Washington takes third place
win over Grayslake Central
City school adds 3rd state trophy since 2013, Rams earn 1st
By Mike Garofola
HOFFMAN ESTATES -- The debate as to whether to play a third place is endless. There are arguments for either side.
A third place game at the World Cup seems hardly worthwhile. At that level, it's lifting the championship trophy or nothing else.
However, there's little doubt as to which side of the argument Grayslake Central manager Keith Andersson and his classy captains Ben Berry and Lucas Veenstra stand when asked their opinion of the value of such a game.
Grayslake Central took a 1-0 lead inside 10 minutes over second-seed Washington (Chicago), then conceded three to fall 3-1 in the Class AA third place game. The third-seeded Rams took home a much-desired state trophy under sunny skies at Garber Stadium on Saturday afternoon at tourney host Hoffman Estates.
Berry and Veenstra said no one wants to play in the third place game because it means they’re not competing for the title.
"But we were all thrilled, and proud to be here for the first time in program history and to bring home a state trophy. For me, it's a great way to end my high school soccer career," said Berry, who operated in front of a defensive unit that helped the Rams (14-8-2) record seven clean-sheets on the season. The biggest came in a 1-0 home supersectional victory over no. 1-seeded Notre Dame on Nov. 2 that sent Andersson's men through.
"It's been an amazing first year of being the manager here. The soccer program began in 1986 and has never achieved the type of success this team has brought to the school and community of Grayslake," began Andersson.
"We came here wanting to play for the Class AA state title. When that didn't happen for us, we put everything into this third place game. We went out and played as hard and as well as we could and with a lot of pride, because this game and weekend meant a lot to all of us associated with Grayslake Central soccer."
This Class AA third place contest could be seen as perhaps a dress rehearsal for future appearances at state.
"This game was all about going out and playing for each other, the program, school and community," offered Veenstra, who will be the cornerstone player who Andersson will lean on next fall. “For the guys who are coming back next year, we know we can get back with hard work and dedication.”
"Ben and Lucas are both amazing players and leaders," says Andersson.
"As a coach, you’re always looking for players to help lead and compose a team. Ben and Lucas have those traits.
“They are very humble and coachable. When they're on the field, they play lights-out soccer."
"As a senior, Ben is a strong, composed defensive midfielder. He is cool and calm on the ball. I just wish I would have had last year with him to help him in regard to college recruitment. I know he could step in at the next level and help any program he would end up at.
"As far as Lucas goes, we are fortunate to have him back. He's an extremely strong technical player on and off the ball with great skill and a high soccer IQ. He has the ability to close down an attacker, turn and distribute with precision, which is always fun to watch.
"My coaching staff, and I are working hard sending out stat sheets and HUDL videos to potential college destinations. Lucas has worked so hard at getting bigger, stronger and faster. He is a player I know can play at the next level."
The season has also been a memorable one for Washington (19-5-2) thanks in part to its magnificent senior defender Julian Martinez, who played superbly over the two-day finals.
"We've had a great ride this season," said Martinez, whose positioning, aerial strength and ability to read the game make him a nightmare for any attacker. His pace, technical skill and distribution powers yield clever and crafty play going forward for the Patriots.
"When we lost in the city final to Payton (3-1), it just put it into everyone's mind that we had to work hard. We wanted to win everything after that game.
"I'm going to really miss playing with these guys. We've had a great season."
"This whole year has been an amazing experience, and it's too bad this is my last year at Washington," said Patriots keeper Brayan Lozano.
"We kept our heads up after our loss in the semifinals, tried our best in this game, and to me third place is like finishing in second."
"Julian is such a great player and team leader, and I really believe that someday he'll be playing at a higher level. I wish him the best wherever he goes."
Both sides showed little interest at the outset of play, perhaps due to the 11 a.m. kickoff, and the reality of playing for third, and not first.
"After we lost to Triad in our semifinal on Friday, the boys were gutted," suggested Andersson.
