Westminster rebounds, nabs regional title

Westminster Christian boys soccer coach Mike Richardson knew Harvard would score, and possibly early, Tuesday afternoon.

The key was going to be how the Warriors would respond.

The Warriors didn't let an early deficit bother them at all, scoring three unanswered goals en route to a 3-2 victory over the Hornets in the Class 1A Westminster Christian regional final.

"We talked about it at school. We talked about in the locker room," Richardson said of not getting down if Harvard scored early. "They were ready for it. So when it did happen, it wasn't a big deal."

Westminster (16-3-1) won its first regional title since advancing to the sectional final in 2007. The Warriors will play Peotone (22-3) at 8 p.m. Saturday in the semifinals of the Lisle sectional.

"We're feeling energized right now," Westminster senior Ryan Beachler said. "We have a whole new life."

Harvard (17-4-2) took the lead 81/2 minutes into the match as Ivan Pichardo headed home a rebound off his header off the crossbar.

The Warriors didn't give up another good scoring opportunity the rest of the half as Harvard had to settle for long distance shots. Westminster tied the match with 7:50 left in the first half as Ishmael Yemoh headed home a Beachler corner kick.

"I think I was at the right place at the right time because I usually don't score with my head," Yemoh said.

Josh Beachler gave Westminster the lead with 25:31 remaining in the second half. Beachler's shot from about 35 yards out bounced in front of Harvard goalkeeper Chase Blazier, bounced off Blazier's hands and into the net for a 2-1 advantage.

The Warriors got an insurance goal with 6:52 left after a ball went over a Harvard defender's head, allowing Yemoh to have a breakaway. Blazier came out, but Yemoh made a move to his right and had an empty net to put in his second goal of the match.

They needed the extra goal as Harvard cut the Warriors' lead in half on Alberto Martinez's 27-yard right-footed blast on a free kick past Westminster goalkeeper Scoot Sutarik, who finished with 6 saves.

But the Hornets wouldn't threaten again.

"I'm really excited. I don't know what to say," Yemoh said. "It's a good thing for the school."