Libertyville sends off Mundelein
Wildcats win 6th-straight regional after 5-3 win over Mustangs
By Mike Garofola
PALATINE -- In a wicked rainstorm Saturday afternoon at Chic Anderson Stadium, slick and top-seeded Libertyville came from behind twice to defeat league rival Mundelein 5-3 for the Palatine Regional crown.
With the win the Wildcats (15-2-3), who were ranked seventh in the final regular-season Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, advanced to their own sectional to face fourth-seeded Fremd (13-1-4) Tuesday.
"It was a big win for us, but one that took a lot from all of the guys in order to get past a tough opponent in unbelievable conditions," said relieved Wildcats manager Kevin Thunholm, who watched his men play through what seemed like a month's worth of rain for 80 minutes before lifting the regional trophy at Palatine.
Adding another chapter to yet another successful season, it was a Mickey Reilly's double and two-assist performance, Patrick Graham's sensational game-winner and gritty work from Libertyville's backline to insure the win.
"Our backline was very strong today, (keeping) its composure after an error gave them that early goal," Thunholm said.
"We're finally finding the back of the net like I know we can, plus our possession in the midfield and the fantastic work by Reilly and Luke Underwood to find open men all were big reasons for our success today.
"It's always difficult playing a team from your conference when the games really count, and especially against (Mundelein manager) Ernie (Billittier). He's a well-respected, great coach. They play hard and always give us trouble."
Prior to kickoff the Libertyville leader said he thought the game would be a dangerous affair. His sentiment was confirmed afterward by his fine outside back Connor Hay.
"(We) drew (1-1) the first time we played Mundelein, and they were very good," said Hay. "So we knew they would come out and play to not only beat the no. 1 seed, but also a team that has done really well lately, and is from the same conference."
The junior made his mark in this game, not only with timely tackles and terrific awareness at his position but also as one who joined the Wildcats attack frequently to add numbers and pace from his spot on the right.
Thunholm praised Hay, and his backline mates: Apton and Will Herbek, who formed a solid partnership as central-defenders to eventually squeeze the life out of a Mustangs (10-7-4) attack which showed plenty of promise in the first 40 minutes.
Both the Libertyville manager and Hay would soon see their fears nearly realized when Camden Kowalski unleashed a nasty one-timer off the football upright from in-close moments into the game.
Mundelein's Cole Pauly cleared an attempt from Jack Brennan off the line. Reilly went close, then Apton slid over to intercept trouble in the Libertyville box to signal an all-action first quarter hour from both sides.
Libertyville finally settled in after its early troubles with its opponent and found its form to force Mundelein to defend more than it would have liked.
However, as it goes more often than not in this sport, the underdog struck first. The eighth-seeded Mustangs took a 1-0 lead when Camden Kowalski bagged the opener with a gorgeous left-footed finish at 18 minutes.
Three minutes later, the game was even. It came thanks in part to some deft work by Reilly to intercept in-close, then whip an inch-perfect ball to Jacopo Franciosi for a tidy finish at the back post.
Mundelein looked to answer when Pauly latched onto an early ball from Paul Yoo. If not for Apton's sharp tackle inside the box, Pauly would have been in a 1-v.-1 with Wildcats' keeper Hunter Lynch.
It was clear after the Franciosi equalizer that Mundelein would commit numbers behind the ball in support when the Wildcats stormed forward. It was a sensible tactical move from Billittier, but also one that would leave plenty of space for Reilly and Underwood to operate from just inside the midline.
This would pose a problem for the Mustangs. It aided the crafty Wildcats midfield duo, who took advantage with their distribution and on the counter.
Thankfully for Mundelein, its senior keeper Danny Dominguez enjoyed an outstanding day both with his shot-blocking and command of the box. Four went in against him that he could do nothing about.
Mundelein's Kowalski was on target again as the first half drew to an end. This time the try came from close range after teammate Darren Gray kept the ball alive inside the Wildcats' box.
The go-ahead strike at 37 minutes led to Thunholm bringing on sophomore Michael Krukonis to take over for starting keeper Lynch.