"They really didn't want the rush (of playing for a state title) to end. To get them motivated to play today, it took a little while. But when they finally did, they were playing our game. The passing and ball movement were great."
Marko Marynevych brought the Rams to life when he bagged the opener after Cameron Paul's tackle up-top helped spill the ball onto the foot of the Rams senior. His wicked, angled blast from the right found the far inside netting from 16 yards.
"Great start for us,” said Berry. “But (they) got that goal back a little while later, and that second one really quick. We played hard, created chances but could not find the back of the net."
Grayslake Central had chances to double its advantage. Lafuntae Floyd looped his effort just over the bar, and Raymond Sereno tested Lozano from distance.
The Patriots drew even at 23 minutes when Martinez whipped a ball through the six-yard box to an unmarked Sebastian Ramirez, who had an open net at the back post all to himself.
Angel Larios grabbed a second goal for the Patriots two minutes later. He went past Rams keeper Uriel Garcia Perez, who came off his line to cut the angle, but not enough to turn around Larios' eventual game-winner in the 25th minute.
Moments later, Veenstra moved quickly to stop Angel Huerta who tricked his way into the box. The tackle prevented a potential 1-v-1 for Huerta versus Garcia Perez.
The final 10 minutes of the first period was played at a frantic box-to-box pace as the tempo and urgency increased two-fold.
Daniel Marynevych got through on the left side, but his final touch betrayed the Rams leading scorer. The attempt on frame lacked the proper pace to test Lozano.
Garcia Perez came through on the other end with an extraordinary point-blank save on Lenardo Solis. Rams junior Ethan Bartels took the ball off the line after the rebound.
Julian Martinez came to the rescue for the Patriots in the final minutes of the first half after Marko Marynevych unloaded a near-unstoppable smash after his younger brother sent him through.
Lozano's initial stop on Marko’s effort yielded a sitter on the line which Martinez sent out of the area.
The Rams had their chances to get back even and go ahead but were victimized by the Patriots high, tight line Martinez and his mates deployed. Two goals were waived off due to offside calls in the second half.
Sensing they still had goals left in them, the Northern Lake County Conference co-champions began to attack with more purpose, and ferocity. Sophomores Michael Fien and Elliot Bond, and seniors Berry and Marko Marynevych put themselves into the fray. Freshman Anderson Chevier contributed enterprising runs up the left side that helped pry open the Patriots.
With the Rams pushing numbers forward, it left just enough space for Christian Aparicio to deliver a marvelous early ball to Angelo Williams, who finished the scoring in the 66th minute.
"Even though we were chasing two goals late in the game, we still were playing hard. We wanted this game so bad," said Veenstra, who shared Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match honors with Washington’s Martinez.
Gryaslake Central nearly pulled one back 10 minutes from time when Berry grazed the bar with his long-range effort. That was followed by another quality attempt on frame by Marko Marynevych, who watched the Patriots’ keeper turn away his shot in the 74th minute.
The ensuing corner that Alan Alonso whipped into the box was parried out of danger and dashed the hopes of a late comeback from Andersson’s men.
"After we drew with Round Lake to tie them for conference champions, we really felt like we had a good chance of playing into the final weekend of the season," began Andersson.
"Also being realistic, we told the boys to play each game as if it was your last, and they did. We were able to enjoy the ride.
"The team made it to the Final Four, not bad after starting the season winless in our first four games. It's a memory they will have forever."
Andersson, and his staff will welcome back (17) from his 2021 fall roster, eight of whom were in his starting 11 for this contest.
"It was all about setting the standard (high) for Grayslake Central soccer,” said Berry. “It's something the captains, and all of the seniors did so well and hopefully set a good example for the players coming back next season."
"It's been an amazing first year, but I am truly very lucky," admits Andersson.
"Plenty of credit should first go to our freshman coach Nick Custodio, our JV coach Kevin Carver, and of course my assistant, Brad Nieder.
"Without all of us being on the same page while creating a fun atmosphere for the guys, I really don't believe we would have achieved the success we enjoyed.
