Downers Grove South, Leyden need
result to stay alive in WSC Gold race
By Dave Owen
Two top challengers to Morton in the West Suburban Conference Gold Division title race square off at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Downers Grove South.
But for visiting Leyden, the first challenge is to learn from a roller coaster week.
The Eagles (8-3-1, 1-0-0 in conference) reached new heights Sept. 19 with a 6-0 win over Streamwood to close the PepsiCo Showdown. But consecutive losses to Fenton and St. Charles North by a combined 6-2 margin last week produced a hard landing.
“I think this past week or two we have been our own worst enemy,” Leyden coach Mark Valintis said. “We’ve lost focus and intensity in practice, and we're in need of an attitude adjustment, which hopefully happened last Friday at practice.
“We were outplayed in both games last week, and that was evident on the scoreboard. One thing we can control in the game and practice is effort, and our team had to learn that the hard way last week.”
Downers Grove South (6-4-2, 1-1-1) has endured the challenges of a tough September schedule. The four teams that have defeated the Mustangs this fall (Morton, Hinsdale Central, Fremd and North Central (Indianapolis) would be finalists for a Mount Rushmore of Midwest soccer programs.
One foe shows the recent diverging paths of the Mustangs and Eagles. After beating Leyden 2-0 last Tuesday, Fenton lost 6-1 to Downers Grove South on Saturday.
“We are coming off a nice win on Saturday against Fenton,” Downers South coach Jon Stapleton said, “which will give us a lot of confidence moving into what proves to be a very challenging week.”
Crosstown rival Downers Grove North and Naperville North follow Leyden on the Mustangs schedule.
But first things first, and Downers Grove South needs a win Tuesday or it will fall two games back in the WSC Gold race.
“Leyden is having a very strong season once again,” Stapleton said. “Coach Valintis’ teams are always well organized and ready to compete. He does such a good job of preparing his teams for us year after year.”
One Leyden star back after a year with the Chicago Magic Academy adds to Stapleton’s concerns.
“I know welcoming back forward Albert Arabik has taken them to another level,” Stapleton said. “Our guys are looking forward to the challenge.”
Downers Grove South won 3-0 at Leyden last year, the only 2014 loss for the Eagles between Sept. 23 and the sectional semifinals.
“I think last year can be a motivational tool,” Valintis said, “since we have so many guys back from last year’s team. But we both are different teams that present some new challenges to deal with.
“DGS is always a tough challenge because they have talent and are extremely well coached,” Valintis added. “Playing SCN (St. Charles North) last week gave us a preview of how DGS will play. And if you want to win our conference, which we think we can do, you have to find a way to beat the top teams which South certainly is.”
Several Mustangs are at the top of their games.
“Peter Becht has been playing really well for us,” Stapleton said. “His ability to control the middle of the field has helped us to be successful both offensively and defensively.
“Ryan Strelau is playing well as an outside back, and Nick Rohl is starting to come on offensively during the last half of the season."
Rohl had a goal and an assist against Fenton. He also starred at Leyden last year with two goals.
“I feel our team continues to grow,” Stapleton said, “with hopes of hitting our stride right before the start of the IHSA playoffs.”
Arabik's return after a year away added to a veteran Leyden nucleus led by goalkeeper Alfredo Recendez and sweeper Cesar Franco. And even during the recent ups and downs, Leyden has fortified its depth.
“We brought up five sophomores during the Pepsi just to provide a spark, and they have done that,” Valintis said.”I think now it's a question of developing an understanding of the guys on the field and how roles are evolving.
“It's something we believe we can do. But when it comes down to big games, which October is all about, we need our top guys to step up and our other players to play within themselves and make the plays they are capable of. If we can do that, we should be able to finish strong.”
With high stakes in the conference race and lofty October expectations on both sides, a battle can be expected Tuesday.
result to stay alive in WSC Gold race
By Dave Owen
Two top challengers to Morton in the West Suburban Conference Gold Division title race square off at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Downers Grove South.
But for visiting Leyden, the first challenge is to learn from a roller coaster week.
The Eagles (8-3-1, 1-0-0 in conference) reached new heights Sept. 19 with a 6-0 win over Streamwood to close the PepsiCo Showdown. But consecutive losses to Fenton and St. Charles North by a combined 6-2 margin last week produced a hard landing.
“I think this past week or two we have been our own worst enemy,” Leyden coach Mark Valintis said. “We’ve lost focus and intensity in practice, and we're in need of an attitude adjustment, which hopefully happened last Friday at practice.
“We were outplayed in both games last week, and that was evident on the scoreboard. One thing we can control in the game and practice is effort, and our team had to learn that the hard way last week.”
Downers Grove South (6-4-2, 1-1-1) has endured the challenges of a tough September schedule. The four teams that have defeated the Mustangs this fall (Morton, Hinsdale Central, Fremd and North Central (Indianapolis) would be finalists for a Mount Rushmore of Midwest soccer programs.
One foe shows the recent diverging paths of the Mustangs and Eagles. After beating Leyden 2-0 last Tuesday, Fenton lost 6-1 to Downers Grove South on Saturday.
“We are coming off a nice win on Saturday against Fenton,” Downers South coach Jon Stapleton said, “which will give us a lot of confidence moving into what proves to be a very challenging week.”
Crosstown rival Downers Grove North and Naperville North follow Leyden on the Mustangs schedule.
But first things first, and Downers Grove South needs a win Tuesday or it will fall two games back in the WSC Gold race.
“Leyden is having a very strong season once again,” Stapleton said. “Coach Valintis’ teams are always well organized and ready to compete. He does such a good job of preparing his teams for us year after year.”
One Leyden star back after a year with the Chicago Magic Academy adds to Stapleton’s concerns.
“I know welcoming back forward Albert Arabik has taken them to another level,” Stapleton said. “Our guys are looking forward to the challenge.”
Downers Grove South won 3-0 at Leyden last year, the only 2014 loss for the Eagles between Sept. 23 and the sectional semifinals.
“I think last year can be a motivational tool,” Valintis said, “since we have so many guys back from last year’s team. But we both are different teams that present some new challenges to deal with.
“DGS is always a tough challenge because they have talent and are extremely well coached,” Valintis added. “Playing SCN (St. Charles North) last week gave us a preview of how DGS will play. And if you want to win our conference, which we think we can do, you have to find a way to beat the top teams which South certainly is.”
Several Mustangs are at the top of their games.
“Peter Becht has been playing really well for us,” Stapleton said. “His ability to control the middle of the field has helped us to be successful both offensively and defensively.
“Ryan Strelau is playing well as an outside back, and Nick Rohl is starting to come on offensively during the last half of the season."
Rohl had a goal and an assist against Fenton. He also starred at Leyden last year with two goals.
“I feel our team continues to grow,” Stapleton said, “with hopes of hitting our stride right before the start of the IHSA playoffs.”
Arabik's return after a year away added to a veteran Leyden nucleus led by goalkeeper Alfredo Recendez and sweeper Cesar Franco. And even during the recent ups and downs, Leyden has fortified its depth.
“We brought up five sophomores during the Pepsi just to provide a spark, and they have done that,” Valintis said.”I think now it's a question of developing an understanding of the guys on the field and how roles are evolving.
“It's something we believe we can do. But when it comes down to big games, which October is all about, we need our top guys to step up and our other players to play within themselves and make the plays they are capable of. If we can do that, we should be able to finish strong.”
With high stakes in the conference race and lofty October expectations on both sides, a battle can be expected Tuesday.