Larkin downs SCN to claim 1st UEC crown
The Larkin boys soccer team didn't need to display an extravagant postgame party on the field to celebrate winning the Upstate Eight Conference title at St. Charles North.
The Royals just quietly did what they haven't done in the history of the program after beating the North Stars 2-1 Tuesday.
The Royals' only loss of the season has been to Neuqua Valley. Larkin, which is ranked No. 5 in the Daily Herald Top 20, is now 18-1 overall and 8-1 in the conference.
"It's a great accomplishment for these guys, and it speaks a lot for all the time and work they've put in," Larkin coach Ken Hall said. "I think they deserve it, I really do."
Larkin opened the scoring at the 28:47 mark in the first half on a goal from Danny Hinterlong.
"We've scored first in every game but two this year, so it's getting to be a habit," Hall said. "But even when we get down, we aren't afraid to come back."
About 6 minutes later, the North Stars (8-8-2, 3-4-1) evened the score on a goal from Kyle Joss off a corner kick from Noah Anthony.
"We've been working on some corner kick plays... Noah drove the ball across the box, which is what we needed to see," St. Charles North coach Eric Willson said. "If you could drive a ball like that and guys get in the right spot and put their head on it and it takes a deflection, and that's what we got."
The winning goal ended up coming from Raul Sandoval with 2:10 left in the first half. Even though the second half was scoreless on both sides, that could have been different for the North Stars. Royals goalkeeper Raziel Somarriba, however, made several nice saves, especially in the middle of the second half.
"I think we got a little defensive there, and I think we were giving them some clear shots, but Razi came out and controlled the area very, very well," Hall said. "He's got great leaping ability for someone his size. I'd say the past 2-3 games, he's really picked up the way he's played and really helped us win. He's really come through for us."
"(Somarriba) made a couple big saves," Willson added. "They are the conference champs after this one. They are tough and they proved it."
Cary-Grove 2, McHenry 0: Cary-Grove closed out Fox Valley Conference Valley Division action with season shutout No. 9. The Trojans (15-1-1, 9-1) saw goals from Nick McDonald and Mike Chiodo, and an assist from Phil Hansen. In goal, Ben Alleva stopped a pair to preserve the shutout.
Johnsburg 2, Huntley 0: Unable to generate any offense, Huntley (8-6-2, 5-5) dropped this Fox Valley Conference Fox Division meeting. Kevin Montelongo recorded 13 saves in goal for the Red Raiders.
Hampshire 3, North Boone 2: Hampshire (8-9-1) took a 1-0 lead into the second half of this Big Northern East matchup and never looked back. Leo Perez opened up the scoring on a pass from Austin Buck. Buck later scored a goal of his own assisted by Phil Bracke, and Mike Carrillo (Perez assist) was credited with the game-winner. Marcus Quick defended the Whip-Pur net tallying 4 saves.
Streamwood 1, Lake Park 1: Streamwood (15-4-4, 6-2-2) refused to lose this Upstate Eight Conference meeting concluding play with a 1-1 tie. Roma Patino scored the lone Sabre goal assisted by Alex Lopez, while Alex Perez netted 9 saves in his 2008 goalkeeper debut.
North Shore Country Day 5, Elgin Academy 1: Despite a solid stance in goal from Tam Tunca (10 saves), Elgin Academy (3-9, 2-4) dropped this Independent School League contest 5-1. Nick Garcia scored the only Hilltopper goal.
Burlington Central 3, Richmond-Burton 0: The Burlington Central offense nabbed three first half goals and held on for this Big Northern East shutout. Chris Gousis, Cameron Ostrowski and Logan Krup each scored while Ryan Warner added a pair of assists. Kyle DeRaedt defended the net for Burlington (9-10-2, 7-2-1) collecting 7 saves to maintain the shutout.
Woodstock 3, Crystal Lake South 1: Despite a late goal from John Gutmann (Jordan Innis assist), Crystal Lake South (9-12-1, 5-5) closed Fox Valley Conference Valley Division play with this 3-1 loss to Woodstock. Gator goalkeeper Zach Dalzell finished with 2 saves.
Marmion 4, St. Edward 0: Jim Cholewa racked up 15 saves as St. Edward (5-14-2) fell to Marmion in Suburban Catholic Conference action.
Jen LaPorte contributed to this report.