House stands up to Stealth attack at Lions Park

The driving desire of an in-house soccer coach to have his players match skills with travel team players resulted in a night of great soccer last week.

Coach Jack Groat arranged for the Elk Grove Village Stealth travel team to play against a team of in-house players that he formed just for the match. Calling themselves the House Stars, the team wore jerseys purchased by Groat that featured their name, a first for most of them, he says.

The game took place the evening of Nov. 5, under lights at Lions Park, another first for most of the house players, Groat said.

The House Stars scored the first goal, and the Stealth tied the game at the end of the first half. Stealth kicked in another goal at the beginning of the second half, but the House Stars played hard to score and tie the game again.

"The parents went nuts. My team was jumping and screaming," Groat said. "Then my son got a breakaway and scored. I couldn't believe it. We were winning 3-2 with two minutes left in game."

With 30 seconds left in the game, Stealth scored again, ending the game in 3-3 tie.

"I can't tell how excited everyone was at the end of game. Parents, players, everyone," Groat said. "What a great experience and memory for my kids."