W. Chicago tops Edwardsville in 2 OT
Nieves goal puts Wildcats into the final against Morton
By Mike Garofola
HOFFMAN ESTATES -- It wasn't the showcase piece of the night - but Edwardsville vs. West Chicago was a thrill in and of itself for the big crowd at Garber Stadium and warmed the hearts of the West Chicago faithful on a bitterly cold fall night at Hoffman Estates High School.
The Wildcats (23-2-3) will play in the 3A state final on Saturday night against state power Morton after Brian Nieves stunned Edwardsville with the eventual game-winner just moments into the first extra session to give manager Jose Villa's men a 2-1 victory Friday.
"As all of the guys have been saying, it's been a goal of getting to state since the very first day we got together," said Villa. "And with the community giving us so much support, fans coming out to see us and even alumni sending multiple messages of support, the guys know they're not only playing for themselves, but so many other people who are proud of West Chicago soccer."
"It's a great feeling right now knowing we're in the championship game tomorrow night," began Nieves, who just last season was on the JV1 squad.
"Like coach, Jessie (Hernandez) and Moises (Morfin) have all said, from that very first day, and after each practice and game, the talk has always been about getting to state.
"We've all been working our butts off to get here with the goals of making our community proud and to make history."
The Wildcats deserved their victory after controlling huge periods of the match. But, as is often the case in this sport, West Chicago found itself chasing the game almost immediately after the shrill whistle of referee Boris Vukovic opened this semifinal match.
Before the huge throng of Wildcats' fans could get comfortable in their seats, Edwardsville sent a shock wave throughout the noisy stadium when its IHSSCA all-state forward Cooper Nolan bagged home 21st of the season in the second minute.
"It was the perfect start for us," said Tigers manager, Mark Heiderscheid, here for the eighth time during a glorious career during which he will have collected seven state trophies, two of them of the championship variety.
The most recent came in 2013 when the Tigers defeated a superb Wheeling side 2-1.
"West Chicago was a team that was so good technically, so we knew we had to concede possession for most of the night," said the classy Heiderscheid, who took over for Mark Schwarzkoft in 2000 and has proceeded to win 318 games during his marvelous career. "To get that first one in, and so early, was big for us. We also knew how hard we were going to have to fight in order to keep that lead (because) of their talent and ability to control possession."
The aforementioned Nolan, who netted the game-winner last Tuesday in the Tigers 3-2 victory over Lincoln-Way West at the Bradley-Bourbonnais Supersectional, smashed his close-range effort past a helpless David Kuehn after latching onto a defense-shredding ball over the top from Logan Loftus.
The Wildcats nearly equalized minutes later when Brayam Barrios collected a loose ball near the edge after a 50-50 challenge. He then played to Morfin, who saw his attempt smothered by Tigers keeper Tyler Frolik.
Frolik was declared the player of the match by Heiderscheid. West Chicago's Villa also heaped plenty of praise upon the man between the sticks for Edwardsville for his ability to keep the Wildcats from finding the back of the net with his brave and valiant saves.
"Their keeper (Frolik) to me had to be the best player for them all night," Villa said. "He made some huge saves for them, and we all congratulated him after the game for his amazing work. Especially on a couple of our chances (that) we all began to celebrate on the bench because we thought the ball was going into the net."
Frolik deflected the praise.
"Cooper had that wonderful goal off the counter to put us up right away. I felt that really raised the hopes of our team for the next 15 minutes," Frolik said. "But after that, for me, it was all about staying locked in to keep encouraging our defense to work hard. They did by taking away shots that otherwise (I) would have to save."
The senior, along with his backline mates Jack Heiderscheid, Kadin Lieberman, Loftus, Parker Matthews were a stingy bunch all season long. They conceded just 11 goals on the season prior to Friday and collected nine clean-sheets as well.
Edwardsville invited some of its troubles by adopting an increasingly deep defensive stance after its early strike. As the match wore on, West Chicago increasingly used the space to possess, use width, play quick combinations and use the flanks to initiate trouble.
Morfin and Nieves did just that at the quarter hour. But when Morfin played a lovely ball across to an unmarked Nieves, the sophomore drove his attempt over the bar from 12 yards despite having Frolik all to himself.
After looking to the skies following his near-miss, Nieves, and his mates went about creating several quality chances leading up the intermission.
Nieves went over once again two minutes later, then watched Morfin tee-up his 25 yards blast, only to have Frolik turn it around.
The ensuing corner from Barrios was parried out of the area by Frolik but not far enough to prevent Tristan Alfaro from unloading a low cracker on frame which was redirected on the way into the area off a Wildcats player.
"Even after their early goal, I think all of us felt like this was a winnable game (just) as long as we could finish our chances," said Nieves.
