Crystal Lake South's Senior Day
a taut thriller vs. Rolling Meadows
Teams battle to engaging 0-0 draw
By Mike Garofola
CRYSTAL LAKE -- Crystal Lake South and Rolling Meadows had been two clubs going in opposite directions.
The Gators are on the upswing and remain in the thick of the Fox Valley Conference race on the heels of four-consecutive league victories, while the Mustangs had slipped with a rough three-game slide the past week.
The two sides are run by a pair of prep stars and alumni from Rolling Meadows: Crystal Lake South’s Brian Allen was a 2001 alum who was a superb keeper for-then manager Chuck Peterson; Brett Olson, the man in charge for his alma mater, was also a superb player under Peterson. Olson took over seven years ago for Peter Mikulak to become just the third manager in program history.
This nonconference friendly series began in earnest in 2019. This fall it fell on the Gators’ Senior Day and was played at its soccer park, tucked away in the far corner of the Crystal Lake South campus.
On a sunny, but chilly, Saturday afternoon these two sides played to a tight, fierce and exciting 0-0 draw.
"Obviously, we would have liked to come away with a win, especially against Brett," began Allen with a smile.
"(But) this was a good game for us, because it was against a big school opponent, who brought energy and physical soccer. That’s something we'll encounter in the playoffs. Plus it gave us a chance to get everyone who was dressed (for the game) minutes as we get ready for a big week, then the postseason."
The Gators featured an all-senior lineup, composed of players from the big club and seniors from the JV roster.
Olson watched his club struggle with injuries and sickness during a week in which the Mustangs (10-7-1) went from Mid-Suburban League East Division title challengers to spectators.
Saturday he was thrilled with the effort of his men and hopes his team will use it to make a turnaround. He too was able to get everyone who was healthy plenty of time on the extra-wide pitch of the Gators.
"We just have not been very good this week with our three-straight defeats” Olson said. “But, today was a new day, and the guys really came out to play inspired soccer. Despite us missing a few players, everyone stepped up to play with heart, which is fantastic, and a great way to be heading into the postseason."
The Mustangs will play in their MSL cross-over on Tuesday against either Barrington or Palatine. Then they get some well-deserved time off to heal as they prepare to travel to Barrington for a regional semifinal at 4:45 p.m. Oct. 18.
"This is the type of game and effort we all know we're capable of," said Mustangs captain Joe Salemi. “It could not have come at a better time for this team. It was great to see everyone get real minutes today, and for each of us make a contribution during the 80 minutes -- especially Caleb (Samuel) who really saved the day for us in the second half."
The Caleb whom Salemi spoke of is the Mustangs back-up keeper behind its terrific sophomore Marceli Okonski, who shared time between the sticks for Olson. Samuel wowed the big crowd with a pair of magnificent saves to keep the home side goal-less.
"We have a great 1-2 keeper punch," laughed Salemi.
"Caleb played club soccer his freshman year with the Sockers,” said Olson. “When he decided to come back to play with us this fall, we told him Marceli is (in) front of him, but he never wavered in his commitment to improve. His work ethic has been terrific, and he's earned the time he's received. For us, it's a tremendous luxury to have two great keepers."
Samuel and Crystal Lake South senior defenseman Andrew Smart shared the Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match honor.
"We created some great chances in the second half, and probably should have put one or two of them in,” said Smart. “Their keeper made a couple of great saves, but this was a great day for Gators soccer. For me, it's hard to believe it's my final year playing here at South. Time has gone so quickly."
The three-year veteran has shown quality in abundance. He is an accurate set piece provider, adds width to the flank, is a super defender and reads the game quite well, which allows him to jump into the attack when needed.
"Andrew is just a wonderful young man. He's done it all for us and more. He is the epitome of what a student-athlete should be." said a proud Allen.
"It's been a real thrill to play for South, and especially alongside Andrew,” said Smart’s running mate at center back Josh Washington. “We came in together on Day One as freshmen on the JV team and have seen our friendship grow as players and people. We hope we can keep the season going for as long as we can."
The Gators defensive middle is rock solid.
