Boys soccer: Myers strikes late, helps Prospect past Taft
Peyton Myers' late game-winner brought Prospect's boys soccer team a victory over visiting Chicago Taft in a spirited nonconference contest Saturday at George Gattas Memorial Stadium.
Myers' close-range finish in the 71st minute gave the Knights (3-1-2) a 1-0 win over the Eagles from the Chicago Public League to end a successful 2-0-1 week.
"We got over a shaky start today to come back and play strong defensively, while creating several chances against an opponent that played hard for 80 minutes," said Knights coach Mike Andrews. "We have to avoid another slow start when we meet both Buffalo Grove and Barrington next week because they will make us pay for that. But as always, our effort is always at a high rate, so I know the guys will be ready to go next week."
The visitors were eager to erase a tough 1-0 defeat on Friday against CPS rival Sullivan, one day after ending a five-game losing streak against Lincoln Park at home on the northwest side of the city.
There wasn't much coming through the run of play during the opening quarter-hour from either team. But it was clear the Knights were targeting their big man up top, Myers, while looking to get the ball as often as possible to Patrick Limanowka in the middle of the park.
Limanowka was at the center of much of the Knights' attack, regularly creating chances for teammates Chris Rubio, Declan Flanagan and Myers, among others. Many of those opportunities tested Taft keeper Michael Pierri, who produced an outstanding performance.
"We knew Taft was going to sit in on us, especially in the first half, so we tried to connect our passes and get in on them as much as we could," said Limanowka. "But even though we did, we just were not able to finish our chances."
The second half was more wide open than the first period, with each side forcing the keepers into action.
Pierri elevated at the last second to push aside a well-aimed attempt on frame by Jacob Keil in the 50th minute.
Counterpart Szymon Mocarski came to the rescue for Prospect twice just after the hour.
The sophomore was fearless in his challenge off the line to slow the advance of Matthew Davila, and was at his absolute best when Brandon Tovar's redirected header off a corner nearly went into the back of the net.
"We've really come to rely on Mocarski here in the early going - he's shown he can play at a very high level," said Andrews of his junior keeper.
Myers got the breakthrough goal after a Keil long throw skipped off the gloves of Pierri and directly onto the shooting boot of the Knights forward.
"I was in the right place at the right time," said Myers of his deft side-footed finish from 8 yards.
"I thought we played well enough to win, but when you don't score, your chance to do so goes out the window," said Taft coach Jeff Lucco.
The Eagles host city rival Von Steuben on Wednesday.