Villa's men continued to display the terrific attacking variety that has helped the Wildcats advance during the past two weeks to this last weekend. Despite West Chciago's chances, and an occasional defensive misstep in its own end, Edwardsville maintained its advantage at the break.
"I feel like, for the most part, we were eliminating the really high-end, quality shots from West Chicago, but at the same time, you have to really respect their persistence in the attack against the great work from Tyler and our backline to keep them from finding the back of the net," said Mark Heiderscheid.
Unfortunately for Edwardsville, there were signs that the holes in the dam were becoming larger and tougher to plug.
After the break, there was more one-way traffic from West Chicago, which knew in its heart that that first goal was coming, then perhaps more.
Mark Heiderscheid feared it too.
"I was so proud of how we held things together, but on the flip side, there was that concern with how much quality of talent they had. If they got back even, maybe it becomes 2-1 or more if they really got rolling," he said.
West Chicago was confident.
"We knew we could come back after the half, so long as we played with a lot of heart, it could all happen for us in the second half," added Hernandez.
It nearly did before the hour with the usual suspects. Hernandez, Morfin and Nieves all had chances. Their combined pace and magnificent touch and speed on the ball kept all of the play in the Tigers end.
The Wildcats, confidant they could defend the now deep-sitting Tigers, pushed Tristan Alfaro farther into the attack, after playing most of the first half just in front of his back-four.
The extra numbers began to take their toll, and the Tigers were forced to defend far more than they would have liked. They did so with a work rate off the charts.
It would not matter nine minutes from time when an inch-perfect, cross-field ball from Hernandez fell to Morfin, who with ice in his veins, delivered a low drive the other way that not even Frolik could stop.
The West Chicago crowd went into orbit.
"The boys did a great job of staying composed chasing the game at the half," said Villa. "At that time we told them we had 40 minutes left, so let push more numbers wide, create chances, and see what happens. They all responded to the challenge."
Once into the first of two 10-minute, mandatory extra sessions, the Wildcats struck early to send the Tigers reeling.
The game-winner by Nieves was brilliant. It came thanks to, who else, Hernandez and Morfin. Hernandez initiated things with his nicely weighted ball from the middle to Morfin on the left side.
The senior whipped a quick return the other way to an unmarked Nieves, whose sublime, side-footed effort went easily into the open side.
"We talk about running to the spot. He (Nieves) did just that for an almost easy one-timer," said Villa.
It should have been 3-1 moments later when Hernandez's angled shot hit both posts before Mathews came to the rescue to take the still spinning ball off the line.
The Wildcats kept their attacking posture on full tilt for the rest of the first session and into the second. Meanwhile its backline quartet of Alexis Arroyo, Alejandro Cadena, Lukas Stary and Ben Suddeth, with help from Barrios, kept its defensive shape and awareness to finish this one off.
However, despite being sent reeling by the Nieves strike, Edwardsville would find a way to put a scare into the Wildcats in the closing moments.
That's when Kurt Wright and Weller found a way into the box - which saw Wellers' close-range attempt blocked.
Jakob Doyle kept the Wildcats fans on edge when his corner found Nolan, whose header went just wide.
Nolan had one last look on frame, but David Kuehn easily saved the 100th-minute shot.
At the final whistle, the Wildcats embraced, then raced toward their fans, who would not stop cheering their heroes.
"It was the earliest we've even been scored upon, but the guys never stopped playing," began Villa.
"Some teams would get frustrated, and others would just be deflated from being scored on so early in a state semifinal game."
"But I am so proud of all of the guys, and with the effort in order to stay in the game, get back even, and to win in exciting fashion."
"Edwardsville is a great team, they played hard for 100 minutes, and we wish them luck in their third place game."
Starting lineups
West Chicago (4-1-3-2)
G- David Kuehn
D- Alejandro Cadena
D- Lukas Stary
D- Ben Suddeth
D- Alexis Arroyo
M- Tristan Alfaro
M- Jahir Martinez
M- Brayam Barrios
M-Jessie Hernandez
F- Moises Morfin
F- Brian Nieves
Edwardsville (4-4-2)
G- Tyler Frolik
D- Jack Heiderscheid
D- Parker Matt\hews
D- Kadin Lieberman
D- Logan Loftus
M- Alan Ebert
M- Jacob Doyle
M- Adam Sneed
M- Kurt Wright
F- Cooper Nolan
F- Brennan Weller
Chicagoland Soccer Men of the Match: Moises Morfin, sr., F, West Chicago
Tyler Frolik, sr., GK, Edwardsville
Referee: Boris Vukovic
Scoring summary
First half
Edwardsville: Nolan (Loftus) 2'
Second half
WC: Morfin (Hernandez) 71'
First overtime
WC: Nieves (Morfin, Hernandez) 81'
Second overtime
No scoring
Nieves goal puts Wildcats into the final against Morton
By Mike Garofola
HOFFMAN ESTATES -- It wasn't the showcase piece of the night - but Edwardsville vs. West Chicago was a thrill in and of itself for the big crowd at Garber Stadium and warmed the hearts of the West Chicago faithful on a bitterly cold fall night at Hoffman Estates High School.
