79th-minute goal pushes Lyons past GBN
Riordan header gives Lions 2-1 win in early season classic
By Patrick Z. McGavin
NORTHFIELD -- Few games are likely to match the exhilarating six-minute stretch played out in the marquee opening pool play game of the Northside College Showcase on Saturday afternoon at New Trier’s Northfield Campus.
The game delivered everything imaginable: historically significant programs, two ranked teams out to demonstrate their skill, resolve and ability, and players never shirking from the demands or responsibilities of performing in a heightened atmosphere.
“I think our strength is our offense and their strength is their defense, and it was a great battle,” Glenbrook North coach Paul Vignocchi said.
Lyons maintained a tenuous though hard-fought edge for an hour’s worth of game time only to watch the no. 12 Spartans produce the equalizer and then nearly go ahead. But the no. 14 Lions prevailed on a header by star senior defender Tate Riordan in the 79th minute.
The back and forth was constant, yielding fierce and high quality play sustained until the very end.
Riordan’s game-winner extended the drama, a tantalizing sequence as Riordan and other Lyons’ players battled to get a finishing touch inside the box as Spartans’ standout keeper Daniel Spencer and other defenders nullified each close-up attempt.
“I could not quite put it in at first,” Riordan said, “but then after a couple of tries I got it there. I sort of missed the first time, then it went over to (forward Charlie) Clarke and he headed it over to me and it bounced a couple of times and then the volley went straight into the keeper, it ping-ponged around I finally got the header.”
Riordan registered his second goal of the year.
The score was a remarkable conclusion to a high-level game. Glenbrook North (2-1-0) trailed from the 13th minute as Lyons’ senior defender Quinn Frazer worked the ball down the right edge and then slotted it back to senior Eric Gradilla, a versatile player who moves between the backline and forward.
Gradilla’s outstanding two-way play earned him the Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match distinction.
Riding his defender on his hip as his own back was facing the Spartans’ goal, Gradilla blasted a left-footed ball with speed and velocity that curved brilliantly inside the far post for the crucial opening score.
“Once Quinn laid it back to me and I put it through the kid’s legs, I saw the ball there and I saw the space and I thought I’d go for the back post,” Gradilla said. “I think a (defender) got a touch because that helped put some spin on it and got it to the back of the net.”
Coming off a 2-0 shutout loss against top-ranked Naperville North on Thursday, Lyons (2-1-0) commanded the early pace, speed and rhythm of the game. Coach Paul Labbato deploys a five-defender backline, but with players like Gradillo, the Lions did an outstanding job of pushing numbers.
“I thought we played really well so far,” Riordan said. “The Naperville game was a rough outcome, but still I thought we played good soccer. We are just going to build on what we are doing. Offensively, I think different guys are going to shoulder the load, and we are going to get it going.”
After two one-sided victories to start the year, Glenbrook North was challenged by the aggressive and disruptive nature of the Lions. Senior Lyons’ keeper Matt Vear, a Chicagoland Soccer all-stater, is an athletic freak and brilliant stopper.
“Our attacking ability and our transition speed is what I have been most impressed by so far,” Vignocchi said. “I think today we were a little bit unselfish, and I think some of our guys need to learn to be selfish in and around the box and look for opportunities when they have it.
“Sometimes they want to find that perfect pass or opportunity. But when you play against a team like this, that has really great defense and great goalkeeping, you are not always going to have those opportunities.”
Glenbrook North tested Lyons throughout with its diverse attack. Junior forward Max Marquez is a whirling dervish, a speed demon who breaks down the perimeter. Rangy forward Deng Deng Kur -- the cousin of former Chicago Bulls’ star forward Luol Deng -- has a powerful foot. The orchestrator remains senior midfielder Sahil Modi, who makes ever dangerous runs with senior midfielder Robbie Fraser.
Vear recorded seven saves in absorbing the Spartans’ pressure. Gradilla made a superb clearance in the 64th minute by heading a ball off the line.
“I am one of those people who does not stand in the box,” Gradilla said. “I have to go to the ball. Aand thankfully I got that head on the ball, and I was able to save us a goal.”
In the 73rd minute, the Spartans’ perseverance paid off as senior midfielder Sam Heydt initiated the scoring sequence with a deep throw-in from the right wing that was pushed around the box before senior defender Mason Rose wheeled and fired in a howitzer inside the near post for the equalizer.
