Libertyville trims Fenwick

Playing on grass is something Libertyville's boys soccer team isn't accustomed to these days.

The Wildcats opened the PepsiCo Showdown on natural grass Saturday and put forth a strong effort. Luke Sanderson knocked in a rebound for the only goal, as Libertyville got by stingy Fenwick 1-0 at the Lyons Soccer Complex.

Sixth-seeded Libertyville (3-1, 1-0) will host Solorio Academy in the Round of 16 at Libertyville on Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. Solorio was one of seven unseeded teams that pulled off upsets, as it captured a 2-0 victory over No. 11 Metea Valley.

"We practice on grass, but playing a game and practicing are two different things," said Libertyville coach Andy Bitta, whose team plays on artificial turf in its stadium. "If we played (Fenwick) on turf, we would have beaten them a lot worse. I'm just glad to get out of here with a victory and stay on the winner's side."

The Wildcats had the better of the possession and chances on goal, but Fenwick keeper Pat Daly kept his team in the game with 14 saves.

"I thought their keeper was an outstanding player," Bitta said. "I thought we played well, but as I thought we would. Maybe the grass had something to do with it."

Libertyville scored in the 23rd minute. Ryan Wittenbrink sent a shot on goal that Daly got hands on it. But the ball bounced to Sanderson, who directed it into the back of the net for his first goal of the season.

"I was just following Ryan," Sanderson said. "I just saw the ball pop back to me. I really didn't think about it. It was tough because I didn't have that much of an angle. It was more like a deflection. I really didn't have time to square it up."

Fenwick (1-3) had its chances at tying the score, but the Friars couldn't get many good looks at the goal. Libertyville keepers Brant Kim (4 saves) and Thomas Pearson (4 saves) combined for the clean sheet.

"We knew that (Libertyville) was the bigger team," Fenwick coach Robert Watson said. "We tip our hats to them. They have wonderful players. We had just as many chances as they did and possession. I thought it was an even game."