WWS comes up empty in Schaumburg
Tigers drop 2-0 decison as team tinkers with configuration
By Mike Garofola
SCHAUMBURG -- Wheaton-Warrenville South fell to a 2-0 defeat in their first away game of the season Tuesday night against Schaumburg at Gary Scholz Stadium.
Goals from Arnav Karnik -- via the first of two helpers from Simon Niku -- and a second half strike from captain Jared Schoo put the dagger into the Tigers heart.
"Schaumburg was well organized, and played extremely well along the back. So it was the deserved result for them tonight," said Tigers manager Guy Callipari, now in his 29th year in charge.
"We struggled to be consistent in the first half, but we were on our front foot after the break. But as you can see, we're a work in progress right now as we sort some things out, especially here in the early stages of the season."
Off its 2-2 draw with Oswego in its season opener after goals from Ryan Dufty and Nick McGrath, the Tigers (0-1-1) came into the contest with the idea of earning its first victory of the season as well as the attention of the Saxons, who will likely be in the same sectional as Callipari's club.
"We're kind of chasing sectional opponents at this point, because we don't see everyone in our sectional," Callipari said. "And it's a good way to give an honest appraisal of everyone when it's time for the seeding process to begin."
Schaumburg was excited for the match.
"I'm glad we were able to get South on our schedule (Guy) has a great reputation," said Saxons manager Eric Sorby, who took over four years ago for former Schaumburg and Bradley University star Hamid Mehreiouskoui, who moved into an administrative role at Fremd High School. "We know we'll get a good test against an opponent who is always very competitive."
The Saxons (1-1-1) bounced back from a 2-0 loss at Maine South to blast Proviso West 7-0 on August 28, and were anxious to continue their winning ways before their home crowd.
"Maine South was a good team and were better than us that night, but we feel we have a team that compete with everyone in the MSL," said Schoo, who has stood out as a four-year starter for Sorby on his ability to win 90% of the air wars while also being known as a box-to-box warrior. "So to see us beat another good team tonight with a good effort on both sides of the ball is great."
Schoo earned all-conference and all-sectional honors a year ago. He is on that path again. His effort, along with Sam Bogner who wears the captains armband for Sorby, helped insure this victory.
"(Bogner) was big for us tonight in the back," said Schoo, whom the Tigers awarded their customary postgame Sportsmanship Award to. "(He) won everything, kept us organized and composed, and helped keep (Wheaton) from getting too many chances at our keepers."
Added Sorby: "Sam was all-conference as an outside back last year, but his ability to lead, and take charge in the back makes him an ideal center back for us."
For Callipari at this juncture there will be some tweaks and changes along the way as he continues to mold his club into one that will be able to challenge a laundry list of quality opponents.
Part of that will be the introduction of a handful of new formations. In this contest, Callipari had his men open in a 4-2-3-1.
"Part of (it) is to see how the guys react and play in that formation," said Callipari. "At the same time, we want to see the best way to use our players if it's something that will be efficient, and allow us to be solid on both sides of the ball.
"We struggled in that formation at times tonight," offered senior Sam Schlegel, who operated as the Tigers outside back in a back-four that included: Rolin Thang, Jackson Moran and Sean Tully. "(It's) important that our midfield play together with that one striker up-top. In the end, we could all see it will take some time for us to play in that formation."
During the early exchanges, Schaumburg's midfield clearly control the center of the park. In doing so, the Saxons created the first chance of the game. It became the opener from Karnik.
Niku's free kick initiated the 12th minute goal. He ended up with the ball on the endline.
The sophomore did well to carry towards the near post. From there he serve a lovely ball to Karnik. Left alone in the box, he got a free header thta South keeper Ramsey Khayal had no chance to stop.
Schoo and his mates kept the pressure Wheaton Warrenville South. The Saxons used tenacious tackling and ball winning on first and second balls, along with a strong wind at their back to keep South from getting out of its own end.
Schoo forced Khayal into action with an attempt at the quarter hour. A trio of corners followed, none of which produced anything on frame.
