IHSA state tournament
Class 3A preview
Barrington (22-3-1)
The Broncos march into the Final Four might have been inspired by its very first soccer match of the year. So says manager Scott Steib, who looked back to a 4-2 loss to Niles West as perhaps the turning point in what has turned into one of the most memorable campaigns in program history.
"I know it's kind of strange to think that (your) first game, instead of one in middle or tail-end of a season, is the one that actually turns things around for you," recounted Steib. "But I told the guys afterwards (we) experienced a high and a low against Niles West, and none us liked how we felt when we were low, but we can change that.
"We did immediately with a quality 3-0 win against Buffalo Grove next time out, and we have improved each time after that."
The clean-sheet against Buffalo Grove signaled the start of what would be an undefeated season in the Mid-Suburban League and a spot in the 40th MSL Soccer Cup against Wheeling, which was then ranked 12th in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25.
In that match, the Broncos played a man down from the early part of the second period and fought for their soccer lives. Barrington recovered from a 2-0 deficit to equalize, before losing 3-2 in overtime. The result dropped Barrington from no. 3 to no. 10.
"The guys showed so much, actually dominating most of the play before scoring once, then getting level, despite playing a man down, that's when you know exactly what kind of team you have," said a proud Steib.
"When you're with a bunch of guys who are so close and are playing for a coach and coaching staff that has so much invested and puts all the extra work in it in order to give us the best chance to succeed - then all you want to do is make your mark in the history of a program you're really proud to be a part of," said senior Nash Pirie, who recently earned his second all-state award from the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association.
Pirie is part of a water-tight backline which concedes little in front of its keeper Alex Ruffolo, who despite his size plays with the heart of a lion, particularly with the way he commands his box and challenges everything in the air as if he were 6-foot-7, and not the 5-7 as he's listed in the state tournament program book.
John Gadbois, Hudson Walsh and Josh Coulter, along with Pirie, are sharp tacklers and interception artists, who are each capable of providing quality service or joining the attack. Pirie's speed means trouble for the Broncos' opponents.
The explosive speed of another on this roster, Michael Blanke, who exihibits a youthful exuberance and ability to break into the area to score and create, highlights a deep and talented bench which Steib uses freely and has the utmost confidence with.
Senior Kyle Owens and the junior duo of Connor Delahunt and Jordan Fermin join Blanke as key contributors from the bench. Each proved to be a key figure in the Broncos 2-1 overtime supersectional victory against Evanston that earned the team a finals berth.
The Broncos are dangerous in the middle of the park and up-top.
Forward Klaus Pallan and his 28 goals have provided plenty of headlines throughout the season. When Caleb Orr, with his high work-rate and timely goal scoring, starts alongside Pallan, the opposing defense will find itself busy.
There are few midfields in the area that can match that of the Broncos, who rely on the positional awareness, energy and high soccer IQ from both Zach Carbonara and Gio Guarnero to fuel the attack and defend.
Within the unit are Kai Sebens, whose first- and second-ball winning percentage ranks high, and junior, Enrico Ruffolo, who is a clever, creative force on the outside.
"I know the guys felt pretty good about themselves coming into the postseason, but their effort against Buffalo Grove might have left a little doubt - which is okay as long as you survive. But since our regional final win over Stevenson, they've come to really believe in it all," began Steib.
"These guys try to play the game the right way. And there have been long sequences in our games with Mundelein, Libertyville and especially against Evanston the other night that shows they can play at a high level, and that is one of many things that I am very proud of."
This third match of the season with Conant will be the biggest and most important of them all. A win means a chance to lift the big trophy for the second time in program history. The Broncos won for Steib in 2007.
"This is a big deal for the MSL - two teams in the last four. It's great for our conference and speaks well to the level of play, and quality of players and coaches all across the MSL.
"We have a lot of respect for Jason (Franco) and Conant, and with how well they play together. We all expect this one to be hard fought and physical, just as the first two games were."
Barrington won each match: 2-1 in the Bronco Classic on Sept. 3; and 2-0 in league play Oct. 1.
