Naperville Central hands Romeoville
1st loss in show-stopping performance
Sets record for wins with powerful 4-0 victory over no. 5 team
By Curt Herron
NAPERVILLE – Naperville Central was a team on a mission against Romeoville as it closed out the regular-season and its home schedule in a clash of two of the top five teams in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 on Thursday at Memorial Stadium.
The third-ranked Redhawks seemed determined to make history with a school-best 19th regular-season win, and they did just that with a dominating 4-0 victory over the fifth-ranked and previously undefeated Spartans (21-1-1).
Coach Troy Adams' 19-3-1 Redhawks will enter the postseason with a rush of momentum. They scored goals in the 10th and 15th minutes to establish early control, then grabbed a 3-0 halftime lead with a score shortly before the break. A final goal just over an hour in ended the scoring and then their defense took over and assured that the visitors would be shut out for the first time this season.
Naperville Central definitely stated its case as an elite team in Illinois. The Redhawks got goals from four different players while controlling play and limiting threats from a Romeoville squad that is enjoying its best-ever season.
The Spartans, who saw a 12-game winning streak end, entered the game averaging 4.8 goals per match with only two contests that they didn't win by multiple goals. Its defense that had posted 12 shutouts and allowed just one goal in eight other matches.
Coach Nick Cirrincione's Spartans, who allowed two goals in three different matches between September 13-17, including in its only previous non-victory, a 2-2 draw with West Aurora on September 13, already faced a 2-0 deficit prior to the midway mark of the opening half after Naperville Central junior Michael Cavalleri connected from close range in the 10th minute and senior Joey LoDuca put in a short attempt in the 15th minute.
Senior Nathan Kwon scored from about 20 yards in the 38th minute to send the visitors into the break already facing the highest goal total against them.
Redhawks senior Sean O'Reilly accounted for the lone goal in the final half when he fired in a shot from 25 yards in the 64th minute. Junior Patrick Bohan helped set up the first goal while freshman Chase Adams assisted on his team's final three goals.
Naperville Central, which went 5-0-0 to capture the DuPage Valley Conference championship, has gone 10-0-1 during its last 11 matches since losing on penalties to currently 15th-ranked Conant on September 18. During their recent stretch, the Rredhawks have allowed just eight goals while recording five shutouts after posting four shutouts in the initial 12 matches.
The backline starters were once again seniors Patrick Berryman and Carter Bilik and juniors Bohan and Cavalleri. Senior Austin Waite started in net; junior Dylan Scott played the second half. As a result of being the first defensive unit that prevented the Spartans from scoring a goal, Berryman, Bilik, Bohan and Cavalleri shared the Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match honor.
Now the Redhawks shift focus to the rugged Class 3A Bolingbrook Sectional, where they are top-seeded in a 17-team field that features no. 8 Naperville North as the second-seed, no. 11 Plainfield North as third-seed and East Aurora as the fourth-seed. The field is deep and many teams have the ability to win a regional title.
Naperville Central competes in the Batavia Regional and faces the winner of Saturday's quarterfinal match between Batavia and Yorkville in a Tuesday semifinal at 5 p.m. Eighth-seed Plainfield East and ninth-seed Waubonsie Valley meet on Tuesday at 7 p.m. with the winners advancing to the championship at 3 p.m. Oct. 22.
"That was a really good team," Troy Adams said. "We talked before the game about really being dialed in for 80 minutes. At certain points of the year and at various times we have played as well as or better than anyone in the state. We just have not always put it together over a whole game.
“We talked about thinking about this as eight games for 80 minutes, starting today and then the seven playoff games. If we can be dialed in for 640 minutes, we'll be in good shape. So, it's 80 down and a good chunk left to go.
"We've talked a lot about forwards connecting with forwards and three of the goals were from forward assists with one forward finding another forward. We're getting them to understand that in some games they're going to score, and in other games it's going to be somebody else.
“But if you're always looking to do the right thing and find the open player, look to make the run off and be disciplined, the goals will come for everybody. They'll be there.
"It extends into practices and what we do off the field as far as getting things set up. While everyone might not get the same minutes, the work that everybody is putting in in practice is allowing us to be this dialed in, this focused and this disciplined.
“All of our seniors play, and I think that really gets the group focused. They know that this is kind of their last run of high school and for some of them the last time that they play competitive soccer. Having every senior being invested as much as they are is a huge plus, and it really has translated into a lot of focus and a lot of effort.
