Boys soccer: Magdaleno’s magnificent goal lifts Barrington over Prospect

A sensational goal in the 67th minute from Magdiel Magdaleno would be enough to give Barrington a hard-fought 1-0 victory Thursday night over Prospect at Barrington Community Stadium.

The loss would end the hopes of the Knights hoping to stay in the MSL West race.

Schaumburg would claim first place with its 2-1 victory over Wheeling, while Hoffman Estates is second after a 3-1 win at home against Buffalo Grove.

"It was a good win for us," said Broncos coach Scott Steib, who earned his 423rd career victory in his 27th and final season of a brilliant coaching career.

"We had almost all of the play in the first half, but the danger (is) we didn't finish any of our chances, and went into the half 0-0," said Steib.

"Prospect came out with a lot of energy in the second half, but we did a very good job of defending to limit their chances, and Mags (Magdaleno) gave us a great individual effort for the game-winner."

The Broncos’ (11-4-4, 5-3-2) attack was relentless in the first half, as was their ability to win countless first and second balls to help them keep the Knights in their own end far more than they would have liked.

"We played nervous in the first half, and really had to fight hard as a team to keep (them) out of our net," said Knights (8-3-4, 4-2-3) coach Mike Andrews, whose club will finish its league schedule on Saturday against Schaumburg.

"Andrew (Moreth) really fired the team up with a passionate speech at the break, and it really inspired our team, and bench — giving us the type of energy and urgency we needed to play a much better second half."

The home side would earn several corners all throughout the night, most defended well by the Knights.

One of the Broncos’ deep long throws would end with James Rollinson's attempt skimming the bar in the 36th minute.

Magdaleno, who would see his effort saved by Knights keeper Oliver Dienhart, made his mark on the game when he tricked his way free up the right side with a dizzying array of touches to his left-then-right — before driving his left-footed 18-yard low drive just inside the near post.

"We've created a bunch of chances in our last 3-4 games, but our last touch hasn't been clean or sharp enough for them to get into the back of the net," said Magdaleno.

"But we stayed calm tonight, fought hard, and when the opportunity came my way, I was fortunate to put one in for us for the win."

The Broncos will host Huntley on Saturday in their regular season finale.