Boys soccer: Barrington, Hesselbein turn away Conant

Barrington's Daniel Hesselbein was the standout performer when his club needed him most Tuesday night.

The Broncos' senior goalkeeper made a string of brilliant saves that denied visiting Conant a chance to get even, making Aidan Lew's second-minute goal enough to give the home side a hard-fought 1-0 Mid-Suburban League boys soccer victory at Barrington Community Stadium.

"Daniel made some sensational saves for us tonight when Conant was all over us, trying to get level to help us get a good result, and three points," said Broncos coach Scott Steib after his club survived a nervous second half.

"We conceded that early goal, and kind of struggled for the next 15 minutes or so, but we adjusted well and played really well for the next 65 minutes but just couldn't find that last ball to get back even," said Conant coach Jason Franco.

The Broncos (4-1-0) were off and running after Lew would unload an sensational flying half-volley early on to stun the visiting Cougars (4-4-0). Barrington nearly doubled its advantage with two quality chances shortly thereafter when Jo Cidulka hit the bar from in close and Kyle Horak went wide of an open net.

"We had a great start and played with a lot of energy and much better communication, but Conant has some very good players, and we, at times, looked rusty and not very sharp after being off for nearly 12 days," admitted Hesselbein.

Just before the intermission, the Cougars would enjoy much of the play with Ted Jang, Adrian Panocka, Griffin Ryan and Carson Belcher key men in the visitor's attack.

Hesslebein was at his best on a wicked drive off the foot of Belcher in the 54th minute and again on a 25-yard free kick by Jang minutes later.

Jang put Belcher through in the 75th minute but once again, Hesselbein saved the close-range effort from the Cougars' sophomore.

"Conant knew how important it was to come in here and get three points, and they played really well," said Steib.

"We gave the ball away far too much tonight but with the help of Daniel, and some quality defending, we were able to get our second 1-0 victory over a MSL West opponent, the other being Fremd."

The Broncos welcome Rolling Meadows Thursday evening, while the Cougars are on the road at Prospect April 6.