Projected starters
GK- Alex Ruffolo
D- Nash Pirie
D- John Gadbois
D- Josh Coulter
D- Hudson Walsh
M- Zach Carbonara
M- Kei Sebens
M- Gio Guarnero
M- Enrico Ruffolo
F- Klaus Pallan
F- Caleb Orr
-- Mike Garofola
Bradley-Bourbonnais (24-0-0)
No. 17 Bradley-Bourbonnais arrives this weekend in Hoffman Estates with the best record of any club. The Boilermakers hope to remain perfect after the tournament comes to a close tomorrow night.
To do so, Rohan Robinson's men will need to send off one of the big boys, Naperville North, which enters riding a 15-game win streak, including a masterful 2-0 upset victory over top-rated, and nationally ranked Morton last Tuesday night.
"They just might be able to do it," suggests Notre Dame (Peoria) manager, Mike Bare, who knows a thing or two about what it takes when you get to the state finals.
Bare has led the Irish to a trio of 2A state titles, and last year, finished second to Waterloo, who won an exciting 4-3 match to claim the first championship in program history.
The Irish were the first opponent of the Boilermakers to gain an advantage at the intermission. Max Vonachen and Connor Foley bagged first half goals that ended a five-game shutout streak by keeper Jacob Meents and gave Notre Dame the lead at the Joliet Central Supersectional.
"We had them on the ropes at 2-0 with a couple of chances to (go to) 3-0, but a bad giveaway allowed them to pull one back just before the break, and it all changed for us after that," added Bare.
The Boilermakers got even in the 52nd minute, then dashed the hopes of the Irish with three more in overtime to win 5-2.
"They have 4-5 very good attacking players, so we'll see how they will be able to challenge Naperville North on Friday," said Bare.
The Notre Dame manager lists: Anthony (30 goals) and Nicholas (44 goals) Markanis, Efrain Davila (38 assists) and Justin Fritz as those to watch in an attack which has scored an astounding 119 goals on the season.
The brothers Markanis are both members of the Chicago Fire Academy.
"Those two were the only new additions, everyone else was returning from last year," Robinson told local newspaper The Daily Journal. "Nick wanted to come out last year, but because he started with the club, he couldn't. You can't play for two teams within the same time period, so he kind of missed out on that.
"This year, his brother said 'You know, we want to come out and play. We want to see what it's like.' So they came out and, you know what, they've been nothing but fun, and I've had nothing but enjoyment watching them play."
Robinson, now in his 16th season as manager, led his club to a 19-3-1 record last fall, and has brought the Boilermakers into Class 3A prominence in a short time.
Last season the Boilermakers were close, losing its sectional final (3-1) to Andrew, who later would fall to eventual 3A runnerup Quincy. -- Mike Garofola
Conant (16-7-0)
When asked for a statement or two on his club's advancement to the IHSA Class 3A state tournament, Jason Franco's first thought was: "I can't believe I'm sending this e-mail to you!"
It's not that the Conant manager never believed his lads could reach the summit, but the facts were the facts. The Cougars finished fourth in the Mid-Suburban League table and were placed in the Glenbard East Sectional with no. 4 St. Charles North, no. 6 Addison Trail, no. 8 St. Charles East and no. 15 Wheaton Academy.
The climb past those top four seeds would be steep, and Franco knew it.
"Each and every season, you know if you're still placed in this sectional (you'll likely) have to go through (coaches) Eric Willson (St. Charles North) and Paul (Jennison) from East.
"I always felt we could compete with (them) come the postseason. We had the firepower to be dangerous with our front seven, but when you score (four) against Wheeling, but concede (five), then net (three) with Hersey, but give away four, you have to begin to wonder a little bit."
Yet the Cougars did eventually find their way. Though seven losses for a state-qualifying side is a lot, Franco pointed out that five defeats came against the best of the MSL: Barrington (two), Hersey (two) and Wheeling.
The players felt the benefit of league play.
