Benet-Carmel match-up
could set tone in ESCC
By Rusty Silber
Whenever Benet and Carmel meet up in East Suburban Catholic Conference play, the expectation is a competitive match between clubs that have battled at the top of the league almost without fail.
This year's renewal figures to be more of the same when the rivals meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Mundelein.
Benet, ranked 20th in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, is on a roll with five-straight wins since dropping an overtime 3-1 road loss at Nazareth 3-1 on April 4. The Redwings sit at 3-1-0 in league play and 7-2-0 overall.
"We've responded well from that Nazareth loss," Benet coach Gerard Oconer said. "I think it was a wake-up call for us. We just can't take any game for granted. We won the conference last year, and everybody wants to beat us."
There's a lot riding on the game against Carmel (3-4-1, 1-0-0). With a win, the Corsairs could maintain a one-game lead in the loss column.
"About Carmel, we can't let their record deceive you," Oconer said. "They've had a mix of things going on with them. It's the most important conference game for us.
"First, we've got to keep our composure, since there will be so much adversity and adrenaline out there. We have to keep things under control. We also have to define our effort in front of the goal taking our chances, and we must be organized in the back."
Carmel has put two victories together this season, but its losses are deceiving. Each of the Corsairs defeats have come against teams that have had their names associated with the top 25 -- Warren, Crystal Lake South, Libertyville and Plainfield North.
The team broke a two-game losing streak a 3-0 road victory at Joliet Catholic on Monday.
"The team is in a pretty good place right now," Carmel coach Ray Krawzak said. "We are coming off a good win."
Carmel lost a dependable midfielder when Abby Potter suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Warren on April 4. The Corsairs also have been dealing with some other injuries, but may have a couple off players back to help against Benet.
"We had more problems than just Abby Potter." Krawzak said. "The past two games we were without Ali Cepon and Angie Salvi as well, both with minor strains that they are over now.
"Our midfielders have learned to step up, and we have changed some things formation-wise. We are getting many more shots on target since we made these changes, so I think we will be ready for Benet. This is a critical game for us. We are looking for a big win here."
The Corsairs have memories of a disappointing 2-1 loss to Benet last season and would like to make up for it on their own field and be in the running for the ESCC title.
"After last year's loss, we would definitely like some revenge," Krawzak said. "The very difficult preseason schedule has gotten us ready to play any high-level opponent.
"I would like us to play tough and physical against Benet. I'd like to see us defend their set pieces well. Last year we lost due to two free kicks put into the back of the net, so no silly fouls. We need to make the opportunities we get count."
could set tone in ESCC
By Rusty Silber
Whenever Benet and Carmel meet up in East Suburban Catholic Conference play, the expectation is a competitive match between clubs that have battled at the top of the league almost without fail.
This year's renewal figures to be more of the same when the rivals meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Mundelein.
Benet, ranked 20th in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, is on a roll with five-straight wins since dropping an overtime 3-1 road loss at Nazareth 3-1 on April 4. The Redwings sit at 3-1-0 in league play and 7-2-0 overall.
"We've responded well from that Nazareth loss," Benet coach Gerard Oconer said. "I think it was a wake-up call for us. We just can't take any game for granted. We won the conference last year, and everybody wants to beat us."
There's a lot riding on the game against Carmel (3-4-1, 1-0-0). With a win, the Corsairs could maintain a one-game lead in the loss column.
"About Carmel, we can't let their record deceive you," Oconer said. "They've had a mix of things going on with them. It's the most important conference game for us.
"First, we've got to keep our composure, since there will be so much adversity and adrenaline out there. We have to keep things under control. We also have to define our effort in front of the goal taking our chances, and we must be organized in the back."
Carmel has put two victories together this season, but its losses are deceiving. Each of the Corsairs defeats have come against teams that have had their names associated with the top 25 -- Warren, Crystal Lake South, Libertyville and Plainfield North.
The team broke a two-game losing streak a 3-0 road victory at Joliet Catholic on Monday.
"The team is in a pretty good place right now," Carmel coach Ray Krawzak said. "We are coming off a good win."
Carmel lost a dependable midfielder when Abby Potter suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Warren on April 4. The Corsairs also have been dealing with some other injuries, but may have a couple off players back to help against Benet.
"We had more problems than just Abby Potter." Krawzak said. "The past two games we were without Ali Cepon and Angie Salvi as well, both with minor strains that they are over now.
"Our midfielders have learned to step up, and we have changed some things formation-wise. We are getting many more shots on target since we made these changes, so I think we will be ready for Benet. This is a critical game for us. We are looking for a big win here."
The Corsairs have memories of a disappointing 2-1 loss to Benet last season and would like to make up for it on their own field and be in the running for the ESCC title.
"After last year's loss, we would definitely like some revenge," Krawzak said. "The very difficult preseason schedule has gotten us ready to play any high-level opponent.
"I would like us to play tough and physical against Benet. I'd like to see us defend their set pieces well. Last year we lost due to two free kicks put into the back of the net, so no silly fouls. We need to make the opportunities we get count."