"We've been working very hard with Michael to get him ready if needed. At that point, we felt a move to put him in was best," said Thunholm.
Krukonis did well in relief of Lynch, but would later be forced to leave due to an injured thigh. So Thunholm needed to call on his third keeper of the afternoon, junior Quinn Kurland.
"We're fortunate to have the luxury of three keepers," said Thunholm. "And although we do not like to use all three in one game, we needed each of them."
Libertyville was thrown a lifeline just 28 seconds before the intermission when the referee sent Reilly to the spot. Billittier disagreed with that and another first half call and continued his argument with the official during the break.
Dominguez guessed correctly that Reilly would send his spot kick to his right but too much weight and pace to Reilly's attempt was enough to draw this contest back level at 2-2.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Mustangs were able to create a free kick at the top of the box. When Kowalski's attempt and space to shoot was infringed by a Wildcats' player, an incensed Billittier let the referee know just how upset he was when both clubs went inside to dry-out for the 10-minute halftime.
"We were not happy with the call to send Mickey to the spot, and I was equally upset the referee did not, (at) the very least, card a Libertyville player for moving into Camden's shot," Billittier said afterward.
"But it wasn't the fault of the referee for our loss. It was just at that instance that we felt those two calls impacted the game. But in the end, it would not matter."
Hay and his Libertyville teammate felt a boost from O'Reilly's conversion.
"Mickey's PK right at the end was huge for us," Hay said. "It really took the momentum away from Mundelein and gave it to us.
"(That) and Patrick's (Graham) goal to put us up were all we needed to take control of the game."
Thunholm brought on Colin Klainos for Cam Edmunds to be deployed almost as the Wildcats defensive midfielder just in front of his backline. That tactical move paid dividends in the second half according to the manager.
"We needed a little bit more aggressive play from that position. And that's exactly what Colin gave us and much more," said a pleased Thunholm.
Hay took a well-aimed serve from Erik Ramos off the line in the 43rd minute. On the other end, Jack Brennan's defense-busting run up the right side saw the junior play a lovely ball to an unmarked Franciosi, who unfortunately was wrong-footed by the pass and could not unleash on frame.
This near-miss would signal a rampant Libertyville attack -- one that huffed and puffed its way to dominating the next 15 minutes to all but put away this final.
Graham collected an Underwood helper. After he dribbled to his left, he teed up and unleashed an unstoppable bomb from 24 yards that exploded into the back of the net.
"The game was back to 0-0 after Mickey's PK, so it was important for us to strike first after the break' began Graham.
"When I received the ball, I knew I wanted to get the ball onto my left foot in order to shoot, and when I (did) and had some time and space, I just put (it) on frame," said Graham.
"Patrick's energy is so different than others," added Thunholm. "All year he's been the guy who scores big goals when we need them
With the Wildcats attack now running on high octane, it wasn't long before they added another.
Terrific patience from Franciosi and Underwood before playing to each other set Reilly free. At 58 minutes, the senior made the score 4-2.
"Jacopo has done well since we moved him up-front," said Thunholm.
The Libertyville manager said during the team's 5-2 loss to Illinois 10 no. 1-ranked and Class AA state power Notre Dame (Peoria) Oct. 12, he and his staff toyed with three different formations. One of them stuck, and since then Franciosi, a regular along the backline, is now in the 'Cats first 11 alongside Graham and Brennan at forward.
"Jacopo is a grinder," Thunholm said. "Plus he's so good at winning 50-50 balls and playing with his back to the goal.
"His work up-top allowed Reilly and Underwood to roam and play more freely. It's really helped our attack take shape."
Knowing another goal would dash the hopes of its opponent, the Wildcats went in search of just that.
Brennan went close at 61 minutes; Graham grazed the bar moments later; then Dominguez saved an attempt from Franciosi.
When the Mustangs keeper came off his line to catch a looping ball sent into his box, the force of him hitting the slippery turf made the ball come out of his grasp and right to an opportunistic Brennan.