"Playing in the MSL night in and night out helped prepare us for the postseason. If you can deal with the 80 minutes of pressure you get each time you play a conference opponent, then you can deal with just about anything that comes your way," said the Cougars classy senior captain, Kevin Sindewald.
"We struggled a little in our last 6-7 regular season games and didn't play our best in our regional opener with Willowbrook. But (somehow) we all came together to beat a very good Wheaton Academy team (1-0) in our regional final. And we built from that, and we haven't stopped since that."
Franco praised Sindewald, and senior defender Matt Biernat, who has helped the Cougars backline firmly establish themselves in front of talented sophomore keeper Piotr Pyz.
Veterans Michael Rizzo (nine goals), Tommy Biernat and Jason Fillingim offer a nice mix of physical strength, and an understanding of the Cougars situation. They help insure that Pyz is called upon just a few times during the course of the match.
During the last few weeks, and in particular the Cougars final four matches leading up to this weekend, the attack has been a sweet surprise to Franco and his staff, who have watched several of his lads step up and strike in dramatic fashion.
"Noah Ozbag, Nico Scimeca, Harris Dibek and Sota Ono have all scored big playoff goals for us, and aside from scoring (they have) formed quite a threat going forward," said Franco.
While this quartet has accounted for 34 of the Cougars 55 goals this season, it's been the play all along the backline that brings a smile to the face of Franco.
"That group has shut down some very good attacking teams, who each had some really impressive forwards," said Franco.
While all-state strikers Enrique Luna (Addison Trail, 29 goals) and Noah Melick (Jacobs, 33 goals) did manage to bag a goal, albeit well after the Cougars had safely secured a big advantage, it was Conant's backline and a high work-rate from Sindewald and his midfield mates which ultimately would set those two higher-seeded opponents packing.
"A.J. Cappelo (Jacobs head coach) said after the first 8 minutes, it was all (us), and that his guys had not seen the type of pressure we applied during their entire season," said a proud Franco.
"We'll expect that for sure when we play Barrington, but they know it will be the same from us."
"They were the better side in those first two games with them, but we've improved so much more since then. And to be honest, Scott (Steib, Barrington manager) and I know what happened back then really doesn't matter. It's going to be a very good game."
The Cougars will be near full strength for this match after DMF Brandon Chlopek was sent off against Jacobs, sending Fillingim into Chlopek's spot, and reserve Steven Faouaz into the backline.
Projected starters
GK: Piotr Pyz
D- Michael Rizzo
D- Matt Biernat
D- Tommy Biernat
D- Steven Faouaz
M- Jason Fillingim
M- Nico Scimeca
M- Kevin Sindewald
F- Sota Ono
F- Harris Dibek
F- Noah Ozbag
-- Mike Garofola
Naperville North (19-2-3)
Naperville North star Chris Sullivan said before Tuesday’s supersectional game against unbeaten Morton that the Huskies were going to try to shock the world.
They did just that. Sullivan was hampered by cramps, but Naperville North got goals from freshman Cesar Recendez and senior Jack Bromagen just 45 seconds apart midway through the second half to pull the shocking 2-0 upset.
The situation was uncharted territory for the Huskies, who had been favored in every game and had a 14-game winning streak.
“Every game it’s who is going to knock us off, who is going to try to upset Naperville North, but today for the first time we got to relax, kind of take it all in,” Bromagen said. “No pressure was really on us to win this game, so it was nice.”
The scenario will be similar in this game as the Huskies face another unbeaten foe in Bradley-Bourbonnais, which is making its state semifinal debut.
The Boilermakers are a bit of a mystery to the Huskies. They have outscored opponents 117-9 and feature two of the top players in the state in junior twins Nicholas and Anthony Markanich.
Nicholas Markanich has racked up 44 goals and seven assists, while Anthony Markanich has 30 goals and 10 assists.
They have plenty of teammates capable of feeding them the ball. Junior midfielder Efrain Davila has 15 goals and 38 assists and junior defender Jacob Rodriguez has chipped in six goals and 17 assists.
Some people may question the Boilermakers’ strength of schedule, but Naperville North coach Jim Konrad is not among them.
