Hat-trick hero Zavala leads NSCD to win
Raiders post 4-2 nonconference win vs. Schaumburg Christian
By Mike Garofola
SCHAUMBURG -- When Aidan Zavala curled in his searing 62nd cracker to claim his first three-goal effort of his season, it led his mates from North Shore Country Day earn a 4-2 victory yesterday afternoon over Schaumburg Christian at Olympic Park.
Zavala's first half double gave the Raiders (5-8-2) a 2-1 edge at the break. Vince Luglio capped the nonconference contest with a late PK conversion.
"I've kind of been struggling after going through a tough week, and was actually thinking about taking a day or two away in order to clear my head," said Zavala with a big smile. "But today helped do that for me."
The result helped the Raiders get off to a flying start in a busy stretch. Manager Kyle Jones' boys will play four games in five days, including an Independent School League conference match at Elgin Academy at 4:30 today.
"It's an important week for us," Jones said. "Because we need to establish ourselves on both sides of the ball and go out and play quality soccer -- the level of soccer that I know that we can which will help us going forward and into regionals."
"Yes, this is a big week for us," agreed Zavala, who during his post-game interview, was congratulated by Chris Townsel, Schaumburg Christian'' classy central midfielder, who starred for the home side.
"After tomorrow, we have Northridge Prep, the team that received the no. 1 sectional seed just ahead of us. So that's a game that we'll have a little bit of a chip on our shoulder and look to get ourselves a win before regionals begin."
Zavala, who earned the Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match honor, was not the only player from the Raiders who impressed on this mild first day of October.
Sophomore Jacob Sherman was a star in his own right as he played alongside Axel Garcia in the center of the park. It was a tactical move made by Jones on the bus ride over which proved instrumental in what was an impressive first half of soccer by the visitors.
"Axel is usually set up as our center back, and he does a great job back there for us," said Sherman. "But today (coach) moved him into the role of our attacking midfielder, and he really was a difference-maker. He dropped back later in the game to help us protect our lead."
The crafty Sherman was at the heart of much of the distribution in the opening 40 minutes. He demanded and received the ball from his mates and either worked out of tight space in order to connect, or took on the Conquerors (11-6-1).
"Jacob has been one of our most consistent players this season," Jones said. "He runs the show and his work rate is very high. He never stops out there."
It was evident the only way the Raiders would be able to pry open their opponent on this postcard-sized field at Olympic Park in Schaumburg was with quick touches and plenty of one-two combinations. The occasional switch to its outside players, one of whom was Zavala, was also a useful tactic.
"We felt like we could attack their outsidebacks," said Zavala. "In the first half we did really well doing that.
Added Sherman: "Having Axel in the middle today really helped us push our attack and helped us get a lot of 2-v.-1s."
This contest got off to rousing start with both sides managing the 50-yard touchline-to-touchline numbers with some sharp, attractive soccer. North Shore Country Day featured Zavala, Sherman, Luglio, and outside backs Finn Doornweerd and Alex Winslow, who looked comfortable when they jumped into the Raiders attack.
"(North Shore) was a very good team, likely the best we've seen in quite awhile," began Conquerors manager Tim White, himself a man in charge of a no. 2-seeded sectional club.
"If you like a lot of goals, this was the game to come watch today. It was a good game of attacking soccer and one that really wasn't very physical.
"It had some great soccer on both sides. They were just a better skilled team, but (one) that will help us prepare for regionals when they begin in a week."
North Shore Country Day's Zavala and Sherman were well aware of the tactics their opponent employed. Schaumburg Christian dropped numbers into its area when the visitors crossed the midline and looked to counter to lone striker Jordan Epps, who used his terrific speed on and off the ball with the ability to change directions at pace to create trouble.
"No. 9 (Epps) was a dangerous player, and a player that everyone would like to have," said Jones.
Epps was kept in check for the first quarter hour. During the same time, the visitors Zavala went close twice as did Luglio, who was allowed enough time and space on each occasion to tee-up both of his attempts and put them on frame.
Schaumburg Christian got into the attack when junior Ben Lee latched onto a serve from Epps and tested Raiders first half keeper Nick Potter in the 18th minute. North Score Country Day responded when Adam Terhaerdt when he turned and fired at the Schaumburg Christian keeper Cameron Pheifer two minutes later.
The pressure began to build on the home side as the Raiders directed their attack with precision and purpose. The forward push led to the opener from Zavala.
Luglio broke free down the right side and went end line. From there he whipped a lovely ball to the back post where Zavala one-timed his side footed effort at 23 minutes.
The lead didn't last long. Epps latched onto an early ball out of the back from Brad Peterson that caused Potter to come far off his line to challenge.
Epps took advantage of the Raiders lack of defenders in the area with a sublime finish into the far corner of Potter's net.
"We responded really well to that goal," said Sherman. "We didn't hang our heads and continued to play really well."
A late offside ruling canceled another Epps strike moments later, and North Shore Country Day regrouped to take the lead for good. Zavala and Sherman put together a sweet one-two combination that ended with Zavala slipping the attention of two defenders before unloading an unstoppable right-footed blast.