The 5-2 advantage was shaved to 5-3 when Ivan Montiel added one into the Mundelein scorebook at 71 minutes, but that was all both sides could conjure up until the final whistle was blown.
"Some of this loss is on me," said Billittier.
"I could have prepared them better. But on the flipside, you have to credit Libertyville. (They) did what they had to do in order to get their result.
"It's tough to see our guys go out today. I have a lot of feelings right now about this team and our season. I'm going to miss all of them."
Next for Libertyville (15-2-3) will be Stevenson Regional champion Fremd (13-1-4). It's a rematch from a year ago when the Wildcats prevailed in PKs in a sectional semifinal.
"We came out and knew we had to give 110 percent in order to move on," said Hay. "We did because we're resilient, and we know we have to prove ourselves each time because of who we are."
Hay, along with Reilly, shared Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match honors.
Starting lineups
Mundelein (4-4-2)
G- Danny Dominguez
D- Anthhony Feather
D- Cole Pauly
D- Matt Whelan
D- Zak Serby
M- John Chambers
M- Erik Ramos
M- David Bochniak
M- Paul Yoo
F- Camden Kowalski
F- Darren Gray
Libertyville (4-3-3)
G- Hunter Lynch
D- Landon Johnson
D- Will Herbek
D- Cade Apton
D- Connor Hay
M- Cam Edmunds
M- Mickey Reilly
M- Luke Underwood
F- Jack Brennan
F- Jacopo Franciosi
F- Patrick Graham
Chicagoland Soccer Men of the Match: Connor Hay, jr., D, Libertyville
Mickey Reilly, sr., MF, Libertyville
Scoring summary
First half
Mundelein: C. Kowalski (Bochniak) 18'
Libertyville: Franciosi (Reilly) 22'
Mundelein: C. Kowalski (Gray) 37'
Libertyville: Reilly (PK) 40'
Second half
Libertyville: Graham (Reilly) 53'
Libertyville: Reilly (Underwood, Franciosi) 58'
Libertyville: Brennan (U/A) 67'
Mundelein: Montiel (U/A) 71'
Wildcats win 6th-straight regional after 5-3 win over Mustangs
By Mike Garofola
PALATINE -- In a wicked rainstorm Saturday afternoon at Chic Anderson Stadium, slick and top-seeded Libertyville came from behind twice to defeat league rival Mundelein 5-3 for the Palatine Regional crown.
With the win the Wildcats (15-2-3), who were ranked seventh in the final regular-season Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, advanced to their own sectional to face fourth-seeded Fremd (13-1-4) Tuesday.
"It was a big win for us, but one that took a lot from all of the guys in order to get past a tough opponent in unbelievable conditions," said relieved Wildcats manager Kevin Thunholm, who watched his men play through what seemed like a month's worth of rain for 80 minutes before lifting the regional trophy at Palatine.
Adding another chapter to yet another successful season, it was a Mickey Reilly's double and two-assist performance, Patrick Graham's sensational game-winner and gritty work from Libertyville's backline to insure the win.
"Our backline was very strong today, (keeping) its composure after an error gave them that early goal," Thunholm said.
"We're finally finding the back of the net like I know we can, plus our possession in the midfield and the fantastic work by Reilly and Luke Underwood to find open men all were big reasons for our success today.
"It's always difficult playing a team from your conference when the games really count, and especially against (Mundelein manager) Ernie (Billittier). He's a well-respected, great coach. They play hard and always give us trouble."
Prior to kickoff the Libertyville leader said he thought the game would be a dangerous affair. His sentiment was confirmed afterward by his fine outside back Connor Hay.
"(We) drew (1-1) the first time we played Mundelein, and they were very good," said Hay. "So we knew they would come out and play to not only beat the no. 1 seed, but also a team that has done really well lately, and is from the same conference."
The junior made his mark in this game, not only with timely tackles and terrific awareness at his position but also as one who joined the Wildcats attack frequently to add numbers and pace from his spot on the right.
