Benet has something
to prove vs. Libertyville
By Mike Garofola
Libetyville has built a 100-percent perfect start to the new season; Benet is not far from that. Both sides know what is required when playing top-notch competition. That's what will happen place when they meet at high noon Saturday in Libertyville.
The two clubs will end a successful week of soccer with this nonconference contest one year after the two-time consecutive Class 3A state runnerup beat Benet 2-0 in Lisle.
"These are the type(s) of opponents we look forward to playing," said Benet manager Sean Wesley.
"Playing Libertyville and recently defending state champ (Naperville North) are great tests for us. They will help us prepare form important games in the East Suburban Catholic Conference, then a hopefully a long run in the playoffs."
"I know all of us are looking forward to playing a team as good as Libetyville," said Nick Renfro, a four-year starter who Wesley deploys as a central-midfielder.
"We didn't play to our ability in that 2-1 loss to Naperville North two weeks ago. That game taught all of us to compete with the best, you have to be at your best right from the opening whistle."
Renfro and his mates looked to be ready when Anthony Klos bagged the opener in the 4th minute against the Huskies with a berth in the Best of the West final on the line. But host Naperville North answered two minutes later and pressured the Redwings the rest of the way.
"Big players step up in big games. (We) didn't on that day, but we have another chance with Libertyville," says Renfro.
Renfro, who has visited Dayton, DePaul, and Belmont University (TN) with on eye on playing next fall, is one of three players Wesley says have been his most consistent thus far.
"Nick Augustyn, Tom Miskin and Renfro, senior leaders, are the engine of this team," said Wesley.
Added Renfro: "Augustyn has been a great addition to our team after coming over from club (Sockers Academy). He's so versatile and has played as on outside back, center back and now alongside me in the middle."
Renfro has been thrilled with first-year player Sam Hepburn, who he says has adapted well to the game at this level and has provided quality play at the no. 10 for the club.
Wesley has been pleasantly surprised from the overall effort of juniors Hans Haenicki and Chris Mankowski, who he says have made a big step forward from a year ago, bringing speed and athleticism in wide attacking areas for Benet (7-1-0), which is ranked 11th in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25.
Wesley's counterpart, Kevin Thunholm, said his stars Mickey Reilly and Luke Underwood lead a group of seven who have been as consistent as the day is long for no. 2 Libertyville (9-0-0).
Jack Breenan is on that list of Thunholm's, as is his back four of Will Herbek, Cole House, Laydon Johnson and Jacopo Franciosi. The group is a complete rebuild after Thunholm said goodbye to an all-star cast from a year ago which included Herbeck's older brother Grant, who is now playing at DePaul.
"We've found our identity since we played at the Northside College Showcase," said Thunholm of the tourney where the Wildcats again lifted the championship trophy. "And we've begun to trust each other and play complete 80-minute games."
Reilly and Underwood have combined for nearly 15 goals and 15 assists together, and are working their way towards plenty of postseason honors in early November.
"As I said, we're getting better each time out, but we still ask the guys to continue to focus on every touch, every play, every minute (of) the game," Thunholm said.
"We know we can be better. And by playing one of the strongest schedules in the state, we'll be tested each time out in all areas of the game.
"This is what we expect from Benet today; we have a lot of respect for them. They're well coached; they play with passion; and we expect a battle out there."
Wesley knows what his team will face.
"Unlike most high school teams that are still trying to figure things out at this time of the year, just like Naperville North, (Libertyville) already has their system and style of play implemented, and each is in late-season form."
"We have a good record, but we have yet to play even close to our potential. This is a game we'll be looking to do that."
to prove vs. Libertyville
By Mike Garofola
Libetyville has built a 100-percent perfect start to the new season; Benet is not far from that. Both sides know what is required when playing top-notch competition. That's what will happen place when they meet at high noon Saturday in Libertyville.
The two clubs will end a successful week of soccer with this nonconference contest one year after the two-time consecutive Class 3A state runnerup beat Benet 2-0 in Lisle.
"These are the type(s) of opponents we look forward to playing," said Benet manager Sean Wesley.
"Playing Libertyville and recently defending state champ (Naperville North) are great tests for us. They will help us prepare form important games in the East Suburban Catholic Conference, then a hopefully a long run in the playoffs."
"I know all of us are looking forward to playing a team as good as Libetyville," said Nick Renfro, a four-year starter who Wesley deploys as a central-midfielder.
"We didn't play to our ability in that 2-1 loss to Naperville North two weeks ago. That game taught all of us to compete with the best, you have to be at your best right from the opening whistle."
Renfro and his mates looked to be ready when Anthony Klos bagged the opener in the 4th minute against the Huskies with a berth in the Best of the West final on the line. But host Naperville North answered two minutes later and pressured the Redwings the rest of the way.
"Big players step up in big games. (We) didn't on that day, but we have another chance with Libertyville," says Renfro.
Renfro, who has visited Dayton, DePaul, and Belmont University (TN) with on eye on playing next fall, is one of three players Wesley says have been his most consistent thus far.
"Nick Augustyn, Tom Miskin and Renfro, senior leaders, are the engine of this team," said Wesley.
Added Renfro: "Augustyn has been a great addition to our team after coming over from club (Sockers Academy). He's so versatile and has played as on outside back, center back and now alongside me in the middle."
Renfro has been thrilled with first-year player Sam Hepburn, who he says has adapted well to the game at this level and has provided quality play at the no. 10 for the club.
Wesley has been pleasantly surprised from the overall effort of juniors Hans Haenicki and Chris Mankowski, who he says have made a big step forward from a year ago, bringing speed and athleticism in wide attacking areas for Benet (7-1-0), which is ranked 11th in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25.
Wesley's counterpart, Kevin Thunholm, said his stars Mickey Reilly and Luke Underwood lead a group of seven who have been as consistent as the day is long for no. 2 Libertyville (9-0-0).
Jack Breenan is on that list of Thunholm's, as is his back four of Will Herbek, Cole House, Laydon Johnson and Jacopo Franciosi. The group is a complete rebuild after Thunholm said goodbye to an all-star cast from a year ago which included Herbeck's older brother Grant, who is now playing at DePaul.
"We've found our identity since we played at the Northside College Showcase," said Thunholm of the tourney where the Wildcats again lifted the championship trophy. "And we've begun to trust each other and play complete 80-minute games."
Reilly and Underwood have combined for nearly 15 goals and 15 assists together, and are working their way towards plenty of postseason honors in early November.
"As I said, we're getting better each time out, but we still ask the guys to continue to focus on every touch, every play, every minute (of) the game," Thunholm said.
"We know we can be better. And by playing one of the strongest schedules in the state, we'll be tested each time out in all areas of the game.
"This is what we expect from Benet today; we have a lot of respect for them. They're well coached; they play with passion; and we expect a battle out there."
Wesley knows what his team will face.
"Unlike most high school teams that are still trying to figure things out at this time of the year, just like Naperville North, (Libertyville) already has their system and style of play implemented, and each is in late-season form."
"We have a good record, but we have yet to play even close to our potential. This is a game we'll be looking to do that."