Benet's upset bid
washed away in Libertyville
2-0 lead wiped out after game ends short of intermission
By Mike Garofola
LIBERTYVILLE -- Mother Nature may have robbed Benet of its chance for a stunning win over Class 3A kingpin Libertyville on Saturday, but she did nothing to diminish the knowledge that the Redwings are right there with the master class of the best soccer clubs in the state.
Benet,ranked no. 11 in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, scored twice, defended beautifully, and dominated play at two-time state runner-up and second-ranked Libertyville's home pitch Saturday, but found itself falling just short of victory when play was halted for the day with 28.1 seconds left in the first half.
"We would have liked to come out of here with a win. To be honest, knowing we can play with a top team like Libertyville is even better," said Benet's Anthony Klos, who along with his backline mates Thomas Miskin, Zach Serafin and Carl Widmann stayed organized and composed against an opponent that can counter, go direct or flood the box quickly with stealthy efficiency.
"We were not at our best two weeks ago when we played (another) top team in the state (Naperville North in a 2-1 defeat)," continued Klos. "We weren't at full strength, but we didn't come out ready to play the day.
"That loss was a wake-up call to all of us. Since then, we've worked extra hard in training and used that day as a reminder of how we have to play each time out."
In the contest that produced Benet's ony loss, the Redwings (7-1-0) were without Chris Mankowski and Sam Hepburn, two playes who provide the type of pace, energy and speed to the Benet attack that can and has pried open opponents and created chances for others.
"Chris has made giant strides forward since last year," said Benet manager Sean Wesley. "While Sam, along with T.J. (McVey) and Klos, are massive talents that help us connect and play through other teams."
Saturday, Hepburn, Klos, Mankowski, and McVey were key figures in this 2-0 game, which, after two long Thor Guard delays, was ended for good painfully short of the intermission.
Although Benet fans were not happy this contest wasn't able to reach the break, thus making it an official game, the decision by officials who foresaw potentially dangerous weather ahead was a good one when the skies opened up and made conditions unsafe and dangerous for all on hand.
Klos agreed with his manager about the aforementioned players who were important on this day, but the junior felt there were two others who deserved credit.
"It was Nick and Nick in the middle for us today who were in control," said Klos of Nick Augustyn and Nick Renfro, who shared the Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match honor.
"They were winning every ball, distributing, playing strong on both sides of the ball. They were the real heroes in my opinion, because if you don't control the midfield, especially against a team like Libertyville, you have no chance at all."
Mickey Reilly, a 2018 Chicagoland Soccer all-stater, and Luke Underwood are one of the best midfield combos in the state. They usually do just what Klos suggested his teammates did -- dominate and control the middle of the park.
"We were just off our game today," said Libertyville manager Kevin Thunholm. "(We) did not come out and match their energy and pace; it's as simple as that.
"Some of what you saw today is on me. We've had a busy week of soccer. It's Homecoming Week; earlier today, we allowed the guys to match in the Homecoming parade, and the dance is tonight as well.
"That's not an excuse nor a lack of respect shown towards a great opponent with a very talented roster, but I know it had a little something to do with the way we played -- but certainly not everything."
Thunholm did not like what he saw during the early exchanges when Benet's McVey, Mankowski and Hepburn ran freely in and around the Wildcats area.
That trio created a pair of corners plus a lovely ball whipped into the box from the endline by Mankowski that nearly saw Hans Haenicke bag a Benet goal in the 10th minute.
When Thunholm brought on fresh legs in Cole Landmeier and Danny Chernyavsky, Wesley introduced freshman Nico Picha into the proceedings.
"Nico is going to be a good one, no doubt," said Wesley. "And you saw just how good he'll be from the effort he turned in today."
Soon after coming on, the rookie midfielder made his mark on the game when he and McVey got together to find the opener at 18 minutes.
Picha quickly located McVey, who floated freely away from his mark and with a quick first step and touch moved into the box. That forced Wildcats keeper Hunter Lynch to challenge off his line.
In doing so, the net was left open enough for McVey to steer in his attempt, much to the delight a big Benet contingent on hand.