Callipari's men started to find their form midway through the first half. Some nice combination play from the midfield, plus distribution from Thang in his spot as a central defender, helped inspire the Tigers attack.
Sophomore Christian Munoz sent his bending effort from 22 yards on frame. Moments later, Schlegel's well-paced serve required Saxons keeper Jake Warren's full attention.
"We had our moments in both halves when we possessed and created some chances, but you can see with all of our new guys who haven't played on the varsity that it's going to take a little time for us to come together," said McGrath, whom Callipari installed as the lone striker in his first 11.
The visitors best chance in the final 10 minutes of the first half came after an enterprising run up the line by Schlegel. It continued with Nati Flores taking the ball into the area but Schoo parried it away to end the Tigers threat.
Wheaton Warrenville South started well in the second half. Its attack had more purpose and quality, perhaps a reflective of the move from its 4-2-3-1 formation to a 3-1-4-2.
Gabe Waszak in the role of the Tigers center midfielder was active during the early exchanges, as were McGrath and Dufty.
Schlegel, Jackson Moran and Sean Tully now comprised the Tigers backline, with Eric Vargas sitting just in front of the three.
"(Again) we're trying a couple of different looks, and the new look helped us find our way after the break as our attack opened up a little bit more than the first 40 minutes," said Callipari.
"I felt like we made Schaumburg adjust a little bit more to what we were doing, but it was clear we were not providing the type of entry balls into the area to open them up in the last third."
South pushed hard in the first 15 minutes of the second period. Much of the play went through Dufty, McGrath, Waszak, and Tully, who did well to inspire the attack from his spot as an outside right back.
However, despite this effort, the visitors lacked an ability to play a good final ball.
Schaumburg scored its insurance goal when Schoo found enough space to unleash a wicked 25-yard, angled strike that nestled into the far bottom corner.
"Jared has given us so much during his three-plus years on the varsity," said Sorby. "Tonight he gave us a little bit more with a great goal to help give us a little more of an advantage."
Wheaton Warrenville South produced a pair of half-chances at the Saxons frame plus three more free kicks, but were unable to pry open the home side, which dropped its numbers back to help protect the lead.
Schlegel stayed aggressive and fired a dipping blast tht challenged Saxons second half keeper, Denys Lyashko, who stayed with the attempt from the senior just moments from the final whistle.
Wheaton Warrenville South continues its building project.
"One of the biggest challenges I see for this team is who will provide the goals for us this season," said McGrath. "Schaumburg's backline was well organized, and played really well together. We were just not able to be as sharp as we need to be in the final third."
The Tigers believe they will continue their move forward.
"There were a lot of good things that I saw tonight," said Callipari. "One was our ability to stay composed and not show any panic when (Schaumburg) got that early lead.
"We also showed signs of life in our attack. But I believe we all agree, this group just needs time together in order to get comfortable and to build some chemistry."
The Tigers will travel to Geneva next Tuesday evening before awaiting the draw of the PepsiCo Showdown.
Schaumburg visits MSL power Fremd on Tuesday, then hosts Hersey two days later.
Starting lineups
Wheaton-Warrenville South (4-2-3-1)
G- Ramsey Khayal
D- Sam Schlegel
D- Rolin Thang
D- Jackson Moran
D- Sean Tully
M- Jack Cooper
M- Eric Vargas
M- Kevin Stumbris
M- Ryan Dufty
M- Paul Thalman
F- Nick McGrath
Schaumburg (4-4-2)
G- Jake Warren
D- Connor McGreer
D- Sam Bogner
D- Michael Cooper
D- Ryan Christians
M- Jake Piro
M- Jared Schoo
M- Mikey Sanchez
M- Phil Hassman
F- Arnav Karnik
F- Simon Niku
Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match: Jared Schoo, sr., MF, Schaumburg
Referee: Jay Haas
Scoring summary
First half
Schaumburg: Karnik (Niku) 12'
Second half
Schaumburg: Schoo (Niku) 57'
Tigers drop 2-0 decison as team tinkers with configuration
By Mike Garofola
SCHAUMBURG -- Wheaton-Warrenville South fell to a 2-0 defeat in their first away game of the season Tuesday night against Schaumburg at Gary Scholz Stadium.
