Wheaton North sizzles on Senior Night
Falcons stay unbeaten with 3-0 win over Schaumburg
By Dave Owen
WHEATON – Whether it’s a grueling schedule, sweltering heat, or Senior Night pregame festivities, nothing is slowing down Wheaton North.
Playing on back-to-back nights and their fourth game in six days, the Falcons (3-0-1) celebrated Senior Night with an impressive 3-0 nonconference win over visiting Schaumburg (1-1-1) Tuesday.
“Our passing was good, and with tired legs,” Wheaton North coach Rob Stassen said. “It was kind of a big to-do before the game with Senior Night (introductions). But the problem with these nights is that you don’t get your real warmup, your proper session. We would have liked to have the extended warmup after last night, but I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
The tribute to the Falcons seniors carried over to the game. Seniors Joseph Gaither and Alex Beausoleil each had a goal and an assist, classmate Leo De La Torre scored the final goal, and a senior core at midfield and defender spots excelled.
“The 13 seniors, all of them, are exceptional,” Stassen said. “I wouldn’t trade any single one of them for another man on this planet. I’m proud of them.”
All season, the Falcons’ response to any change in routine has been incredible.
“In last night’s game, which was a hot one – 120 degrees on the field when we started, we’re 1-0 up with 10 minutes left and playing like we’re 1-0 down,” Stassen said. “Just that high pressure, high pressure.
“Here we’re 3-0 up, two big games back to back, and we played those last 10 minutes like we’re 3-nil down.
“This is an intensity you just can’t teach,” Stassen added. “They’re hungry, and it’s exciting. I’m excited to be with them. Even now they want to come out and play again.”
After catching fire late last season to win a regional title with a 7-13-3 record, Wheaton North is picking up right where 2017 ended and how.
“I think it’s the best spot that we’ve been in in the four years I’ve been here,” said Gaither, a third-year varsity player. “The chemistry, the link up, we’re just playing beautiful and having fun.
“Just the quickness of our play is better. Our players aren’t being greedy – we’re willing to give up the ball. Our movements are very good off the ball, and I think that’s been very effective.”
Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match Gaither started the Falcons rolling in the 10th minute, turning a quick counter into the winning goal.
“It was kind of out of nothing,” Gaither said. “Our goalkeeper Ray (Min) punted it up to Alex, and Alex flicked it on with strength (from near midfield).”
Step for step with a defender, and with the goalkeeper off his line to try to play the send towards the box, Gaither nicely stepped inside the defender to win the 50-50 ball and chipped a 20-yard shot into the vacant net.
“I knew Alex’s different moves, so I knew he’d flick it on towards me,” Gaither said.
Most impressively, the play was a virtual replay of Gaither’s first goal of 2017, when he caught the Schurz goalkeeper similarly off his line and scored.
Senior Night is about memories, after all.
“I guess it’s just anticipation,” Gaither said. “Not falling asleep, concentrating, that’s pretty much how I approach those (chances).”
Schaumburg goalkeeper Denys Lyashko responded to the 1-0 deficit with a bevy of big saves the rest of the half.
His leaping deflection at the back post repelled a nice Ethan Shikany corner kick send in the 21st minute, and he followed with a low save on a Gaither rush and 10-yard drive in the 25th minute.
In the 28th minute he came up with saves on eight-yard shots by Jack Mancuso and Sunday Moo (the latter off a Graham Stephenson free kick right of the goal).
Then 3:20 before halftime, a sequence that began with a Nathan Heyen throw-in sprung Gaither into the box. He made a nice behind-the-back touch to Stephenson, whose six-yard shot was denied by a diving Lyashko near the left post.
“Their goalkeeper was outstanding in the first half,” Stassen said. “We just had to keep pulling the trigger and one will go in.”
As it turned out, the Falcons would strike quickly.
After Will Wanzenberg headed a Shikany corner kick just over the crossbar three minutes into the second half, Wanzenberg’s next effort near the net paid off.
His cross from the right end line found Beausoleil, whose liner from in front went inside the left post put Wheaton North up 2-0 with 35:59 left.
“It all started with the wing play from Will Wanzenberg and an outside back, I think Nathan Heyen,” Beausoleil said.
