Prospect nixes scoring drought in win over Fremd
A 4-goal second-half explosion was just what the doctor ordered for a struggling Prospect attack as the Knights defeated visiting Fremd 4-0 Wednesday night in a Mid-Suburban League crossover in Mount Prospect.
"I knew all this team needed was to find the back of the net, and we would regain the confidence we've been missing of late," said Prospect captain Sam Slusher, who had cause for concern after a 3-0 loss at Palatine the night before. "You could see some of the guys hanging their heads on the bus ride home after our match with Palatine, and that was something that I didn't want to see, despite the loss. We needed a big scoring night (like) tonight to help get us going and moving forward once again."
The Knights got agonizingly close on a handful of chances in the first half, only to see their scoreless streak extended for another 40 minutes.
Vikings keeper Eric Ciura kept his team even with some strong work on several good scoring opportunities, perhaps the best coming when Richard Lenke met Ciura and a ball over the top from Kyle Mataloni at the back post at 22 minutes.
Up until the save, the Knights (6-2-2) were running through the Vikings (2-6-1) in the middle of the field, with Slusher and running mate Mike Stankiewiez prying open their opponents seemingly at will.
Even with this dominance, the Prospect nearly conceded a late goal. Ryan Molley's crossfield serve to the back post found Spencer Filosa, and only Knights keeper Jim Brault prevented the Vikings' captain from scoring.
"Jim stopped a couple of terrific chances that could have gone in tonight," said Prospect coach Kurt Trenkle of the senior who recorded his fifth shutout of the season to move him halfway to the school record of 10.
Quick goals from Will Hall and Patryk Ruta highlighted the first 10 minutes after intermission, with Hall angling in to head a perfect Stankiewicz serve, and Ruta tricking his way into space before finishing a thundering blast from the right side.
Mario Morales made it 3-0 just minutes after being brought on at 68 minutes with Slusher getting the assist, setting the stage for a brilliant strike by Sylvestre Grimaldo at 77 minutes which went just under the frame from 35 yards.
"We play with a lot of heart and energy, but after we get down ... " said Fremd coach Steve Keller. "Prospect has a lot of skill and is fun to watch, and unfortunately we did ourselves in on several occasions to help give them chances to score some great goals on us tonight."