“Sam always has a strong throw-in from that side, and we knew with just five minutes left and being down, we had to get everybody we could in there and the ball came to me, and I just slid it into that corner,” Rose said.
“Coming into this game we knew this team was going to be really good and we had to come out right away. In the first half we did not play our best, and we really picked up our energy in the second half.”
The newly energized Spartans seized the momentum. Riveted by the fresh start, Glenbrook North was the verge of a stunning turnaround as Deng got loose in the middle and drilled a lethal left-footed ball on frame. Vear made a diving save with a miracle close that just pushed the ball over the top.
“That was a great save,” Vignocchi said.
Having to reclaim its energy and psychological advantage after Glenbrook North's late comeback, Lyons was a different team after Vear repulsed the Deng shot. “With (Vear) back there I am always so comfortable,” Gradilla said. “That save hyped us up to get our heads in the game and push forward.”
Glenbrook North ran out of time.
“We made two critical mistakes that probably should not have happened, but that is why you play in this tournament,” Vignocchi said. “If we go 0-4, as long as we learn and get better going into the start of our conference play, I am fine with it because every single team in this tournament is quality.”
Starting lineups
Glenbrook North
GK: Daniel Spencer
D: Sam Heydt
D: Mason Rose
D: Evan Goldberg
D: Ben Gordon
MF: Matt Metzger
MF: Robbie Fraser
MF; Sahil Modi
MF: George Luke
F: Deng Deng Kur
F: Max Marquez
Lyons
GK: Matt Vear
D: Tate Riordan
D: Sam DeBoer
D: Eric Gradilla
D: Quinn Frazer
D: Nick Jacobs
MF: Charles Hall
MF: Luke Lusson
MF: Phil Panolpoulos
F: Charlie Clarke
F: Adam McGahay
Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match: Eric Gradilla, Lyons, sr., F/D
Scoring summary
First half
Lyons—Eric Gradilla (Quinn Frazer) 13th minute
Second half
Glenbrook North—Mason Rose 74th minute
Lyons—Tate Riordan (Charlie Clarke) 79th minute
Riordan header gives Lions 2-1 win in early season classic
By Patrick Z. McGavin
NORTHFIELD -- Few games are likely to match the exhilarating six-minute stretch played out in the marquee opening pool play game of the Northside College Showcase on Saturday afternoon at New Trier’s Northfield Campus.
The game delivered everything imaginable: historically significant programs, two ranked teams out to demonstrate their skill, resolve and ability, and players never shirking from the demands or responsibilities of performing in a heightened atmosphere.
“I think our strength is our offense and their strength is their defense, and it was a great battle,” Glenbrook North coach Paul Vignocchi said.
Lyons maintained a tenuous though hard-fought edge for an hour’s worth of game time only to watch the no. 12 Spartans produce the equalizer and then nearly go ahead. But the no. 14 Lions prevailed on a header by star senior defender Tate Riordan in the 79th minute.
The back and forth was constant, yielding fierce and high quality play sustained until the very end.
Riordan’s game-winner extended the drama, a tantalizing sequence as Riordan and other Lyons’ players battled to get a finishing touch inside the box as Spartans’ standout keeper Daniel Spencer and other defenders nullified each close-up attempt.
“I could not quite put it in at first,” Riordan said, “but then after a couple of tries I got it there. I sort of missed the first time, then it went over to (forward Charlie) Clarke and he headed it over to me and it bounced a couple of times and then the volley went straight into the keeper, it ping-ponged around I finally got the header.”
Riordan registered his second goal of the year.
The score was a remarkable conclusion to a high-level game. Glenbrook North (2-1-0) trailed from the 13th minute as Lyons’ senior defender Quinn Frazer worked the ball down the right edge and then slotted it back to senior Eric Gradilla, a versatile player who moves between the backline and forward.
Gradilla’s outstanding two-way play earned him the Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match distinction.
Riding his defender on his hip as his own back was facing the Spartans’ goal, Gradilla blasted a left-footed ball with speed and velocity that curved brilliantly inside the far post for the crucial opening score.
“Once Quinn laid it back to me and I put it through the kid’s legs, I saw the ball there and I saw the space and I thought I’d go for the back post,” Gradilla said. “I think a (defender) got a touch because that helped put some spin on it and got it to the back of the net.”
