Boys soccer: Pirie, Sanchez share all-area captaincy

The incredible rise of Barrington's Nash Pirie and Wheeling's Jonathan Sanchez was one of the top stories of the boys soccer season in the Mid-Suburban League.

These seniors led their teams to greatness, and managed to do so without the highlight-reel scoring strikes which often lead to postseason accolades.

Instead, Pirie and Sanchez distinguished themselves with their work rate, team-first attitude and extraordinary all-around play.

And they did it a such a high level that they've been chosen to co-captain to the Daily Herald's Northwest boys soccer all-area team.

"It really is amazing to be recognized along with Jonathan," said Pirie. "But to tell you the truth, none of this happens without a great bunch of teammates who have dedicated themselves to work hard and to our program, all of which gave me the opportunity to be in a position to be the co-captain of this team."

"Nash continues to impress every time out," said Barrington coach Scott Steib. "You just find yourself amazed at the way he plays and carries himself at such a high level."

Sanchez chooses to view his selection as confirmation that Wheeling had a truly special group this fall.

"It's hard to find the words, that Nash and I are the co-captains," said Sanchez. "It's obviously not a goal you set before the season begins - but I'm happy for both Wheeling soccer and my teammates because of it."

"That's Jonathan," says Wheeling coach Kevin Lennon. "It's never about him. He's such a positive guy, never says a bad thing about anything or anyone, and the type of person who just leads by example. Players follow his lead, and for me and our coaching staff, he an absolute joy to be around."

Three seasons ago, both made their varsity debuts. Pirie stepped into the Barrington starting lineup after an injury afforded him the opportunity to move into a spot along the back line on the right side. He ended up on the left, where he has excelled the past two seasons.

"What helped me was to train with Tyler Anderson on a day-to-day basis," said Pirie of the 2014 Barrington team captain and all-area choice. "Learning the proper way to defend, and just as importantly be a team leader, which I take great pride in."

After serving his apprenticeship under Anderson, Pirie took a big jump forward in his junior season with his first all-state recognition.

This senior season has been even more remarkable for him. The Broncos won the MSL West title, and Pirie brought in a string of individual honors, including Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year and All-American acclaim.

"It's a little unusual to see a defender, particularly a left back, be recognized like Nash was," said Steib. "But when you basically design your attack around a player who is such an exceptional athlete like him and your opponent cannot really game-plan or man-mark him, then you know you have someone really special."

This lanky footballer's speed allowed him to track back and cover gaps defensively. His decision-making, positioning and overall awareness in the final third were impressive.

His lung-bursting runs up the left side routinely got Barrington into the attack and led to scoring chances. The Broncos will have two more chances to make use of them as they face MSL West foe Conant in a Class 3A state semifinal at 7 p.m. Friday at Hoffman Estates.

"His finesse and strength on the ball is first-rate," said Steib. "And when your opponent doubles or sometimes triples him deep in our end and you see him break free, still composed on the ball, you just kind of shake your head."

"I've been fortunate to be a part of a team that allows me to play in a system were I can do what I do best," said Pirie, who was voted MSL West player of the year. "And because of that and the recent honors that I've received, there's more opportunities for me to do so at the next level."

Fittingly, Pirie and Sanchez will soon compete together on the high-profile FC United club team. Both are looking forward to that opportunity.

"It's going to be great having Nash on our club team. He's a great player and a great guy," said Sanchez, who impressed D-I coaches as a striker for FC United and will play his college ball at Loyola.

"I was impressed with the school and program, which would commit a very good scholarship to have me there," said Sanchez. "Plus I'll be close to home, so my family can come watch me play."

Sanchez earned valuable experience with the varsity during his sophomore season before moving into a full-time spot last season, eventually taking over the role as Wildcats sweeper a year ago.

"Jonathan was a terrific holding midfielder, a real shut-down type of player," said Lennon. "But when our regular sweeper went down with an ACL, he moved into that position and easily took over that spot for us, keeping us organized while settling us down."

Lennon's reliance on Sanchez was understandable.

As the Wildcats went forward, his wonderful vision showed in the through balls he would thread into the attacking third. An expansive passing range helped Wheeling connect at a high percentage with its deadly strike force up top, and that was a key as the Wildcats first won the MSL East and went on to win the MSL Soccer Cup.

Sanchez's versatility was remarkable, as he played virtually all over the field. He started in the back, moved into midfield and ended up playing forward in a heartbreaking PK loss to Mundelein in a regional final.

"Jonathan is such a team-first type of person - he's always asking what he can do for the team first," Lennon said. "Jonathan was the type of player who did all he could to get the best out of everyone. There's no ego thing with him, he just goes out and plays, and he does that better than just about anyone else."

The Mid-Suburban East player of the year set the standard for sheer effort, coming up with sustained 80-minute efforts at both ends of the field.

"I just feel I have to work harder than everyone else as our captain," said Sanchez. "It's important to set an example by never taking it easy during training, or in our games, because you're the guy everyone looks up to."