Thunholm praised Hay, and his backline mates: Apton and Will Herbek, who formed a solid partnership as central-defenders to eventually squeeze the life out of a Mustangs (10-7-4) attack which showed plenty of promise in the first 40 minutes.
Both the Libertyville manager and Hay would soon see their fears nearly realized when Camden Kowalski unleashed a nasty one-timer off the football upright from in-close moments into the game.
Mundelein's Cole Pauly cleared an attempt from Jack Brennan off the line. Reilly went close, then Apton slid over to intercept trouble in the Libertyville box to signal an all-action first quarter hour from both sides.
Libertyville finally settled in after its early troubles with its opponent and found its form to force Mundelein to defend more than it would have liked.
However, as it goes more often than not in this sport, the underdog struck first. The eighth-seeded Mustangs took a 1-0 lead when Camden Kowalski bagged the opener with a gorgeous left-footed finish at 18 minutes.
Three minutes later, the game was even. It came thanks in part to some deft work by Reilly to intercept in-close, then whip an inch-perfect ball to Jacopo Franciosi for a tidy finish at the back post.
Mundelein looked to answer when Pauly latched onto an early ball from Paul Yoo. If not for Apton's sharp tackle inside the box, Pauly would have been in a 1-v.-1 with Wildcats' keeper Hunter Lynch.
It was clear after the Franciosi equalizer that Mundelein would commit numbers behind the ball in support when the Wildcats stormed forward. It was a sensible tactical move from Billittier, but also one that would leave plenty of space for Reilly and Underwood to operate from just inside the midline.
This would pose a problem for the Mustangs. It aided the crafty Wildcats midfield duo, who took advantage with their distribution and on the counter.
Thankfully for Mundelein, its senior keeper Danny Dominguez enjoyed an outstanding day both with his shot-blocking and command of the box. Four went in against him that he could do nothing about.
Mundelein's Kowalski was on target again as the first half drew to an end. This time the try came from close range after teammate Darren Gray kept the ball alive inside the Wildcats' box.
The go-ahead strike at 37 minutes led to Thunholm bringing on sophomore Michael Krukonis to take over for starting keeper Lynch.
"We've been working very hard with Michael to get him ready if needed. At that point, we felt a move to put him in was best," said Thunholm.
Krukonis did well in relief of Lynch, but would later be forced to leave due to an injured thigh. So Thunholm needed to call on his third keeper of the afternoon, junior Quinn Kurland.
"We're fortunate to have the luxury of three keepers," said Thunholm. "And although we do not like to use all three in one game, we needed each of them."
Libertyville was thrown a lifeline just 28 seconds before the intermission when the referee sent Reilly to the spot. Billittier disagreed with that and another first half call and continued his argument with the official during the break.
Dominguez guessed correctly that Reilly would send his spot kick to his right but too much weight and pace to Reilly's attempt was enough to draw this contest back level at 2-2.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Mustangs were able to create a free kick at the top of the box. When Kowalski's attempt and space to shoot was infringed by a Wildcats' player, an incensed Billittier let the referee know just how upset he was when both clubs went inside to dry-out for the 10-minute halftime.
"We were not happy with the call to send Mickey to the spot, and I was equally upset the referee did not, (at) the very least, card a Libertyville player for moving into Camden's shot," Billittier said afterward.
"But it wasn't the fault of the referee for our loss. It was just at that instance that we felt those two calls impacted the game. But in the end, it would not matter."
Hay and his Libertyville teammate felt a boost from O'Reilly's conversion.
"Mickey's PK right at the end was huge for us," Hay said. "It really took the momentum away from Mundelein and gave it to us.
"(That) and Patrick's (Graham) goal to put us up were all we needed to take control of the game."
Thunholm brought on Colin Klainos for Cam Edmunds to be deployed almost as the Wildcats defensive midfielder just in front of his backline. That tactical move paid dividends in the second half according to the manager.
"We needed a little bit more aggressive play from that position. And that's exactly what Colin gave us and much more," said a pleased Thunholm.
Hay took a well-aimed serve from Erik Ramos off the line in the 43rd minute. On the other end, Jack Brennan's defense-busting run up the right side saw the junior play a lovely ball to an unmarked Franciosi, who unfortunately was wrong-footed by the pass and could not unleash on frame.
