Larkin inches closer to Upstate Eight title

A set play doesn't have to come from a corner kick or free kick.

The Larkin boys soccer team showed Thursday night just how dangerous a long throw-in can be.

The Royals scored directly off one long throw-in and another set up a corner kick which resulted in a goal as Larkin beat Streamwood, 3-0, at Memorial Field.

"We work on set pieces a lot, kicks and throws," Royals coach Ken Hall said. "It's very satisfying that you work over and over on stuff like that and it helps you win soccer matches."

Larkin (16-1, 6-1 Upstate Eight) was given a throw-in about 30 yards from the end line in the 10th minute. Senior midfielder Danny Hinterlong took the throw-in and put it into the Sabres' penalty area. Raul Sandoval got his head on the ball and forced Streamwood goalkeeper Edgar Leyva to tap the ball over the crossbar for a corner kick. Sandoval took the corner. The cross connected with Nestor Almanza's head and into the net for a 1-0 Larkin lead.

Fifteen minutes later Hinterlong again took a long throw, this time about 15 yards from the end line. His throw again connected with Sandoval, who put this one away for a 2-0 advantage.

"I think I can put the ball pretty much anywhere I want to, so I think my throw-in is pretty dangerous," Hinterlong said.

Hinterlong, who blasted a shot off the crossbar just 40 seconds into the match, completed the scoring 3 minutes into the second half with a header off a cross from Mike Gloss.

The victory keeps the Royals atop the UEC standings with three games remaining and a chance to earn their first conference title.

"It's in our hands," Hall said. "That's a good feeling. All we have to do is take care of our business and we'll have it."

Streamwood (13-4-3, 5-2-1) was looking to avenge a 5-1 regional championship match loss last season. But the Sabres looked out of sync most of the night. They were able to create some scoring opportunities, especially in the final 15 minutes of the first half. However, every time Streamwood found an opening to get off a shot, it was stopped by Larkin goalkeeper Raziel Somarriba, who made 7 saves for his eighth shutout.

"This wasn't our normal team that was out there tonight," Sabres coach Matt Polovin said. "I thought we got outplayed, which hasn't happened many times, if at all, this season."