Boys soccer: Cook County All-Area captain Say guides Schaumburg to first sectional championship

During a memorable fall soccer season for the Schaumburg, where so many turned in the type of high level effort needed to see the Saxons win a Class 3A sectional, it would be one player who helped make it all possible.

That would be Anthony Say.

There's a ceiling on the heights a team can reach if they are not protected between the sticks by an elite shot-stopper, whose superb communication, distribution, and leadership skills, along with, of course, the ability to make first class and timely saves when called upon, are the difference.

Say checks all of these boxes and more for his club and coach Matt Meyer.

"Anthony is more than just a goalkeeper, he is the unquestionable foundation of this entire squad is built upon," begins Meyer. "From the perspective of a coach, what he means in a guarantee of stability.

"He is a true field general. His communication is crisp, intelligent, and (it) allows our backline to anticipate danger, rather than just react to it. Beyond the brilliant saves he makes, his biggest contribution is the confidence he instills in everyone, especially our backline who can play freely, take smart risks, and never panic.“

"I was absolutely shocked when coach (Meyer) told me I was going to be the captain of the Daily Herald All-Area team," said Say, who played in every minute of every one of the 24 games for the Saxons, which totaled 1,760 minutes -- 40 of which came in the last two penalty kick victories over Glenbard West and Hoffman Estates.

"It is quite an honor to be the All-Area captain, and later, All-State, especially with so many other great players in our area, and it was all possible because of my teammates, and our great coaching staff," said Say.

"Last year I had a pretty good goals against average, but we were just 6-9-3. But I had to take some responsibly for our record, so I was determined to be a better keeper and leader for (our) current team because I knew the potential was there for a great season," added Say. "I worked really hard during the offseason in club (Sockers FC) and became a much bigger voice for us out there, and did my best to lead by my actions, on and off the field."

Say would use his length, quickness and spacial awareness to combine with his top flight backline to earn nine shutouts during a 15-6-1 campaign.

During the remarkable fall season the Saxons would enjoy the MSL West title and the first regional title and first appearance in the annual MSL Soccer Cup in 10 years.

Say was a key figure in the first sectional championship in program history as well.

"There were so many great memories to take from this past season, but the two saves I made in shootout to beat Glenbard West in our regional final, followed by another win in a shootout over Hoffman Estates in the sectional semifinal is something that I will never forget," said Say.

"The best part of the Hoffman game, and our sectional final win over West Chicago, was to see so many fans, many who have never come out to watch a soccer game there for the first time.

"It was inspiring for all of us, and it really brought the community together to help support our team."

When he was eight years old, Say and his family took a tour of the USS Philippine Sea, a guided missile cruiser, that Say's father's best friend was the captain.

"That tour stayed with me forever, and it would be the inspiration behind my desire to go to the Naval Academy," said Say.

With his backup choices of Illinois, Ohio State, Purdue, Virginia Tech and the Milwaukee School of Engineering in place, Say, who will pursue a degree in either electrical or mechanical engineering, has supplied the Naval Academy with everything required to claim his place there.

Say is a member of the National Honor Society, student council and Operation Snowball, a student-driven, staff supported partnership dedicated to healthy choices through encouraging confidence, leadership and life skills as a mentor to younger students.