Feature story: Friendly competition between Flanagan and Limanowka boosts Prospect
By Bob Narang
Prospect senior midfielder Declan Flanagan had ample motivation for the March 30 game against Wheeling.
After watching close friend and teammate Eryk Limanowka notch his first varsity hat-trick in a 5-0 victory over Schaumburg on March 27, Flanagan admitted he was amped to showcase his scoring skills.
Also, Flanagan said he wanted to extend the Knights’ recent surge of victories following a slow start this spring.
“I couldn’t let (Eryk) take all the glory,” Flanagan said. “I knew I had to put some (goals) in for myself.”
Sure enough, Flanagan had a game to remember, recording a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over the Wildcats. The Knights (4-4-1, 4-3-1 Mid-Suburban East) have won four-straight games after a 2-1 home win against Conant on Tuesday.
“It was a lot of fun, and the first time in high school that I’ve seen two teammates get hat-tricks,” Flanagan said. “After I scored the second (goal), I said ‘Let’s both get hat-tricks on the season.’
“There’s not much thinking at that point. After I scored the first goal, from then on, I was playing in the zone. I think being in the zone is universal in all sports. Everything slows down, and you don’t think and just perform.
“I was so excited (after the third goal), almost was in awe. The whole team was really happy, especially since we came away with the win and kept our winning streak going.”
Limanowka said he was happy Flanagan could add a hat-trick to his soccer resume.
The pair have been close friends for 10 years. Most recently that bond has seen them compete for the leading scorer mantle for the Knights.
After his hat trick against Wheeling, Flanagan edged ahead with six goals compared to five for Limanowka, but the later tied the friendly competition with the game-winner with 12 minutes left against Conant.
“After he scored the first goal, he told me he wanted the hat-trick,” Limanowka
said. “I was helping him out. It was nice seeing him get it. That shows how hard we’ve been trying and the effort the team is putting in.
“Everything is peaking now for Declan and me. We’re at the top of our chemistry together. Last year I didn’t get the time to showcase my skills, but this year we’re getting the opportunity to play together. It’s showed in how we’re playing well together.”
Flanagan credited his familiarity with Limanowka as part of his strong play during Prospect’s resurgence.
“It’s great to have a good season with him,” Flanagan said. “I’ve playing soccer for so long that all the practicing comes out.”
Flanagan, a co-captain, said he’s focused on ending his career with a winning record. The Knights have three games left this season. Their matches with at Fremd at 7:15 p.m. Thursday and hosting Barrington at 11 a.m. Saturday could have a strong effect on the race for the Mid-Suburban League West Division champion.
A three-year varsity player, Flanagan said he’s hoping a strong showing on the pitch helps his recruiting.
“It’s been really difficult with recruiting because of COVID-19, and all the different guidelines,” he said. “I’m just trying to play my best, then hopefully my playing will bring notice to me.
“So far, I’ve had a pretty good season, and I’m hoping my whole season is a highlight. I’ve really taken to the leadership role, much better than other years. It feels great to be a leader. I’ve been waiting for it for three years.”
Prospect coach Michael Andrews said Flanagan showed his long-range potential by tallying two assists in his first varsity game during his sophomore season.
“We always known from the second we first saw Declan play that he’s a tremendous player,” Andrews said. “You just never know how a player will react in a varsity game until you put him out there. But from his very first moment, he’s been making something happen out there.
“Some of best players make things happen for other players. In his first year, Declan was really good at threading the ball through. He has a really good sense of where everybody is at all times and can distribute accurately and spread the ball to a striker.
“His vision and distribution is very sharp. This year, he’s been incredibly vocal and really settles things down and lets us play our passing game we like to play. He’s made the transition from playmaker to finisher.”
Senior defender Gavin Kafkakis, a co-captain, said it’s special watching Flanagan and Limanowka on the pitch.
“Eryk and Declan have been playing great,” Kafkakis said. “It’s fun to see all their hard work pay off. They just click well together, especially playing up-top. They know each other so well. You can see that connection and chemistry.”
Andrews said beating Wheeling was special for his players, but they can’t lose focus.
The Knights will finish the shortened season against Palatine on April 13.
While Limanowka and Flanagan have been drawing attention with their offense, the Knights haven’t skimped on their defense.
Andrews praised the play of backliners Kafkakis, David Marshall, Rick Lytle, Alexander Mho and Ari Kemperas.
“Those are three really tough teams we’re up going up against,” Andrews said. “They will measure all of the progress we’ve made this season. I’ve been really pleased with the play of our backline.
“My backline has been very organized and making fewer and fewer mistakes in the last games. Gavin and David are really athletic and great at winning the ball and communicating. Alex has been tremendous. He's just nonstop energy, and he loves getting involved in the attack. Rick is a really solid leader and been playing really well. Ari is another player stepping up. None of our guys are really flashy players, but they just get the job done.”
Limanowka said the Knights are playing at a high level since suffering a 6-2 loss to then no. 7 and current no. 1 New Trier on March 20. Prospect is a perfect 5-0-0 since the game.
“I think our defense has really stepped up from the first couple of games,” Limanowka said. “The whole team has together, too. We trust each other and play simple, pass and move the ball. Simple ball is the key.”
