Stevenson's day-off strategy just the ticket vs. Libertyville

The Stevenson boys soccer team took a different approach before a big game.

The Patriots took a day off Wednesday.

The strategy paid huge dividends, as Stevenson shut out archrival Libertyville 2-0 on Thursday afternoon in North Suburban Conference Lake Division action at the Libertyville Township Sports Complex.

"There was a little risk involved by taking a day off before Libertyville," said Patriots coach Mark Schartner. "It's been a long time trying that one.

"We worked real hard on Tuesday. The kids work hard being a physical team and they were tired. They needed a break from each other, and they needed a break from me."

The Patriots improved to 8-3-1 and 2-0 in the NSC Lake, while Libertyville dropped to 6-3 and 2-1.

"We played a nice game and, by far, it was our best performance," Schartner said. "We came out with so much energy and really wanted to play. I thought we were unfortunate not to get a few more goals (in the first half)."

The Patriots had numerous opportunities to score before intermission, but Libertyville senior keeper Jim Palac made 5 of his 6 saves in the opening 40 minutes.

Patriots sophomore Steven Johnson made it 1-0 off a touch pass from Mike Goldberg in the 18th minute.

"It's kind of a motivational thing because I know a number of the Libertyville players," Johnson said. "I just tried harder because of the rivalry. I saw two defenders to my right. I just cut to my left and shot it to the far post."

The Patriots' Ross Dickson added an insurance goal in the 77th minute off a Sam Claver assist.

The Wildcats had their chances to pull even in the second half. Brad Novak blasted a shot off the crossbar, and the Wildcats missed a couple of other shots from close range.

"It was a heartbreaker. I hit the crossbar and the team picked up the intensity," Novak said. "We created much more opportunities. But I think we could've been more mentally prepared. We did much better in the second half.

"Give credit to Stevenson. They played really well," said Wildcats coach Andy Bitta. "Second half, we picked things up but just couldn't get one to go in. When you play against a good team, you don't get too many chances. You have to make the most of the ones you get."