"(Washington) stepped into the role as our center back,” said Allen. “He learned his trade under Tomasz Slawek from his sophomore year, and has become a terrific leader, who plays hard and with class."
Crystalk Lake South (10-4-3) had a strong wind in its face during the opening period, and their guests looked to take full advantage by sending in meaningful balls out of the back and doing their best to play through the trio of Oscar Chlopek, Matt Schuhmacher and Eltayeb Mahmoud.
"(Olson) and I sat down and talked about moving Eltayeb into the middle to create and attack," said Salemi. “It's a position he plays on the younger Elite club team. He's familiar with that spot, and he's really made a difference for us."
Olson and his bench voiced its disapproval when the referee went too quickly to his whistle to deny advantage in what would have been the opener bagged by Schuhmacher in the 12th minute.
Despite the soft, and squishy conditions on the Gators grass field due to heavy rainfall the day before, both sides did well in possession and passing completion percentage, even though each club allowed little time and space.
The Mustangs made the first of three shot blocks in the 17th minute. When the ball spilled free, Crystal Lake South’s Kevin Cardoso made a beeline for the ball, only to see his chances on frame dashed with a strong challenge off the line from Okonski.
Okonski did well on a looping ball from the midline by Smart. It was heavy enough to drift farther than anticipated and made the save even more impressive.
Then Oscar Chlopek, who along with his backline mates Alex Berg and Jeremy Leigh would receive plenty of praise from Olson afterward the final whistle, sent a dangerous free kick into the box that Crystal Lake South was forced to parry over the end line.
The ensuing corner from sophomore Kalvin Lagunas bent just wide of the back post. He showed a strong left foot with his service and clearing efforts in the second half. He also had a high percentage of wins in the tackle.
"We just have not played well at all for the last week," began senior captain Oscar Chlopek. “But today, we were very good at every spot on the field.
"Caleb was great for us in the second half. We played really well in the first half today but were forced to defend a lot more after the break. We did well as a team to keep them out of the net,"
The home side finished off the first half with some flair as they forced Okonski into action with a trio of attempts. Sophomores Nick Prus and Ali Ahmed had the two best on frame.
The Gators started the second half brighter than their guests, who were put under pressure from the onset with a quartet of deep throws. Nolan Getzinger went over twice with close-range efforts. Crystal Lake South showed more purpose in its attack.
Rolling Meadows turned the field around when Salemi, Oscar Chlopek and Alex Kociubinski surprised the Gators, who were caught getting numbers a little too forward. The Mustangs counter may have snuck one in if a white shirt had been on the back post to meet a wonderful serve from Kociubinski.
Samuel started to build his Man of the Match resume with some magnificent play during a 15-minute onslaught.
The best from the sophomore came in full extension on a late glove save. He put a sure goal off a wicked header by Pierce Johnson out of harm’s way in the 64th minute.
The sequence of events signaled a fast, frantic and wide-open final 10 minutes with each side creating chances on frame.
With Garrett Hess winning nearly every first and second ball just inside the midline for Crystal Lake South, the home side was able to keep the Mustangs on defensive alert in the closing minutes.
The Gators faithful held its breath in anticipation of a possible late game-winner when Cardoso and Getzinger sent Brian Young through, but the senior went just wide of an open back post 30 seconds from time.
"It was a great game, and a game that had a little bit of everything for the players, and fans. I just loved the way we battled and fought all throughout the afternoon," said a proud Olson.
"Like I said, we're a little banged up right now, and we have some guys out sick. But to come and play on the grass, and against Brian and his terrific team, is the perfect way for us to just about put the end to our regular-season."
Similarly, Crystal Lake South was pleased with its effort.
"Everyone played hard out there today, and if we continue to play this hard, and at this level, anything is possible from here on out,” said Gators senior keeper Logan Vargas.
"I've learned so much as a keeper, and person from coach Allen, I feel very fortunate to have been in this program, and I will miss it when it all comes to an end."
And the Gators will miss Vargas.
"Logan came in last year and really stepped up his play for us with his leadership, and presence back there," said Allen.
"He's fearless and provides a calm influence, which is needed from your keeper."
