Boys soccer: Stevenson, Addison Trail, Zion-Benton win tournaments

Undefeated Stevenson lifted the championship trophy at the 39th Jim Wolter Titan Classic for the second time in three years after its convincing 4-0 victory over Prospect Saturday afternoon at Glenbrook South.

Senior captain Navaan Kistanna was named tournament MVP.

“The only thing better than Navaan's hat trick was his smile,” said Patriots coach PepeJon Chavez.

“The boys played well in possession, keeping our rhythm connecting and breaking lines,” Chavez added.

South Elgin (6-0-1) continues to impress here in the early going by claiming third place following its 2-1 win over Glenbard West (4-2-0).

Joe Novy Classic:

Tourney host Addison Trail (3-1-1) claimed the top prize at the 14th Joey Novy Classic by defeating Oak Park-River Forest in penalty kicks (6-5) after regulation ended 1-1.

Maine West finished third with its 5-1 win over Fenton.

Alonso Sanchez Memorial Classic:

Zion-Benton finished its successful week at the Alonso Sanchez Memorial Classic when the Zee-Bees beat McHenry (3-1-1) in the tournament final at Ray Porten Field in Wauconda.

The Zee-Bees (5-1-0) overcame Palatine and Crystal Lake South to earn its place in the final. Host Wauconda finished third after its 2-1 defeat of Palatine.

The Bulldogs were even with McHenry in pool play, but it was McHenry that was sent through in tiebreaker protocol.

Santiago Rodriguez converted his penalty kick just after halftime before Xavi Ramirez doubled the Bulldogs (3-1-1) advantage at the tail end of a superb counter with a terrific assist from Mario Torres.

Pirates (2-3-0) junior Kenai Solano pulled one back moments later.

“We're finally getting healthy at the right time with the start of our NLCC season beginning next week,” said Bulldogs coach Tim Miller, whose club will host Lakes on Tuesday.

Ethan Nawracaj bagged three goals in a 4-3 victory by Crystal Lake South (3-1-1) to earn fifth-place honors.

The Gators reached halftime with a 3-1 lead over Buffalo Grove before the Bison (0-5-0) drew back level on goals from Amir Toichubaev and Dugar Germaev, only to concede the game-winner by Nawracaj eight minutes from time.

“We played this game for Tony Allen and will do so the rest of the season,” Nawracaj said in reference to the recent death of longtime assistant who had been with the Gators.

St. Charles East Invitational:

Reigning Class 3A champion Hersey (4-1-0) ended its week in St. Charles on a high note with a 2-0 triumph on Saturday over St. Charles East.

The Huskies conceded just one goal in four games, the lone goal coming during a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bolingbrook, which beat Maine South in the final earlier in the day.

“I was very impressed with how our new back line has become organized and how they have jelled as a unit,” said Huskies coach Mike Rusniak.

“We had a chance to play against good teams, with different styles, which will help us prepare as we move into conference play.”

After dropping its tournament opener to Bolingbrook, Leyden reeled off three straight victories, including its 1-0 win on Saturday over Elgin, with Isaac Huitrado scoring the game-winner, and Julio DeSantiago earning the shutout.

Next up for the Eagles (4-2-0) will be a nonconference affair on Tuesday afternoon at home with Lincoln Park.

Tournament of Champions:

The first Tournament of Champions hosted by Naperville North came to an end after one week of play in and around the area with a late contest between Naperville North and New Trier.

This is the first time in 25 years these two soccer super clubs have played when Hall of Fame coaches Dave Bucher and Craig Fairbairn were in charge of their respective programs.

The brainchild of Jim Konrad brought together 10 former state champions, with the final day of competition played at Harshbarger-Welzel Stadium, the home of the Huskies.

The “TOC” did not crown a champion in the format currently set, however the cast of: Benet Academy, Fremd, Hinsdale Central, Libertyville, Lyons Township, Morton, Naperville North, New Trier, West Chicago, York, together (20) state titles, with New Trier the most recent in 2023 would entertain all week long.

West Chicago, state champion in 2019, finished 2-1-0, as did York, champion in 2021.