Herran shines in spotlight,
leads Barrington over Hersey
Senior midfielder nets golden goal in 1-0 win
By Bobby Narang
BARRINGTON – All season long, Barrington senior midfielder Mac Herran wanted a chance to prove himself.
The reserve desired a promotion. He pleaded his case to Barrington coach Scott Steib for more playing time.
“Mac is wanting the minutes,” Steib. “I always tell him I see him."
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Herran showed his worth to the program.
For the second time in five days, the Broncos relied on overtime heroics to pull out a win.
Philip Jackowski scored a golden goal against Rolling Meadows in the first overtime on Tuesday.
It was Herran’s turn Saturday.
Standing inside the box, he had a clear view of his target. After receiving a long pass from the corner via Jack Peterson, Herran knocked in the winning goal in the second overtime to power the Broncos to a 1-0 victory over the Huskies in Mid-Suburban League play.
Unlike Tuesday’s golden goal that came in the 83rd minute of a game filled with five scores, Herran's game-winner came in the 92nd minute to end a scoreless battle between the two talented teams.
Herran scored the first goal of his senior season.
The Broncos (7-7-4, 3-2-2 MSL West) continued their up-and-down campaign with another thrilling win. It came after a 1-0 loss to Elk Grove on Thursday. Hersey (9-5-1, 5-3-0 MSL East) was shutout for the second time in their last three games.
Herran said he saw an opportunity open up for the winning goal. He moved a few steps forward in the box right before Peterson’s cross to end the game with a surprise finish.
“I saw Jack Peterson, our captain, cross the ball in from the sidelines. When the ball came in, I wasn’t thinking much,” Herran said. “I just took my shot and luckily it went it. I was happy to share that moment with my team. I’m glad my only shot of the game went in.”
The reserve said he hasn’t started a game since “two weeks ago” but he was glad to prove himself Saturday. Herran said he started the season off on a bad note due to injuries, but he’s rounding into top form late in the regular-season.
“I missed the first two weeks of the season due to medical things, but I’ve been trying to work and work and work and try and get my starting spot on this team,” Herran said. “I’m glad I could help the team out.”
When asked about his thoughts watching Jackowski’s golden goal, then joining the list of golden goal scorers, Herran said both winning shots were memorable moments in his career.
“I’ve only dreamed of doing it, never really thought of doing it,” he said. “Against Rolling Meadows, it was pure euphoria, I was so glad for Phil and the team. It’s so great we’re able to have moments like these. That’s what you got to love about the game.
“It’s an insane experience. I was really glad I was able to come through. I just felt I finally achieved what I was able to achieve, and was so glad that I was able to make that possible. I want to thank my teammates.”
And was it his best goal of his career?
Herran quickly answered that question emphatically. “Easily.”
Hersey senior midfielder Charlie Sieg said Herran’s goal ended a long and frustrating game for the Huskies. In total, the Huskies put just five shots on goal and none in the overtimes. The Huskies suffered a one-goal defeat for the fifth time this season and were hamstrung by in-game injuries to defender Charlie Shiffman in the 56th minute and defender Danny Duray in overtime.
“We knew they were dangerous off crosses and set pieces,” Sieg said. “I saw that throughout the game, and they just got a good cross and finished. This team won’t get beat by a lot. We fight. We had our chances today, but couldn’t really capitalize. We’ve had trouble with Saturday games all season. We lost two huge contributors for us in Charlie and Danny. Barrington is a good team, and they close out quickly.”
Hersey coach Mike Rusniak said his team learned many valuable lessons from Saturday’s game.
“I think the game was a hard one to watch, not much action or consistency, especially from us,” Rusniak said. “We didn’t bring nearly as much effort as we needed to, and Barrington did. The second overtime was a completely different game.
“We have to use this as a learning opportunity to prepare us for the playoffs. It’s really important for the kids to know every game matters and is an opportunity to grow. We have to be focused and do what we do well, so we can be successful. It’s not something you can turn on and off. Effort is something you have to have totally dialed in every game.”
