Cary-Grove nails down Valley
Considering the fact that Dundee-Crown had been the lone team to beat Cary-Grove this season, it was only appropriate that the two face off again with this year's Fox Valley Conference Valley Division boys soccer title on the line.
A win Thursday would earn Cary-Grove sole custody of this year's championship title, and payback is always nice.
After a scoreless first half, the Trojans made their offensive move striking twice for a 2-0 lead.
That pair of goals would hold, as C-G (14-1-1, 8-1) earned the 2-1 victory as well as the 2008 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division title.
"I couldn't be happier for the kids," said Cary-Grove coach Mark Olson. "I cannot stress enough the importance of team chemistry, and I saw that at its finest tonight."
Taylor Clarke got the Trojans on the board with an unassisted goal. Later, Elliot Ireland found Phil Hansen and Hansen connected for the game winner.
"The first time we faced Dundee-Crown, they were just outstanding," said Olson. "They flat out beat us. "I think we learned from it, and knowing that we have to compete in every game the guys played their hearts out."
Dundee-Crown (9-12, 6-3) would cut the deficit in half with little time remaining on a penalty kick by Ricardo Carrillo.
"It was a well-played game by both teams," said D-C coach Rey Vargas.
Both goalkeepers kept busy. Ben Alleva made 4 key saves for the Trojans while Eddie Fuentes stopped a dozen for the Chargers.
"Dundee-Crown played excellent again," Olson said. "We capitalized one extra time. "Winning conference is a team goal for us every year. That being said, I'm very proud of our guys."
Burlington Central 3, Hampshire 2: Hampshire celebrated Senior Day, but Burlington Central's seniors stole the show.
Ryan Warner scored 3 goals -including the game-winner with 2 minutes left - and Kyle DeRaedt shut out the Whip-Purs for the final 30 minutes as the Rockets scored a 3-2 comeback victory.
Hampshire took a 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes, but Central chipped away for the Big Northern East victory in Hampshire.
With 2:23 left, Warner took a throw-in from Charlie Fletcher and lofted a shot over the outstretched arms of Hampshire goalkeeper Marcus Quick.
"Charlie has a great long throw-in, and I was just waiting for it," said Warner.
"That was our best game all season," said Burlington coach Mike Gecan. "It's only happened a couple of other times when we came out and played really well."
Austin Buck put Hampshire ahead in the seventh minute, off an assist from Johnny Cabral. Two minutes later, Buck returned the favor, setting up Cabral for a goal.
After that, the momentum shifted to the Rockets (8-9-2, 6-2-1). Warner's first goal - on an assist from DeRaedt - got the Rockets on the board.
"After that second goal, we picked it up and played some of the best soccer we've played all year," Warner said.
Warner tied the game in the 54th minute. Kyle Reopelle had the assist.
It was tough loss for the Whip-Purs (7-9-1).
"The worst score you can have is 2-0," said Hampshire coach John Gosling. "We were up 2-0 in the first 15 minutes and then relaxed. We let them back in it, that's for sure."
The Rockets got contributions from all their seniors. Gecan specifically mentioned Warner, DeRaedt, and Logan Krup.
"It was like it was our senior night," said Gecan. "Now is the time for any senior to start playing really well."
-Allen Oshinski
Neuqua Valley 1, Elgin 0: Elgin (3-15, 1-7) was able to contain Upstate Eight Conference powerhouse Neuqua Valley until the final minutes of play when the Maroons fell 1-0. Nikil Satish had a big day in goal recording 17 saves.
Elgin Academy 6, Harvest Christian 3: With a pair of goals from Aaron Thomas, Elgin Academy (3-9) took an early lead and never looked back in this nonconference win. Alex Beaderstadt, Evan Mara, Jason Diaz de Leon and Tam Tunca each added single goals in the win.
Prairie Ridge 3, Huntley 1: Behind first half goals from Kyle Pringle, Sam Mandl and Alex Polizzi, Prairie Ridge (11-6-1, 6-3) took this Fox Valley Conference Fox Division matchup from Huntley (7-5-2, 5-4). A.J. Sturm was in goal for the Wolves recording 7 saves. Nico Carbonara scored the lone goal for Huntley assisted by Sean Tiapek, while Kevin Montelongo tallied 9 saves in goal.
Westminster Christian at PSL: Slated to play Round 2 of the Private School League Tournament, the Westminster Christian game was canceled due to poor field conditions.
Montini 4, St. Edward 2: Despite some late offense from David Smith and Jim Cholewa, St. Edward (5-13-2, 2-3) lost to Montini in Suburban Catholic Conference action. Miguel Martinez and Lucas Belcher each added assists. Cholewa (6 saves) and John Duggan (3 saves) shared time in the net for the Green Wave.
Bartlett 1, East Aurora 0: A Garret Dini goal proved to be the difference as Bartlett (6-7-5) shut out East Aurora in Upstate Eight Conference play. Brian Roman assisted on the knock. In goal for the Hawks, Jeff Gal collected 10 saves.
Jacobs 2, Crystal Lake South 1: A tight match throughout, Jacobs (9-7-4, 5-3) got the better of Crystal Lake South (9-11-1, 5-4) in this Fox Valley Conference Valley Division meeting. Luis Cabral got the Golden Eagles on the board off a pass from Mark Kyszka, but Jordan Innis tied it up for South on a Brian Schuda assist. In the 35th minute, Brian Obmalay tapped in the winning knock (Cabral assist). Danny Trevor racked up 7 saves in the win, while Zach Dalzell finished with 6 saves for the Gators.
Lake Park 2, South Elgin 0: Unable to generate any offense, South Elgin (5-9-1, 1-6-1) fell to Lake Park in Upstate Eight Conference action. Goalkeeper Ryan Hicks had 7 saves in the loss.