More history for Conant in supersectional win
A hug for each player as the silverware was raised was only the start of the celebration in which the Conant faithful would enjoy.
Conant defeated favored Barrington 2-0 Tuesday night on the Fillies' home pitch to capture a supersectional title and its first trip to the Class 3A girls soccer state tournament at North Central College in Naperville.
The Cougars completed their own odyssey to the tournament after taking an early lead with an own goal, then taking on iron grip on the match when senior Lauren Jason finished at 77 minutes to secure the biggest victory ever for the program.
The Cougars (19-1-4) will meet long time conference rival and Mid-Suburban League champion Fremd (19-4-1) in Friday's 7 p.m. semifinal match after the Vikings defeated New Trier 3-2 in overtime at the Niles West supersectional.
"Wow, that first half was a little scary," admitted Conant coach Jason Franco. "We knew (Barrington) was capable of scoring early and often. and we absorbed so much during the first 20-25 minutes or so.
"But we were fortunate to get that lucky (own) goal to take a lead into the break, then after that I really believe we had the better run of things all the way up until the Jason goal."
Spurred by a rousing welcome, Barrington was quickly in its stride and with a razor-sharp attack, appeared to be just one touch away from finding the back of the net and heading well on its way to its second state tournament appearance in the last four years.
"We began so strong and created so many chances. But I am sure (Jason Franco) would agree that in a match like this, it is so important to be the one that scores first," said Fillies (20-4-3) coach Ryan Stengren. "However, unfortunately, (Conant) scored first and we got a little too frantic and never got back into playing the way we are capable of playing.
"We have a lot to be proud of this season with 20 wins, regional and sectional championships, but credit Conant tonight."
Emmelie Hirdes, a key figure for the Fillies all season long, who would leave at 50 minutes and not return, would narrowly miss striking in the 10th minute, as did Emily Hyde on a blast from the left side at the quarter hour.
A half-dozen corner kicks, and a well-struck shot on the turn from all-state striker Mary Kubiuk failed to unlock the Cougars in their own end and keeper Jackie Piasecki, who would end up having an easy time of things after the break.
"We didn't start very well, and (they) really came at us in the first part of the match, but after we settled in and took on all of their pressure, we ended up playing very well against a great team and program like Barrington," said Conant captain Becky Knoll.
With nice balance in its attack and its back-line of Emma Loos, Hailey Andress, Kelsey Foss and Kelly Lomas, the Fillies struggled in their game while the visitors took advantage of a wayward ball that zigzagged past keeper Kelly Pedersen after an unlucky bounce off a Fillies' defender inside the 6-yard box.
A resurgent attack led by industrious runs up the flank by senior Alyssa Stylski with the help of Courtney Raetzman, Kaitlin Chiero and Jason began to wear down a Fillies' side which gave so much in the first 40 minutes in search of a goal.
Stylski was nearly the architect of two other glorious chances to score and would almost stir one in on her own just after the hour mark if not for a brave stop at the near post by Pedersen.
Jason would help signal the end of the Fillies' hopes on this night when a loose ball tumbled free to allow the senior to snap it up and score.
"We all knew we had a chance to beat (them) and after a slow start, we proved we could play with them," said a thrilled Stylski.