"The thing that I like is that they've kept trying to do better. When we're at practice and we want to work on this, they keep trying to get better at that. And I think when you can get a team that works hard and is disciplined, but is also always hungry to be better, that's how you'll get a team that hopefully will fulfill what you desire them to do. This group has done a really good job at training sessions and film sessions, and really being locked in on this is what we need to be better -- let's work on it and do it."
The Redhawks began to apply pressure on Spartans goalkeeper Lucas Ortiz from the outset with O'Reilly and Berryman being denied on early attempts. Chase Adams had an early try cleared by a defender.
Things finally clicked for the hosts in the 10th minute when Bohan delivered a ball into the box, and Cavalleri connected from close range to put his team up for good. Then in the 15th minute, Ortiz halted one shot by Chase Adams but the deflection went to LoDuca, who put the rebound from in front of the net to quickly make it 2-0.
A bit later, O'Reilly sent in a pair of corner kicks which were headed away by Gavin Carrasco and Josh Silvar. Then O'Reilly was denied on a shot from the side by Ortiz and had another corner kick tipped away by the Spartans keeper.
The hosts kept up the pressure in the final 10 minutes of the opening half as Chase Adams was thwarted on a short try. A few minutes after a second goal by LoDuca was waved off due to an offsides call, Kwon drove to the net and sent an attempt from about 20 yards over Ortiz and below the crossbar in the 38th minute to put the hosts up 3-0 at the break.
With the Redhawks defense giving the Spartans real problems getting their attack going, Waite was pretty much able to observe things and direct his teammates. He didn't face many threats.
"This was a really good team, but we really outworked them. I think that this was one of our best games that we've had yet," Waite said. "We're all grateful for each other. We work hard, and we love each other as brothers and friends. We're close to each other, and we're like family.
"In any match we go all out and push all the way, and we're disciplined, work hard and communicate with each other. We set the record for wins, and it also sets the pace for the playoffs. I just like the hard work and the passion of the boys, and that we always want to win.
“With the talent that we have and the brotherhood that we have, we always strive for something better. We see a future for us of going far in the playoffs and if we keep working hard, I think we can make it all the way to state."
In the final half, Romeoville began to apply more pressure, but Scott halted everything that came his way. That included a free kick from just beyond the top of the box that was sent in by Joseph Duarte before Demian Martinez bounced one off the crossbar. Julian Arreguin was also turned away on an attempt.
Naperville Central capped the scoring in the 64th minute when O'Reilly connected following several good efforts throughout the match by placing a long-distance shot into the opposite side of the net.
"It was a good team effort," O'Reilly said. "We just had to come out here and fight since this was our last home game of the season. We have good chemistry, and we've had it for a few years with some of the guys who came back on varsity. The new guys have mixed in really well, and we've had a great season. We've had one of the toughest schedules out there, so with the record that we've got and the games that we've won, that's a big achievement, for sure.
"The quality that I like is that we're always here to play and always going to work hard and give all of our effort no matter who we're coming up against. We want to keep the momentum going into the playoffs, and we'll see what we can do."
The Redhawks tried to add another goal but Chase Adams' short try was halted.
Romeoville tried to avoid its first shutout of the season, but Scott stopped a pair of tries from Luis Orizaba as well as attempts from Imanol Casillas and Duarte during the late stages of the match.
"Romeoville is a great team and they were undefeated this season," said Owen Stephens, who along with Josh Weigel, Bilik, Kwon, LoDuca, O'Reilly and Waite are the team's seniors. "Our team came out really dialed in today.
“We were really excited to play and really wanted to get some momentum moving into the playoffs. We think that we have a really good team this year, and we think we have a chance to be at state. We really wanted to show something to people tonight about how really good we are and what we're about.
"I thought that it just started from the goalie, to the back and the midfield. All 11 players (on the field) were working together today. We have some really talented players, like Josh and Chase. When we all play together as 11 we're a really good team, and we're really hard to beat.
“We have very good chemistry this year, and all of the guys really like each other. So today, scoring these goals and getting the shutout was exactly what we wanted. Our goal all season has been to score two goals and let up one or less each game. … We got the shutout, and we scored a lot. We're really proud to do that."
