Boys soccer: Christian Liberty soaks up big playoff win
If Saturday's dramatic win over Schaumburg Christian is any indication of what's in store in the postseason, then Christian Liberty Academy's boys soccer team may have a memorable playoff run in front of them.
The No. 7 seed Chargers won a wild and wet regional play-in game in a driving rainstorm at Gary Scholz Stadium in Schaumburg against No. 6 Schaumburg Christian 3-1 to advance into Tuesday's regional semifinal. The Chargers (7-11-1) will play No. 2 Rochelle Zell at the Cristo Rey St. Martin venue in Waukegan.
"We had a real competitive game with Schaumburg last time we met which went their way in PKs, so we were expecting a real battle out there today - but nothing like what went on with the fierce rain and wind," said drenched but happy Chargers coach Jed Bennett.
Dylan Veigel scored the last two goals for Christian Liberty.
"It was so wet and windy out there, especially in the second half when (Schaumburg) had that strong wind at their backs," Veigel said. "So it was really important to try to concentrate and not let the ball slide past us."
The Chargers led 1-0 at intermission thanks to the 31st goal of the season from senior Jesse Castro.
The visitors nearly added another one minutes later when Andrew Kim set up teammate Miguel Perez who watched his 12-yard attempt stopped cold by Schaumburg Christian (9-9-0) keeper Cameron Pheifer.
Bennett's second-half concern of seeing the home side play more direct to take advantage of the blowing wind and rain was never more evident just moments into the second period.
That's when Joey Almy valiantly fought off a wind-blown long ball sent into box from out of the back. On an ensuing 50-50 challenge with Joshua Mayer of Schaumburg Christian, Almy was run over by his hard-charging opponent, forcing the Chargers keeper out of action.
Gabe Jimenez took over in goal, and the junior made several key saves in the later stages of regulation when the Conquerors were throwing numbers forward in an effort to tie it.
"Gabe was our keeper for much of the season, but he became really valuable along our back line," said Bennett. "That's when we moved Joey into the position, so we were fortunate to have Gabe take over because of his previous experience."
Veigel struck a blow to the comeback hopes of Schaumburg Christian in the 53rd minute when he ran onto an Isaiah Jaime deep cross to the back post and finished with a diving header.
The Veigel goal forced the Conquerors to bring numbers forward, and with Chris Townsel, Alan Luna, Joey Alsum and Mayer leading the way the Chargers were put under plenty of pressure.
Mayer pulled one back in the 66th minute to make it 2-1, but when Veigel responded just two minutes later with his second of the day, the Chargers could breathe a sigh of relief.
"This win ended a great week of soccer for us," said Bennett. "We beat South Beloit 5-0, then Harvest Christian under the lights last night, then we finished up with a great win today to move on in the playoffs."