Boys soccer: Hersey blanks Hoffman Estates
Patryk Bujak and Major Hassen struck either side of the half to help host Hersey continued its winning ways in its boys soccer regular-season finale Tuesday afternoon at Roland Goins Stadium.
The Huskies' (8-3-3) duo took turns shocking visiting Hoffman Estates when they each found the back of the net moments after the first whistle of each half to help their club claim a 2-0 Mid-Suburban crossover victory.
"Patryk and I have been working on being better in our combination work, and using our speed and strength up top to create chances for ourselves, and today it worked for both of us," said Hassan, who with Bujak and sophomore Ronan Wilcox have been key figures in the Huskies' last three shutout victories.
"We're playing well right before the start of regionals, and we want to continue to play well and show other teams that we're much better than the No. 14 seed we received in our sectional," said Bujak.
The sophomore latched onto a Wilcox pass before getting free long enough on the right side to send his angled side into the far inside netting just 60 seconds into the opening half.
The early goal awakened the Hawks (8-14-1), who have been the surprise club in the MSL this season finishing in the middle of the league table with a 6-5-0 record, one year after a 3-13-1 overall record.
"It's disappointing to come out here today to play with little or no energy, especially after having a strong regular season, which included some great wins all throughout our league schedule," said Hawks first-year head coach Sean Armstrong.
"Hopefully we got that one bad game out of the way before our regional opener with Addison Trail in one week."
The Hawks slowly got on their collective front foot after conceding that early goal with seniors Edson Orantes and Alex Gonzales, along with sophomore Georgi Kyosev, leading the way.
However, the trio was unable to put another of quality on frame at Huskies keeper Nick Clarizio, who enjoyed a fairly easy time of it on his way to his eighth shutout of the year.
It should have been a two-goal advantage for the home side three minutes before the intermission when Trey Schmidt and Bujak combined for a stylish one-two combination inside the Hawks' box but keeper Tyler Kelly stayed with the dangerous situation in order to smother the Bujak close-range attempt.
Hassan would add to the score line in the 41st minute when he used his terrific speed to get past the Hawks' back line, draw Kelly far off his line, then use an expert finish to find the back of the net.
Next up for the Huskies will be Chicago Schurz in their regional opener Friday in Arlington Heights at 5 p.m. No. 3 seed Evanston awaits the winner on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 4:30 p.m. at the Glenbrook North regional venue.