The Gators, who are 6-1-0 in conference, play Huntley (6-2-0) Tuesday. They need a victory and then need to look for help from Jacobs to defeat Dundee-Crown (7-1-0) to have a chance at sole possession of the conference crown.
"All we can do is go out and play the way we did today on Tuesday, then against Hampshire (on Thursday). If we take care of business, we'll be in good shape whatever happens," said Allen.
"I was so proud of all the guys today, they made Senior Day a great day for everyone, and that is what it's all about."
Starting lineups
Rolling Meadows (4-4-2)
G- Marceli Okonski
D- Jeremy Leigh
D- Alex Chlopek
D- Alex Berg
D- Christian Jablonski
MF- Patryk Grzybowski
MF- Eltayeb Mahmoud
MF- Oscar Chlopek
MF- Alex Kociubinski
F- Joe Salemi
F- Matt Schuhmacher
Crystal Lake South (4-2-3-1)
G- Logan Vargas
D- Andrew Smart
D- Emi Camacho
D- Josh Washington
D- Tyler Zopp
MF- Pablo Rodriguez
MF- Sandro Garcia
MF- Kevin Cardoso
MF- Nolan Getzinger
MF- Brandon Garcia
F- Brian Young
Chicagoland Soccer Men of the Match:
Caleb Samuel, so., GK, Rolling Meadows;
Andrew Smart, sr., D, Crystal Lake South
Referee:
Jim Ventrone
Scoring summary
First half
No scoring
Second half
No scoring
Statistics
Shots on goal
Rolling Meadows: 1
Crystal Lake South: 7
Shots off
Rolling Meadows: 4
Crystal Lake South: 9
Corner kicks
Rolling Meadows: 4
Crystal Lake South: 4
Offsides
Rolling Meadows: 0
Crystal Lake South: 0
Blocked shots
Rolling Meadows: 3
Crystal Lake South: 1
Fouls
Rolling Meadows: 7
Crystal Lake South: 6
Yellow cards
Rolling Meadows: 1
Crystal Lake South: 0
a taut thriller vs. Rolling Meadows
Teams battle to engaging 0-0 draw
By Mike Garofola
CRYSTAL LAKE -- Crystal Lake South and Rolling Meadows had been two clubs going in opposite directions.
The Gators are on the upswing and remain in the thick of the Fox Valley Conference race on the heels of four-consecutive league victories, while the Mustangs had slipped with a rough three-game slide the past week.
The two sides are run by a pair of prep stars and alumni from Rolling Meadows: Crystal Lake South’s Brian Allen was a 2001 alum who was a superb keeper for-then manager Chuck Peterson; Brett Olson, the man in charge for his alma mater, was also a superb player under Peterson. Olson took over seven years ago for Peter Mikulak to become just the third manager in program history.
This nonconference friendly series began in earnest in 2019. This fall it fell on the Gators’ Senior Day and was played at its soccer park, tucked away in the far corner of the Crystal Lake South campus.
On a sunny, but chilly, Saturday afternoon these two sides played to a tight, fierce and exciting 0-0 draw.
"Obviously, we would have liked to come away with a win, especially against Brett," began Allen with a smile.
"(But) this was a good game for us, because it was against a big school opponent, who brought energy and physical soccer. That’s something we'll encounter in the playoffs. Plus it gave us a chance to get everyone who was dressed (for the game) minutes as we get ready for a big week, then the postseason."
The Gators featured an all-senior lineup, composed of players from the big club and seniors from the JV roster.
Olson watched his club struggle with injuries and sickness during a week in which the Mustangs (10-7-1) went from Mid-Suburban League East Division title challengers to spectators.
Saturday he was thrilled with the effort of his men and hopes his team will use it to make a turnaround. He too was able to get everyone who was healthy plenty of time on the extra-wide pitch of the Gators.
"We just have not been very good this week with our three-straight defeats” Olson said. “But, today was a new day, and the guys really came out to play inspired soccer. Despite us missing a few players, everyone stepped up to play with heart, which is fantastic, and a great way to be heading into the postseason."
