Boys soccer: Libertyville rallies twice to defeat Mundelein
A heavy rainstorm struck Chic Anderson Stadium just before Saturday's regional final in Palatine.
But the slick conditions did not stop No. 1 Libertyville from advancing to its own sectional.
The Wildcats (15-2-3) came back twice to defeat No. 8 Mundelein 5-2 and will meet Mid-Suburban League champion Fremd at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at their home park.
"Each time we go out we expect the best from our opponent, and today was not any different," Libertyville coach Kevin Thunholm said. " For us to stay composed both times after falling behind (before) coming out to play a strong second half to get the win says a lot about this team. I have a lot of respect for (coach) Ernie (Billittier) and his team over at Mundelein. They gave us a great game the first time we played them (and) again today, so we're just happy to get out of here in these conditions with a win to move on."
After a strong opening in the contest, the Mustangs drew first blood when Camden Kowalski steered in the first of his two on the day with a sublime finish from 30 yards.
Libertyville senior Jacopo Franciosi equalized four minutes later in the 22nd minute after Mickey Reilly created his opportunity with a strong tackle and win. Reilly then sent a to the back post, where Franciosi finished.
The Franciosi goal opened up play for both sides, as action went full tilt, despite a fierce east wind whipping through the stadium, along with nonstop rain.
Darren Gray went close for the Mustangs in the 26th minute. Franciosi did as well for the NSC champs shortly thereafter.
Kowalski's double came much too easy after Gray kept a Matt Whelan free kick alive in the box three minutes before the intermission.
The numerical advantage lasted not long, however, as Reilly converted a penalty kick just before the break to level an evenly played 40 minutes.
"We got the start we wanted, took back our advantage, but that late PK was tough," Billittier said. "I feel like I didn't give my guys what they needed in order to give them the best chance to compete in this game."
Patrick Graham's wonder goal in the 53rd minute sent the Wildcats' faithful into orbit. From there, things went from back to worse when Reilly added another to the score line after Nick Underwood and Franciosi created his second goal of the match.
"Even when we gave up those two goals, we continued to play hard," Graham said. "When Mickey got us back even, it was a 0-0 game again. From there, we took control after the break and never stopped."
Mustangs keeper Danny Dominguez kept his club in contention throughout with a handful of quality saves. But the senior lost control of a looping ball on the wet turf, giving Jack Brennan the chance to close out the scoring for the Wildcats in the 67th minute.
Ivan Montiel pulled one back for Mundelein nine minutes later.
"We played so hard for 80 minutes, so we can leave knowing we did so," Billittier said. "That's something to be very proud of."