It was then Libertyville (9-0-0) saw more than one storm brewing.
"We were in trouble at that point," Thunholm said. "We were not handling the high pressure very well, and there was a disconnect in our midfield that caused our attack to struggle.
"Fortunately, we received a break when the Thor Guard sounded, and there was that guarantee of at least a 30-minute delay."
The near 40-minute delay gave the home side a much needed rest to recharge its batteries. When play resumed, the 'Cats were closer to being on their collective front foot than at any time previously.
Patrick Graham was more active up-top, while Jacopo Franciosi and Will Herbek stepped up from the backline winning balls and providing service.
However, that would all end when Hepburn doubled the Benet advantage at the half hour when McVey and Haenicke helped set up their teammate.
McVey worked hard to keep the ball in the possession of his club, then played wide to Haenicke, who darted to the endline.
Once there, his unstoppable pass to Hepburn at the tail-end of his near post run ended with Hepburn netting the second goal of the afternoon.
"Two great goals from the guys today," said Wesley. "Both came because of great effort from all involved, especially Hans and his pace, and the speed of Mankowski."
Libertyville did not go away quietly. The Wildcats looked to pull one back to flip the momentum meter 180 degrees in their favor.
Graham got deep into the Benet area before Klos cleaned things up nicely. Then a long free kick from the midline by Franciosi sailed into the hands of keeper Vyto Staniskis, who hung on to the ball with confidence.
A Landon Johnson corner resulted in two attempts from near the edge that were blocked on the way in before Renfro parried the ball out of danger.
However, in between this all, the Redwings attack hummed on high-octane fuel with Augustyn and Renfro at the controls.
"That was our best half of soccer of the season thus far," proclaimed Klos.
"We know when all the pieces are in place. We can be a very good soccer team, but we have to continue to work hard in order to be ready for what's coming up, not what's ahead later on."
"Anthony has sacrificed for the team by playing as our center back," began Wesley. "That's what makes this team complete. McVey gave us a lift the other night by scoring the game-winner against Neuqua. Augustyn and Renfro were strong all throughout in the middle, and for the first time this season we played like we know we can."
Benet goes back to league play in the East Suburban Catholic Conference with a road on South Side of Chicago against Marist (6-3-1, 1-1-1) Wednesday
For Thunholm and his men, the was a game was a reminder of several things, all of which the Wildcats manager was well aware of prior to this big nonconference match.
"Benet is a very good team, who came into our stadium with a lot to prove to themselves and others," Thunholm said. "They showed they can play at a very high level.
"For us, it's a reminder that we (like Naperville North), are the two teams everyone will come after. Which is good as long as we are mentally prepared and ready to be at our best from the opening whistle.
"There's still a lot of soccer ahead of us, and the thing to remember is we're still a young team, with most of the roster comprised of players with little or no experience at the varsity level.
"This was a good game for all concerned. I know we'll be more than ready next time we train and go out and play."
That next contest is a North Suburban Conference game at Lake Zurich (2-5-3) on Tuesday. League play continues when Mundelein (4-1-3) visits Thursday.
Starting lineups
Benet (4-3-3)
G- Vyto Staniskis
D- Thomas Miskin
D- Anthony Klos
D- Zach Serafin
D- Carl Widmann
M- Sam Hoeburn
M- Nick Renfro
M- Nick Augustyn
F- Trent (T.J.) McVey
F- Chris Mankowski
F- Hans Haenicke
Libertyville (4-1-3-2)
G- Hunter Lynch
D- Landon Johnson
D- Will Herbek
D- Jacopo Franciosi
D- Cole Hauser
M- Cade Apton
M- Luke Underwood
M- Mickey Reilly
M- Jack Brennan
F- Connor Hay
F- Patrick Graham
Chicagoland Soccer Men of the Match: Nick Augustyn, sr., MF, Benet
Nick Renfro, sr., MF, Benet
Referee: John Anderson
Scoring summary
First half
Benet: McVey (Picha) 18'
Benet: Hepburn (Haenicke, McVey) 30'
Game ended due to weather with 28.1 seconds remaining in the first half
washed away in Libertyville
2-0 lead wiped out after game ends short of intermission
By Mike Garofola
LIBERTYVILLE -- Mother Nature may have robbed Benet of its chance for a stunning win over Class 3A kingpin Libertyville on Saturday, but she did nothing to diminish the knowledge that the Redwings are right there with the master class of the best soccer clubs in the state.