Romeoville will look to bounce back from the difficult loss in its regular-season finale by becoming the first boys team in the 60-year history of the school to win a sectional championship in a bracketed-tournament.
The Spartans, who won the Southwest Prairie Conference title with a 10-0-1 record, are the third-seed in the Class 3A Lockport Sectional and open play on Tuesday in the Reavis Regional against the host Rams. Lincoln-Way Central meets Thornton (co-op) for the right to advance to Friday's regional title match.
No. 9 Sandburg is the top sectional seed with no. 16 Stagg just behind it. No. 19 Lockport, which seeks a second-straight spot among the Final Four, is the fourth seed. No. 17 Bloom sits as the fifth-seed.
Footnote
There was an encouraging sign for young people who want to experience the excitement of refereeing high school matches and help ease the sports shortage of officials.
Matthew Thurman, who recently completed his high school education via home-schooling, was an assistant referee in the clash of two of the state's top-ranked squads. Although he is relatively new to IHSA matches, he has been officiating at the club level for some time.
He was commended for his performance during the match by numerous participants.
Starting lineups
Romeoville
GK: Lucas Ortiz
D: Imanol Casillas
D: Josh Silvar
D: Isaiah Pina
D: Gavin Carrasco
MF: Ryan Budz
MF: Christan Agyekum
MF: Demian Martinez
MF: Luis Orizaba
F: Joseph Duarte
F: Julian Arreguin
Naperville Central
GK: Austin Waite
D: Patrick Bohan
D: Patrick Berryman
D: Carter Bilik
D: Michael Cavalleri
MF: Carter Adams
MF: Josh Weigel
MF: Sean O'Reilly
F: Joey LoDuca
F: Chase Adams
F: Nathan Kwon
Chicagoland Soccer Men of the Match:
Patrick Berryman, jr., D, Naperville Central;
Carter Bilik, sr., D, Naperville Central;
Patrick Bohan, jr., D, Naperville Central;
Michael Cavalleri, jr., D, Naperville Central
Scoring summary
First half
NC: Michael Cavalleri (Patrick Bohan), 10'
NC: Joey LoDuca (Chase Adams), 15'
NC: Nathan Kwon (Chase Adams), 38'
Second half
NC: Sean O'Reilly (Chase Adams), 64'
1st loss in show-stopping performance
Sets record for wins with powerful 4-0 victory over no. 5 team
By Curt Herron
NAPERVILLE – Naperville Central was a team on a mission against Romeoville as it closed out the regular-season and its home schedule in a clash of two of the top five teams in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 on Thursday at Memorial Stadium.
The third-ranked Redhawks seemed determined to make history with a school-best 19th regular-season win, and they did just that with a dominating 4-0 victory over the fifth-ranked and previously undefeated Spartans (21-1-1).
Coach Troy Adams' 19-3-1 Redhawks will enter the postseason with a rush of momentum. They scored goals in the 10th and 15th minutes to establish early control, then grabbed a 3-0 halftime lead with a score shortly before the break. A final goal just over an hour in ended the scoring and then their defense took over and assured that the visitors would be shut out for the first time this season.
Naperville Central definitely stated its case as an elite team in Illinois. The Redhawks got goals from four different players while controlling play and limiting threats from a Romeoville squad that is enjoying its best-ever season.
The Spartans, who saw a 12-game winning streak end, entered the game averaging 4.8 goals per match with only two contests that they didn't win by multiple goals. Its defense that had posted 12 shutouts and allowed just one goal in eight other matches.
Coach Nick Cirrincione's Spartans, who allowed two goals in three different matches between September 13-17, including in its only previous non-victory, a 2-2 draw with West Aurora on September 13, already faced a 2-0 deficit prior to the midway mark of the opening half after Naperville Central junior Michael Cavalleri connected from close range in the 10th minute and senior Joey LoDuca put in a short attempt in the 15th minute.
Senior Nathan Kwon scored from about 20 yards in the 38th minute to send the visitors into the break already facing the highest goal total against them.
Redhawks senior Sean O'Reilly accounted for the lone goal in the final half when he fired in a shot from 25 yards in the 64th minute. Junior Patrick Bohan helped set up the first goal while freshman Chase Adams assisted on his team's final three goals.
Naperville Central, which went 5-0-0 to capture the DuPage Valley Conference championship, has gone 10-0-1 during its last 11 matches since losing on penalties to currently 15th-ranked Conant on September 18. During their recent stretch, the Rredhawks have allowed just eight goals while recording five shutouts after posting four shutouts in the initial 12 matches.