“They have two fantastic players,” Konrad said. “Looking at their scores, they’re legit.
“They are a good team and they may have two of the best players in the state, so we’ll have our hands full. It’s the Final Four; everybody is good now.”
One of the fascinating aspects of the state finals is the potential for teams to play opponents they’ve never seen before. That is the case in this match.
“We don’t really know much about our opponents upcoming,” Bromagen said. “Most of the time through the sectional and now against Morton we know our opponents, so we’re going to look into them but just play our game, work hard like we always do and try our best.”
Though they have high internal expectations, the third-ranked Huskies probably won’t feel much pressure from outside their circle, because they weren’t expected to be here.
Morton, which finished 25-1-1, had been ranked second in the nation by Top Drawer Soccer and was riding a 25-game winning streak. That included a 3-1 win over Naperville North on August 27.
But the Huskies pulled the upset thanks to a great defensive effort from their formidable backline of Ethan Harvey, Mitch Konrad, Colin Iverson and Andrew Klaiber and a clutch goal from Recedenz, one of four freshmen on the roster.
Recendez’s composed one-timer off a feed from Bromagen was his second career goal and turned out to be his first game-winner.
“I got the ball wide, which is what coach wanted to do,” Bromagen said. “I cut it back and I saw Cesar in the middle and played the ball to him.
“It was a fantastic first-time finish. The kid is amazing. Only a freshman and to be able to do that in a supersectional game is insane.”
Recendez was all alone against three Morton defenders on the play, but somehow found the space to get to the ball.
“I saw Brom get out wide,” Recendez said. “There was three guys trying to pressure him so I just moved back into the box, saw the ball and just tapped it in.”
Morton coach Mike Caruso was impressed.
“We had three guys back there; we just weren’t marking up very well,” Caruso said. “But give (Recendez) credit.
“He found a seam and he one-timed it in the goal. They’re tough, and when they get the ball there they don’t miss many chances.”
Bromagen didn’t miss when he saw a chance on the ensuing possession. He lofted a 25-yard shot from the left corner that caught Morton goalie Kevin Cervantes slightly off his line and sailed into the upper far corner.
“Especially taking it so quickly after the first one, it really kind of boosted our confidence,” Bromagen said. “We started believing that this is it, we can actually do this, and we kept working hard until the very end.
“Coach told us before the game it was going to be a fight and we all tried to work so hard for each other, for the school. It was a big team effort, and it means so much.
“They’re such a good team, one of the best in the state. It took all we had but we got it done.”
The Huskies have gotten it done all year with contributions from nearly everyone on the roster. That includes Recendez and fellow freshmen Ty Konrad, Ali Khorfan and Jason Barba.
Konrad, the coach’s nephew and Mitch Konrad’s brother, is a starting forward who has five goals and four assists. Recendez and Khorfan (three goals, one assist) come off the bench, while Barba is the backup to sophomore All-State goalkeeper Tommy Welch and has a 0.75 goals-against average in 12 games.
“Like I’ve been talking about all year, this is the best freshman class in the history of our school, and obviously we have a proud tradition,” said Konrad, whose squad is assured of taking home its fifth state trophy. “These four boys up with us are all fantastic.
“My backup goalkeeper, Jason Barba, is amazing and then obviously Ty, Cesar and Ali have been great all year.
“Cesar steps up today and scores a big goal. As a little freshman, talk about grabbing a big moment by the throat.”
Then there is Sullivan, one of the top players in the state who is among the best players to ever put on a North jersey. The two-time all-stater leads the team with 18 goals, including six game-winners, and 12 assists, giving him 49 goals and 37 assists for his four-year career.
Like Recendez, the Bowling Green-bound Sullivan played on varsity as a freshman, so he’s helped the rookies learn the ropes.
Now the youngest Huskies want to send Sullivan and fellow seniors like Klaiber, bromagen and James Zhang out on a high note, preferably with the program’s second state championship and first since 1998.
“Hopefully we come out on top, because I want these seniors to win a state championship,” Recendez said. “I’ll do anything for them. I love them.”