Benet,ranked no. 11 in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, scored twice, defended beautifully, and dominated play at two-time state runner-up and second-ranked Libertyville's home pitch Saturday, but found itself falling just short of victory when play was halted for the day with 28.1 seconds left in the first half.
"We would have liked to come out of here with a win. To be honest, knowing we can play with a top team like Libertyville is even better," said Benet's Anthony Klos, who along with his backline mates Thomas Miskin, Zach Serafin and Carl Widmann stayed organized and composed against an opponent that can counter, go direct or flood the box quickly with stealthy efficiency.
"We were not at our best two weeks ago when we played (another) top team in the state (Naperville North in a 2-1 defeat)," continued Klos. "We weren't at full strength, but we didn't come out ready to play the day.
"That loss was a wake-up call to all of us. Since then, we've worked extra hard in training and used that day as a reminder of how we have to play each time out."
In the contest that produced Benet's ony loss, the Redwings (7-1-0) were without Chris Mankowski and Sam Hepburn, two playes who provide the type of pace, energy and speed to the Benet attack that can and has pried open opponents and created chances for others.
"Chris has made giant strides forward since last year," said Benet manager Sean Wesley. "While Sam, along with T.J. (McVey) and Klos, are massive talents that help us connect and play through other teams."
Saturday, Hepburn, Klos, Mankowski, and McVey were key figures in this 2-0 game, which, after two long Thor Guard delays, was ended for good painfully short of the intermission.
Although Benet fans were not happy this contest wasn't able to reach the break, thus making it an official game, the decision by officials who foresaw potentially dangerous weather ahead was a good one when the skies opened up and made conditions unsafe and dangerous for all on hand.
Klos agreed with his manager about the aforementioned players who were important on this day, but the junior felt there were two others who deserved credit.
"It was Nick and Nick in the middle for us today who were in control," said Klos of Nick Augustyn and Nick Renfro, who shared the Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match honor.
"They were winning every ball, distributing, playing strong on both sides of the ball. They were the real heroes in my opinion, because if you don't control the midfield, especially against a team like Libertyville, you have no chance at all."
Mickey Reilly, a 2018 Chicagoland Soccer all-stater, and Luke Underwood are one of the best midfield combos in the state. They usually do just what Klos suggested his teammates did -- dominate and control the middle of the park.
"We were just off our game today," said Libertyville manager Kevin Thunholm. "(We) did not come out and match their energy and pace; it's as simple as that.
"Some of what you saw today is on me. We've had a busy week of soccer. It's Homecoming Week; earlier today, we allowed the guys to match in the Homecoming parade, and the dance is tonight as well.
"That's not an excuse nor a lack of respect shown towards a great opponent with a very talented roster, but I know it had a little something to do with the way we played -- but certainly not everything."
Thunholm did not like what he saw during the early exchanges when Benet's McVey, Mankowski and Hepburn ran freely in and around the Wildcats area.
That trio created a pair of corners plus a lovely ball whipped into the box from the endline by Mankowski that nearly saw Hans Haenicke bag a Benet goal in the 10th minute.
When Thunholm brought on fresh legs in Cole Landmeier and Danny Chernyavsky, Wesley introduced freshman Nico Picha into the proceedings.
"Nico is going to be a good one, no doubt," said Wesley. "And you saw just how good he'll be from the effort he turned in today."
Soon after coming on, the rookie midfielder made his mark on the game when he and McVey got together to find the opener at 18 minutes.
Picha quickly located McVey, who floated freely away from his mark and with a quick first step and touch moved into the box. That forced Wildcats keeper Hunter Lynch to challenge off his line.
In doing so, the net was left open enough for McVey to steer in his attempt, much to the delight a big Benet contingent on hand.