“It was them working up the pitch, and then Will’s great effort to get down the line. Then I had the simple job of just getting away from the defender and popping it in. Will did all the hard work there.”
Among many positives Tuesday, Stassen enjoyed the nice finishes by Gaither and Beasoleil.
“I’m glad they got on the board today,” he said. “Once they go, watch out. They’re hungry.”
Up 2-0, the Falcons had to endure an offensive burst by Schaumburg over the next 10 minutes.
The sequence began with an Edwin Zuniga free kick redirected just wide of the back post, followed by two Saxons corner kicks.
The first with 33:20 left was denied by a Sunday Moo blocked shot in front, then Ajay Patel headed a second corner cross upfield and out of danger.
Then with 26:30 to play, Jack Tegart’s strong 1-v.-1 defense denied an Arnav Karnik rush into to the box off a Zuniga pass.
Such defensive stands have been common from a Falcons squad that has allowed just one goal all season.
“I think all around we’re well rounded and work as a team,” Moo said. “We are organized on and off the pitch, so I think that’s what makes us a good team.
“(Experience) is a big part. All these seniors, I’ve been with them since freshman year so that helps out a lot, the chemistry and all of that.”
Wheaton North’s seniors would then team up a final time with 22:19 left.
A Patel pass sprung Gaither on a right side run. His cross found De La Torre in front, who powered a 10-yard drive off the inside of the crossbar and in for extra insurance.
The Falcons’ offense would execute to the end. Both Beausoleil (with 19:10 left) and Gaither (8:50 to go) sent shots inside the box just wide of the left post, and Jack Morrissey’s 14-yard drive with 3:15 to play was saved by Lyashko.
His team’s energy level after playing two games in 26 hours in high temperatures impressed Stassen.
“Yesterday I ran a 17-man team, and today we ran an 18-man team,” he said. “It’s not like we’re running a 25-man team in this heat, and you saw that high pressure with three men on the ball. And their breakaway speed is fun to watch. These guys have motors.”
Of all the Senior Night standouts, the emergence of one in particular was noteworthy.
“Conner Bambule went in at outside mid, a senior who doesn’t get much playing time,” Stassen said. “He said before the year, ‘I’m fine with that, I just want to be part of the team.’
“He came off the bench today, and not only did he contribute, but he created things. Of our outstanding players, he’s one of them today because he’s not normally there.
“Others are outstanding every night, like Erik Rozanski, Ethan Shikany in the middle, Anjay Patel – that middle line is just phenomenal, and I’d take this backline over any. They’re just incredible, and a great group of boys. Their work load and mentality is outstanding.”
And with the Falcons’ offense starting to click since a season-opening 0-0 tie with St. Francis, Wheaton North is on a roll.
“From that (St. Francis game) we just learned we need to forget about those (missed) chances and learn to put them away next time,” Beausoleil said. “If you miss a chance, move on and score the next one.”
Four games into 2018, the Falcons' enthusiasm and energy are soaring.
“We’ve never done this,” Stassen said of the season-opening unbeaten streak. “This is a big year for them.
“We’re off to a good start, and the way that they’re playing is lights out. We’re not scraping by. I couldn’t be more proud of them. I think we’re going to see something special this year. I’m looking forward to it.”
Starting lineups
Schaumburg
GK- Denys Lyashko
D- Michael Cooper
D- Andrew Flight
D- Sam Bogner
D- Daniel Moskal
M- Edwin Zuniga
M- Kyle Chase
M- Jared Schoo
M- Jake Piro
F- Phil Hassman
F- Arnav Karnik
Wheaton North
GK- Ray Min
D- Sunday Moo
D- Jack Mancuso
D- Jack Tegart
D- Nathan Heyen
M- Ajay Patel
M- Ethan Shikany
M- Will Wanzenberg
M- Jack Morrissey
F- Joseph Gaither
F- Alex Beausoleil
Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match: Joseph Gaither, sr., F, Wheaton North
Scoring summary
First half
WN – Joseph Gaither (Alex Beausoleil), 9:36
Second half
WN – Beausoleil (Will Wanzenberg), 44:01
WN – Leo De La Torre (Gaither), 57:41
Falcons stay unbeaten with 3-0 win over Schaumburg
By Dave Owen
WHEATON – Whether it’s a grueling schedule, sweltering heat, or Senior Night pregame festivities, nothing is slowing down Wheaton North.
