Boys soccer: Palatine powers past Rolling Meadows

What began as a quiet, season-ending Mid-Suburban League divisional crossover match turned into a rapid-fire goal scoring display by Palatine.

The Pirates' boys soccer team erupted for 6 unanswered second-half goals to defeat visiting Rolling Meadows 7-1 Tuesday afternoon at Chic Anderson Stadium.

"The conditions were tough with the wet, cold and strong winds, but it didn't seem to bother Palatine who obviously just wanted it more than we did today," said Mustangs coach Brett Olson. "Willie (Filian) has always had a side that does whatever they can do to outwork their opponents, and that's exactly what they did to us tonight."

Olson had to like what he saw during the first half-hour, when his team enjoyed most of the run of play. On most occasions, that meant playing through leading scorers Sammy Olague (14 goals) and Sergio Lucero Herrera (10 goals) as well as sophomores Adan Ramirez and Fabian Sarabia, who all helped keep Palatine under pressure for most of the first period.

"Once again we came out flat, much like we have for most of this season," said Pirates senior Sebastian Fraczek. "And although we really picked up our play after the break, if we do that in regionals, our season will be over very quickly.

"We have a good team, and one that can make a nice run in the playoffs, but we have to start strong if we hope to finish strong."

Despite rarely getting out of their own end for most of the first 30 minutes, the Pirates (10-8-1) were the first to find the back of the net when Jorge Corona scored the first of his 2 goals in the 33rd minute. Corona finished what James Hawran started by getting past keeper Matt Galvan with a terrific touch.

The Mustangs (7-11-1) came right back at the Pirates, finding the equalizer when Anthony Kozlowski took advantage of missed tackle in the Palatine box.

Both clubs were welcomed by a steady downpour after the intermission, but the nasty conditions did not slow Palatine. The Pirates struck for goals at 47 and 52 minutes, one by Ricardo Tovar and the other from Fraczek, who drove a low smash in from 25 yards.

Sensing things might begin to get out of hand, and with an eye on his regional opener against West Chicago next week, Olson began to pull many of his starters off for good just after the Pirates poured in 3 more within a six-minute span.

"We want to go into the state tournament as healthy as we can be, so that was a good time to bring guys off for good," Olson said.

Will Riordan bagged 2 of the Pirates next 3 goals. Alec Grana also scored, and with the final whistle drawing nearer, Corona put in another one, thanks in part to Miguel Barrera's assist.

The Pirates will play Round Lake next Tuesday at Chic Anderson Stadium in the second regional semifinal of the night.

Conant 3, Hersey 0: Mateusz Pasula scored a hat trick for the Cougars in MSL crossover action, with Eduardo Dorado getting a pair of assists and Mauricio Flores 1 while Mathew Jensen earned a shutout in goal.

Christian Liberty 3, Rochelle Zell 2 (PKs): The Chargers won the penalty round 4-3 to win themselves a Class 1A regional semifinal at Cristo Rey St. Martin in Waukegan.

Rochelle Zell led 1-0 at the half before Jesse Castro scored with an assist from Alex Tolford to tie it. Both teams scored once in overtime to send it to the shootout.

Christian Liberty keeper Joey Almy stopped 2 penalty shots, while Ryan Reyes, Tolford, Dylan Veigel and Isaiah Jaime each scored on their chances.

The Chargers will compete for the regional championship at noon Saturday in Waukegan.