It was then Libertyville (9-0-0) saw more than one storm brewing.
"We were in trouble at that point," Thunholm said. "We were not handling the high pressure very well, and there was a disconnect in our midfield that caused our attack to struggle.
"Fortunately, we received a break when the Thor Guard sounded, and there was that guarantee of at least a 30-minute delay."
The near 40-minute delay gave the home side a much needed rest to recharge its batteries. When play resumed, the 'Cats were closer to being on their collective front foot than at any time previously.
Patrick Graham was more active up-top, while Jacopo Franciosi and Will Herbek stepped up from the backline winning balls and providing service.
However, that would all end when Hepburn doubled the Benet advantage at the half hour when McVey and Haenicke helped set up their teammate.
McVey worked hard to keep the ball in the possession of his club, then played wide to Haenicke, who darted to the endline.
Once there, his unstoppable pass to Hepburn at the tail-end of his near post run ended with Hepburn netting the second goal of the afternoon.
"Two great goals from the guys today," said Wesley. "Both came because of great effort from all involved, especially Hans and his pace, and the speed of Mankowski."
Libertyville did not go away quietly. The Wildcats looked to pull one back to flip the momentum meter 180 degrees in their favor.
Graham got deep into the Benet area before Klos cleaned things up nicely. Then a long free kick from the midline by Franciosi sailed into the hands of keeper Vyto Staniskis, who hung on to the ball with confidence.
A Landon Johnson corner resulted in two attempts from near the edge that were blocked on the way in before Renfro parried the ball out of danger.
However, in between this all, the Redwings attack hummed on high-octane fuel with Augustyn and Renfro at the controls.
"That was our best half of soccer of the season thus far," proclaimed Klos.
"We know when all the pieces are in place. We can be a very good soccer team, but we have to continue to work hard in order to be ready for what's coming up, not what's ahead later on."
"Anthony has sacrificed for the team by playing as our center back," began Wesley. "That's what makes this team complete. McVey gave us a lift the other night by scoring the game-winner against Neuqua. Augustyn and Renfro were strong all throughout in the middle, and for the first time this season we played like we know we can."
Benet goes back to league play in the East Suburban Catholic Conference with a road on South Side of Chicago against Marist (6-3-1, 1-1-1) Wednesday
For Thunholm and his men, the was a game was a reminder of several things, all of which the Wildcats manager was well aware of prior to this big nonconference match.
"Benet is a very good team, who came into our stadium with a lot to prove to themselves and others," Thunholm said. "They showed they can play at a very high level.
"For us, it's a reminder that we (like Naperville North), are the two teams everyone will come after. Which is good as long as we are mentally prepared and ready to be at our best from the opening whistle.
"There's still a lot of soccer ahead of us, and the thing to remember is we're still a young team, with most of the roster comprised of players with little or no experience at the varsity level.
"This was a good game for all concerned. I know we'll be more than ready next time we train and go out and play."
That next contest is a North Suburban Conference game at Lake Zurich (2-5-3) on Tuesday. League play continues when Mundelein (4-1-3) visits Thursday.
Starting lineups
Benet (4-3-3)
G- Vyto Staniskis
D- Thomas Miskin
D- Anthony Klos
D- Zach Serafin
D- Carl Widmann
M- Sam Hoeburn
M- Nick Renfro
M- Nick Augustyn
F- Trent (T.J.) McVey
F- Chris Mankowski
F- Hans Haenicke
Libertyville (4-1-3-2)
G- Hunter Lynch
D- Landon Johnson
D- Will Herbek
D- Jacopo Franciosi
D- Cole Hauser
M- Cade Apton
M- Luke Underwood
M- Mickey Reilly
M- Jack Brennan
F- Connor Hay
F- Patrick Graham
Chicagoland Soccer Men of the Match: Nick Augustyn, sr., MF, Benet
Nick Renfro, sr., MF, Benet
Referee: John Anderson
Scoring summary
First half
Benet: McVey (Picha) 18'
Benet: Hepburn (Haenicke, McVey) 30'
Game ended due to weather with 28.1 seconds remaining in the first half