Boys soccer: Scouting the MSL Cup
Scouting the 41st MSL Soccer Cup
Buffalo Grove (14-4-1) at Barrington (16-3-1)When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Where: Barrington Community Stadium
Buffalo Grove players to watch: Kyle Adams (Sr., F-MF, 16g), Kevin Eloiza (Jr., F-MF, 11g), Daniel Sempoch (Sr., GK, 0.83, 10.5 shutouts), Jack Keady (Sr., D), Michael Botello (Sr., MF, 6a), Manny Mazariegos (Sr., MF).
Barrington players to watch: Klaus Pallan (Sr., F, 13g), Gio Guarnero (Sr., MF, 7a), Connor Delahunt (Sr., MF, 5g), Nathan Patterson (Sr., D), Enrico Ruffolo (Sr., MF, 7a), Michael Blanke (Jr., F, 9g, 9a).
Background: Buffalo Grove is here for the sixth time in program history and makes its first appearance since losing to Schaumburg 2-0 two seasons ago. The Bison arrive with a 12-game unbeaten streak, which includes a 1-1 draw with Barrington nine days ago. The last time the Bison won the conference was in 1988, when future U.S. National team, English Premier and MLS star Brian McBride led BG to a state championship.
Barrington became the first of the two teams to book their place in the final when the Broncos effectively closed out the rest of their MSL West rivals by running off nine straight wins en route to a second straight consecutive division crown, and eighth in program history. One year ago, the Broncos lost in dramatic style at Wheeling, 3-2 in overtime. Twice the Broncos have won it all in the MSL: in 2003 and 2004.
Scouting reportsBuffalo Grove: Who would have thought the Bison would be here tonight after Brad Abels' club went 1-3-0 during one week of tournament play at the high-profile Northside College Showcase hosted by New Trier?
"That week really tests your mental toughness when you play so many top teams in a short period of time," said Buffalo Grove coach Brad Abel. "For us, it proved to be the turning point of our season for sure."
The Bison lost 5-0 on consecutive Saturdays to state powers New Trier and Glenbrook North and also had a heartbreaking 2-1 midweek defeat to another top-rated club, Waukegan. But Abel says instead of his players hanging their heads, they chose to fight through adversity instead.
The inspired Bison went on to become MSL East division champs. They have won six 1-0 games during their long unbeaten streak, an amazing statistic, and one that can be attributed to terrific work in goal from Daniel Sempoch, a strong defensive posture from all 10 in front of the senior, and perhaps one of the top strike-force duos around in Kyle Adams and Kevin Eloiza.
"Kevin and Kyle have been great," said Abel. "Kyle has had tremendous offensive production and a work rate second to none, while Kevin is one of those special talents, who is the X-factor for us, with a nose for the goal."
Abel also relies heavily on seniors Michael Botello and Manny Mazariegos in his midfield.
"The bottom line is our success is centered around everyone understanding their role, a high work rate, our depth/rotation, and the fact there's no drop-off when we guys are brought on and off," Abel said.
Barrington: The Broncos' rise to the top of the MSL table is quite remarkable when considering just how much quality Scott Steib lost from his 2016 state runner-up club. The long list of graduates included Illinois player of the year Nash Pirie (playing at Michigan) and his entire back line, which conceded a paltry 25 goals in 28 games in front of a steady, and sometime spectacular Alex Ruffolo.
"You cannot lose that type of back line that we had, along with a three-year veteran keeper, and be able to replace them easily," said Steib. "But in time, the guys who have taken over have done very well and have been vital to our success thus far."
The Broncos have depended heavily on center-backs Nathan Patterson and Charlie Frank. And despite the big roster losses from a year ago, Barrington is a well-organized side and tough to score upon. Meanwhile, the other side of the ball seems to have the two or three players who help keep the attack running crisply.
"We're fortunate to have Gio (Guarnero) and Enrico (Ruffolo) running things for us in the middle, with a handful of very good new players to our team," said Steib. "And of course, it's Klaus Pallan and Michael Blanke, who are quite capable of having big games between them.
"But the reason we're back in this game, I think, is because we have a group of guys who were in this game last year and wanted to get back here again. Plus this is a team that really fits well together, and that can take you a long way most of the time."
They said itBrad Abel (Buffalo Grove, third year, 34-20-5): "We know we're the underdogs going in - it's been that way all season. Barrington is a great team. Scott, along with his staff always has his guys extremely well prepared, and they have several really talented players. We'll have our hands full, so it's going to take a mighty effort. But these boys aren't just happy to be in the Cup. They are looking to go at it, and win it."
Scott Steib (Barrington, 18th year, 330-101-40): "Brad has done a great job all year with his team, so good for him. His players have played really well, and have put together a terrific season, finishing up with a long unbeaten streak with several 1-0 results. They could come away with that same 1-0 result against us tonight, so we'll have to be at our best in order to keep their two guys up top under control, while looking to get Klaus and Michael plenty of chances on the other end."
- Mike Garofola