The backline starters were once again seniors Patrick Berryman and Carter Bilik and juniors Bohan and Cavalleri. Senior Austin Waite started in net; junior Dylan Scott played the second half. As a result of being the first defensive unit that prevented the Spartans from scoring a goal, Berryman, Bilik, Bohan and Cavalleri shared the Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match honor.
Now the Redhawks shift focus to the rugged Class 3A Bolingbrook Sectional, where they are top-seeded in a 17-team field that features no. 8 Naperville North as the second-seed, no. 11 Plainfield North as third-seed and East Aurora as the fourth-seed. The field is deep and many teams have the ability to win a regional title.
Naperville Central competes in the Batavia Regional and faces the winner of Saturday's quarterfinal match between Batavia and Yorkville in a Tuesday semifinal at 5 p.m. Eighth-seed Plainfield East and ninth-seed Waubonsie Valley meet on Tuesday at 7 p.m. with the winners advancing to the championship at 3 p.m. Oct. 22.
"That was a really good team," Troy Adams said. "We talked before the game about really being dialed in for 80 minutes. At certain points of the year and at various times we have played as well as or better than anyone in the state. We just have not always put it together over a whole game.
“We talked about thinking about this as eight games for 80 minutes, starting today and then the seven playoff games. If we can be dialed in for 640 minutes, we'll be in good shape. So, it's 80 down and a good chunk left to go.
"We've talked a lot about forwards connecting with forwards and three of the goals were from forward assists with one forward finding another forward. We're getting them to understand that in some games they're going to score, and in other games it's going to be somebody else.
“But if you're always looking to do the right thing and find the open player, look to make the run off and be disciplined, the goals will come for everybody. They'll be there.
"It extends into practices and what we do off the field as far as getting things set up. While everyone might not get the same minutes, the work that everybody is putting in in practice is allowing us to be this dialed in, this focused and this disciplined.
“All of our seniors play, and I think that really gets the group focused. They know that this is kind of their last run of high school and for some of them the last time that they play competitive soccer. Having every senior being invested as much as they are is a huge plus, and it really has translated into a lot of focus and a lot of effort.
"The thing that I like is that they've kept trying to do better. When we're at practice and we want to work on this, they keep trying to get better at that. And I think when you can get a team that works hard and is disciplined, but is also always hungry to be better, that's how you'll get a team that hopefully will fulfill what you desire them to do. This group has done a really good job at training sessions and film sessions, and really being locked in on this is what we need to be better -- let's work on it and do it."
The Redhawks began to apply pressure on Spartans goalkeeper Lucas Ortiz from the outset with O'Reilly and Berryman being denied on early attempts. Chase Adams had an early try cleared by a defender.
Things finally clicked for the hosts in the 10th minute when Bohan delivered a ball into the box, and Cavalleri connected from close range to put his team up for good. Then in the 15th minute, Ortiz halted one shot by Chase Adams but the deflection went to LoDuca, who put the rebound from in front of the net to quickly make it 2-0.
A bit later, O'Reilly sent in a pair of corner kicks which were headed away by Gavin Carrasco and Josh Silvar. Then O'Reilly was denied on a shot from the side by Ortiz and had another corner kick tipped away by the Spartans keeper.
The hosts kept up the pressure in the final 10 minutes of the opening half as Chase Adams was thwarted on a short try. A few minutes after a second goal by LoDuca was waved off due to an offsides call, Kwon drove to the net and sent an attempt from about 20 yards over Ortiz and below the crossbar in the 38th minute to put the hosts up 3-0 at the break.
With the Redhawks defense giving the Spartans real problems getting their attack going, Waite was pretty much able to observe things and direct his teammates. He didn't face many threats.
"This was a really good team, but we really outworked them. I think that this was one of our best games that we've had yet," Waite said. "We're all grateful for each other. We work hard, and we love each other as brothers and friends. We're close to each other, and we're like family.
"In any match we go all out and push all the way, and we're disciplined, work hard and communicate with each other. We set the record for wins, and it also sets the pace for the playoffs. I just like the hard work and the passion of the boys, and that we always want to win.
“With the talent that we have and the brotherhood that we have, we always strive for something better. We see a future for us of going far in the playoffs and if we keep working hard, I think we can make it all the way to state."
