Deerfield makes
happy Senior Night memory
Warriors top Payton 1-0 to continue late season success
By Mike Garofola
DEERFIELD -- Senior Night was sensational for Deerfield and Eric Kenney.
The Warriors midfielder and his second half strike proved enough to give his club a 1-0 victory Tuesday night at Adams Field. Deerfield (7-8-2) ended its regular season on a high note with four wins in its last five games.
"Scoring the game-winner in our last game, and at home, was fantastic," said Kenney, a four-year veteran in the Warriors program and two-year starter for manager Elliott Hurtig. Kenney, as well as Adam Odzer were among the 16 seniors on the 2018 varsity roster who were honored.
"Throughout their four years (here) both Eric and Adam have been incredibly dedicated to the soccer program," began Hurtig.
"Each have been selfless players who go about their preparation without a focus on how much time they play, never concerned about their individual statistics or needs, while consistently driven by their desire to improve their game while helping the team improve while playing the sport they love."
Kenney, who worked his way into the Warriors first 11 a year ago while deployed as an outside back, has played in the midfield for Hurtig all throughout the 2018 campaign. It was from that position that his game-winner came in the 68th minute and doomed visiting Payton (4-14-0). This is the fourth year that Payton has traveled from its campus in Old Town to play the Warriors in the final week of the season.
"It was kind of scrappy in the middle of the field when I received a great ball from Ben (Taxman)," Kenney said. "So I looked to work my way free in order to get enough time and space to give it a go."
The brilliant strike was a curling, low drive that negotiated a crowd to find the far inside corner.
The game was evenly matched for most of the first period. Both sides saw inconsistent efforts attempted, except for a blast off the post from Deerfield's Jude Tatham at 17 minutes.
The first half hour included plenty of chippy play and little else until the first half drew closer to an end.
That's when the Warriors created a handful of deep throws and corners. One glorious opportunity was created by Joey Puyear, who went strong to the endline, then turned and whipped a meaningful ball through the six-yard box. Unfortunately for the Warriors, it went untouched at the other end.
"I thought our play in the first half was a little patchy," said Hurtig. "We were not consistent in finding feet on our passes and missing on that one great chance by Tatham.
"Give some credit to Payton, because they fought hard and did not give us much time on the ball. On the flip side, we needed then, and from here on out, to have more composure under pressure, while still finding feet in order to keep the ball for longer periods."
Hurtig said, and Kenney agreed, that the club has been a much better side of late in the second 40 minutes of soccer. That was witnessed by its work rate and energy supplied during the Warriors recent stretch of success.
"We've been coming out with great energy in the second half during the last eight games when we've gone 5-2-1," offered Kenney.
"Our confidence is so much better, and you can see the chemistry we've built really help us come together also."
Added Odzer: "To finish the season as we have right before the playoffs is something we will look to carry right into regionals next week."
Last season the senior saw limited time due to an injured ankle.
"We returned a lot of seniors from last year's team," Hurtig said. "We also have a good many sophomores (five) who have needed time to adjust to the speed and style of play at the varsity level.
"We've gotten some good wins against quality opponents oincluding Glenbrook South, the no. 2 seed in the Evanston Sectional. And we ended the chances of Maine West for a division title with our 2-1 win over them."
Payton was immediately put on its heels when the second half began. Deerfield earned a pair of free kicks and a trio of corners and deep throws in the first 15 minutes.
Grizzlies keeper Isaiah Cole was kept busy all throughout the second half. He was called into action when Ko Vandeneijkhoff delivered a wicked free kick from the midline to the spot where Nick Compisi nearly beat the Payton keeper.
"Compisi has been one of our biggest surprises this year," said Kenney.
"He takes guys on, brings a lot of energy and pace when he comes on, and he'll outwork guys in and around the box for us."
A lovely counter from Compisi, Kenney and Ryan Gomez nearly pried open Payton along the back in the 53rd minute, as did a sequence in which Ryan Gomez attacked with purpose and industry that saw the junior force Cole to save one of his efforts and allowed Vandeneijkhoff to earn a corner for the home side.
This constant pressure soon saw Kenney strike the opener. That awakened the visitors who went in search for an equalizer during the next several minutes.