By Bob Narang
Prospect senior midfielder Declan Flanagan had ample motivation for the March 30 game against Wheeling.
After watching close friend and teammate Eryk Limanowka notch his first varsity hat-trick in a 5-0 victory over Schaumburg on March 27, Flanagan admitted he was amped to showcase his scoring skills.
Also, Flanagan said he wanted to extend the Knights’ recent surge of victories following a slow start this spring.
“I couldn’t let (Eryk) take all the glory,” Flanagan said. “I knew I had to put some (goals) in for myself.”
Sure enough, Flanagan had a game to remember, recording a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over the Wildcats. The Knights (4-4-1, 4-3-1 Mid-Suburban East) have won four-straight games after a 2-1 home win against Conant on Tuesday.
“It was a lot of fun, and the first time in high school that I’ve seen two teammates get hat-tricks,” Flanagan said. “After I scored the second (goal), I said ‘Let’s both get hat-tricks on the season.’
“There’s not much thinking at that point. After I scored the first goal, from then on, I was playing in the zone. I think being in the zone is universal in all sports. Everything slows down, and you don’t think and just perform.
“I was so excited (after the third goal), almost was in awe. The whole team was really happy, especially since we came away with the win and kept our winning streak going.”
Limanowka said he was happy Flanagan could add a hat-trick to his soccer resume.
The pair have been close friends for 10 years. Most recently that bond has seen them compete for the leading scorer mantle for the Knights.
After his hat trick against Wheeling, Flanagan edged ahead with six goals compared to five for Limanowka, but the later tied the friendly competition with the game-winner with 12 minutes left against Conant.
“After he scored the first goal, he told me he wanted the hat-trick,” Limanowka
said. “I was helping him out. It was nice seeing him get it. That shows how hard we’ve been trying and the effort the team is putting in.
“Everything is peaking now for Declan and me. We’re at the top of our chemistry together. Last year I didn’t get the time to showcase my skills, but this year we’re getting the opportunity to play together. It’s showed in how we’re playing well together.”
Flanagan credited his familiarity with Limanowka as part of his strong play during Prospect’s resurgence.
“It’s great to have a good season with him,” Flanagan said. “I’ve playing soccer for so long that all the practicing comes out.”
Flanagan, a co-captain, said he’s focused on ending his career with a winning record. The Knights have three games left this season. Their matches with at Fremd at 7:15 p.m. Thursday and hosting Barrington at 11 a.m. Saturday could have a strong effect on the race for the Mid-Suburban League West Division champion.
A three-year varsity player, Flanagan said he’s hoping a strong showing on the pitch helps his recruiting.
“It’s been really difficult with recruiting because of COVID-19, and all the different guidelines,” he said. “I’m just trying to play my best, then hopefully my playing will bring notice to me.
“So far, I’ve had a pretty good season, and I’m hoping my whole season is a highlight. I’ve really taken to the leadership role, much better than other years. It feels great to be a leader. I’ve been waiting for it for three years.”
Prospect coach Michael Andrews said Flanagan showed his long-range potential by tallying two assists in his first varsity game during his sophomore season.
“We always known from the second we first saw Declan play that he’s a tremendous player,” Andrews said. “You just never know how a player will react in a varsity game until you put him out there. But from his very first moment, he’s been making something happen out there.
“Some of best players make things happen for other players. In his first year, Declan was really good at threading the ball through. He has a really good sense of where everybody is at all times and can distribute accurately and spread the ball to a striker.
“His vision and distribution is very sharp. This year, he’s been incredibly vocal and really settles things down and lets us play our passing game we like to play. He’s made the transition from playmaker to finisher.”
Senior defender Gavin Kafkakis, a co-captain, said it’s special watching Flanagan and Limanowka on the pitch.
“Eryk and Declan have been playing great,” Kafkakis said. “It’s fun to see all their hard work pay off. They just click well together, especially playing up-top. They know each other so well. You can see that connection and chemistry.”
Andrews said beating Wheeling was special for his players, but they can’t lose focus.
The Knights will finish the shortened season against Palatine on April 13.
While Limanowka and Flanagan have been drawing attention with their offense, the Knights haven’t skimped on their defense.
Andrews praised the play of backliners Kafkakis, David Marshall, Rick Lytle, Alexander Mho and Ari Kemperas.
“Those are three really tough teams we’re up going up against,” Andrews said. “They will measure all of the progress we’ve made this season. I’ve been really pleased with the play of our backline.
“My backline has been very organized and making fewer and fewer mistakes in the last games. Gavin and David are really athletic and great at winning the ball and communicating. Alex has been tremendous. He's just nonstop energy, and he loves getting involved in the attack. Rick is a really solid leader and been playing really well. Ari is another player stepping up. None of our guys are really flashy players, but they just get the job done.”
Limanowka said the Knights are playing at a high level since suffering a 6-2 loss to then no. 7 and current no. 1 New Trier on March 20. Prospect is a perfect 5-0-0 since the game.
“I think our defense has really stepped up from the first couple of games,” Limanowka said. “The whole team has together, too. We trust each other and play simple, pass and move the ball. Simple ball is the key.”