This near-miss would signal a rampant Libertyville attack -- one that huffed and puffed its way to dominating the next 15 minutes to all but put away this final.
Graham collected an Underwood helper. After he dribbled to his left, he teed up and unleashed an unstoppable bomb from 24 yards that exploded into the back of the net.
"The game was back to 0-0 after Mickey's PK, so it was important for us to strike first after the break' began Graham.
"When I received the ball, I knew I wanted to get the ball onto my left foot in order to shoot, and when I (did) and had some time and space, I just put (it) on frame," said Graham.
"Patrick's energy is so different than others," added Thunholm. "All year he's been the guy who scores big goals when we need them
With the Wildcats attack now running on high octane, it wasn't long before they added another.
Terrific patience from Franciosi and Underwood before playing to each other set Reilly free. At 58 minutes, the senior made the score 4-2.
"Jacopo has done well since we moved him up-front," said Thunholm.
The Libertyville manager said during the team's 5-2 loss to Illinois 10 no. 1-ranked and Class AA state power Notre Dame (Peoria) Oct. 12, he and his staff toyed with three different formations. One of them stuck, and since then Franciosi, a regular along the backline, is now in the 'Cats first 11 alongside Graham and Brennan at forward.
"Jacopo is a grinder," Thunholm said. "Plus he's so good at winning 50-50 balls and playing with his back to the goal.
"His work up-top allowed Reilly and Underwood to roam and play more freely. It's really helped our attack take shape."
Knowing another goal would dash the hopes of its opponent, the Wildcats went in search of just that.
Brennan went close at 61 minutes; Graham grazed the bar moments later; then Dominguez saved an attempt from Franciosi.
When the Mustangs keeper came off his line to catch a looping ball sent into his box, the force of him hitting the slippery turf made the ball come out of his grasp and right to an opportunistic Brennan.
The 5-2 advantage was shaved to 5-3 when Ivan Montiel added one into the Mundelein scorebook at 71 minutes, but that was all both sides could conjure up until the final whistle was blown.
"Some of this loss is on me," said Billittier.
"I could have prepared them better. But on the flipside, you have to credit Libertyville. (They) did what they had to do in order to get their result.
"It's tough to see our guys go out today. I have a lot of feelings right now about this team and our season. I'm going to miss all of them."
Next for Libertyville (15-2-3) will be Stevenson Regional champion Fremd (13-1-4). It's a rematch from a year ago when the Wildcats prevailed in PKs in a sectional semifinal.
"We came out and knew we had to give 110 percent in order to move on," said Hay. "We did because we're resilient, and we know we have to prove ourselves each time because of who we are."
Hay, along with Reilly, shared Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match honors.
Starting lineups
Mundelein (4-4-2)
G- Danny Dominguez
D- Anthhony Feather
D- Cole Pauly
D- Matt Whelan
D- Zak Serby
M- John Chambers
M- Erik Ramos
M- David Bochniak
M- Paul Yoo
F- Camden Kowalski
F- Darren Gray
Libertyville (4-3-3)
G- Hunter Lynch
D- Landon Johnson
D- Will Herbek
D- Cade Apton
D- Connor Hay
M- Cam Edmunds
M- Mickey Reilly
M- Luke Underwood
F- Jack Brennan
F- Jacopo Franciosi
F- Patrick Graham
Chicagoland Soccer Men of the Match: Connor Hay, jr., D, Libertyville
Mickey Reilly, sr., MF, Libertyville
Scoring summary
First half
Mundelein: C. Kowalski (Bochniak) 18'
Libertyville: Franciosi (Reilly) 22'
Mundelein: C. Kowalski (Gray) 37'
Libertyville: Reilly (PK) 40'
Second half
Libertyville: Graham (Reilly) 53'
Libertyville: Reilly (Underwood, Franciosi) 58'
Libertyville: Brennan (U/A) 67'
Mundelein: Montiel (U/A) 71'