Boys soccer: Crystal Lake South downs Mundelein

The last time the Crystal Lake South boys soccer team stepped on a field was 16 months ago. That was when the Gators lost in the Class 2A state championship game to Benet Academy.

With the 2020 fall season pushed to spring because of COVID-19, it was worth the wait and the anticipation of playing soccer once again.

Crystal Lake South was down a couple of goals and scored 6 unanswered goals for a 6-2 road victory over Mundelein in a nonconference matchup on Thursday night.

"Just to see the players smiling and to have fun," Crystal Lake South coach Brian Allen said. "Just to go out and play and see what happens. They fell behind and got a little bit frustrated. Being happy to play eased the pressure. We just had to score and get back into it."

Allen has a way of dealing with the pandemic issues with his players as he's an AP psychology teacher at the school.

"They just have to go out and remember what it was like," Allen said. "Just remember it's a growth process. We may not be as sharp and clean every day. As long as they are smiling and having fun playing for one another, they can use the tool for life. That's what we want for the catalyst for adversity for the unexpected stuff. Soccer can be a tool for that."

The Gators' Tom Coughlin led the comeback with a penalty kick and another tally four minutes apart late in the first half.

"Obviously, it's very enjoyable being back on the field," Coughlin said. "I've played with half of these guys all my life. After COVID and everything, about a month ago, we didn't know if we would have a season. So, we're really excited to get back out there and hopefully get some results."

Michal Dejworek scored 2 goals for the Gators, while Devin Tinajero and Tomasz Slawek had the others.

Mundelein started out with 2 goals four minutes apart in the middle of the first half. Cole Pauly scored from a John Chambers assist. Then, Pauly assisted on a Jacob Bonillia goal.

"Great to be back and fortunate enough to get on the field the first day," Mundelein coach Sabastian Falinski said. "It's just nice to have the kids out to do something that they enjoy.

"This game wasn't what we expected. I thought the guys were excited and a bit nervous. It's been a while to play. We do have some digging deep to do."