Barrington, like Hersey, had limited shots in the game. Neither goalie --- Hersey sophomore Adrian Smakowski or Barrington senior Iker Villagomez – broke much of a sweat. Smakowski had three saves compared to five for Villagomez.
“There weren’t many shots,” Villagomez said, smiling. “We were strong in the back, so the other team barely had any opportunities. I’m proud of our team’s effort and how we played in the second half and overtime.”
Villagomez admitted it’s been a strange week, especially for him to watch golden goals scored by different teammates.
“I’m just happy for the team winning games,” he said. “The Elk Grove game was really tough. The effort was there. We just couldn’t finish. I’m just really proud of the team. Our potential is based on us, how hard we fight every game and our attitude.”
Villagomez picked up two saves in the first half and three in the second half, including two in the final 3:20 of regulation. Villagomez said he’s worked on many aspects of his game to be ready for the playoffs.
“I’ve been more aggressive at the right time, and my communication with my teammates has been better,” he said.
The Huskies have an opportunity to avenge Saturday’s overtime loss if the both teams win their Class 3A Barrington Regional semifinals. The teams could meet again on the same field Oct. 22 in the championship game.
The Huskies, who hold the no. 3 seed in the Buffalo Grove Sectional, would need to defeat no. 14 Waukegan. The 11th-seeded Broncos face sixth-seed Rolling Meadows.
“We’re looking forward to the playoffs and hopefully perform better in two weeks if we face them (again),” Sieg said.
Rusniak said the Huskies, the 2021 Mid-Suburban League East Divison champions, have to play with energy and passion to win games. Sitting on the field turf in a north corner, the Huskies received a long and passionate speech from their coaches following the defeat.
“We would’ve loved to come out of here with a win, especially after such a lengthy game,” Rusniak said. “We had our opportunities. Opportunities are great, but just that. They don’t put a number on the scoreboard. I think we have the least amount of goals scored on us in conference, which is something we’re proud of.
“We use that as a motivator to continue, since we’re so hard to score on. I think we take it exceptionally hard when we get scored on, because it doesn’t happen. When we’re not generating offense, the best way to stay in the game is not letting the other team generate offense.
“We’ve been in every single game, so it’s tough. I think my keeper had a fantastic game, made some awesome saves. He’s playing really well. Losing (Shiffman) hurt. He’s the heart and soul of our team. I think there was definitely a drop-off in play after he left. We have to improve on that. We do have some time to refocus and get healthy and maybe come back here and have a better result.”
Barrington didn’t leave the game unscathed. The Broncos suffered key in-game injuries to senior Ali Saber (19th minute), Adam Walocha (52nd minute).
“We’ve had a hard time getting goals this season,” Barrington’s Steib said. “This was a good moment. We discovered how important the work aspect of it is. We started working harder as the game went on.
“There were not a lot of chances either way. We have a lot of work to do. We have two more games until our first playoff game.”
Starting lineups
Hersey
GK: Adrian Smakowski
D: Nate Mabry
D: Charlie Shiffman
D: Michal Kusina
D: Alex Masztak
MF: Jack Farrell
MF: Michael Choi
MF: Billy Beck
MF: Alex Ganekov
F: Danny Duray
F: Ray Rayes
Barrington
GK: Iker Villagomez
D: Mathew Klujian
D: Logan Cidulka
D: Mattie Vitale
D: Adam Walocha
MF: Ali Saber
MF: Omar Rodriguez
MF: Alexis Salazar
MF: Nico Hausser
F: Jack Peterson
F: Philip Jackowski
Chicagoland Man of the Match: Mac Herran, sr., MF, Barrington
Scoring summary
First half
No scoring
Second half
No scoring
First overtime
No scoring
Second overtime
Barrington: Herran (Peterson), 93’
leads Barrington over Hersey
Senior midfielder nets golden goal in 1-0 win
By Bobby Narang
BARRINGTON – All season long, Barrington senior midfielder Mac Herran wanted a chance to prove himself.
