Boys soccer: Wheeling storms past Mundelein
It's been an unusual start to the boys soccer season for Wheeling.
One week ago the Wildcats played 31 minutes of high-energy, fast-paced soccer in its opener at home against New Trier - only to have the night end abruptly due to lightning and heavy rains.
Four days later, coach Kevin Lennon's team conceded 4 first-half goals to Mid-Suburban East rival Buffalo Grove before nearly overcoming the big deficit in a 4-3 defeat.
And on Tuesday in the 33rd annual Jim Wolter Titan Invitational, fortune finally turned in favor of Wheeling (1-1-0), as the Wildcats got ahead 2-0 over Mundelein before inclement weather ended the contest with 25 minutes remaining.
With nearly an hour of play in the books, the game was official and the Wildcats were off to a nice start in the tourney hosted by Glenbrook South.
"We still have a long way to go," said Lennon, whose team will continue tournament play Wednesday against UIC College Prep in Glenview at 4:15 p.m. "While it's true we have several first-time varsity players, we're still not playing anywhere near the level I figured we would be at, (so) the hope is with four games this week, we'll begin to find ourselves."
Lennon felt his side was given a gift when the referee awarded the Wildcats a penalty kick at just seven minutes, an opportunity that Jesus Avila took full advantage when he buried his spot kick.
"We were lucky (that) didn't warrant us receiving a PK," admitted Lennon, to which is coaching counterpart, Ernie Billittier quickly agreed, adding, "I'll be anxious to see that play on film, because obviously we didn't like that call at all."
The Mustangs' man in charge had to be pleased with the way his team played for most of the match. Mundelein (0-1-1) enjoyed plenty of the play throughout, while creating more chances than the Wildcats, who would leaned on outstanding center-back Avila and sophomore keeper Elio Santana, who made a handful of fine saves.
Armando Rosiles and Darren Gray forced Santana into action in the 13th minute, and later the young keeper was up to the task when a long, well-struck free kick by Alex Fedorets flew directly into the box with great pace.
With the skies darkening, the lights were turned on earlier than expected at John Davis Stadium as the first period neared its end.
Once into the second half, the Wildcats produced their second goal of the day when Luis Aviles roared up the right side, played a terrific ball across and into the box were Dominik Brzostowski finished with authority and accuracy.
"A great goal for us, with Luis making it all happen with his run and carry up the side," said Lennon.
Rosiles, Alexis Martinez, Camden Kowalski and Bryan Alba did their best to pull one back for the Mustangs, but the weather warning sounded and ended the match.
"We would have liked to have waited it out for awhile to try and play a full soccer game, but the tournament officials thought otherwise (wanting) to try to get all four games in today," said Billittier.
Mundelein continues pool play today against St. Patrick, winners on Tuesday over UIC College Prep, 3-0.