominating possession the rest of the second half, Harper met the challenge.

"We worked hard, and stayed compact," said Avelleneda.

Klaus was quite content to watch the Hawks sit back and focus on defense: "We were not going to try to play pretty soccer in our defensive half in (the second)."

"We are staying humble," said Mihalopoulos.

With the conference title nearly in hand, Klaus continues to look forward.

"You are only as good as your last win," he said.

Next up for Harper is a 4 p.m. Friday home game against Rock Valley.