"Brad has been amazing in his technical breakdown of each of our opponents. Next year, we're fortunate to have a young team back with us, and one that has experienced the highs and lows of what it takes to get this far.
"All of them will know the hard work they have to put in during the offseason in order to have the chance to lift a state championship trophy."
Andersson went on to say how thrilled he, his assistants and his players are to bring back a fourth place trophy to the town of Grayslake.
"For the future, we hope to keep building our program, to make it stronger each year. This current group of boys helped put Grayslake Central on the map, both on the state and local level."
Starting lineups
Grayslake Central (3-4-3)
G: Uriel Garcia Perez
D: Alan Alonso
D: Lucas Veenstra
D: Nick Molochnikov
M: Raymond Sereno
M: Ben Berry
M: Lafuntae Floyd
M: Anthony Placencia
F: Marko Marynevych
F: Cameron Paul
F: Daniel Marynevych
Washington (4-3-3)
G: Brayan Lozano
D: Giovanni Rosas
D: Sebastian Ramirez
D: Julian Martinez
D: Brian Soto
M: Jose Espinoza
M: Christopher Gomez
M: Ricardo Perez
F: Angel Guzman
F: Angel Huerta
F: Angel Larios
Chicagoland Soccer Men of the Match: Julian Martinez, sr., D/MF, Washington; Lucas Veenstra, jr., D, Grayslake Central
Officials: Doug Huey (center); Manou Chahmirzadi (assistant); Kevin Porter (assistant); Marez Zarios (fourth)
Scoring summary
First half
Grayslake Central: M. Marynevych (U/A) 11'
Washington: S. Ramirez (J. Martinez) 23'
Washington: Larios (U/A) 25'
Second half
Washington: Williams (Aparicio) 66'
Statistics
Grayslake Central
On Frame: 10
Off Frame: 4
Fouls: 3
Corners: 4
Offsides: 6
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Washington
On Frame: 7
Off Frame: 4
Fouls: 3
Corners: 0
Offsides: 3
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
win over Grayslake Central
City school adds 3rd state trophy since 2013, Rams earn 1st
By Mike Garofola
HOFFMAN ESTATES -- The debate as to whether to play a third place is endless. There are arguments for either side.
A third place game at the World Cup seems hardly worthwhile. At that level, it's lifting the championship trophy or nothing else.
However, there's little doubt as to which side of the argument Grayslake Central manager Keith Andersson and his classy captains Ben Berry and Lucas Veenstra stand when asked their opinion of the value of such a game.
Grayslake Central took a 1-0 lead inside 10 minutes over second-seed Washington (Chicago), then conceded three to fall 3-1 in the Class AA third place game. The third-seeded Rams took home a much-desired state trophy under sunny skies at Garber Stadium on Saturday afternoon at tourney host Hoffman Estates.
Berry and Veenstra said no one wants to play in the third place game because it means they’re not competing for the title.
"But we were all thrilled, and proud to be here for the first time in program history and to bring home a state trophy. For me, it's a great way to end my high school soccer career," said Berry, who operated in front of a defensive unit that helped the Rams (14-8-2) record seven clean-sheets on the season. The biggest came in a 1-0 home supersectional victory over no. 1-seeded Notre Dame on Nov. 2 that sent Andersson's men through.
"It's been an amazing first year of being the manager here. The soccer program began in 1986 and has never achieved the type of success this team has brought to the school and community of Grayslake," began Andersson.
"We came here wanting to play for the Class AA state title. When that didn't happen for us, we put everything into this third place game. We went out and played as hard and as well as we could and with a lot of pride, because this game and weekend meant a lot to all of us associated with Grayslake Central soccer."
This Class AA third place contest could be seen as perhaps a dress rehearsal for future appearances at state.
"This game was all about going out and playing for each other, the program, school and community," offered Veenstra, who will be the cornerstone player who Andersson will lean on next fall. “For the guys who are coming back next year, we know we can get back with hard work and dedication.”