Deerfield senior goalkeeper Ryan Grady, who played at an all-star level since returning to the net after an injury suffered in club play, was sure-handed on a long-distance free kick from Evan Chung, and later against Brody Drake.
The Warriors Caden Howell turned and went wide from 20 yards in the 76th minute before Logan Wallis tested Cole in the final moments of this season finale.
"We've been a second half team of late, coming out with great energy and the ability to move the ball, dominate in the air, and see guys like (Eric) Kenney score a nice goal to get us a win," said Hurtig.
Kenney, who carries a 4.07 weighted GPA and is currently applying to colleges topped by number one choice Wisconsin, realizes that he will not soon forget his high school soccer career.
"There's a lot to take from playing here at Deerfield," Kenney said.
"What's been great is many of us started here as freshmen after starting (together) in middle school. We have gone through together and developed into a terrific group.
"I'm grateful for the coaching staff we have and grateful for just being a part of Deerfield soccer, because it's something all of us will have for a long time."
Kenney, Odzer and their mates opened the postseason with a 4-0 win against 19th-seeded Grant (3-13-2). The no. 14-seeded Warriors travel to third-seeded regional host Mundelein for a 6:30 p.m. semifinal Tuesday.
Starting lineups
Payton (4-4-2)
G- Isaiah Cole
D- Shiva Medler
D- Brody Drake
D- Matt Jackson
D- Matthew Czech
M- Benjamin Arnold
M- Lucas Cozuc
M- Julian DeSilva
M- Ethan Chung
F- Jafet Reyes
F- Manny Rosekranz
Deerfield (4-3-3)
G- Ryan Grady
D- Joey Birtman
D- Nolan Horgan
D- Caden Howell
D- Jeff Lehrman
M- Nikita Bankevich
M- Eric Kenney
M- Adam Odzer
F- Jude Tatham
F- Tim Frenkel
F- Joey Puyear
Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match: Eric Kenney, sr., M, Deerfield
Referee: Steven Cavelle
Scoring summary
First half
No scoring
Second half
Deerfield: Kenney (Taxman) 68'
happy Senior Night memory
Warriors top Payton 1-0 to continue late season success
By Mike Garofola
DEERFIELD -- Senior Night was sensational for Deerfield and Eric Kenney.
The Warriors midfielder and his second half strike proved enough to give his club a 1-0 victory Tuesday night at Adams Field. Deerfield (7-8-2) ended its regular season on a high note with four wins in its last five games.
"Scoring the game-winner in our last game, and at home, was fantastic," said Kenney, a four-year veteran in the Warriors program and two-year starter for manager Elliott Hurtig. Kenney, as well as Adam Odzer were among the 16 seniors on the 2018 varsity roster who were honored.
"Throughout their four years (here) both Eric and Adam have been incredibly dedicated to the soccer program," began Hurtig.
"Each have been selfless players who go about their preparation without a focus on how much time they play, never concerned about their individual statistics or needs, while consistently driven by their desire to improve their game while helping the team improve while playing the sport they love."
Kenney, who worked his way into the Warriors first 11 a year ago while deployed as an outside back, has played in the midfield for Hurtig all throughout the 2018 campaign. It was from that position that his game-winner came in the 68th minute and doomed visiting Payton (4-14-0). This is the fourth year that Payton has traveled from its campus in Old Town to play the Warriors in the final week of the season.
"It was kind of scrappy in the middle of the field when I received a great ball from Ben (Taxman)," Kenney said. "So I looked to work my way free in order to get enough time and space to give it a go."
The brilliant strike was a curling, low drive that negotiated a crowd to find the far inside corner.
The game was evenly matched for most of the first period. Both sides saw inconsistent efforts attempted, except for a blast off the post from Deerfield's Jude Tatham at 17 minutes.
The first half hour included plenty of chippy play and little else until the first half drew closer to an end.
That's when the Warriors created a handful of deep throws and corners. One glorious opportunity was created by Joey Puyear, who went strong to the endline, then turned and whipped a meaningful ball through the six-yard box. Unfortunately for the Warriors, it went untouched at the other end.
