Boys soccer: Warren downs Hersey to move on

Warren goalkeeper Nicholas Diana swatted away any chances of a Hersey victory Tuesday night in Rolling Meadows.

The junior put on a clinic in goal, especially in the second half. as the Blue Devils defeated the Huskies 2-0 in the Class 3A regional semifinal.

Hersey had numerous quality chances in the final 40 minutes but Diana was up to the task, making some big saves in the victory that sends the Devils to Friday's 5 p.m. championship game against Round Lake.

“We're just out there battling, grinding, trying to get a win,” said Diana, who gave props to Warren defenders Max Floriani, Nolan Ehlers and Alex Senko.

“I love those guys,” said Diana, “out there winning those head balls. If it wasn't for the great play of my defense there would have been so many more shots on goal.”

Noe Martinez scored in the first 40 minutes as the Blue Devils led 1-0 at the half.

Then junior forward Ishaan Shah put Warren up by two goals early in the second half off a corner kick.

“My teammate Sebastian Rodriguez sent a nice ball in from the corner, I was in the right spot and put it in with my head,” Shah said. “This win means a lot, especially after last season. “We want to come out and have a nice postseason run.”

Hersey had a great chance with under 10 minutes remaining when David Nadborski split defenders and fed Eric Worwa, but the junior's shot sailed just over the crossbar.

Diana then made a terrific save in the final minute of the game, leaping high in the air and batting a way a Huskies shot that was headed for the right corner of the goal.

“To have our guys finish strong and lay it all on the line, that's as much as a coach can ask for,” said Hersey coach Michael Rusniak. “They've been out to prove something this whole season and it makes me really proud that despite the two-goal deficit they didn't pack it in and say 'this game's over.'”