Huskies' comeback frustrates Neuqua Valley

For new Neuqua Valley boys soccer coach Tony Kees, soccer can display an odd charm at times.

Depending on your allegiances, the game's charisma - or lack thereof - shined through Tuesday night, as the Wildcats let a 2-0 lead over Naperville North slip away late. Despite dominating the ball for a majority of the game, Neuqua Valley settled for a 2-2 tie, eventually besting the Huskies 3-0 in penalty kicks to advance in the Best of the West Tournament in Naperville.

"That's one of those things where you can beat your opponent and not beat the game," Kees said. "When you have 90 percent of the ball and end up 2-2, there's things you have to adjust.

"That's the charm of the game, and that's what's maddening about it at the same time. You have complete control of the game, and you get a tie out of it."

The Wildcats (3-0-1) took a 2-goal lead in the 52nd minute, when junior Patrick Doody's pass found Scott Davis, whose shot past Mike Wiest gave Doody his second assist in the game and his fifth of the season.

Down but not discouraged, Naperville North (1-0-2) cut the Wildcats' lead in half with 12:10 remaining when Evan Trychta's header off a restart found the back of the net. Buoyed by one successful restart, Naperville North's Kyle Lindberg converted on another, this time with 25 seconds remaining in regulation.

"That's frustrating. In the last 10 minutes to give up two goals, that just kills your spirits, but you've got to stay focused," Neuqua Valley goalkeeper Jack Turancik said. "Two set pieces like that, to go in the goal - it really does stink."

Turancik set the tone for Neuqua Valley after regulation, diving to his left to stop Chris Boswell's penalty kick attempt. Naperville North's next two attempts both missed the net, while Bryan Ciesiulka, Zach Kovacevic and Nate Freed each converted their opportunities.

According to Trychta, clawing back against the nationally ranked Wildcats will serve as a major confidence-booster.

"We have so much potential," Trychta said. "We're young, but we have heart, and we're just going to keep playing till the end.

"It's probably one of the best high school teams we're ever going to face. We have to come out with that mentality every game. We have to just bring that every single game, and we'll be able to knock out any team."