Wheaton N., WWS plays it even

One word typically describes the cross-town game between Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South in boys soccer, and that word definitely isn't "finesse."

Physical play was on display throughout the third tie in fours years between the DuPage Valley Conference teams, a game in which time and space over the ball -- as usual -- were luxuries enjoyed by no one.

"That was probably one of the most physical games I've been a part of," Tigers forward Eric Shrigley said of the 2-2, double-overtime tie. "It was a tough game, well-fought."

"That was just fun to play," said Falcons forward Kristian Rosenberger. "There was no flow to it, but you just go until you can't go any more."

Back-and-forth momentum swings marked the contest, with Wheaton North (3-1-1, 0-0-1) scoring first when Rosenberger was tripped as he broke in around the corner and up the end line.

The senior converted the penalty kick in the 29th minute to provide the entire first half's scoring. The Tigers knotted the score early in the second half, however, when sophomore Andrew Bellmer made his first career mark on the rivalry, cleaning up a deflected save at the post and planting it in the back netting in the 42nd minute.

"I'm pleased that our sophomores are becoming seasoned and not being game-shy," said Tigers coach Guy Callipari, "but whether (Bellmer) sleeps or not tonight would be a good question."

The Tigers (7-2-1, 0-0-1) took a 2-1 lead when a Falcons' hand ball in the box set up a penalty kick chance that Scott Larson converted in the 66th minute.

That's when, with the clock ticking away and his squad down a goal, the Falcons' Tom Langan stepped into the spotlight. Langan chased down his own deflected shot near the goalmouth and finished the night's scoring from point-blank range.

"Tom saved us there, first getting his head on the ball and then having the presence to follow it up," said Falcons coach Bryce Cann.

Each team had prime scoring chances in both overtime periods, but a heated rivalry seemingly fated to ties kept true to the script.

"At best for us, I really think it was a 50-50 game," Cann said. "I'm pleased with the fact that we just came in and played."

"The tension, the physicality, no one wants to make a mistake, and every play is magnified by the (crowd)," Callipari said. "We told the seniors this is why you play the game. This is why I still coach, is for atmospheres like tonight."