Boys soccer: An all-around successful night for Hersey

The Hersey frontline trio of Patryk Bujak, Major Hassan and Eddie Marin continued its sparkling play for new coach Michael Rusniak by having a hand in all 3 goals Tuesday night at Roland Goins Stadium.

Hassan's double on either side of both halves, Bujak's strike near the hour and a pair of helpers from Marin helped the Huskies (2-0-2, 2-0-1) earn 3 more points in the Mid-Suburban League boys soccer standings with a 3-0 victory over visiting Hoffman Estates.

"We've tried a couple of different looks here in the early going, but it's almost always been three up top in our 4-3-3 formation, and those three have been very consistent, dangerous and able to give us a lot because of their hard work," said Rusniak. "Hard work from everyone on this roster, plus confidence in themselves and each other, have helped us get out to a good start so far - in addition to some great senior leadership from our two captains, Nick Clarizio and Trey Schmidt."

The comprehensive effort from the Huskies' back line impressed Rusniak on this humid night in Arlington Heights. Hersey's defenders stayed in alignment during the opening period, when the Hawks (2-5-0, 1-1-0) played their best soccer of the night.

"I thought we were at our best in the first half, especially in the midfield where we possessed and move the ball around really well, but I really believe we ran out of gas in the second half, especially after they scored their first of two goals," said Hoffman Estates coach Sean Armstrong.

The Hawks' new man in charge saw his men enjoy most of the possesson in the first quarter hour, most of it going through Georgi Kyosev, Alex Soto, Edson Orantes and Alex Gonzalez.

Hassan, a newcomer to Hersey's varsity team, has tremendous speed and pace, and the senior showcased it on the first goal by finishing a picture-perfect counter.

Kostadin Stoyanov initiated the sequence with a well-aimed ball to Marin on the right side, and in a matter of seconds the Hassan drove in his close-range shot just under the bar.

"Major adds a lot to our attack, and Patryk is a big, strong forward," Marin said. "Together, all three of us balance each other out to help our offense create chances and opportunities."

The Hawks struggled after the intermission to find their possession game and to have a hold on the ball long enough to get out of their own end.

Some of that was due to the pressure put on by the Huskies' midfielders, as Ronan Wilcos and Schmidt, as well as the rugged play of back-liners Nicholas Bell, Jacob Tolwinski, Thomas Steger and Cade Milligan.

"Those guys win balls, tackle and make it difficult for our opponents to get in on us," said Rusniak.

While Hersey's defenders were busy securing a fourth shutout in as many games, Bujak and Hassan added to Hersey's lead.

Hassan sent Rujak through in the 62nd minute, Marin helping set free Hassan five minutes from time.

Alex Gonzalez tested Clarizio, and so did Jose Favela. But that was about all the visitors could piece together.

"We did a lot of good things tonight to build from, but we obviously are still a work in progress and we will continue to make a few adjustments and learn a few things about us after a very busy week of soccer is over this weekend," Armstrong said.

The Hawks' rugged schedule continues with Wheeling and Elgin to finish off the weekday, followed by its PepsiCo Showdown opener this Saturday against reigning 2A state champion Solorio from the Chicago Public League.

Hersey will enjoy a week off before going on the road to Elk Grove next Tuesday.