-- Matt LeCren
Class 3A preview
Barrington (22-3-1)
The Broncos march into the Final Four might have been inspired by its very first soccer match of the year. So says manager Scott Steib, who looked back to a 4-2 loss to Niles West as perhaps the turning point in what has turned into one of the most memorable campaigns in program history.
"I know it's kind of strange to think that (your) first game, instead of one in middle or tail-end of a season, is the one that actually turns things around for you," recounted Steib. "But I told the guys afterwards (we) experienced a high and a low against Niles West, and none us liked how we felt when we were low, but we can change that.
"We did immediately with a quality 3-0 win against Buffalo Grove next time out, and we have improved each time after that."
The clean-sheet against Buffalo Grove signaled the start of what would be an undefeated season in the Mid-Suburban League and a spot in the 40th MSL Soccer Cup against Wheeling, which was then ranked 12th in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25.
In that match, the Broncos played a man down from the early part of the second period and fought for their soccer lives. Barrington recovered from a 2-0 deficit to equalize, before losing 3-2 in overtime. The result dropped Barrington from no. 3 to no. 10.
"The guys showed so much, actually dominating most of the play before scoring once, then getting level, despite playing a man down, that's when you know exactly what kind of team you have," said a proud Steib.
"When you're with a bunch of guys who are so close and are playing for a coach and coaching staff that has so much invested and puts all the extra work in it in order to give us the best chance to succeed - then all you want to do is make your mark in the history of a program you're really proud to be a part of," said senior Nash Pirie, who recently earned his second all-state award from the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association.
Pirie is part of a water-tight backline which concedes little in front of its keeper Alex Ruffolo, who despite his size plays with the heart of a lion, particularly with the way he commands his box and challenges everything in the air as if he were 6-foot-7, and not the 5-7 as he's listed in the state tournament program book.
John Gadbois, Hudson Walsh and Josh Coulter, along with Pirie, are sharp tacklers and interception artists, who are each capable of providing quality service or joining the attack. Pirie's speed means trouble for the Broncos' opponents.
The explosive speed of another on this roster, Michael Blanke, who exihibits a youthful exuberance and ability to break into the area to score and create, highlights a deep and talented bench which Steib uses freely and has the utmost confidence with.
Senior Kyle Owens and the junior duo of Connor Delahunt and Jordan Fermin join Blanke as key contributors from the bench. Each proved to be a key figure in the Broncos 2-1 overtime supersectional victory against Evanston that earned the team a finals berth.
The Broncos are dangerous in the middle of the park and up-top.
Forward Klaus Pallan and his 28 goals have provided plenty of headlines throughout the season. When Caleb Orr, with his high work-rate and timely goal scoring, starts alongside Pallan, the opposing defense will find itself busy.
There are few midfields in the area that can match that of the Broncos, who rely on the positional awareness, energy and high soccer IQ from both Zach Carbonara and Gio Guarnero to fuel the attack and defend.
Within the unit are Kai Sebens, whose first- and second-ball winning percentage ranks high, and junior, Enrico Ruffolo, who is a clever, creative force on the outside.
"I know the guys felt pretty good about themselves coming into the postseason, but their effort against Buffalo Grove might have left a little doubt - which is okay as long as you survive. But since our regional final win over Stevenson, they've come to really believe in it all," began Steib.
"These guys try to play the game the right way. And there have been long sequences in our games with Mundelein, Libertyville and especially against Evanston the other night that shows they can play at a high level, and that is one of many things that I am very proud of."
This third match of the season with Conant will be the biggest and most important of them all. A win means a chance to lift the big trophy for the second time in program history. The Broncos won for Steib in 2007.
"This is a big deal for the MSL - two teams in the last four. It's great for our conference and speaks well to the level of play, and quality of players and coaches all across the MSL.
"We have a lot of respect for Jason (Franco) and Conant, and with how well they play together. We all expect this one to be hard fought and physical, just as the first two games were."
Barrington won each match: 2-1 in the Bronco Classic on Sept. 3; and 2-0 in league play Oct. 1.
