Fremd duo dynamic in OT
Matt Leonard-Bobby Hurwitz or Bobby Hurwitz-Matt Leonard.
Either way you say it, the Fremd strike force had Elk Grove seeing double Tuesday night.
The duo had a hand in all 3 goals, including the game-winner in the 94th minute, as the Vikings (4-5-1, 3-2-1) picked up their third win in their last four matches in a 3-2 overtime Mid-Suburban League triumph on the Grens home pitch.
The visitors wrapped things up when Leonard went past a diving keeper Grens' Andy Larsen after Hurwitz found him at the tail end of his run to end what was easily the best run of play the Vikings would register in the match.
"We didn't play very well in that first half," admitted Leonard. "But (Bobby) and I are starting to click up top and scoring a little bit for us, and if we can get ourselves a win against Buffalo Grove on Friday, we will finally get to .500 on the year."
After a dreadful 1-5-0 start to the 2007 season, coach Steve Keller's club has rebounded well enough to climb the MSL table, while staying within striking distance of Barrington, Palatine, Conant and Schaumburg with 7 points overall.
"Just another typical Fremd win," said Elk Grove head coach Joe Bush. "They grind things out, play direct, and just seem to know how to win matches like these."
Bush felt his club only could muster a couple of quality opportunities -- including both Leif Lundgren's goals. However, the Grens created several potential dangerous chances, only to see Vikings' keeper Richard Podjasek excel when asked to or the home-side fail to connect accurately at the end.
Senior Billy Hubly delivered a brilliant crossfield serve to the right side, which found Anthony Vasquez at the quarter hour, but the senior went just wide with his attempt.
Podjasek's best save came at 34 minutes off a drive by J.J. Lastovich at the near post, which came just ahead of the Vikings' best chance of the first-half when Larsen turned away Leonard just before intermission.
"Andy saved us tonight," said Bush. "He likely stopped 2-3 sure goals to keep us in the match."
The Grens' came out after intermission and immediately took control, and probably deserved a better fate as Fremd struck first against the run of play with a perfect counter and 1-2 combination, which allowed Hurwitz to strike his first of the night.
Four minutes later Lundgren's free-kick missile through the middle of the wall drew the Grens even at 49 minutes.
The junior would give them the lead just two minutes later when he ran onto a terrific ball sent to the spot by Marquez.
Hurwitz added his second, and the the equalizer in the 72nd minute when Leonard's nifty flick of a well-hit ball from Podjasek found the speedy junior, who would out-race and split a pair defenders before slotting under Larsen.
"Matt and I are starting to develop a real good chemistry out there right now after playing three or four matches together up top," said Hurwitz, who along with Sam Callahan would record the helpers on Leonard's game-winner.
Schaumburg 3, Rolling Meadows 1: Josh Beard scored twice -- a penalty kick and off a Lucas Portuese assist -- to lead the Saxons to a MSL crossover win at Rolling Meadows. Wesley Hollis also scored for Schaumburg while keeper Jordan Sandberg made 5 saves.
Barrington 2, Prospect 0: Ryan Mangone scored both goals for the Broncos in a crossover win at Prospect. Jack Deroche made 9 saves in goal for Barrington while Eric VanDivier stopped 9 for the Knights (5-7-1).
Palatine 1, Hersey 0: Matt Marturano's goal off Kyle O'Meara's assist did it for the host Pirates in a win against Hersey. Palatine keeper Ben Calvopina made 6 saves.
Maine West 1, Highland Park 0: All it took was an Emsad Zahirovic goal off David Puka's assist to give the Warriors a win over the Giants. Nate Anderson had 8 saves for Maine West in the Central Suburban North.
Hinsdale South 2, Leyden 1: A second half goal by Eddie Adame off Jose Gonzalez' assist wasn't enough for the host Eagles in a West Suburban Gold loss to Hinsdale South.