Wheeling wins third straight Titan title

Wheeling wrote a nice new chapter for its boys soccer program history book Saturday afternoon with a 2-0 victory over Mundelein to earn the Wildcats a third straight Titan Invite title.

This annual tournament played at John Davis Stadium in Glenview has seen only three other clubs win three straight during its 30 years of existence, with Fremd (1989-1991) and, more recently, St. Viator (2007-2009) accomplishing the feat.

"It feels great to win here for the third straight year, it's been a good week for us, and it could not have been a better start for us today," said Wheeling coach Ed Uhrik.

Trouble came quickly for Mundelein coach Ernie Billittier's team, which was unable to contain the Wildcats (6-0-1) early on.

"It was not the start we wanted to have," said Billittier, who still was thrilled about having Mundelein soccer appear in the title matchup for the first time. "We did not have an answer for whatever they were doing in the first 20 minutes, and to honest, it could have been 3, or 4-0 if they didn't hit the post and bar on two separate occasions.

"It was a tough thing to watch for awhile, but I felt we got back into the game, played a much better last half of the first half, and had the run of play for most of the second half."

There was certainly plenty in the first quarter-hour to encourage the Wildcats fans, including a sensational first goal from Dennis Gavrilla, who finished from a nearly impossible angle in the eighth minute.

Just moments before, Gavrilla's running-mate up top, Nick Janulis, dented the bar from the spot just after Josh Prindle hit the post following a Wheeling corner.

The culmination of a terrific first quarter-hour was highlighted by Janulis, who buried his close-range strike with the help of Vicente Castro.

Gavrilla nearly scored another against the Mustangs (4-1-1) in the 24th minute, but Billittier's team stayed within 2 goals entering the break.

"They (Wheeling) play a tough style to defend, and we certainly had trouble in the early going," said Billittier, "but I like the way we came back in that second half to play some quality soccer, while creating a few chances."

Mundelein's backline of Elliot Sachnoff, Jake Fiolka, Danny Ford and Victor Casas allowed fewer chances in the second half.

But Wheeling wasn't giving up much, either.

"We were probably a little too emotionally charged at the start because it was our first appearance in a final here, and Wheeling took advantage of us," said Billittier. "But I am still very proud of our week here, and what the guys accomplished to get into this match."

"We learned a lot at this tournament, and in particular how to play some gritty, scrappy soccer in order to win games - because we

will need to in the MSL this season," said Uhrik.