"Ben and Lucas are both amazing players and leaders," says Andersson.
"As a coach, you’re always looking for players to help lead and compose a team. Ben and Lucas have those traits.
“They are very humble and coachable. When they're on the field, they play lights-out soccer."
"As a senior, Ben is a strong, composed defensive midfielder. He is cool and calm on the ball. I just wish I would have had last year with him to help him in regard to college recruitment. I know he could step in at the next level and help any program he would end up at.
"As far as Lucas goes, we are fortunate to have him back. He's an extremely strong technical player on and off the ball with great skill and a high soccer IQ. He has the ability to close down an attacker, turn and distribute with precision, which is always fun to watch.
"My coaching staff, and I are working hard sending out stat sheets and HUDL videos to potential college destinations. Lucas has worked so hard at getting bigger, stronger and faster. He is a player I know can play at the next level."
The season has also been a memorable one for Washington (19-5-2) thanks in part to its magnificent senior defender Julian Martinez, who played superbly over the two-day finals.
"We've had a great ride this season," said Martinez, whose positioning, aerial strength and ability to read the game make him a nightmare for any attacker. His pace, technical skill and distribution powers yield clever and crafty play going forward for the Patriots.
"When we lost in the city final to Payton (3-1), it just put it into everyone's mind that we had to work hard. We wanted to win everything after that game.
"I'm going to really miss playing with these guys. We've had a great season."
"This whole year has been an amazing experience, and it's too bad this is my last year at Washington," said Patriots keeper Brayan Lozano.
"We kept our heads up after our loss in the semifinals, tried our best in this game, and to me third place is like finishing in second."
"Julian is such a great player and team leader, and I really believe that someday he'll be playing at a higher level. I wish him the best wherever he goes."
Both sides showed little interest at the outset of play, perhaps due to the 11 a.m. kickoff, and the reality of playing for third, and not first.
"After we lost to Triad in our semifinal on Friday, the boys were gutted," suggested Andersson.
"They really didn't want the rush (of playing for a state title) to end. To get them motivated to play today, it took a little while. But when they finally did, they were playing our game. The passing and ball movement were great."
Marko Marynevych brought the Rams to life when he bagged the opener after Cameron Paul's tackle up-top helped spill the ball onto the foot of the Rams senior. His wicked, angled blast from the right found the far inside netting from 16 yards.
"Great start for us,” said Berry. “But (they) got that goal back a little while later, and that second one really quick. We played hard, created chances but could not find the back of the net."
Grayslake Central had chances to double its advantage. Lafuntae Floyd looped his effort just over the bar, and Raymond Sereno tested Lozano from distance.
The Patriots drew even at 23 minutes when Martinez whipped a ball through the six-yard box to an unmarked Sebastian Ramirez, who had an open net at the back post all to himself.
Angel Larios grabbed a second goal for the Patriots two minutes later. He went past Rams keeper Uriel Garcia Perez, who came off his line to cut the angle, but not enough to turn around Larios' eventual game-winner in the 25th minute.
Moments later, Veenstra moved quickly to stop Angel Huerta who tricked his way into the box. The tackle prevented a potential 1-v-1 for Huerta versus Garcia Perez.
The final 10 minutes of the first period was played at a frantic box-to-box pace as the tempo and urgency increased two-fold.
Daniel Marynevych got through on the left side, but his final touch betrayed the Rams leading scorer. The attempt on frame lacked the proper pace to test Lozano.
Garcia Perez came through on the other end with an extraordinary point-blank save on Lenardo Solis. Rams junior Ethan Bartels took the ball off the line after the rebound.
Julian Martinez came to the rescue for the Patriots in the final minutes of the first half after Marko Marynevych unloaded a near-unstoppable smash after his younger brother sent him through.
Lozano's initial stop on Marko’s effort yielded a sitter on the line which Martinez sent out of the area.
The Rams had their chances to get back even and go ahead but were victimized by the Patriots high, tight line Martinez and his mates deployed. Two goals were waived off due to offside calls in the second half.