Projected starters
GK- Alex Ruffolo
D- Nash Pirie
D- John Gadbois
D- Josh Coulter
D- Hudson Walsh
M- Zach Carbonara
M- Kei Sebens
M- Gio Guarnero
M- Enrico Ruffolo
F- Klaus Pallan
F- Caleb Orr
-- Mike Garofola
Bradley-Bourbonnais (24-0-0)
No. 17 Bradley-Bourbonnais arrives this weekend in Hoffman Estates with the best record of any club. The Boilermakers hope to remain perfect after the tournament comes to a close tomorrow night.
To do so, Rohan Robinson's men will need to send off one of the big boys, Naperville North, which enters riding a 15-game win streak, including a masterful 2-0 upset victory over top-rated, and nationally ranked Morton last Tuesday night.
"They just might be able to do it," suggests Notre Dame (Peoria) manager, Mike Bare, who knows a thing or two about what it takes when you get to the state finals.
Bare has led the Irish to a trio of 2A state titles, and last year, finished second to Waterloo, who won an exciting 4-3 match to claim the first championship in program history.
The Irish were the first opponent of the Boilermakers to gain an advantage at the intermission. Max Vonachen and Connor Foley bagged first half goals that ended a five-game shutout streak by keeper Jacob Meents and gave Notre Dame the lead at the Joliet Central Supersectional.
"We had them on the ropes at 2-0 with a couple of chances to (go to) 3-0, but a bad giveaway allowed them to pull one back just before the break, and it all changed for us after that," added Bare.
The Boilermakers got even in the 52nd minute, then dashed the hopes of the Irish with three more in overtime to win 5-2.
"They have 4-5 very good attacking players, so we'll see how they will be able to challenge Naperville North on Friday," said Bare.
The Notre Dame manager lists: Anthony (30 goals) and Nicholas (44 goals) Markanis, Efrain Davila (38 assists) and Justin Fritz as those to watch in an attack which has scored an astounding 119 goals on the season.
The brothers Markanis are both members of the Chicago Fire Academy.
"Those two were the only new additions, everyone else was returning from last year," Robinson told local newspaper The Daily Journal. "Nick wanted to come out last year, but because he started with the club, he couldn't. You can't play for two teams within the same time period, so he kind of missed out on that.
"This year, his brother said 'You know, we want to come out and play. We want to see what it's like.' So they came out and, you know what, they've been nothing but fun, and I've had nothing but enjoyment watching them play."
Robinson, now in his 16th season as manager, led his club to a 19-3-1 record last fall, and has brought the Boilermakers into Class 3A prominence in a short time.
Last season the Boilermakers were close, losing its sectional final (3-1) to Andrew, who later would fall to eventual 3A runnerup Quincy. -- Mike Garofola
Conant (16-7-0)
When asked for a statement or two on his club's advancement to the IHSA Class 3A state tournament, Jason Franco's first thought was: "I can't believe I'm sending this e-mail to you!"
It's not that the Conant manager never believed his lads could reach the summit, but the facts were the facts. The Cougars finished fourth in the Mid-Suburban League table and were placed in the Glenbard East Sectional with no. 4 St. Charles North, no. 6 Addison Trail, no. 8 St. Charles East and no. 15 Wheaton Academy.
The climb past those top four seeds would be steep, and Franco knew it.
"Each and every season, you know if you're still placed in this sectional (you'll likely) have to go through (coaches) Eric Willson (St. Charles North) and Paul (Jennison) from East.
"I always felt we could compete with (them) come the postseason. We had the firepower to be dangerous with our front seven, but when you score (four) against Wheeling, but concede (five), then net (three) with Hersey, but give away four, you have to begin to wonder a little bit."
Yet the Cougars did eventually find their way. Though seven losses for a state-qualifying side is a lot, Franco pointed out that five defeats came against the best of the MSL: Barrington (two), Hersey (two) and Wheeling.
The players felt the benefit of league play.
"Playing in the MSL night in and night out helped prepare us for the postseason. If you can deal with the 80 minutes of pressure you get each time you play a conference opponent, then you can deal with just about anything that comes your way," said the Cougars classy senior captain, Kevin Sindewald.