Goals from Arnav Karnik -- via the first of two helpers from Simon Niku -- and a second half strike from captain Jared Schoo put the dagger into the Tigers heart.
"Schaumburg was well organized, and played extremely well along the back. So it was the deserved result for them tonight," said Tigers manager Guy Callipari, now in his 29th year in charge.
"We struggled to be consistent in the first half, but we were on our front foot after the break. But as you can see, we're a work in progress right now as we sort some things out, especially here in the early stages of the season."
Off its 2-2 draw with Oswego in its season opener after goals from Ryan Dufty and Nick McGrath, the Tigers (0-1-1) came into the contest with the idea of earning its first victory of the season as well as the attention of the Saxons, who will likely be in the same sectional as Callipari's club.
"We're kind of chasing sectional opponents at this point, because we don't see everyone in our sectional," Callipari said. "And it's a good way to give an honest appraisal of everyone when it's time for the seeding process to begin."
Schaumburg was excited for the match.
"I'm glad we were able to get South on our schedule (Guy) has a great reputation," said Saxons manager Eric Sorby, who took over four years ago for former Schaumburg and Bradley University star Hamid Mehreiouskoui, who moved into an administrative role at Fremd High School. "We know we'll get a good test against an opponent who is always very competitive."
The Saxons (1-1-1) bounced back from a 2-0 loss at Maine South to blast Proviso West 7-0 on August 28, and were anxious to continue their winning ways before their home crowd.
"Maine South was a good team and were better than us that night, but we feel we have a team that compete with everyone in the MSL," said Schoo, who has stood out as a four-year starter for Sorby on his ability to win 90% of the air wars while also being known as a box-to-box warrior. "So to see us beat another good team tonight with a good effort on both sides of the ball is great."
Schoo earned all-conference and all-sectional honors a year ago. He is on that path again. His effort, along with Sam Bogner who wears the captains armband for Sorby, helped insure this victory.
"(Bogner) was big for us tonight in the back," said Schoo, whom the Tigers awarded their customary postgame Sportsmanship Award to. "(He) won everything, kept us organized and composed, and helped keep (Wheaton) from getting too many chances at our keepers."
Added Sorby: "Sam was all-conference as an outside back last year, but his ability to lead, and take charge in the back makes him an ideal center back for us."
For Callipari at this juncture there will be some tweaks and changes along the way as he continues to mold his club into one that will be able to challenge a laundry list of quality opponents.
Part of that will be the introduction of a handful of new formations. In this contest, Callipari had his men open in a 4-2-3-1.
"Part of (it) is to see how the guys react and play in that formation," said Callipari. "At the same time, we want to see the best way to use our players if it's something that will be efficient, and allow us to be solid on both sides of the ball.
"We struggled in that formation at times tonight," offered senior Sam Schlegel, who operated as the Tigers outside back in a back-four that included: Rolin Thang, Jackson Moran and Sean Tully. "(It's) important that our midfield play together with that one striker up-top. In the end, we could all see it will take some time for us to play in that formation."
During the early exchanges, Schaumburg's midfield clearly control the center of the park. In doing so, the Saxons created the first chance of the game. It became the opener from Karnik.
Niku's free kick initiated the 12th minute goal. He ended up with the ball on the endline.
The sophomore did well to carry towards the near post. From there he serve a lovely ball to Karnik. Left alone in the box, he got a free header thta South keeper Ramsey Khayal had no chance to stop.
Schoo and his mates kept the pressure Wheaton Warrenville South. The Saxons used tenacious tackling and ball winning on first and second balls, along with a strong wind at their back to keep South from getting out of its own end.
Schoo forced Khayal into action with an attempt at the quarter hour. A trio of corners followed, none of which produced anything on frame.