The Mustangs will play in their MSL cross-over on Tuesday against either Barrington or Palatine. Then they get some well-deserved time off to heal as they prepare to travel to Barrington for a regional semifinal at 4:45 p.m. Oct. 18.
"This is the type of game and effort we all know we're capable of," said Mustangs captain Joe Salemi. “It could not have come at a better time for this team. It was great to see everyone get real minutes today, and for each of us make a contribution during the 80 minutes -- especially Caleb (Samuel) who really saved the day for us in the second half."
The Caleb whom Salemi spoke of is the Mustangs back-up keeper behind its terrific sophomore Marceli Okonski, who shared time between the sticks for Olson. Samuel wowed the big crowd with a pair of magnificent saves to keep the home side goal-less.
"We have a great 1-2 keeper punch," laughed Salemi.
"Caleb played club soccer his freshman year with the Sockers,” said Olson. “When he decided to come back to play with us this fall, we told him Marceli is (in) front of him, but he never wavered in his commitment to improve. His work ethic has been terrific, and he's earned the time he's received. For us, it's a tremendous luxury to have two great keepers."
Samuel and Crystal Lake South senior defenseman Andrew Smart shared the Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match honor.
"We created some great chances in the second half, and probably should have put one or two of them in,” said Smart. “Their keeper made a couple of great saves, but this was a great day for Gators soccer. For me, it's hard to believe it's my final year playing here at South. Time has gone so quickly."
The three-year veteran has shown quality in abundance. He is an accurate set piece provider, adds width to the flank, is a super defender and reads the game quite well, which allows him to jump into the attack when needed.
"Andrew is just a wonderful young man. He's done it all for us and more. He is the epitome of what a student-athlete should be." said a proud Allen.
"It's been a real thrill to play for South, and especially alongside Andrew,” said Smart’s running mate at center back Josh Washington. “We came in together on Day One as freshmen on the JV team and have seen our friendship grow as players and people. We hope we can keep the season going for as long as we can."
The Gators defensive middle is rock solid.
"(Washington) stepped into the role as our center back,” said Allen. “He learned his trade under Tomasz Slawek from his sophomore year, and has become a terrific leader, who plays hard and with class."
Crystalk Lake South (10-4-3) had a strong wind in its face during the opening period, and their guests looked to take full advantage by sending in meaningful balls out of the back and doing their best to play through the trio of Oscar Chlopek, Matt Schuhmacher and Eltayeb Mahmoud.
"(Olson) and I sat down and talked about moving Eltayeb into the middle to create and attack," said Salemi. “It's a position he plays on the younger Elite club team. He's familiar with that spot, and he's really made a difference for us."
Olson and his bench voiced its disapproval when the referee went too quickly to his whistle to deny advantage in what would have been the opener bagged by Schuhmacher in the 12th minute.
Despite the soft, and squishy conditions on the Gators grass field due to heavy rainfall the day before, both sides did well in possession and passing completion percentage, even though each club allowed little time and space.
The Mustangs made the first of three shot blocks in the 17th minute. When the ball spilled free, Crystal Lake South’s Kevin Cardoso made a beeline for the ball, only to see his chances on frame dashed with a strong challenge off the line from Okonski.
Okonski did well on a looping ball from the midline by Smart. It was heavy enough to drift farther than anticipated and made the save even more impressive.
Then Oscar Chlopek, who along with his backline mates Alex Berg and Jeremy Leigh would receive plenty of praise from Olson afterward the final whistle, sent a dangerous free kick into the box that Crystal Lake South was forced to parry over the end line.
The ensuing corner from sophomore Kalvin Lagunas bent just wide of the back post. He showed a strong left foot with his service and clearing efforts in the second half. He also had a high percentage of wins in the tackle.
"We just have not played well at all for the last week," began senior captain Oscar Chlopek. “But today, we were very good at every spot on the field.
"Caleb was great for us in the second half. We played really well in the first half today but were forced to defend a lot more after the break. We did well as a team to keep them out of the net,"
The home side finished off the first half with some flair as they forced Okonski into action with a trio of attempts. Sophomores Nick Prus and Ali Ahmed had the two best on frame.