The Wildcats (23-2-3) will play in the 3A state final on Saturday night against state power Morton after Brian Nieves stunned Edwardsville with the eventual game-winner just moments into the first extra session to give manager Jose Villa's men a 2-1 victory Friday.
"As all of the guys have been saying, it's been a goal of getting to state since the very first day we got together," said Villa. "And with the community giving us so much support, fans coming out to see us and even alumni sending multiple messages of support, the guys know they're not only playing for themselves, but so many other people who are proud of West Chicago soccer."
"It's a great feeling right now knowing we're in the championship game tomorrow night," began Nieves, who just last season was on the JV1 squad.
"Like coach, Jessie (Hernandez) and Moises (Morfin) have all said, from that very first day, and after each practice and game, the talk has always been about getting to state.
"We've all been working our butts off to get here with the goals of making our community proud and to make history."
The Wildcats deserved their victory after controlling huge periods of the match. But, as is often the case in this sport, West Chicago found itself chasing the game almost immediately after the shrill whistle of referee Boris Vukovic opened this semifinal match.
Before the huge throng of Wildcats' fans could get comfortable in their seats, Edwardsville sent a shock wave throughout the noisy stadium when its IHSSCA all-state forward Cooper Nolan bagged home 21st of the season in the second minute.
"It was the perfect start for us," said Tigers manager, Mark Heiderscheid, here for the eighth time during a glorious career during which he will have collected seven state trophies, two of them of the championship variety.
The most recent came in 2013 when the Tigers defeated a superb Wheeling side 2-1.
"West Chicago was a team that was so good technically, so we knew we had to concede possession for most of the night," said the classy Heiderscheid, who took over for Mark Schwarzkoft in 2000 and has proceeded to win 318 games during his marvelous career. "To get that first one in, and so early, was big for us. We also knew how hard we were going to have to fight in order to keep that lead (because) of their talent and ability to control possession."
The aforementioned Nolan, who netted the game-winner last Tuesday in the Tigers 3-2 victory over Lincoln-Way West at the Bradley-Bourbonnais Supersectional, smashed his close-range effort past a helpless David Kuehn after latching onto a defense-shredding ball over the top from Logan Loftus.
The Wildcats nearly equalized minutes later when Brayam Barrios collected a loose ball near the edge after a 50-50 challenge. He then played to Morfin, who saw his attempt smothered by Tigers keeper Tyler Frolik.
Frolik was declared the player of the match by Heiderscheid. West Chicago's Villa also heaped plenty of praise upon the man between the sticks for Edwardsville for his ability to keep the Wildcats from finding the back of the net with his brave and valiant saves.
"Their keeper (Frolik) to me had to be the best player for them all night," Villa said. "He made some huge saves for them, and we all congratulated him after the game for his amazing work. Especially on a couple of our chances (that) we all began to celebrate on the bench because we thought the ball was going into the net."
Frolik deflected the praise.
"Cooper had that wonderful goal off the counter to put us up right away. I felt that really raised the hopes of our team for the next 15 minutes," Frolik said. "But after that, for me, it was all about staying locked in to keep encouraging our defense to work hard. They did by taking away shots that otherwise (I) would have to save."
The senior, along with his backline mates Jack Heiderscheid, Kadin Lieberman, Loftus, Parker Matthews were a stingy bunch all season long. They conceded just 11 goals on the season prior to Friday and collected nine clean-sheets as well.
Edwardsville invited some of its troubles by adopting an increasingly deep defensive stance after its early strike. As the match wore on, West Chicago increasingly used the space to possess, use width, play quick combinations and use the flanks to initiate trouble.
Morfin and Nieves did just that at the quarter hour. But when Morfin played a lovely ball across to an unmarked Nieves, the sophomore drove his attempt over the bar from 12 yards despite having Frolik all to himself.
After looking to the skies following his near-miss, Nieves, and his mates went about creating several quality chances leading up the intermission.
Nieves went over once again two minutes later, then watched Morfin tee-up his 25 yards blast, only to have Frolik turn it around.
The ensuing corner from Barrios was parried out of the area by Frolik but not far enough to prevent Tristan Alfaro from unloading a low cracker on frame which was redirected on the way into the area off a Wildcats player.
"Even after their early goal, I think all of us felt like this was a winnable game (just) as long as we could finish our chances," said Nieves.