The Raiders held their advantage into the break when Potter fought off a glaring sun in his eyes to punch out a well-aimed long drive from Townsel just before the intermission.
"We made a few tactical changes at the half including dropping Axel back a little deeper," said Sherman. "That move helped us a lot in the second half
So did Zavala's third and final goal of the game at 67 minutes.
The Raiders captain dragged the ball away from his mark and into the center of the park before his wicked 35-yard missile exploded into the back of the net.
"I'm usually the assist guy, have pretty much always been, It was nice to put goals in today," said Zavala.
The Raiders did well to defend the long deep throws by Townsel after the hosts began to throw numbers forward in an attempt to pull a goal back in the final 10 minutes.
Alessndro Colzi-Risaliti, who took over between the sticks for North Shore Country Day after the intermission, could do nothing when a great individual effort from Epps drew the Conquerors within 3-2 13 minutes from time.
North Shore Country Day went on an attack that saw Luglio hauled down in the box. The composed sophomore converted his spot-kick in emphatic style to end the scoring.
"Zavala had himself a day, and we controlled possession and attacked and managed things quite well on this tight pitch for most of the afternoon," Jones said.
"Tim (White) has done a very good job of putting together a good side, the best since we began playing each other in the past 4-5 years."
"It was a good game and overall effort, and one that I hope to see tomorrow at Elgin Academy."
Starting lineups
North Shore Country Day (4-3-3)
G- Nick Potter
D- Finn Doornweerd
D- Andrew Karmin
D- Tyler Doornweerd
D- Alex Winslow
M- Lorenzo Lopes
M- Jacob Sherman
M- Axel Garcia
F- Aidan Zavala
F- Vincent Luglio
F- Adam Terhaerdt
Schaumburg Christian (4-5-1)
G- Cameron Pheifer
D- Chris Bedford
D- Caleb Taylor
D- Juan Monroy
D- Caleb Whisnant
M- Tim Mayer
M- Chris Townsel
M- Ben Lee
M- Brad Peterson
M- Aaron Onesimus
F- Jordan Epps
Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match: Aidan Zavala, Sr., MF, North Shore Country Day
Referee: Jim Brotsos
Scoring Summary
First half
North Shore Country Day: Zavala (Luglio), 23'
Schaumburg Christian: Epps (Peterson) 25'
North Shore Country Day: Zavala (Sherman) 33'
Second half
North Shore Country Day: Zavala (U/A) 62'
Schaumburg Christian: Epps (Townsel) 67"
North Shore Country Day: Luglio (PK) 76'
Raiders post 4-2 nonconference win vs. Schaumburg Christian
By Mike Garofola
SCHAUMBURG -- When Aidan Zavala curled in his searing 62nd cracker to claim his first three-goal effort of his season, it led his mates from North Shore Country Day earn a 4-2 victory yesterday afternoon over Schaumburg Christian at Olympic Park.
Zavala's first half double gave the Raiders (5-8-2) a 2-1 edge at the break. Vince Luglio capped the nonconference contest with a late PK conversion.
"I've kind of been struggling after going through a tough week, and was actually thinking about taking a day or two away in order to clear my head," said Zavala with a big smile. "But today helped do that for me."
The result helped the Raiders get off to a flying start in a busy stretch. Manager Kyle Jones' boys will play four games in five days, including an Independent School League conference match at Elgin Academy at 4:30 today.
"It's an important week for us," Jones said. "Because we need to establish ourselves on both sides of the ball and go out and play quality soccer -- the level of soccer that I know that we can which will help us going forward and into regionals."
"Yes, this is a big week for us," agreed Zavala, who during his post-game interview, was congratulated by Chris Townsel, Schaumburg Christian'' classy central midfielder, who starred for the home side.
"After tomorrow, we have Northridge Prep, the team that received the no. 1 sectional seed just ahead of us. So that's a game that we'll have a little bit of a chip on our shoulder and look to get ourselves a win before regionals begin."
Zavala, who earned the Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match honor, was not the only player from the Raiders who impressed on this mild first day of October.
Sophomore Jacob Sherman was a star in his own right as he played alongside Axel Garcia in the center of the park. It was a tactical move made by Jones on the bus ride over which proved instrumental in what was an impressive first half of soccer by the visitors.
"Axel is usually set up as our center back, and he does a great job back there for us," said Sherman. "But today (coach) moved him into the role of our attacking midfielder, and he really was a difference-maker. He dropped back later in the game to help us protect our lead."
The crafty Sherman was at the heart of much of the distribution in the opening 40 minutes. He demanded and received the ball from his mates and either worked out of tight space in order to connect, or took on the Conquerors (11-6-1).
"Jacob has been one of our most consistent players this season," Jones said. "He runs the show and his work rate is very high. He never stops out there."
It was evident the only way the Raiders would be able to pry open their opponent on this postcard-sized field at Olympic Park in Schaumburg was with quick touches and plenty of one-two combinations. The occasional switch to its outside players, one of whom was Zavala, was also a useful tactic.