Playing on back-to-back nights and their fourth game in six days, the Falcons (3-0-1) celebrated Senior Night with an impressive 3-0 nonconference win over visiting Schaumburg (1-1-1) Tuesday.
“Our passing was good, and with tired legs,” Wheaton North coach Rob Stassen said. “It was kind of a big to-do before the game with Senior Night (introductions). But the problem with these nights is that you don’t get your real warmup, your proper session. We would have liked to have the extended warmup after last night, but I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
The tribute to the Falcons seniors carried over to the game. Seniors Joseph Gaither and Alex Beausoleil each had a goal and an assist, classmate Leo De La Torre scored the final goal, and a senior core at midfield and defender spots excelled.
“The 13 seniors, all of them, are exceptional,” Stassen said. “I wouldn’t trade any single one of them for another man on this planet. I’m proud of them.”
All season, the Falcons’ response to any change in routine has been incredible.
“In last night’s game, which was a hot one – 120 degrees on the field when we started, we’re 1-0 up with 10 minutes left and playing like we’re 1-0 down,” Stassen said. “Just that high pressure, high pressure.
“Here we’re 3-0 up, two big games back to back, and we played those last 10 minutes like we’re 3-nil down.
“This is an intensity you just can’t teach,” Stassen added. “They’re hungry, and it’s exciting. I’m excited to be with them. Even now they want to come out and play again.”
After catching fire late last season to win a regional title with a 7-13-3 record, Wheaton North is picking up right where 2017 ended and how.
“I think it’s the best spot that we’ve been in in the four years I’ve been here,” said Gaither, a third-year varsity player. “The chemistry, the link up, we’re just playing beautiful and having fun.
“Just the quickness of our play is better. Our players aren’t being greedy – we’re willing to give up the ball. Our movements are very good off the ball, and I think that’s been very effective.”
Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match Gaither started the Falcons rolling in the 10th minute, turning a quick counter into the winning goal.
“It was kind of out of nothing,” Gaither said. “Our goalkeeper Ray (Min) punted it up to Alex, and Alex flicked it on with strength (from near midfield).”
Step for step with a defender, and with the goalkeeper off his line to try to play the send towards the box, Gaither nicely stepped inside the defender to win the 50-50 ball and chipped a 20-yard shot into the vacant net.
“I knew Alex’s different moves, so I knew he’d flick it on towards me,” Gaither said.
Most impressively, the play was a virtual replay of Gaither’s first goal of 2017, when he caught the Schurz goalkeeper similarly off his line and scored.
Senior Night is about memories, after all.
“I guess it’s just anticipation,” Gaither said. “Not falling asleep, concentrating, that’s pretty much how I approach those (chances).”
Schaumburg goalkeeper Denys Lyashko responded to the 1-0 deficit with a bevy of big saves the rest of the half.
His leaping deflection at the back post repelled a nice Ethan Shikany corner kick send in the 21st minute, and he followed with a low save on a Gaither rush and 10-yard drive in the 25th minute.
In the 28th minute he came up with saves on eight-yard shots by Jack Mancuso and Sunday Moo (the latter off a Graham Stephenson free kick right of the goal).
Then 3:20 before halftime, a sequence that began with a Nathan Heyen throw-in sprung Gaither into the box. He made a nice behind-the-back touch to Stephenson, whose six-yard shot was denied by a diving Lyashko near the left post.
“Their goalkeeper was outstanding in the first half,” Stassen said. “We just had to keep pulling the trigger and one will go in.”
As it turned out, the Falcons would strike quickly.
After Will Wanzenberg headed a Shikany corner kick just over the crossbar three minutes into the second half, Wanzenberg’s next effort near the net paid off.
His cross from the right end line found Beausoleil, whose liner from in front went inside the left post put Wheaton North up 2-0 with 35:59 left.
“It all started with the wing play from Will Wanzenberg and an outside back, I think Nathan Heyen,” Beausoleil said.
