Schaumburg surges past Streamwood
Schaumburg's late-season surge continued after a 4-1 win over visiting Streamwood (4-13-4) on Saturday afternoon in a nonconference soccer match.
The hosts struck for 3 second-half goals thanks to a blistering pace and relentless pressure against a struggling Sabres club which failed to convert two early opportunities. That came back to haunt Matt Polovin's club.
"I was just (telling) my assistants that we just have to finish chances (like) those we had, and before I could finish that statement, Schaumburg found the back of the net," said Polovin. "That kind of epitomizes the way our season has gone thus far."
Moments later, Tim Olson helped begin the Senior Day celebrations by slotting under charging Sabres keeper Edgar Leyva, who was brought off following an injury suffered on the play and was replaced by one of the best field players the Sabres have in Alex Perez.
Leyva later returned, but he ended his day back on the sidelines after yet another injury, and Juan Ortiz finished up for the Sabres.
The Saxons (8-5-1) broke open the match with a pair of quick strikes just after intermission, the first coming on a terrific run and carry up the left side from Erhan Caglayan that saw the senior go unmarked to the near post before finding the far inside netting.
Moments later, Declan Geraghty made it 3-0 at 48 minutes after finishing a superb assist from Jyoji Morimoto.
"It's great to finally be healthy and at full strength," said Saxons coach Hamid Mehreioskouei, who has watched his club win its last five straight. "I think with everybody back, we might have a good post-season run in us.
"We have a pretty good draw in the (Leyden regional), but we will have to be ready for our first match against an Elk Grove club which has good talent and can be very dangerous."
Despite trailing by 3, the Sabres' will to compete was strong, which showed in its effort to break the shutout.
Pushing forward with every opportunity, Ivan Arce, Ulises Manjarrez and Perez inspired the Sabres' attack with Manjarrez blazing his drive over the bar at 59 minutes, as did David Perez just afterward.
Sophomore Jake Savino made it 4-0 nine minutes later with a nice touch under Ortiz before Alex Perez cut into the Saxons' lead in the 68th minute. Arce also nearly scored if not for a terrific save off his corner by Jason Wojcik, who was brought on after the break for starting keeper Payton Irmen.
"I know we've had a rough go (of) it, but we've been reminding the guys that with the playoffs about to begin, everything starts over, and it gives a team like ours another chance to find itself and have something good happen to us," said Polovin.