Coming off a 2-0 shutout loss against top-ranked Naperville North on Thursday, Lyons (2-1-0) commanded the early pace, speed and rhythm of the game. Coach Paul Labbato deploys a five-defender backline, but with players like Gradillo, the Lions did an outstanding job of pushing numbers.
“I thought we played really well so far,” Riordan said. “The Naperville game was a rough outcome, but still I thought we played good soccer. We are just going to build on what we are doing. Offensively, I think different guys are going to shoulder the load, and we are going to get it going.”
After two one-sided victories to start the year, Glenbrook North was challenged by the aggressive and disruptive nature of the Lions. Senior Lyons’ keeper Matt Vear, a Chicagoland Soccer all-stater, is an athletic freak and brilliant stopper.
“Our attacking ability and our transition speed is what I have been most impressed by so far,” Vignocchi said. “I think today we were a little bit unselfish, and I think some of our guys need to learn to be selfish in and around the box and look for opportunities when they have it.
“Sometimes they want to find that perfect pass or opportunity. But when you play against a team like this, that has really great defense and great goalkeeping, you are not always going to have those opportunities.”
Glenbrook North tested Lyons throughout with its diverse attack. Junior forward Max Marquez is a whirling dervish, a speed demon who breaks down the perimeter. Rangy forward Deng Deng Kur -- the cousin of former Chicago Bulls’ star forward Luol Deng -- has a powerful foot. The orchestrator remains senior midfielder Sahil Modi, who makes ever dangerous runs with senior midfielder Robbie Fraser.
Vear recorded seven saves in absorbing the Spartans’ pressure. Gradilla made a superb clearance in the 64th minute by heading a ball off the line.
“I am one of those people who does not stand in the box,” Gradilla said. “I have to go to the ball. Aand thankfully I got that head on the ball, and I was able to save us a goal.”
In the 73rd minute, the Spartans’ perseverance paid off as senior midfielder Sam Heydt initiated the scoring sequence with a deep throw-in from the right wing that was pushed around the box before senior defender Mason Rose wheeled and fired in a howitzer inside the near post for the equalizer.
“Sam always has a strong throw-in from that side, and we knew with just five minutes left and being down, we had to get everybody we could in there and the ball came to me, and I just slid it into that corner,” Rose said.
“Coming into this game we knew this team was going to be really good and we had to come out right away. In the first half we did not play our best, and we really picked up our energy in the second half.”
The newly energized Spartans seized the momentum. Riveted by the fresh start, Glenbrook North was the verge of a stunning turnaround as Deng got loose in the middle and drilled a lethal left-footed ball on frame. Vear made a diving save with a miracle close that just pushed the ball over the top.
“That was a great save,” Vignocchi said.
Having to reclaim its energy and psychological advantage after Glenbrook North's late comeback, Lyons was a different team after Vear repulsed the Deng shot. “With (Vear) back there I am always so comfortable,” Gradilla said. “That save hyped us up to get our heads in the game and push forward.”
Glenbrook North ran out of time.
“We made two critical mistakes that probably should not have happened, but that is why you play in this tournament,” Vignocchi said. “If we go 0-4, as long as we learn and get better going into the start of our conference play, I am fine with it because every single team in this tournament is quality.”
Starting lineups
Glenbrook North
GK: Daniel Spencer
D: Sam Heydt
D: Mason Rose
D: Evan Goldberg
D: Ben Gordon
MF: Matt Metzger
MF: Robbie Fraser
MF; Sahil Modi
MF: George Luke
F: Deng Deng Kur
F: Max Marquez
Lyons
GK: Matt Vear
D: Tate Riordan
D: Sam DeBoer
D: Eric Gradilla
D: Quinn Frazer
D: Nick Jacobs
MF: Charles Hall
MF: Luke Lusson
MF: Phil Panolpoulos
F: Charlie Clarke
F: Adam McGahay
Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match: Eric Gradilla, Lyons, sr., F/D
Scoring summary
First half
Lyons—Eric Gradilla (Quinn Frazer) 13th minute
Second half
Glenbrook North—Mason Rose 74th minute
Lyons—Tate Riordan (Charlie Clarke) 79th minute