Boys soccer: Libertyville will play for the crown
Earlier in the week, Libertyville had to wait 90 minutes before getting on the field for the Barrington supersectional, all because of lightning. On Friday night, the Wildcats waited an extra two-and-a-half hours before getting started in the Class 3A state boys soccer semifinal at Hoffman Estates.
The start time was pushed back because the two Class 2A semifinals and the other 3A semifinal all went to overtimes and penalty kicks.
Michigan-bound Evan Rasmussen broke a scoreless tie with his 34th goal of the season in the 43rd minute with a low shot inside the post, and one goal was all Libertyville needed. The Wildcats pulled out a 1-0 shutout over Collinsville to improve to 22-0 and earn a trip back to the championship game for a second straight year.
"We were watching them come together after sitting around for eight hours," Libertyville coach Kevin Thunholm said of his players. "We focused on trust and support for each other. It's unbelievable. We've been working on this since November fifth last year. Walking off this field, we had one thing in mind - to get back to this game. These guys are ready, focused and super-pumped."
Jack VanDixhorn set Rasmussen up with the pass.
"I made a run to the outside and Jack played a great ball to my feet," Rasmussen said. "I faked to the left and came back to my right, creating a little bit of space. I figured the back post would be open, and that's where I shot it."
Collinsville (18-6-2) had one last opportunity in the final minute on a free kick just outside the box up top. Luke Liljegren had a head flick to teammate Sam Huster, who headed the ball toward the goal, but Libertyville keeper Zach El Ghatit (8 saves) jumped in the air for the stop.
Libertyville came out and applied pressure early in the first half. Rasmussen hit a short-range shot on goal and was denied by Kahoks keeper Tate Wyatt in the fourth minute. The Wildcats kept pressure on Collinsville throughout the rest of the first half, as they were able to get a number of shots on goal. Wyatt was ready each time, making 6 saves.
Collinsville weathered the first-half storm, as it had limited opportunities on the other side of the field. The Kahoks' best chance came off a corner kick. Ethan Wilhold connected with a header that El Ghatit stabbed.
The Wildcats will face two-time defending champion Naperville North (25-0) in Saturday's 7 p.m. title game. The Huskies defeated Lake Park 1-0 in PKs on Friday. Naperville North defeated Libertyville in last year's title game.