The reserve desired a promotion. He pleaded his case to Barrington coach Scott Steib for more playing time.
“Mac is wanting the minutes,” Steib. “I always tell him I see him."
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Herran showed his worth to the program.
For the second time in five days, the Broncos relied on overtime heroics to pull out a win.
Philip Jackowski scored a golden goal against Rolling Meadows in the first overtime on Tuesday.
It was Herran’s turn Saturday.
Standing inside the box, he had a clear view of his target. After receiving a long pass from the corner via Jack Peterson, Herran knocked in the winning goal in the second overtime to power the Broncos to a 1-0 victory over the Huskies in Mid-Suburban League play.
Unlike Tuesday’s golden goal that came in the 83rd minute of a game filled with five scores, Herran's game-winner came in the 92nd minute to end a scoreless battle between the two talented teams.
Herran scored the first goal of his senior season.
The Broncos (7-7-4, 3-2-2 MSL West) continued their up-and-down campaign with another thrilling win. It came after a 1-0 loss to Elk Grove on Thursday. Hersey (9-5-1, 5-3-0 MSL East) was shutout for the second time in their last three games.
Herran said he saw an opportunity open up for the winning goal. He moved a few steps forward in the box right before Peterson’s cross to end the game with a surprise finish.
“I saw Jack Peterson, our captain, cross the ball in from the sidelines. When the ball came in, I wasn’t thinking much,” Herran said. “I just took my shot and luckily it went it. I was happy to share that moment with my team. I’m glad my only shot of the game went in.”
The reserve said he hasn’t started a game since “two weeks ago” but he was glad to prove himself Saturday. Herran said he started the season off on a bad note due to injuries, but he’s rounding into top form late in the regular-season.
“I missed the first two weeks of the season due to medical things, but I’ve been trying to work and work and work and try and get my starting spot on this team,” Herran said. “I’m glad I could help the team out.”
When asked about his thoughts watching Jackowski’s golden goal, then joining the list of golden goal scorers, Herran said both winning shots were memorable moments in his career.
“I’ve only dreamed of doing it, never really thought of doing it,” he said. “Against Rolling Meadows, it was pure euphoria, I was so glad for Phil and the team. It’s so great we’re able to have moments like these. That’s what you got to love about the game.
“It’s an insane experience. I was really glad I was able to come through. I just felt I finally achieved what I was able to achieve, and was so glad that I was able to make that possible. I want to thank my teammates.”
And was it his best goal of his career?
Herran quickly answered that question emphatically. “Easily.”
Hersey senior midfielder Charlie Sieg said Herran’s goal ended a long and frustrating game for the Huskies. In total, the Huskies put just five shots on goal and none in the overtimes. The Huskies suffered a one-goal defeat for the fifth time this season and were hamstrung by in-game injuries to defender Charlie Shiffman in the 56th minute and defender Danny Duray in overtime.
“We knew they were dangerous off crosses and set pieces,” Sieg said. “I saw that throughout the game, and they just got a good cross and finished. This team won’t get beat by a lot. We fight. We had our chances today, but couldn’t really capitalize. We’ve had trouble with Saturday games all season. We lost two huge contributors for us in Charlie and Danny. Barrington is a good team, and they close out quickly.”
Hersey coach Mike Rusniak said his team learned many valuable lessons from Saturday’s game.
“I think the game was a hard one to watch, not much action or consistency, especially from us,” Rusniak said. “We didn’t bring nearly as much effort as we needed to, and Barrington did. The second overtime was a completely different game.
“We have to use this as a learning opportunity to prepare us for the playoffs. It’s really important for the kids to know every game matters and is an opportunity to grow. We have to be focused and do what we do well, so we can be successful. It’s not something you can turn on and off. Effort is something you have to have totally dialed in every game.”
