Hot teams meet in big,
early U8 River matchup
Batavia (3-0) unscored upon in 2014,
host Streamwood on 5-game unbeaten streak
By Chris Walker
Batavia goalkeepers John Faraone and Kevin Fiddelke have shared time on the field in the young season, and the duo has yet to allow a goal through three games.
They’ll look to continue that impressive streak late Tuesday afternoon as the Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0) make the drive to Streamwood for an Upstate Eight River Conference matchup.
“I expect it to be a strong game physically and we’ll have to play the ball quick,” Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco said. “They usually have some talented people up the spine of the team and (coach Matt) Polovin will have them coached up and ready to take advantage of some set plays if they have them.”
Batavia standout Ian Larson assisted twice and added a goal in Thursday’s 4-0 conference opener against Larkin, and knocked in a goal in Saturday’s 4-0 nonconference rout of Oswego.
Larson should remember last year’s meeting with Streamwood -- his 20-yard freekick with less than 10 minutes remaining was the difference in Batavia’s 1-0 victory.
“Streamwood moves the ball very quickly and always has talent up the middle,” the senior midfielder said. “We know they’re going to try to break down our defense, so I think as a team we’ll have to be on defensively. Their center backs always have been pretty good too.”
Streamwood (4-1-1, 0-0-1) hasn’t played since its conference opener, a 1-1 tie with West Chicago on Sept. 3. The Sabres should be well rested. They’ve also had some time to clean things up during practice.
“I like the way we’re playing right now,” Sabres goalkeeper Sergio Blanco said. “We’ve got the Pepsi(Co Showdown) coming up next weekend (Saturday) which is exciting to be a part of a big tournament, but we’re not looking too far ahead.”
Obviously, Blanco and the Sabres are putting their full attention on the Bulldogs right now.
“We’re just trying to keep working on our offensive attacking and our defensive structure,” Polovin said. “We want our guys to have in their mind the mentality to close out a game. Once they do that, and I know they can, we’ll be fine.”
Batavia has shown it can score in bunches, which is never an easy thing to do. Streamwood will do its part to limit their chances, and when they don’t, they’ll turn to Blanco to come up with some big saves.
“They always are a tough team so we expect a good game,” Batavia senior Kevin Collins said. “Their defensive line is always tough so we know what we’re going to have to do.”
The game takes on extra importance as an early-season conference clash as well.
“Conference may be the strongest that it’s been in recent years,” Collins added. “St. Charles East is going to be a tough team, but I think Larkin’s also playing well, and Streamwood ... St. Charles North. Geneva is always a challenge too. We have to play all these teams, so conference is going to be tough.”
early U8 River matchup
Batavia (3-0) unscored upon in 2014,
host Streamwood on 5-game unbeaten streak
By Chris Walker
Batavia goalkeepers John Faraone and Kevin Fiddelke have shared time on the field in the young season, and the duo has yet to allow a goal through three games.
They’ll look to continue that impressive streak late Tuesday afternoon as the Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0) make the drive to Streamwood for an Upstate Eight River Conference matchup.
“I expect it to be a strong game physically and we’ll have to play the ball quick,” Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco said. “They usually have some talented people up the spine of the team and (coach Matt) Polovin will have them coached up and ready to take advantage of some set plays if they have them.”
Batavia standout Ian Larson assisted twice and added a goal in Thursday’s 4-0 conference opener against Larkin, and knocked in a goal in Saturday’s 4-0 nonconference rout of Oswego.
Larson should remember last year’s meeting with Streamwood -- his 20-yard freekick with less than 10 minutes remaining was the difference in Batavia’s 1-0 victory.
“Streamwood moves the ball very quickly and always has talent up the middle,” the senior midfielder said. “We know they’re going to try to break down our defense, so I think as a team we’ll have to be on defensively. Their center backs always have been pretty good too.”
Streamwood (4-1-1, 0-0-1) hasn’t played since its conference opener, a 1-1 tie with West Chicago on Sept. 3. The Sabres should be well rested. They’ve also had some time to clean things up during practice.
“I like the way we’re playing right now,” Sabres goalkeeper Sergio Blanco said. “We’ve got the Pepsi(Co Showdown) coming up next weekend (Saturday) which is exciting to be a part of a big tournament, but we’re not looking too far ahead.”
Obviously, Blanco and the Sabres are putting their full attention on the Bulldogs right now.
“We’re just trying to keep working on our offensive attacking and our defensive structure,” Polovin said. “We want our guys to have in their mind the mentality to close out a game. Once they do that, and I know they can, we’ll be fine.”
Batavia has shown it can score in bunches, which is never an easy thing to do. Streamwood will do its part to limit their chances, and when they don’t, they’ll turn to Blanco to come up with some big saves.
“They always are a tough team so we expect a good game,” Batavia senior Kevin Collins said. “Their defensive line is always tough so we know what we’re going to have to do.”
The game takes on extra importance as an early-season conference clash as well.
“Conference may be the strongest that it’s been in recent years,” Collins added. “St. Charles East is going to be a tough team, but I think Larkin’s also playing well, and Streamwood ... St. Charles North. Geneva is always a challenge too. We have to play all these teams, so conference is going to be tough.”