Sensing they still had goals left in them, the Northern Lake County Conference co-champions began to attack with more purpose, and ferocity. Sophomores Michael Fien and Elliot Bond, and seniors Berry and Marko Marynevych put themselves into the fray. Freshman Anderson Chevier contributed enterprising runs up the left side that helped pry open the Patriots.
With the Rams pushing numbers forward, it left just enough space for Christian Aparicio to deliver a marvelous early ball to Angelo Williams, who finished the scoring in the 66th minute.
"Even though we were chasing two goals late in the game, we still were playing hard. We wanted this game so bad," said Veenstra, who shared Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match honors with Washington’s Martinez.
Gryaslake Central nearly pulled one back 10 minutes from time when Berry grazed the bar with his long-range effort. That was followed by another quality attempt on frame by Marko Marynevych, who watched the Patriots’ keeper turn away his shot in the 74th minute.
The ensuing corner that Alan Alonso whipped into the box was parried out of danger and dashed the hopes of a late comeback from Andersson’s men.
"After we drew with Round Lake to tie them for conference champions, we really felt like we had a good chance of playing into the final weekend of the season," began Andersson.
"Also being realistic, we told the boys to play each game as if it was your last, and they did. We were able to enjoy the ride.
"The team made it to the Final Four, not bad after starting the season winless in our first four games. It's a memory they will have forever."
Andersson, and his staff will welcome back (17) from his 2021 fall roster, eight of whom were in his starting 11 for this contest.
"It was all about setting the standard (high) for Grayslake Central soccer,” said Berry. “It's something the captains, and all of the seniors did so well and hopefully set a good example for the players coming back next season."
"It's been an amazing first year, but I am truly very lucky," admits Andersson.
"Plenty of credit should first go to our freshman coach Nick Custodio, our JV coach Kevin Carver, and of course my assistant, Brad Nieder.
"Without all of us being on the same page while creating a fun atmosphere for the guys, I really don't believe we would have achieved the success we enjoyed.
"Brad has been amazing in his technical breakdown of each of our opponents. Next year, we're fortunate to have a young team back with us, and one that has experienced the highs and lows of what it takes to get this far.
"All of them will know the hard work they have to put in during the offseason in order to have the chance to lift a state championship trophy."
Andersson went on to say how thrilled he, his assistants and his players are to bring back a fourth place trophy to the town of Grayslake.
"For the future, we hope to keep building our program, to make it stronger each year. This current group of boys helped put Grayslake Central on the map, both on the state and local level."
Starting lineups
Grayslake Central (3-4-3)
G: Uriel Garcia Perez
D: Alan Alonso
D: Lucas Veenstra
D: Nick Molochnikov
M: Raymond Sereno
M: Ben Berry
M: Lafuntae Floyd
M: Anthony Placencia
F: Marko Marynevych
F: Cameron Paul
F: Daniel Marynevych
Washington (4-3-3)
G: Brayan Lozano
D: Giovanni Rosas
D: Sebastian Ramirez
D: Julian Martinez
D: Brian Soto
M: Jose Espinoza
M: Christopher Gomez
M: Ricardo Perez
F: Angel Guzman
F: Angel Huerta
F: Angel Larios
Chicagoland Soccer Men of the Match: Julian Martinez, sr., D/MF, Washington; Lucas Veenstra, jr., D, Grayslake Central
Officials: Doug Huey (center); Manou Chahmirzadi (assistant); Kevin Porter (assistant); Marez Zarios (fourth)
Scoring summary
First half
Grayslake Central: M. Marynevych (U/A) 11'
Washington: S. Ramirez (J. Martinez) 23'
Washington: Larios (U/A) 25'
Second half
Washington: Williams (Aparicio) 66'
Statistics
Grayslake Central
On Frame: 10
Off Frame: 4
Fouls: 3
Corners: 4
Offsides: 6
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Washington
On Frame: 7
Off Frame: 4
Fouls: 3
Corners: 0
Offsides: 3
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0