Barrington, like Hersey, had limited shots in the game. Neither goalie --- Hersey sophomore Adrian Smakowski or Barrington senior Iker Villagomez – broke much of a sweat. Smakowski had three saves compared to five for Villagomez.
“There weren’t many shots,” Villagomez said, smiling. “We were strong in the back, so the other team barely had any opportunities. I’m proud of our team’s effort and how we played in the second half and overtime.”
Villagomez admitted it’s been a strange week, especially for him to watch golden goals scored by different teammates.
“I’m just happy for the team winning games,” he said. “The Elk Grove game was really tough. The effort was there. We just couldn’t finish. I’m just really proud of the team. Our potential is based on us, how hard we fight every game and our attitude.”
Villagomez picked up two saves in the first half and three in the second half, including two in the final 3:20 of regulation. Villagomez said he’s worked on many aspects of his game to be ready for the playoffs.
“I’ve been more aggressive at the right time, and my communication with my teammates has been better,” he said.
The Huskies have an opportunity to avenge Saturday’s overtime loss if the both teams win their Class 3A Barrington Regional semifinals. The teams could meet again on the same field Oct. 22 in the championship game.
The Huskies, who hold the no. 3 seed in the Buffalo Grove Sectional, would need to defeat no. 14 Waukegan. The 11th-seeded Broncos face sixth-seed Rolling Meadows.
“We’re looking forward to the playoffs and hopefully perform better in two weeks if we face them (again),” Sieg said.
Rusniak said the Huskies, the 2021 Mid-Suburban League East Divison champions, have to play with energy and passion to win games. Sitting on the field turf in a north corner, the Huskies received a long and passionate speech from their coaches following the defeat.
“We would’ve loved to come out of here with a win, especially after such a lengthy game,” Rusniak said. “We had our opportunities. Opportunities are great, but just that. They don’t put a number on the scoreboard. I think we have the least amount of goals scored on us in conference, which is something we’re proud of.
“We use that as a motivator to continue, since we’re so hard to score on. I think we take it exceptionally hard when we get scored on, because it doesn’t happen. When we’re not generating offense, the best way to stay in the game is not letting the other team generate offense.
“We’ve been in every single game, so it’s tough. I think my keeper had a fantastic game, made some awesome saves. He’s playing really well. Losing (Shiffman) hurt. He’s the heart and soul of our team. I think there was definitely a drop-off in play after he left. We have to improve on that. We do have some time to refocus and get healthy and maybe come back here and have a better result.”
Barrington didn’t leave the game unscathed. The Broncos suffered key in-game injuries to senior Ali Saber (19th minute), Adam Walocha (52nd minute).
“We’ve had a hard time getting goals this season,” Barrington’s Steib said. “This was a good moment. We discovered how important the work aspect of it is. We started working harder as the game went on.
“There were not a lot of chances either way. We have a lot of work to do. We have two more games until our first playoff game.”
Starting lineups
Hersey
GK: Adrian Smakowski
D: Nate Mabry
D: Charlie Shiffman
D: Michal Kusina
D: Alex Masztak
MF: Jack Farrell
MF: Michael Choi
MF: Billy Beck
MF: Alex Ganekov
F: Danny Duray
F: Ray Rayes
Barrington
GK: Iker Villagomez
D: Mathew Klujian
D: Logan Cidulka
D: Mattie Vitale
D: Adam Walocha
MF: Ali Saber
MF: Omar Rodriguez
MF: Alexis Salazar
MF: Nico Hausser
F: Jack Peterson
F: Philip Jackowski
Chicagoland Man of the Match: Mac Herran, sr., MF, Barrington
Scoring summary
First half
No scoring
Second half
No scoring
First overtime
No scoring
Second overtime
Barrington: Herran (Peterson), 93’