"We felt like we could attack their outsidebacks," said Zavala. "In the first half we did really well doing that.
Added Sherman: "Having Axel in the middle today really helped us push our attack and helped us get a lot of 2-v.-1s."
This contest got off to rousing start with both sides managing the 50-yard touchline-to-touchline numbers with some sharp, attractive soccer. North Shore Country Day featured Zavala, Sherman, Luglio, and outside backs Finn Doornweerd and Alex Winslow, who looked comfortable when they jumped into the Raiders attack.
"(North Shore) was a very good team, likely the best we've seen in quite awhile," began Conquerors manager Tim White, himself a man in charge of a no. 2-seeded sectional club.
"If you like a lot of goals, this was the game to come watch today. It was a good game of attacking soccer and one that really wasn't very physical.
"It had some great soccer on both sides. They were just a better skilled team, but (one) that will help us prepare for regionals when they begin in a week."
North Shore Country Day's Zavala and Sherman were well aware of the tactics their opponent employed. Schaumburg Christian dropped numbers into its area when the visitors crossed the midline and looked to counter to lone striker Jordan Epps, who used his terrific speed on and off the ball with the ability to change directions at pace to create trouble.
"No. 9 (Epps) was a dangerous player, and a player that everyone would like to have," said Jones.
Epps was kept in check for the first quarter hour. During the same time, the visitors Zavala went close twice as did Luglio, who was allowed enough time and space on each occasion to tee-up both of his attempts and put them on frame.
Schaumburg Christian got into the attack when junior Ben Lee latched onto a serve from Epps and tested Raiders first half keeper Nick Potter in the 18th minute. North Score Country Day responded when Adam Terhaerdt when he turned and fired at the Schaumburg Christian keeper Cameron Pheifer two minutes later.
The pressure began to build on the home side as the Raiders directed their attack with precision and purpose. The forward push led to the opener from Zavala.
Luglio broke free down the right side and went end line. From there he whipped a lovely ball to the back post where Zavala one-timed his side footed effort at 23 minutes.
The lead didn't last long. Epps latched onto an early ball out of the back from Brad Peterson that caused Potter to come far off his line to challenge.
Epps took advantage of the Raiders lack of defenders in the area with a sublime finish into the far corner of Potter's net.
"We responded really well to that goal," said Sherman. "We didn't hang our heads and continued to play really well."
A late offside ruling canceled another Epps strike moments later, and North Shore Country Day regrouped to take the lead for good. Zavala and Sherman put together a sweet one-two combination that ended with Zavala slipping the attention of two defenders before unloading an unstoppable right-footed blast.
The Raiders held their advantage into the break when Potter fought off a glaring sun in his eyes to punch out a well-aimed long drive from Townsel just before the intermission.
"We made a few tactical changes at the half including dropping Axel back a little deeper," said Sherman. "That move helped us a lot in the second half
So did Zavala's third and final goal of the game at 67 minutes.
The Raiders captain dragged the ball away from his mark and into the center of the park before his wicked 35-yard missile exploded into the back of the net.
"I'm usually the assist guy, have pretty much always been, It was nice to put goals in today," said Zavala.
The Raiders did well to defend the long deep throws by Townsel after the hosts began to throw numbers forward in an attempt to pull a goal back in the final 10 minutes.
Alessndro Colzi-Risaliti, who took over between the sticks for North Shore Country Day after the intermission, could do nothing when a great individual effort from Epps drew the Conquerors within 3-2 13 minutes from time.
North Shore Country Day went on an attack that saw Luglio hauled down in the box. The composed sophomore converted his spot-kick in emphatic style to end the scoring.
"Zavala had himself a day, and we controlled possession and attacked and managed things quite well on this tight pitch for most of the afternoon," Jones said.
"Tim (White) has done a very good job of putting together a good side, the best since we began playing each other in the past 4-5 years."
"It was a good game and overall effort, and one that I hope to see tomorrow at Elgin Academy."
Starting lineups
North Shore Country Day (4-3-3)
G- Nick Potter
D- Finn Doornweerd
D- Andrew Karmin
D- Tyler Doornweerd
D- Alex Winslow
M- Lorenzo Lopes
M- Jacob Sherman
M- Axel Garcia
F- Aidan Zavala
F- Vincent Luglio
F- Adam Terhaerdt
Schaumburg Christian (4-5-1)
G- Cameron Pheifer
D- Chris Bedford
D- Caleb Taylor
D- Juan Monroy
D- Caleb Whisnant
M- Tim Mayer
M- Chris Townsel
M- Ben Lee
M- Brad Peterson
M- Aaron Onesimus
F- Jordan Epps
Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match: Aidan Zavala, Sr., MF, North Shore Country Day
Referee: Jim Brotsos
Scoring Summary
First half
North Shore Country Day: Zavala (Luglio), 23'
Schaumburg Christian: Epps (Peterson) 25'
North Shore Country Day: Zavala (Sherman) 33'
Second half
North Shore Country Day: Zavala (U/A) 62'
Schaumburg Christian: Epps (Townsel) 67"
North Shore Country Day: Luglio (PK) 76'