“It was them working up the pitch, and then Will’s great effort to get down the line. Then I had the simple job of just getting away from the defender and popping it in. Will did all the hard work there.”
Among many positives Tuesday, Stassen enjoyed the nice finishes by Gaither and Beasoleil.
“I’m glad they got on the board today,” he said. “Once they go, watch out. They’re hungry.”
Up 2-0, the Falcons had to endure an offensive burst by Schaumburg over the next 10 minutes.
The sequence began with an Edwin Zuniga free kick redirected just wide of the back post, followed by two Saxons corner kicks.
The first with 33:20 left was denied by a Sunday Moo blocked shot in front, then Ajay Patel headed a second corner cross upfield and out of danger.
Then with 26:30 to play, Jack Tegart’s strong 1-v.-1 defense denied an Arnav Karnik rush into to the box off a Zuniga pass.
Such defensive stands have been common from a Falcons squad that has allowed just one goal all season.
“I think all around we’re well rounded and work as a team,” Moo said. “We are organized on and off the pitch, so I think that’s what makes us a good team.
“(Experience) is a big part. All these seniors, I’ve been with them since freshman year so that helps out a lot, the chemistry and all of that.”
Wheaton North’s seniors would then team up a final time with 22:19 left.
A Patel pass sprung Gaither on a right side run. His cross found De La Torre in front, who powered a 10-yard drive off the inside of the crossbar and in for extra insurance.
The Falcons’ offense would execute to the end. Both Beausoleil (with 19:10 left) and Gaither (8:50 to go) sent shots inside the box just wide of the left post, and Jack Morrissey’s 14-yard drive with 3:15 to play was saved by Lyashko.
His team’s energy level after playing two games in 26 hours in high temperatures impressed Stassen.
“Yesterday I ran a 17-man team, and today we ran an 18-man team,” he said. “It’s not like we’re running a 25-man team in this heat, and you saw that high pressure with three men on the ball. And their breakaway speed is fun to watch. These guys have motors.”
Of all the Senior Night standouts, the emergence of one in particular was noteworthy.
“Conner Bambule went in at outside mid, a senior who doesn’t get much playing time,” Stassen said. “He said before the year, ‘I’m fine with that, I just want to be part of the team.’
“He came off the bench today, and not only did he contribute, but he created things. Of our outstanding players, he’s one of them today because he’s not normally there.
“Others are outstanding every night, like Erik Rozanski, Ethan Shikany in the middle, Anjay Patel – that middle line is just phenomenal, and I’d take this backline over any. They’re just incredible, and a great group of boys. Their work load and mentality is outstanding.”
And with the Falcons’ offense starting to click since a season-opening 0-0 tie with St. Francis, Wheaton North is on a roll.
“From that (St. Francis game) we just learned we need to forget about those (missed) chances and learn to put them away next time,” Beausoleil said. “If you miss a chance, move on and score the next one.”
Four games into 2018, the Falcons' enthusiasm and energy are soaring.
“We’ve never done this,” Stassen said of the season-opening unbeaten streak. “This is a big year for them.
“We’re off to a good start, and the way that they’re playing is lights out. We’re not scraping by. I couldn’t be more proud of them. I think we’re going to see something special this year. I’m looking forward to it.”
Starting lineups
Schaumburg
GK- Denys Lyashko
D- Michael Cooper
D- Andrew Flight
D- Sam Bogner
D- Daniel Moskal
M- Edwin Zuniga
M- Kyle Chase
M- Jared Schoo
M- Jake Piro
F- Phil Hassman
F- Arnav Karnik
Wheaton North
GK- Ray Min
D- Sunday Moo
D- Jack Mancuso
D- Jack Tegart
D- Nathan Heyen
M- Ajay Patel
M- Ethan Shikany
M- Will Wanzenberg
M- Jack Morrissey
F- Joseph Gaither
F- Alex Beausoleil
Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match: Joseph Gaither, sr., F, Wheaton North
Scoring summary
First half
WN – Joseph Gaither (Alex Beausoleil), 9:36
Second half
WN – Beausoleil (Will Wanzenberg), 44:01
WN – Leo De La Torre (Gaither), 57:41