Boys soccer: Wheeling downs Schaumburg for 1st win
With inexperience all over its roster, and just one senior in its starting 11, it's easy to see why Wheeling has been on its back foot since the start of the 2021 campaign.
However, inspired by second half goals from Emmanuel Delgado and Cesar Rangel, and a marvelous 80-minute performance by its senior captain, Arthur Glinkin, the Wildcats claimed its first victory of the season Tuesday with a 2-0 win over visiting Schaumburg.
"This was a good win for us. (We) really needed it badly," said a thrilled Glinkin, who played on the Wildcats varsity as a sophomore, before missing all of the 2021 spring season due to hip surgery.
"We're really young with five freshmen on our roster, and so many guys who have never played at the varsity level, (so) a lot of the players do not really know how competitive it is in the MSL," continued Glinkin, who for the first time in his career played as a center-midfielder for head coach Kevin Lennon.
"Arthur is a terrific leader. (He's) the guy who will lead this young team this year, and one that we will count on to give us what we need on both sides of the ball - just as you saw from him tonight," said Lennon, whose club is now 1-3-1 overall, and 1-2-0 in league play.
The visiting Saxons (0-3-1, 0-2-0) came in search of its first victory of the season, only to see the home side dash its hopes with its two second half goals, despite playing its best overall game of this young season.
"It was a pretty even first half, and our second half, despite conceding their two goals, was easily the best we played this season, so we'll build from that going forward," said Saxons coach Eric Sorby, whose team will host Buffalo Grove Thursday evening.
The Saxons had the best chance to strike in the 51st minute when Esad Sengun's angled attempt was turned around the back post by Wildcats keeper Omar Garcia, and again moments later when some trickery at the near flag by Ben Lainson ended with a well aimed ball into the box - forcing Garcia into action.
Delgado steered in his spot kick with authority in the 57th minute, after teammate Daniel Nava created the PK when he was hauled down in the box after beating a pair of challengers.
Cesar Rangel was rewarded for his work in the final 10 minutes of this contest when he doubled the Wildcats' advantage in the 71st minute.
"Arthur gave us a great effort out there tonight, as did Denilson (Parra) who kept us really clean along the back, and there were other players who contributed to help us get a much needed win," said Lennon.