In the final half, Romeoville began to apply more pressure, but Scott halted everything that came his way. That included a free kick from just beyond the top of the box that was sent in by Joseph Duarte before Demian Martinez bounced one off the crossbar. Julian Arreguin was also turned away on an attempt.
Naperville Central capped the scoring in the 64th minute when O'Reilly connected following several good efforts throughout the match by placing a long-distance shot into the opposite side of the net.
"It was a good team effort," O'Reilly said. "We just had to come out here and fight since this was our last home game of the season. We have good chemistry, and we've had it for a few years with some of the guys who came back on varsity. The new guys have mixed in really well, and we've had a great season. We've had one of the toughest schedules out there, so with the record that we've got and the games that we've won, that's a big achievement, for sure.
"The quality that I like is that we're always here to play and always going to work hard and give all of our effort no matter who we're coming up against. We want to keep the momentum going into the playoffs, and we'll see what we can do."
The Redhawks tried to add another goal but Chase Adams' short try was halted.
Romeoville tried to avoid its first shutout of the season, but Scott stopped a pair of tries from Luis Orizaba as well as attempts from Imanol Casillas and Duarte during the late stages of the match.
"Romeoville is a great team and they were undefeated this season," said Owen Stephens, who along with Josh Weigel, Bilik, Kwon, LoDuca, O'Reilly and Waite are the team's seniors. "Our team came out really dialed in today.
“We were really excited to play and really wanted to get some momentum moving into the playoffs. We think that we have a really good team this year, and we think we have a chance to be at state. We really wanted to show something to people tonight about how really good we are and what we're about.
"I thought that it just started from the goalie, to the back and the midfield. All 11 players (on the field) were working together today. We have some really talented players, like Josh and Chase. When we all play together as 11 we're a really good team, and we're really hard to beat.
“We have very good chemistry this year, and all of the guys really like each other. So today, scoring these goals and getting the shutout was exactly what we wanted. Our goal all season has been to score two goals and let up one or less each game. … We got the shutout, and we scored a lot. We're really proud to do that."
Romeoville will look to bounce back from the difficult loss in its regular-season finale by becoming the first boys team in the 60-year history of the school to win a sectional championship in a bracketed-tournament.
The Spartans, who won the Southwest Prairie Conference title with a 10-0-1 record, are the third-seed in the Class 3A Lockport Sectional and open play on Tuesday in the Reavis Regional against the host Rams. Lincoln-Way Central meets Thornton (co-op) for the right to advance to Friday's regional title match.
No. 9 Sandburg is the top sectional seed with no. 16 Stagg just behind it. No. 19 Lockport, which seeks a second-straight spot among the Final Four, is the fourth seed. No. 17 Bloom sits as the fifth-seed.
Footnote
There was an encouraging sign for young people who want to experience the excitement of refereeing high school matches and help ease the sports shortage of officials.
Matthew Thurman, who recently completed his high school education via home-schooling, was an assistant referee in the clash of two of the state's top-ranked squads. Although he is relatively new to IHSA matches, he has been officiating at the club level for some time.
He was commended for his performance during the match by numerous participants.
Starting lineups
Romeoville
GK: Lucas Ortiz
D: Imanol Casillas
D: Josh Silvar
D: Isaiah Pina
D: Gavin Carrasco
MF: Ryan Budz
MF: Christan Agyekum
MF: Demian Martinez
MF: Luis Orizaba
F: Joseph Duarte
F: Julian Arreguin
Naperville Central
GK: Austin Waite
D: Patrick Bohan
D: Patrick Berryman
D: Carter Bilik
D: Michael Cavalleri
MF: Carter Adams
MF: Josh Weigel
MF: Sean O'Reilly
F: Joey LoDuca
F: Chase Adams
F: Nathan Kwon
Chicagoland Soccer Men of the Match:
Patrick Berryman, jr., D, Naperville Central;
Carter Bilik, sr., D, Naperville Central;
Patrick Bohan, jr., D, Naperville Central;
Michael Cavalleri, jr., D, Naperville Central
Scoring summary
First half
NC: Michael Cavalleri (Patrick Bohan), 10'
NC: Joey LoDuca (Chase Adams), 15'
NC: Nathan Kwon (Chase Adams), 38'
Second half
NC: Sean O'Reilly (Chase Adams), 64'