Girls soccer: Barrington tops Hersey to earn spot in MSL Cup
Barrington beat Fremd to the MSL West title on an enthralling final day of the regular season campaign.
Needing to win in order to secure its 11th consecutive MSL West division title away from rival Fremd, the Fillies' three-goal first half explosion insured a 3-1 victory over Hersey.
The victory advanced Barrington into the 33rd annual MSL Soccer Cup this Wednesday night against the Huskies, who earned their first trip back to the championship match since 2019.
Piper Lucier, Sarah Saranowski and Brooke Brown broke things open when the trio hit the back of the net during a 10-minute uprising nearly 30 minutes into the first half. The Filles managed their three-goal advantage until freshman Gracie Lisota pulled one back just after the hour for Hersey (11-6-1, 8-2-1, 25 points).
"It's a nice accomplishment for all of us to get back into the (Cup) and especially for the new players to our team this year," said Brown, who, just as the Fillies' outstanding outside-back Ellie Sanchez, will compete in her fourth straight championship contest.
"It's been a tough couple of weeks for us beginning with the Naperville Invite and three conference games this week. And while we're dealing with some injuries right now (we) had players come off the bench to give us some great play when we've needed it the most," added Sanchez.
The Fillies (16-0-2) were in a precarious spot heading into this Saturday afternoon affair at Barrington Community Stadium. They knew with Fremd moving its record to 10-0-1 in league play after its 4-0 victory on Friday over Schaumburg, it would force Ryan Stengrens' club to win, or begin to prepare for its regional opener.
"Steve (Keller, Fremd coach) has a great team, and they never allowed an inch to breathe all season long. So the girls knew we had to come away with a win today in order to advance," admitted Stengren, who now has 12 MSL Soccer Cup appearances on his resume.
With both Barrington and Fremd each with a record of 10-0-1 and a draw in head-to-head play, as well as the same record in division play, the fourth tiebreaker criteria became most two-goal victories in league play.
The Fillies were successful in all 10 of their victories, while the Vikings garnered seven.
"Both Barrington and Fremd were unbelievable all season long, and, fortunately for us, we'll have another chance at them this Wednesday at our place," began Huskies coach Mike Rusniak.
"(They) took us apart with those three quick first half goals. But one of the things about this team (is) they never hang their heads and always give an incredible effort for 80 minutes. (And) if we come out and play with the energy, urgency and grit that we showed in the second half, it's going to be a real battle."
The Fillies kept the Notre Dame-bound Meg Mrowicki under a close eye throughout, limiting the all-state candidate to just a few good looks on frame. While on the other end of the park, it was the aforementioned Lucier and Saranowski who stunned the visitors with two goals within 60 seconds.
Lucier steered in a lovely helper from Kate Lubinsky at 25 minutes, followed by Sarnowski, whose great turn and clinical finish doubled the Fillies' advantage.
As the intermission would near, Sarnowski sent Brown through, and her 16-yard effort from the right side made it 3-0 at the break.
"We had a little bit of a letdown, and Barrington took advantage of us, but we came back to play a strong second half, which says a lot about this team. And I know if we clean some things up, will be ready for them on Wednesday," said Mrowicki, who broke the single season goal scoring record earlier, and currently has 26 on the year.