Hawks edge Sabres in UEC opener

The Streamwood Sabres and the Bartlett Hawks boys soccer teams clashed Wednesday night in the first Upstate Eight Conference action of the season at Millennium Field.

"First day of school, first game of the season, and the conference opener," said Sabres coach Matt Polovin of the game. "If you can't get up for this one, there's a problem."

Polovin's team didn't disappoint as the Sabres came out of the gates ready for action in their typical, "stick your nose in theirs style," by applying tremendous pressure and running all over the field.

The Hawks (2-0, 1-0) however were ready and equal to the task, thus making for a very physical night on the whole.

Ultimately, that approach helped the Hawks preserve and secure a 1-0 victory.

The first half saw plenty of contact between the two teams which resulted in three time stoppages due to players being down for Streamwood.

The only goal scored came with 7:35 left in the half when the Hawks' Doug Digiovanni centered a pass from the right side of the field and found Garret Dini, who shot it in from about 30 yards out.

The frantic pace continued in the second half but at times seemed to work against the Sabres, who couldn't seem to connect on their passes when threatening inside the Hawks zone.

Eleazar Jimenez, who led the Sabres with 5 shots, had 2 shots defended perfectly by Bartlett goal keeper Vince DiNuzzo (9 saves) that could have tied the contest up.

"I was tested tonight," said DiNuzzo. "Streamwood is a good team with fast forwards but our defense has been working hard in practice and this shutout is a credit to them."

Bartlett coach Stephen Buchs gave a bit more credit to his humble goalkeeper.

"You never want your keeper to get tested in any game, but when he is you want him to step up and Vince did that for us tonight," Buchs said.