Boys soccer: Streamwood falls to Glenbrook North
With the likes of Schaumburg, Lyons Township, St. Charles East and tourney host New Trier on the sidelines watching an unexpected final between Streamwood and Glenbrook North it was the most unlikely of all who would lift the championship trophy Friday night at the Northside College Showcase.
At the final whistle, it was head coach Paul Vignocchi who would make his way into the center circle to applaud his club from Glenbrook North (5-1-0) after its hard-fought 2-1 victory over Streamwood at New Trier Stadium in Northfield.
Junior Ryan Golde would find the game-winner in the 56th minute, and his teammates would defend its lead with all it might for the next 24 minutes to secure the big trophy in the Spartans' first trip to this high-profile boys soccer event.
"The effort was right up there, and they guys turned in 80 hard minutes, but there was enough of a drop-off after our strong start that allowed (GBN) to get back even, then take the lead with some terrific soccer of their own," said Streamwood head coach Matt Polovin.
"We came out and played our game which this week has been possession, quick movement and touches, and getting everyone involved, but somewhere along the way we got out of sync (and) obviously they had something to do with that also."
The Sabres (4-2-0) easily found, and played through Edwin Rueda in the middle of the park during the first quarter hour, putting the Spartans under pressure, and defending far more than they would have liked.
Just moments after being brought on by Polovin, sophomore Alex Herrera would immediately make his presence felt when he strode into the box unmarked and steered in his closer range attempt finishing a wonderful helper from teammate Donnie Sosa at 20 minutes.
"We played so well leading up to that goal, and after that, I don't know what happened to us," admitted Sabres captain Aaron Villegas.
What may have happened was the Sabres inability to defend GBN set pieces, most notably, several corners, plus the Spartans improvement at winning first and second balls, with some relentless tackling along the back, and in the middle.
A well-paced cross field serve from Jackson Grabill to Kamil Barabes created the fifth corner of the first period for the Spartans, and when the Sabres cleared the first corner into the box it led to another in which they took full advantage of when Tommy Arner elevated to thump his header just under the bar to equalize in the 38th minute.
Sophomore keeper Daniel Dominguez made a brilliant point-blank save on Barabas, who was put through by Shail Modi to keep things level but moments later, the first-year starter came off his line one second too late allowing Golde to touch past and around the varsity rookie before guiding the game-winner past the diving Sabre, who correctly came out in anticipation of meeting Mason Rose' long ball over the top.
"I thought we responded well after the first goal, but that second really took a lot out of us," said Villegas.