"I thought our play in the first half was a little patchy," said Hurtig. "We were not consistent in finding feet on our passes and missing on that one great chance by Tatham.
"Give some credit to Payton, because they fought hard and did not give us much time on the ball. On the flip side, we needed then, and from here on out, to have more composure under pressure, while still finding feet in order to keep the ball for longer periods."
Hurtig said, and Kenney agreed, that the club has been a much better side of late in the second 40 minutes of soccer. That was witnessed by its work rate and energy supplied during the Warriors recent stretch of success.
"We've been coming out with great energy in the second half during the last eight games when we've gone 5-2-1," offered Kenney.
"Our confidence is so much better, and you can see the chemistry we've built really help us come together also."
Added Odzer: "To finish the season as we have right before the playoffs is something we will look to carry right into regionals next week."
Last season the senior saw limited time due to an injured ankle.
"We returned a lot of seniors from last year's team," Hurtig said. "We also have a good many sophomores (five) who have needed time to adjust to the speed and style of play at the varsity level.
"We've gotten some good wins against quality opponents oincluding Glenbrook South, the no. 2 seed in the Evanston Sectional. And we ended the chances of Maine West for a division title with our 2-1 win over them."
Payton was immediately put on its heels when the second half began. Deerfield earned a pair of free kicks and a trio of corners and deep throws in the first 15 minutes.
Grizzlies keeper Isaiah Cole was kept busy all throughout the second half. He was called into action when Ko Vandeneijkhoff delivered a wicked free kick from the midline to the spot where Nick Compisi nearly beat the Payton keeper.
"Compisi has been one of our biggest surprises this year," said Kenney.
"He takes guys on, brings a lot of energy and pace when he comes on, and he'll outwork guys in and around the box for us."
A lovely counter from Compisi, Kenney and Ryan Gomez nearly pried open Payton along the back in the 53rd minute, as did a sequence in which Ryan Gomez attacked with purpose and industry that saw the junior force Cole to save one of his efforts and allowed Vandeneijkhoff to earn a corner for the home side.
This constant pressure soon saw Kenney strike the opener. That awakened the visitors who went in search for an equalizer during the next several minutes.
Deerfield senior goalkeeper Ryan Grady, who played at an all-star level since returning to the net after an injury suffered in club play, was sure-handed on a long-distance free kick from Evan Chung, and later against Brody Drake.
The Warriors Caden Howell turned and went wide from 20 yards in the 76th minute before Logan Wallis tested Cole in the final moments of this season finale.
"We've been a second half team of late, coming out with great energy and the ability to move the ball, dominate in the air, and see guys like (Eric) Kenney score a nice goal to get us a win," said Hurtig.
Kenney, who carries a 4.07 weighted GPA and is currently applying to colleges topped by number one choice Wisconsin, realizes that he will not soon forget his high school soccer career.
"There's a lot to take from playing here at Deerfield," Kenney said.
"What's been great is many of us started here as freshmen after starting (together) in middle school. We have gone through together and developed into a terrific group.
"I'm grateful for the coaching staff we have and grateful for just being a part of Deerfield soccer, because it's something all of us will have for a long time."
Kenney, Odzer and their mates opened the postseason with a 4-0 win against 19th-seeded Grant (3-13-2). The no. 14-seeded Warriors travel to third-seeded regional host Mundelein for a 6:30 p.m. semifinal Tuesday.
Starting lineups
Payton (4-4-2)
G- Isaiah Cole
D- Shiva Medler
D- Brody Drake
D- Matt Jackson
D- Matthew Czech
M- Benjamin Arnold
M- Lucas Cozuc
M- Julian DeSilva
M- Ethan Chung
F- Jafet Reyes
F- Manny Rosekranz
Deerfield (4-3-3)
G- Ryan Grady
D- Joey Birtman
D- Nolan Horgan
D- Caden Howell
D- Jeff Lehrman
M- Nikita Bankevich
M- Eric Kenney
M- Adam Odzer
F- Jude Tatham
F- Tim Frenkel
F- Joey Puyear
Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match: Eric Kenney, sr., M, Deerfield
Referee: Steven Cavelle
Scoring summary
First half
No scoring
Second half
Deerfield: Kenney (Taxman) 68'