Boys soccer: Glenbrook North powers up, sinks Palatine
State-ranked Glenbrook North looked in midseason form during a 5-0 victory over Palatine's boys soccer team Tuesday night at William Lutz Stadium in Northbrook.
The Spartans enjoyed an exceptional night of attacking soccer in this season opener for both clubs, creating multiple opportunities against an inexperienced Pirates club that struggled at times to keep Glenbrook North's dynamic duo of Sahil Modi and Deng Deng Kur under control.
"(Glenbrook North) was big, fast and quick on the ball, and we found out tonight against a very good side that we've got some work to do," said Palatine coach Willie Filian.
"The effort was good all night long," said Palatine senior Conor McGarvey, whose work rate was outstanding as he ran all over the park for his club. "But with so many of our guys playing in their first varsity game of their career, the speed of the game gave us a lot of trouble."
"Conor is one of three starters back from last year, and he gave us the type of effort that we knew he would, and will, this season," said Filian.
Likewise, Modi and Kur showed why they will be considered all-state candidates come early November as they along with Matt Metzger helped establish the hosts' attack. Glenbrook North produced several well-organized counters, in addition to quality play through the middle.
"We have the chance to be a better club going forward than last year's team, but it's important that we stay healthy," said Modi, who was injured during the Spartans' heartbreaking sectional final loss to Evanston last season.
The aforementioned trio had a hand in four of the Spartans' goals, beginning with Metzger in the ninth minute and followed by Kur, who doubled the advantage at 34 minutes after his finish of a marvelous helper by Sam Heydt.
The man-of-the-match for the Pirates was Ethan Bank, who turned away three great chances for Glenbrook North in the first half with brilliant saves, his two best coming early against Modi at point-blank range, and another when Alex Kahn got in close against the senior.
There was more energy and purpose in the Pirates' game after the intermission, with a chance coming from Luke Garrett, and another from Sebastien Fraczek on a long free kick attempt. But soon thereafter, Max Marquez put things out of reach with the Spartans' third goal at 55 minutes.
Modi and Marquez each scored for Glenbrook North to complete the scoring.
Palatine will play Prospect this Friday in the MSL College Showcase at Celtic Park in Palatine, while Glenbrook North hosts Foreman of the Chicago Public League on Thursday evening.
Niles West 2, Rolling Meadows 1: The Mustangs got a goal from Sergio Herrera with an assist from Michael Taskin's corner kick in the second half but came up short in a nonconference matchup with Niles West.
Lake Zurich 1, St. Viator 0: A goal from Barrett Hindman in the 78th minute helped the host Bears win at home in nonconference play.