The Gators started the second half brighter than their guests, who were put under pressure from the onset with a quartet of deep throws. Nolan Getzinger went over twice with close-range efforts. Crystal Lake South showed more purpose in its attack.
Rolling Meadows turned the field around when Salemi, Oscar Chlopek and Alex Kociubinski surprised the Gators, who were caught getting numbers a little too forward. The Mustangs counter may have snuck one in if a white shirt had been on the back post to meet a wonderful serve from Kociubinski.
Samuel started to build his Man of the Match resume with some magnificent play during a 15-minute onslaught.
The best from the sophomore came in full extension on a late glove save. He put a sure goal off a wicked header by Pierce Johnson out of harm’s way in the 64th minute.
The sequence of events signaled a fast, frantic and wide-open final 10 minutes with each side creating chances on frame.
With Garrett Hess winning nearly every first and second ball just inside the midline for Crystal Lake South, the home side was able to keep the Mustangs on defensive alert in the closing minutes.
The Gators faithful held its breath in anticipation of a possible late game-winner when Cardoso and Getzinger sent Brian Young through, but the senior went just wide of an open back post 30 seconds from time.
"It was a great game, and a game that had a little bit of everything for the players, and fans. I just loved the way we battled and fought all throughout the afternoon," said a proud Olson.
"Like I said, we're a little banged up right now, and we have some guys out sick. But to come and play on the grass, and against Brian and his terrific team, is the perfect way for us to just about put the end to our regular-season."
Similarly, Crystal Lake South was pleased with its effort.
"Everyone played hard out there today, and if we continue to play this hard, and at this level, anything is possible from here on out,” said Gators senior keeper Logan Vargas.
"I've learned so much as a keeper, and person from coach Allen, I feel very fortunate to have been in this program, and I will miss it when it all comes to an end."
And the Gators will miss Vargas.
"Logan came in last year and really stepped up his play for us with his leadership, and presence back there," said Allen.
"He's fearless and provides a calm influence, which is needed from your keeper."
The Gators, who are 6-1-0 in conference, play Huntley (6-2-0) Tuesday. They need a victory and then need to look for help from Jacobs to defeat Dundee-Crown (7-1-0) to have a chance at sole possession of the conference crown.
"All we can do is go out and play the way we did today on Tuesday, then against Hampshire (on Thursday). If we take care of business, we'll be in good shape whatever happens," said Allen.
"I was so proud of all the guys today, they made Senior Day a great day for everyone, and that is what it's all about."
Starting lineups
Rolling Meadows (4-4-2)
G- Marceli Okonski
D- Jeremy Leigh
D- Alex Chlopek
D- Alex Berg
D- Christian Jablonski
MF- Patryk Grzybowski
MF- Eltayeb Mahmoud
MF- Oscar Chlopek
MF- Alex Kociubinski
F- Joe Salemi
F- Matt Schuhmacher
Crystal Lake South (4-2-3-1)
G- Logan Vargas
D- Andrew Smart
D- Emi Camacho
D- Josh Washington
D- Tyler Zopp
MF- Pablo Rodriguez
MF- Sandro Garcia
MF- Kevin Cardoso
MF- Nolan Getzinger
MF- Brandon Garcia
F- Brian Young
Chicagoland Soccer Men of the Match:
Caleb Samuel, so., GK, Rolling Meadows;
Andrew Smart, sr., D, Crystal Lake South
Referee:
Jim Ventrone
Scoring summary
First half
No scoring
Second half
No scoring
Statistics
Shots on goal
Rolling Meadows: 1
Crystal Lake South: 7
Shots off
Rolling Meadows: 4
Crystal Lake South: 9
Corner kicks
Rolling Meadows: 4
Crystal Lake South: 4
Offsides
Rolling Meadows: 0
Crystal Lake South: 0
Blocked shots
Rolling Meadows: 3
Crystal Lake South: 1
Fouls
Rolling Meadows: 7
Crystal Lake South: 6
Yellow cards
Rolling Meadows: 1
Crystal Lake South: 0