Broncos getting a grip on MSL
Barrington coach Scott Steib saw his side take an iron grip on the rest of its Mid-Suburban League boys soccer rivals after a convincing 3-0 victory Tuesday night over Schaumburg.
Embroiled in a three-team scramble with Palatine and the Saxons, the Broncos (14-1-0, 8-0-0) kept their record clean and stayed atop the MSL table with 16 points with Palatine, a team Barrington beat 4-2.
"We did a very good job of keeping (Schaumburg) out of our net in that first half, despite so many free-kick opportunities in close... and (them) having the advantage of a strong wind at their backs," said Steib.
"Our guys in the middle and along the back worked real hard for the first 40 minutes, and after the break we did exactly what we needed to come out ahead tonight."
While the Saxons never lacked invention from the onset in their attack, they struggled to finish.
With junior Josh Beard marking Barrington leading scorer Francesco Furio with precision to slow the big striker to a crawl, the Saxons (10-4-1, 6-3-0) midfield, led by Tim Piotrowski and Declan Geraghty, used their pace and speed to create at least a half-dozen set-piece and long throws deep in the visitors end during the first quarter hour. The best of the bunch came off a throw from Jose Reyna, which Broncos' keeper Tom Unak punched out of danger near the spot.
"When you have so many chances, and are unable to finish on any of them, you're just asking for trouble," offered Beard, who would later prove to be a prophet.
Just after intermission, Furio would send a serve to the near post in hopes of finding teammate Ata Ozbay. However, Saxons' keeper Jordan Sandberg would beat Ozbay to the ball at the post.
Unfortunately for Sandberg, the ball popped loose inside the 6-yard box to set off a scrum and eventual own goal by a Saxon' defender redirected into his own net.
"That goal had to demoralize (Schaumburg) at the time," Steib said.
"In that first half the speed of play by Schaumburg was so quick and fast, but we hung in there and then had the better run of play in the second half," said Broncos' captain and top defender Brian Bernal, who along with Alex Luedtke and Matt Beightol were air-tight after the break.
Ozbay would put the dagger in at 70 minutes with a well-struck, curling masterpiece on a free kick which would find the upper right corner from 30 yards.
"I saw the (keeper) setting up the wall, then setting (himself) up at the near post before going (for) that wide-open far post," said Ozbay of his eighth strike on the year.
With Beard pushed up to inspire the Saxons' attack, that left Furio to run free up front and the match quickly became all Barrington.
Ryan Nolan met a superb cross from Frank Ingraffia and thumped a header at 77 minutes to end the night on a high note.
"Coach (Steib) talked about how his teams the last couple of seasons have really struggled at the end of the year," said Ozbay. "He said this week we have to play like it's a regional final, sectional semifinal and sectional final in order to stay away from any letdowns."