Never say die Elk Grove
aims for upset at Fremd
Host Vikings move step closer to MSL overall title with in
By Alison Moran
On paper, the Thursday night matchup between the Elk Grove (4-7-2, 1-7-0) and Mid-Suburban League West leader Fremd V (10-5-1, 6-1-1) may look 'easy' for the host Vikings in Palatine, but what's on paper doesn't include critical elements in the success of any sports team according to Elk Grove coach Rob Shepard -- passion and a 'never-quit' mentality.
Those are two characteristics that can never be counted out and something the Grens have been blessed with in abundance Shepard said.
Despite a heartbreaking, last-minute 1-0 loss to Hersey on Tuesday night, the coach said he was pleased with the resilience and passion his team has demonstrated against formidable competition in the Mid-Suburban League.
That's why there was plenty to celebrate last Friday, after the Grens notched their first victory since September 6 and first Mid-Suburban League win of the season in a 2-1 decision against Hoffman Estates.
Junior forward Chris Guadarrama and junior forward/midfielder Edgar Soto shone in the last minutes of the game. Guadarrama assisted on Soto's game-winning goal. And it has been Soto, with five goals and three assists on the season, who has kept the Grenadiers in games.
Shepard also credited senior keeper Alberto Centeno, a member of Chicagoland Soccer's Man of the Match club, for being a good role model for the younger members of the team.
Earlier this season Shepard told Chicagoland Soccer: "In my opinion, Alberto is the best goalie around, hands down. He's consistently good with each game. He reads the game well and has the ability to hang and float to tip balls over the net. Some goalies have at least one weakness, but Alberto does not. He's just a phenomenal player. And we need to do right by him."
Part of Shepard's long-term improvement plan includes having the 16 underclassmen that make up most of his squad model the seven graduating seniors. He believes that will help the Grenadiers' move to the next level.
In contrast to Elk Grove, Fremd is in a battle for the Mid-Suburban League lead. On Tuesday, they eked out a 3-2 win over Prospect that included one goal apiece from the Schoffstall brothers, sophomore Luke and senior Zach. Both have contributed to the team's strong season.
The Vikings have won one trophy already this year - the Kinsella Cup taken in the annual meeting with crosstown rival Palatine. They don't plan to stop there -- Fremd is dueling East Division leader Rolling Meadows for the best record in the Mid-Suburban League.
"Every point means a little bit more this time of the season," said Fremd coach Steve Keller.
That makes for much to play for Thursday. The question is: will passion and no-quit attitude take down red hot Fremd (8-1-1 in the its last 10 games)? That's the David vs. Goliath question.
aims for upset at Fremd
Host Vikings move step closer to MSL overall title with in
By Alison Moran
On paper, the Thursday night matchup between the Elk Grove (4-7-2, 1-7-0) and Mid-Suburban League West leader Fremd V (10-5-1, 6-1-1) may look 'easy' for the host Vikings in Palatine, but what's on paper doesn't include critical elements in the success of any sports team according to Elk Grove coach Rob Shepard -- passion and a 'never-quit' mentality.
Those are two characteristics that can never be counted out and something the Grens have been blessed with in abundance Shepard said.
Despite a heartbreaking, last-minute 1-0 loss to Hersey on Tuesday night, the coach said he was pleased with the resilience and passion his team has demonstrated against formidable competition in the Mid-Suburban League.
That's why there was plenty to celebrate last Friday, after the Grens notched their first victory since September 6 and first Mid-Suburban League win of the season in a 2-1 decision against Hoffman Estates.
Junior forward Chris Guadarrama and junior forward/midfielder Edgar Soto shone in the last minutes of the game. Guadarrama assisted on Soto's game-winning goal. And it has been Soto, with five goals and three assists on the season, who has kept the Grenadiers in games.
Shepard also credited senior keeper Alberto Centeno, a member of Chicagoland Soccer's Man of the Match club, for being a good role model for the younger members of the team.
Earlier this season Shepard told Chicagoland Soccer: "In my opinion, Alberto is the best goalie around, hands down. He's consistently good with each game. He reads the game well and has the ability to hang and float to tip balls over the net. Some goalies have at least one weakness, but Alberto does not. He's just a phenomenal player. And we need to do right by him."
Part of Shepard's long-term improvement plan includes having the 16 underclassmen that make up most of his squad model the seven graduating seniors. He believes that will help the Grenadiers' move to the next level.
In contrast to Elk Grove, Fremd is in a battle for the Mid-Suburban League lead. On Tuesday, they eked out a 3-2 win over Prospect that included one goal apiece from the Schoffstall brothers, sophomore Luke and senior Zach. Both have contributed to the team's strong season.
The Vikings have won one trophy already this year - the Kinsella Cup taken in the annual meeting with crosstown rival Palatine. They don't plan to stop there -- Fremd is dueling East Division leader Rolling Meadows for the best record in the Mid-Suburban League.
"Every point means a little bit more this time of the season," said Fremd coach Steve Keller.
That makes for much to play for Thursday. The question is: will passion and no-quit attitude take down red hot Fremd (8-1-1 in the its last 10 games)? That's the David vs. Goliath question.