Elk Grove's Cup runneth over
Elk Grove put the finishing touches on its first-ever boys soccer divisional title with a 3-0 victory at Hoffman Estates to close out the regular season in the Mid-Suburban League.
The Grens (12-4-0, 8-3-0-24) now await their opponent in next week's MSL Soccer Cup on their home pitch. Exactly whom it shall be will be decided tonight as Fremd travels to Hersey. A Vikings win would mean Fremd plays at Elk Grove; a Vikings loss means Barrington would represent the West.
“When I look at the list on the MSL website and see all the great teams over the years which have competed in the annual MSL Cup championship match, and knowing that next week we will have a chance to play for a conference title, and that we will finally have our name on that list, all I can say is that I am really proud of this team, said Elk Grove coach Joe Bush, whose team clinched on Tuesday with a 3-1 victory over Palatine.
“When I took over for Tony (Romano) six years ago, I was the fifth head coach in eight years, but I was fortunate that Tony had begun to pull this program together after so many dreadful seasons, continued Bush. “We have worked hard to have the same coaching staff in place at all levels, and, now, when kids get to the varsity level, they are all on the same page. So now we can concentrate on the tactical side of things and do some real coaching with the players, and this year we've finally seen the fruits of our labor.
Thursday's match was an exciting one to watch, with plenty of high-powered attacks from both sides, terrific scoring chances, and some air-tight defense from the visiting Grens. That didn't go unnoticed by Hawks coach Matt Sriver, who in his last two matches has seen both Fremd and Elk Grove.
“One thing you notice about Elk Grove is how hard they work, and how well they defend along the back, and as a team, Sriver said. “They have terrific speed up top and know how to play the game through the middle, but it's their play in the back which really impressed me, and one of the reasons that I feel they have a chance to win next week against the MSL West representative.
“This team takes a lot of pride in its work rate and effort, echoed both
Nick Jordan and Rafal Borys, who wear the captains armbands along with Ernesto Rodriguez, had a hand in the scoring.
Borys broke through near the 6 to head a corner from Jordan just three minutes into the match. Hoffman Estates (4-9-2, 2-7-2) fought back and enjoyed the run of play for the next 20 minutes, creating several good opportunities but failing to score.
“We might have scored the first goal of the game, but (Hoffman) is a very good team going forward, and with their first touch and possession, and not a 4-win team, that's for sure, said Bush. “For us, it's all about working hard for 80 minutes. We have all seen how hard Palatine always works and plays under Willie (Fliian), and it's something I've always wanted our teams to do. This year we've seen that happen for us, and I really believe it is has been the difference for this team.
Cesar Rodriguez doubled the Grens' lead at 57 minutes with a missile off the glove of keeper Michael Gordon after Ben Stram gave his teammate a superb ball through the center to help set him up.
Ernesto Rodriguez finished the scoring with his sixth goal of the year at 74 minutes.
“This is a great group of guys who are fun to play with and to be around, and that includes our coach, who has been right there with us all along, said Rodriguez.
“It's been a wonderful couple of days for all of us, added Jordan. “The school and our friends are all behind us, as well as the staff, who are just as excited, and it's great to know that we will have the chance to play in front of all of them at our place next week, for the first time ever for our program.
Bush said the joy has spilled over to former players and coaches especially Romano, who resides in Colorado, but also former alum and coach Tony Kees, who put together a Hall of Fame career at Conant, before moving on to take over the reins at Neuqua Valley last season.
“Tony was incredibly happy for us, and called us after hearing that we clinched on Tuesday, before seeing him later on that night for a late dinner, said Bush.
“I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to hear that Elk Grove finally made it to the Soccer Cup, and to become the final team in the league to do so, Kees said via phone late Tuesday. “Joe runs a class program, and kids like Jordan, Stram and the Ginter brothers (Mike and Matt) who play for my Arsenal club during the off-season are great kids, so I am very happy for them as well.