"We struggled a little in our last 6-7 regular season games and didn't play our best in our regional opener with Willowbrook. But (somehow) we all came together to beat a very good Wheaton Academy team (1-0) in our regional final. And we built from that, and we haven't stopped since that."
Franco praised Sindewald, and senior defender Matt Biernat, who has helped the Cougars backline firmly establish themselves in front of talented sophomore keeper Piotr Pyz.
Veterans Michael Rizzo (nine goals), Tommy Biernat and Jason Fillingim offer a nice mix of physical strength, and an understanding of the Cougars situation. They help insure that Pyz is called upon just a few times during the course of the match.
During the last few weeks, and in particular the Cougars final four matches leading up to this weekend, the attack has been a sweet surprise to Franco and his staff, who have watched several of his lads step up and strike in dramatic fashion.
"Noah Ozbag, Nico Scimeca, Harris Dibek and Sota Ono have all scored big playoff goals for us, and aside from scoring (they have) formed quite a threat going forward," said Franco.
While this quartet has accounted for 34 of the Cougars 55 goals this season, it's been the play all along the backline that brings a smile to the face of Franco.
"That group has shut down some very good attacking teams, who each had some really impressive forwards," said Franco.
While all-state strikers Enrique Luna (Addison Trail, 29 goals) and Noah Melick (Jacobs, 33 goals) did manage to bag a goal, albeit well after the Cougars had safely secured a big advantage, it was Conant's backline and a high work-rate from Sindewald and his midfield mates which ultimately would set those two higher-seeded opponents packing.
"A.J. Cappelo (Jacobs head coach) said after the first 8 minutes, it was all (us), and that his guys had not seen the type of pressure we applied during their entire season," said a proud Franco.
"We'll expect that for sure when we play Barrington, but they know it will be the same from us."
"They were the better side in those first two games with them, but we've improved so much more since then. And to be honest, Scott (Steib, Barrington manager) and I know what happened back then really doesn't matter. It's going to be a very good game."
The Cougars will be near full strength for this match after DMF Brandon Chlopek was sent off against Jacobs, sending Fillingim into Chlopek's spot, and reserve Steven Faouaz into the backline.
Projected starters
GK: Piotr Pyz
D- Michael Rizzo
D- Matt Biernat
D- Tommy Biernat
D- Steven Faouaz
M- Jason Fillingim
M- Nico Scimeca
M- Kevin Sindewald
F- Sota Ono
F- Harris Dibek
F- Noah Ozbag
-- Mike Garofola
Naperville North (19-2-3)
Naperville North star Chris Sullivan said before Tuesday’s supersectional game against unbeaten Morton that the Huskies were going to try to shock the world.
They did just that. Sullivan was hampered by cramps, but Naperville North got goals from freshman Cesar Recendez and senior Jack Bromagen just 45 seconds apart midway through the second half to pull the shocking 2-0 upset.
The situation was uncharted territory for the Huskies, who had been favored in every game and had a 14-game winning streak.
“Every game it’s who is going to knock us off, who is going to try to upset Naperville North, but today for the first time we got to relax, kind of take it all in,” Bromagen said. “No pressure was really on us to win this game, so it was nice.”
The scenario will be similar in this game as the Huskies face another unbeaten foe in Bradley-Bourbonnais, which is making its state semifinal debut.
The Boilermakers are a bit of a mystery to the Huskies. They have outscored opponents 117-9 and feature two of the top players in the state in junior twins Nicholas and Anthony Markanich.
Nicholas Markanich has racked up 44 goals and seven assists, while Anthony Markanich has 30 goals and 10 assists.
They have plenty of teammates capable of feeding them the ball. Junior midfielder Efrain Davila has 15 goals and 38 assists and junior defender Jacob Rodriguez has chipped in six goals and 17 assists.
Some people may question the Boilermakers’ strength of schedule, but Naperville North coach Jim Konrad is not among them.
