Boys soccer: Despite loss, Libertyville enjoys season to remember
When the whistle sounded at the end of Class 3A state championship match, Libertyville found itself on the losing side for the second straight year.
The Wildcats suffered a 1-0 loss to Naperville North at Hoffman Estates High School on Saturday night. It was the Huskies' third state title in a row, as they completed a 26-0 campaign.
Many of the Libertyville players hit the turf with disbelief.
The Wildcats (22-1) spent a good portion of the game and most of the last 15 minutes trying to find the equalizer, but they were stopped each time by Huskies goalkeeper Tom Welch, who made 12 stops.
Libertyville also lost by the same score to Naperville North in last year's state championship game.
Like their opponent, the Wildcats had a historic season.
"It's been an amazing ride," said Libertyville's Kevin Thunholm, who has compiled a 42-2-2 record in his two seasons as coach. "I had the honor of coaching these guys as freshmen. Watching them mature and grow, I know they're disappointed right now. But when they look back in 20 years, they will realize what a ride they had. We broke all types of records at Libertyville High School in 43 years of soccer. First unbeaten North Suburban Conference and this run. They did some amazing things. It was special."
Games that stood out included the Fremd sectional final, which went to penalty kicks. Against Waukegan, Evan Rasmussen scored in the final 25 seconds to win the NSC showdown.
The Michigan-bound Rasmussen was the team leader in goals with 34, with at least half off headers. He also scored the game-winning goal against Collinsville on Friday night. He wanted another one Saturday.
"To be able to go back to state for the second year in a row is a great accomplishment," Rasmussen said. "A lot of teams are unable to do that. We had an undefeated season to this point, which was a huge accomplishment. All-around, it was a great season and a great group of guys. It's something to remember."
Grant Herbek will be playing at DePaul next year. He stepped up along with the rest of the defense all season.
"Obviously, we're all disappointed, but right now we're trying to realize what we accomplished this season," Herbek said. "It was a historic season for us and the high school. It's one I will not forget with a group of guys that became brothers."
All season long, Libertyville kept working and pointing toward the state championship for another opportunity.
"It was really fun and it didn't stop," Libertyville keeper Zach El Ghatit said. "We played great defense, and we played like nobody has ever played soccer before in Illinois. I still think we're the best team in the state. But we didn't get the result we wanted. It's just how the game goes sometimes."