Stevenson shuts out Libertyville

Libertyville's boys soccer team showed why it is regarded as one of the top teams in state by finishing with 16 shots on goal while its defense allowed only 6.

But only host Stevenson actually put the ball in the goal in a 2-0 victory over the Wildcats in a North Suburban Lake match in Vernon Hills on Saturday.

Libertyville (14-2-1, 3-1) suffered its first conference loss of the season

"We just couldn't get the job done," Wildcats coach Andy Bitta said. "We had many opportunities with the ball right in front of the goal but just couldn't finish today."

Stevenson improved to 8-4-3 overall and 2-1-1 in the NSC Lake.

"First of all, whenever Libertyville and Stevenson get together, it's going to be a battle," Stevenson coach Mark Schartner said. "I am proud that our team was able to stay focused on the game all day. We kept our positions and we played very intelligent today.

"Libertyville is one of the top teams in the state and is the No. 1 seed in our sectional," Schartner said. "But our team doesn't feel this was an upset because we feel we can hold our own against anyone, and today they showed it."

Both goalies were outstanding as Stevenson's Qeontin Low finished with 9 saves and Libertyville's Andrew Bitta had 4.

After a scoreless first half, Stevenson's Ryan Crane took a pass from teammate Todd Kovin and put the ball in the far left side of the goal with 21 minutes left in the second half.

"Our team doesn't feel that this was an upset because we've beaten higher-ranked teams than us all all season," said Crane, who scored his fourth goal of the season. "We supported each other as a team and we comunicated well all during the game."

Late in the second half, it was Kovin's turn as he took a pass from Peter Gambino in front of the goal.

"Andrew played a great game for us today," Andy Bitta said. " Except for the 2 goals, he showed great composure out there today."

Late in the second half, Libertville missed several opportunities to score.

"We need to learn how to finish consistently," Andy Bitta said. "We put five different players up front to see if they could score, but they didn't."