Aiello, Meadows turn back Hoffman Estates

Both goaltenders kept their team in the game by making clutch saves late with time was winding down as visiting Rolling Meadows edged host Hofffman Estates 1-0 in a Mid-Suburban League crossover Tuesday.

Mustangs goalie Joey Aiello was happy with the overall performance of his team.

"We played a good first half," said Aiello. "We've had some tough games this season and we proved we can play better."

On a personal level, Aiello just wanted to do his part to help his team win.

"When you're up 1-0 you have to do what you have to do to keep the lead," he said, "to be the hero."

The lone goal of the night was scored by Mustangs junior midfielder Livingstone Amematey. Off a free kick from about 45 yards out, Amematey found his way to the ball and headed it over the outstreached arm of Hoffman Estates goalie Mike Gordon.

"I came up with a few saves," Gordon said. "If I can keep it to just a 1-goal game, the offense usually can score a couple, but that's the way the game goes."

Rolling Meadows coach Peter Mikulak was happy with his team's effort and the outcome, but still pointed to some breakdowns by his team.

"We moved the ball around a bit in the first half but took quick, bad shots," he said. "We had a couple of breakdowns, but Joe came up with some big saves and we were able to weather the storm in the second half."

As for the Hawks, coach Matt Sriver told his team after the game that they need to play a complete game.

"We can't play 40 minutes and expect to win," said Sriver. "We got down early and had to play with urgency. You look at the clock and it winds down from 20 minutes - then there is 10 minutes, then there is 5, and so on. Before you know it, the game is over."

If the Hawks are to take anything from Tuesday's loss it is simple. Sriver's message to his team: "We need to play 80 minutes."