Knights stay on early roll
Look who's 4-0.
Patryk Ruta scored 2 goals and the combined effort from the Prospect midfield helped the Knights (4-0-0, 1-0-0) claim 3 vital points from the Mid-Suburban League boys soccer opener Monday night at Elk Grove in a 4-1 victory.
Ruta added to the Knights' lead at 64 minutes after sophomore Richard Lenke struck first just before intermission, but it was work from the back line which stood out for Elk Grove (1-2-0) coach Joe Bush. Prospect's defenders kept his club at bay and well away from keeper Jim Brault for most of the 80 minutes.
"Their defense didn't give us much room to penetrate, and even after making a few adjustments along the way, it was difficult to get past (Prospect sweeper Kyle Mataloni) to get some quality shots on frame," said Bush.
Bush said the combination of the Knights' veteran lineup and several returning players from a year ago make them one of the favorites in the MSL this fall.
"The difference this year is we really want to win, and we all want to do what it takes to do so," said Mataloni. "Guys are staying late after training to put more time in, and the seniors all know this is our last year to do something."
Lenke somehow found the far inside netting from an impossible angle at 36 minutes to help solve the Grens in their own end when it appeared a handful of corners and deep throws were not going to lead to any action on the scoreboard.
Just after the break, the Knights began to play more frequently through their midfield, and with quick switches and ball movement, their confidence began to build with each possession instead the Grens' end.
"There's a lot more purpose in our attack this season, especially from the middle, and this year we've got guys who can get inside, and aggressively want to score or shoot," said Knights coach Kurt Trenkle.
While the Grens were unable to find their strike-force up top, the visitors did. And as the hour mark approached, the Knights exploded for two quick strikes.
Lenke was fouled inside the box on a run and carry, and Ruta calmly converted his spot kick. Then, seven minutes later, the sophomore was sent through on the left side with a superb ball from Sam Slusher and it suddenly became 3-0.
Steve Pruim cut into the lead in the 73rd minute, but try as they might, the Grens' Cesar Rodriguez, Leif Lundgren and Jon Pachar could not manifacture much of anything against Mataloni and his backline mates Victor LaPorte and Mike Eggert.
Brayhan Nunez thumped in the Knights' fourth and final goal of the night from the back post on Ray LaTourette's service from the near flag.
"We were very anxious to play a tough MSL opponent to see how we measure up after a couple of easier matches last week," said Trenkle, "and tonight we did well all the way around."