Villa's men continued to display the terrific attacking variety that has helped the Wildcats advance during the past two weeks to this last weekend. Despite West Chciago's chances, and an occasional defensive misstep in its own end, Edwardsville maintained its advantage at the break.
"I feel like, for the most part, we were eliminating the really high-end, quality shots from West Chicago, but at the same time, you have to really respect their persistence in the attack against the great work from Tyler and our backline to keep them from finding the back of the net," said Mark Heiderscheid.
Unfortunately for Edwardsville, there were signs that the holes in the dam were becoming larger and tougher to plug.
After the break, there was more one-way traffic from West Chicago, which knew in its heart that that first goal was coming, then perhaps more.
Mark Heiderscheid feared it too.
"I was so proud of how we held things together, but on the flip side, there was that concern with how much quality of talent they had. If they got back even, maybe it becomes 2-1 or more if they really got rolling," he said.
West Chicago was confident.
"We knew we could come back after the half, so long as we played with a lot of heart, it could all happen for us in the second half," added Hernandez.
It nearly did before the hour with the usual suspects. Hernandez, Morfin and Nieves all had chances. Their combined pace and magnificent touch and speed on the ball kept all of the play in the Tigers end.
The Wildcats, confidant they could defend the now deep-sitting Tigers, pushed Tristan Alfaro farther into the attack, after playing most of the first half just in front of his back-four.
The extra numbers began to take their toll, and the Tigers were forced to defend far more than they would have liked. They did so with a work rate off the charts.
It would not matter nine minutes from time when an inch-perfect, cross-field ball from Hernandez fell to Morfin, who with ice in his veins, delivered a low drive the other way that not even Frolik could stop.
The West Chicago crowd went into orbit.
"The boys did a great job of staying composed chasing the game at the half," said Villa. "At that time we told them we had 40 minutes left, so let push more numbers wide, create chances, and see what happens. They all responded to the challenge."
Once into the first of two 10-minute, mandatory extra sessions, the Wildcats struck early to send the Tigers reeling.
The game-winner by Nieves was brilliant. It came thanks to, who else, Hernandez and Morfin. Hernandez initiated things with his nicely weighted ball from the middle to Morfin on the left side.
The senior whipped a quick return the other way to an unmarked Nieves, whose sublime, side-footed effort went easily into the open side.
"We talk about running to the spot. He (Nieves) did just that for an almost easy one-timer," said Villa.
It should have been 3-1 moments later when Hernandez's angled shot hit both posts before Mathews came to the rescue to take the still spinning ball off the line.
The Wildcats kept their attacking posture on full tilt for the rest of the first session and into the second. Meanwhile its backline quartet of Alexis Arroyo, Alejandro Cadena, Lukas Stary and Ben Suddeth, with help from Barrios, kept its defensive shape and awareness to finish this one off.
However, despite being sent reeling by the Nieves strike, Edwardsville would find a way to put a scare into the Wildcats in the closing moments.
That's when Kurt Wright and Weller found a way into the box - which saw Wellers' close-range attempt blocked.
Jakob Doyle kept the Wildcats fans on edge when his corner found Nolan, whose header went just wide.
Nolan had one last look on frame, but David Kuehn easily saved the 100th-minute shot.
At the final whistle, the Wildcats embraced, then raced toward their fans, who would not stop cheering their heroes.
"It was the earliest we've even been scored upon, but the guys never stopped playing," began Villa.
"Some teams would get frustrated, and others would just be deflated from being scored on so early in a state semifinal game."
"But I am so proud of all of the guys, and with the effort in order to stay in the game, get back even, and to win in exciting fashion."
"Edwardsville is a great team, they played hard for 100 minutes, and we wish them luck in their third place game."
Starting lineups
West Chicago (4-1-3-2)
G- David Kuehn
D- Alejandro Cadena
D- Lukas Stary
D- Ben Suddeth
D- Alexis Arroyo
M- Tristan Alfaro
M- Jahir Martinez
M- Brayam Barrios
M-Jessie Hernandez
F- Moises Morfin
F- Brian Nieves
Edwardsville (4-4-2)
G- Tyler Frolik
D- Jack Heiderscheid
D- Parker Matt\hews
D- Kadin Lieberman
D- Logan Loftus
M- Alan Ebert
M- Jacob Doyle
M- Adam Sneed
M- Kurt Wright
F- Cooper Nolan
F- Brennan Weller
Chicagoland Soccer Men of the Match: Moises Morfin, sr., F, West Chicago
Tyler Frolik, sr., GK, Edwardsville
Referee: Boris Vukovic
Scoring summary
First half
Edwardsville: Nolan (Loftus) 2'
Second half
WC: Morfin (Hernandez) 71'
First overtime
WC: Nieves (Morfin, Hernandez) 81'
Second overtime
No scoring