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Boys soccer: Libertyville tops Morton in state semifinals

Opportunities off set pieces combined with another strong defensive effort helped Libertyville's boys soccer team cool off Morton in the Class 3A state semifinals at Hoffman Estates.

Behind goals from Ryan Wittenbrink and Tucker Goebeler, the Wildcats eked out a 2-1 win Friday night to snap the Mustangs' 16-game winning streak. All the scoring took place in the second half.

The win earned Libertyville (18-3-1) a spot in Saturday's 7 p.m. championship game against Quincy Sr. (20-4-2). The Wildcats are seeking their first state title.

"This might be the greatest victory in Libertyville history," Wildcats coach Andy Bitta said. "That's a great 26-2 team that we just beat. We couldn't have been any smarter and any more under control. We played so well. It's unbelievable."

"This is unreal," Wittenbrink said. "We're looking forward to the big game."

Wittenbrink broke a scoreless tie in the first minute of the second half. Off a corner kick, Goebeler's header was denied by Mustangs keeper Billy Castro, but the ball came right to Wittenbrink, who finished.

"I just crash the net usually," Wittenbrink said. "It was good timing to be there."

The Wildcats added another goal in the 61st minute for a 2-0 advantage. Liam O'Connell served a free kick to the back post and Goebeler knocked the ball into the net.

"We knew before the game that set pieces would make the difference," Goebeler said. "Liam played a great ball and I was able to get through."

Morton pushed everybody forward in the remaining minutes and cashed in. The Mustangs earned a penalty kick in the 78th minute, and Baltazar Duran buried it for his 21st goal.

"(Morton) was so explosive that we had to keep so many people back," Bitta said. "We had to be defensive-minded with that two-goal lead."

"Libertyville was quick and physical out there," Morton coach Mike Caruso said. "I thought we had some prime chances in the first 20 minutes of the first half, and we needed to get one. They were a tough team. Credit our team in that we didn't quit and pushed to the last second."

Images: Libertyville over Morton,2-1 in Class 3A soccer semifinal

  Libertyville's captain Tucker Goebeler consoles Morton's Danny Sanchez after Libertyville's 2-1 victory in the Class 3A state semifinals at Hoffman Estates. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
  Morton's Diego Lopez and Libertyville's Nate Edmunds battle for control of the ball during the first period in the Class 3A state semifinals at Hoffman Estates. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
  Morton's Juan Salas and Libertyville's Ryan Wittenbrink battle for control of the ball during the first period in the Class 3A state semifinals at Hoffman Estates. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
  Morton's Danny Sanchez and Libertyville's Kenny Gallagher battle for control of the ball during the first period in the Class 3A state semifinals at Hoffman Estates. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
  Libertyville's Daniel Marks battles for control of the ball with Morton's Danny Sanchez in the second period in Libertyville's 2-1 victory in the Class 3A state semifinals at Hoffman Estates. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
  Libertyville's captain Tucker Goebeler yells out orders in the second half in Libertyville's 2-1 victory over Morton in the Class 3A state semifinals at Hoffman Estates. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
  Libertyville captain Tucker Goebeler celebrates with his teammates in Libertyville's 2-1 victory over Morton in the Class 3A state semifinals at Hoffman Estates. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
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