Boys soccer: Stevenson, Rolling Medaows play to a draw
Stevenson's boys soccer team played to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Rolling Meadows Wednesday afternoon at John Davis Stadium in Glenview in the Patriots' second game of group play at the 34th annual Jim Wolter Titan Invitational.
The Patriots at times dominated the action and had chances on Rolling Meadows keeper Matt Galvan and his back line teammates, but as Stevenson coach Mark Schartner has seen during his 32 years, this is the way the game goes at times.
"You can have twice as many, if not more chances than your opponent in soccer, but sometimes you just cannot find the back of the net and you get a result like this one today," said Schartner, who although disappointed with the draw was not with the effort of his team.
"We played a wonderful game, so much better than our tournament opener (Tuesday)," he said.
"It was good old Stevenson soccer today - great team defense, led by a strong effort from our back line with plenty of pressure and chances, so that was something positive to take from this game."
The 3 points earned plus another for their 1 goal gives the Patriots 7 points in the Gold Division, 3 less than Glenbard West, while Rolling Meadows stands in fourth with 4 points.
Class 3A state power St. Patrick has already booked its place in Saturday's final after defeating Glenbard West 3-1 on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, St. Patrick beat up on coach Brett Olson's club from Rolling Meadows 5-0 but Olson, just as his coaching counterpart, was pleased with what he saw from his team as well.
"Pat's is a very good team and they beat us in all facets of the game and even though Stevenson had most of the play today, I saw plenty of bright spots all over the park, which is something we'll build on going forward starting with our next game here (Thursday) with Glenbard West."
Galvan was kept busy all throughout this sunny, but cool fall day stopping several quality chances in and around his six-yard box, including a handful of dangerous attempts from the trio of Camron Mahdavian, Rei Kubota, and Anthony Skordilis, who combined for the Patriots' (2-1-1) lone goal of the day.
"Camron, Rei and Anthony were very good today and for Anthony, who had three assists (Tuesday) in our (4-3) loss to Mundelein, today's assist gives him seven on the year," said Schartner.
Mahdavian's clinical finish after his teammates provided the inspiration for his 23rd minute strike gave the Patriots the advantage until moments before the intermission.
That's when Ryan Stubitsch drove his long range free kick from just inside the midline into the Patriots' box and, unfortunately for Meadows, off a Pats' defender and into the back of the net.
"We've been working in training to have the guys drive those 35-45 yard free kicks into the box with the hope of something happening good for Ryan for doing exactly what we've been practicing," Olson said with a smile.
"We received some excellent work off the bench today from guys like Arnulfo Mora and Luis Marquez and having Matt (Galvan) back in our first eleven was huge for us as well," said Olson.