Callipari's men started to find their form midway through the first half. Some nice combination play from the midfield, plus distribution from Thang in his spot as a central defender, helped inspire the Tigers attack.
Sophomore Christian Munoz sent his bending effort from 22 yards on frame. Moments later, Schlegel's well-paced serve required Saxons keeper Jake Warren's full attention.
"We had our moments in both halves when we possessed and created some chances, but you can see with all of our new guys who haven't played on the varsity that it's going to take a little time for us to come together," said McGrath, whom Callipari installed as the lone striker in his first 11.
The visitors best chance in the final 10 minutes of the first half came after an enterprising run up the line by Schlegel. It continued with Nati Flores taking the ball into the area but Schoo parried it away to end the Tigers threat.
Wheaton Warrenville South started well in the second half. Its attack had more purpose and quality, perhaps a reflective of the move from its 4-2-3-1 formation to a 3-1-4-2.
Gabe Waszak in the role of the Tigers center midfielder was active during the early exchanges, as were McGrath and Dufty.
Schlegel, Jackson Moran and Sean Tully now comprised the Tigers backline, with Eric Vargas sitting just in front of the three.
"(Again) we're trying a couple of different looks, and the new look helped us find our way after the break as our attack opened up a little bit more than the first 40 minutes," said Callipari.
"I felt like we made Schaumburg adjust a little bit more to what we were doing, but it was clear we were not providing the type of entry balls into the area to open them up in the last third."
South pushed hard in the first 15 minutes of the second period. Much of the play went through Dufty, McGrath, Waszak, and Tully, who did well to inspire the attack from his spot as an outside right back.
However, despite this effort, the visitors lacked an ability to play a good final ball.
Schaumburg scored its insurance goal when Schoo found enough space to unleash a wicked 25-yard, angled strike that nestled into the far bottom corner.
"Jared has given us so much during his three-plus years on the varsity," said Sorby. "Tonight he gave us a little bit more with a great goal to help give us a little more of an advantage."
Wheaton Warrenville South produced a pair of half-chances at the Saxons frame plus three more free kicks, but were unable to pry open the home side, which dropped its numbers back to help protect the lead.
Schlegel stayed aggressive and fired a dipping blast tht challenged Saxons second half keeper, Denys Lyashko, who stayed with the attempt from the senior just moments from the final whistle.
Wheaton Warrenville South continues its building project.
"One of the biggest challenges I see for this team is who will provide the goals for us this season," said McGrath. "Schaumburg's backline was well organized, and played really well together. We were just not able to be as sharp as we need to be in the final third."
The Tigers believe they will continue their move forward.
"There were a lot of good things that I saw tonight," said Callipari. "One was our ability to stay composed and not show any panic when (Schaumburg) got that early lead.
"We also showed signs of life in our attack. But I believe we all agree, this group just needs time together in order to get comfortable and to build some chemistry."
The Tigers will travel to Geneva next Tuesday evening before awaiting the draw of the PepsiCo Showdown.
Schaumburg visits MSL power Fremd on Tuesday, then hosts Hersey two days later.
Starting lineups
Wheaton-Warrenville South (4-2-3-1)
G- Ramsey Khayal
D- Sam Schlegel
D- Rolin Thang
D- Jackson Moran
D- Sean Tully
M- Jack Cooper
M- Eric Vargas
M- Kevin Stumbris
M- Ryan Dufty
M- Paul Thalman
F- Nick McGrath
Schaumburg (4-4-2)
G- Jake Warren
D- Connor McGreer
D- Sam Bogner
D- Michael Cooper
D- Ryan Christians
M- Jake Piro
M- Jared Schoo
M- Mikey Sanchez
M- Phil Hassman
F- Arnav Karnik
F- Simon Niku
Chicagoland Soccer Man of the Match: Jared Schoo, sr., MF, Schaumburg
Referee: Jay Haas
Scoring summary
First half
Schaumburg: Karnik (Niku) 12'
Second half
Schaumburg: Schoo (Niku) 57'