“They have two fantastic players,” Konrad said. “Looking at their scores, they’re legit.
“They are a good team and they may have two of the best players in the state, so we’ll have our hands full. It’s the Final Four; everybody is good now.”
One of the fascinating aspects of the state finals is the potential for teams to play opponents they’ve never seen before. That is the case in this match.
“We don’t really know much about our opponents upcoming,” Bromagen said. “Most of the time through the sectional and now against Morton we know our opponents, so we’re going to look into them but just play our game, work hard like we always do and try our best.”
Though they have high internal expectations, the third-ranked Huskies probably won’t feel much pressure from outside their circle, because they weren’t expected to be here.
Morton, which finished 25-1-1, had been ranked second in the nation by Top Drawer Soccer and was riding a 25-game winning streak. That included a 3-1 win over Naperville North on August 27.
But the Huskies pulled the upset thanks to a great defensive effort from their formidable backline of Ethan Harvey, Mitch Konrad, Colin Iverson and Andrew Klaiber and a clutch goal from Recedenz, one of four freshmen on the roster.
Recendez’s composed one-timer off a feed from Bromagen was his second career goal and turned out to be his first game-winner.
“I got the ball wide, which is what coach wanted to do,” Bromagen said. “I cut it back and I saw Cesar in the middle and played the ball to him.
“It was a fantastic first-time finish. The kid is amazing. Only a freshman and to be able to do that in a supersectional game is insane.”
Recendez was all alone against three Morton defenders on the play, but somehow found the space to get to the ball.
“I saw Brom get out wide,” Recendez said. “There was three guys trying to pressure him so I just moved back into the box, saw the ball and just tapped it in.”
Morton coach Mike Caruso was impressed.
“We had three guys back there; we just weren’t marking up very well,” Caruso said. “But give (Recendez) credit.
“He found a seam and he one-timed it in the goal. They’re tough, and when they get the ball there they don’t miss many chances.”
Bromagen didn’t miss when he saw a chance on the ensuing possession. He lofted a 25-yard shot from the left corner that caught Morton goalie Kevin Cervantes slightly off his line and sailed into the upper far corner.
“Especially taking it so quickly after the first one, it really kind of boosted our confidence,” Bromagen said. “We started believing that this is it, we can actually do this, and we kept working hard until the very end.
“Coach told us before the game it was going to be a fight and we all tried to work so hard for each other, for the school. It was a big team effort, and it means so much.
“They’re such a good team, one of the best in the state. It took all we had but we got it done.”
The Huskies have gotten it done all year with contributions from nearly everyone on the roster. That includes Recendez and fellow freshmen Ty Konrad, Ali Khorfan and Jason Barba.
Konrad, the coach’s nephew and Mitch Konrad’s brother, is a starting forward who has five goals and four assists. Recendez and Khorfan (three goals, one assist) come off the bench, while Barba is the backup to sophomore All-State goalkeeper Tommy Welch and has a 0.75 goals-against average in 12 games.
“Like I’ve been talking about all year, this is the best freshman class in the history of our school, and obviously we have a proud tradition,” said Konrad, whose squad is assured of taking home its fifth state trophy. “These four boys up with us are all fantastic.
“My backup goalkeeper, Jason Barba, is amazing and then obviously Ty, Cesar and Ali have been great all year.
“Cesar steps up today and scores a big goal. As a little freshman, talk about grabbing a big moment by the throat.”
Then there is Sullivan, one of the top players in the state who is among the best players to ever put on a North jersey. The two-time all-stater leads the team with 18 goals, including six game-winners, and 12 assists, giving him 49 goals and 37 assists for his four-year career.
Like Recendez, the Bowling Green-bound Sullivan played on varsity as a freshman, so he’s helped the rookies learn the ropes.
Now the youngest Huskies want to send Sullivan and fellow seniors like Klaiber, bromagen and James Zhang out on a high note, preferably with the program’s second state championship and first since 1998.
“Hopefully we come out on top, because I want these seniors to win a state championship,” Recendez said. “I’ll do anything for them. I love them.”
-- Matt LeCren