Boys soccer: Leyden takes charge, stops Niles North
Leyden's boys soccer team booked its spot in a Class 3A sectional final with a win against Niles North on Tuesday that was far more decisive than the 2-0 score suggests.
Goals from Esteban Hernandez and Albert Arabik, plus a stunning display of attacking soccer, especially in the second half in a driving rain, was too much for the Vikings (10-7-7) in semifinal play at Glenbrook North.
The No. 6-seeded Eagles (16-5-2) will meet No. 1 seed Evanston (20-1-3) in Saturday's sectional final after the Wildkits earlier defeated tourney host Glenbrook North 2-1.
"Except for finishing a few more of the chances we created, I can say it was an excellent night from start to finish to get ourselves into the final this weekend," said Ledyen coach Mark Valintis, whose club will vie for its first sectional title since 2011.
"We lost to the better team tonight," said Niles North coach Filip Cejovic, who at one point this fall had a time that was 4-6-7 before his Vikings hits their stride and reeled off seven consecutive victories, the last coming in the regional final over No. 2 seed Maine South in PK's. "Nos. 9 (Arabik) and No. 7 (Angel Lopez) were exceptional players, and their entire team was far more technical than we anticipated, and the way they defended never allowed us to get into our game at all."
The tactical approach Cejovic and his staff took placed an emphasis on high energy, with plenty of encouragement on every challenge from the coaching staff as Niles North looked to counterattack.
"We knew they would sit in and look to counter, so that's why that first goal was so important - because it made them chase the lead while we played quick, possessed the ball, and forced them to defend, instead of attack," said Leyden back-line standout Cesar Franco.
Salvador Salgado, Christian Rubio, Damian Kosakowski and Franco did their part in keeping Niles North far away from keeper Alfredo Recendez, who registered his 10th shutout of the season.
Arabik had a hand in the opening goal at 24 minutes along with Luis Gonzalez who had some cooperated with Rubio to help create the final touch by Esteban Hernandez at the back post for a one-timer.
Despite the increased rain and wind that welcomed both clubs after the half, Leyden seemed less affected by the elements. The Eagles began to build up a head of steam with Lopez, Arabik, Gonzalez, Hernandez playing with terrific pace and speed. And soon enough, the advantage was doubled.
Vikings keeper Zac Sward turned away a wicked cracker from Gonzalez. But in doing so, he conceded a rebound near the 6-yard box, and Arabik thumped it into the back of the net with a fierce header.
"This is a team with great chemistry, and one that is playing its best soccer right now," said Arabic, who's scored a team-high 18 goals. "It showed with the way we opened the second half and never let up until the game was over."
The Eagles came close to adding another goal or two, with Lopez and sophomore Francisco Toral both threatening. But Niles North wasn't able to put Leyden under much pressure the rest of the way.
"The focus was there from the very start, and the rain and terrible conditions never seemed to be an issue for the guys tonight," said Valintis.