Benet hopes to cap
turnaround with league title
By Mike Garofola
Reports of the demise of Benet soccer this season have been greatly exaggerated. Those who figured the Redwings were done after a 1-6-1 start three weeks ago and would play out the campaign until its merciful end, think again.
Sean Wesley's club has made a remarkable return since those dark days to become relevant once again and force its way into the East Suburban Catholic Conference title race.
"As I mentioned after our 1-0 loss to St. Patrick on that Monday (September 18) at our place, always had faith in these guys, and I also knew we had a group of guys that could compete and get results at the same time," said the Benet manager.
"We went back to basics, with a focus on culture -- looking for the right kids who were willing to do the right things at the right time."
Since that one-goal loss in its ESCC opener, the Redwings (8-6-2, 7-1-0) have won seven-straight conference games by a combined score of 39-1. The streak included an important 1-0 win at Carmel (September 22), which finished its regular season at 8-1-0.
A win Friday at Saint Viator (5-13-2, 5-1-2) would give Wesley's men a share of the ESCC title one year after lifting the trophy outright with a spotless 9-0-0 record.
"We haven't changed our formation, we've just moved some guys around," began Wesley.
'It was an odd summer in that we never really had everyone together. So the camps and games that we had never gave us a clear picture of what and who we had and how it would all come together.
"To be honest, it took us that first month to figure out a way for Nick Trakszelis, Franklin Rutkowski, Jason Rowaiye, Artur Pach and Nick Renfro, plus five freshmen and a sophomore to all play together."
After its recent breakout run, it's apparent Wesley and his staff have found a way.
The Redwings now lead the ESCC in goals scored (39) and have conceded only two. Wesley points to the strong defensive effort of goalkeeper Brian Gould and the center back pair of Collin Dannheim and Danny Smith, who have limited mistakes to just a few during the past eight games, which included a 0-0 draw with Naperville Central.
On the offensive end, the impetus comes from Trakszelis.
"Nick has been a real force up-top for us. (He has) quickness and an unbelievable first touch with the ability to beat any defender in a 1-v.-1," said Wesley.
The senior leads the club with nine goals, followed by Rutkowski (7) and Rowaiye (6).
Wesley figures the move of Rutkowski has been the difference in the Redwings attack. Since the change he's deployed at either forward or a central midfielder alongside Pach.
"Pach is a hard-working playmaker. He went from the outside into the middle of the park," Wesley said. "With Rutkowski, if teams don't adjust and send extra defenders to his side, he can terrorize his side of the field by either scoring or making killer passes to his teammates."
The aforementioned Rowaiye is a classic predator in the box. He uses his size, speed and desire to score to his advantage.
Benet enters its longtime rivalry with Saint Viator with the hope of a repeat result from last year, when the Redwings beat Lions 5-1 in Lisle.
That the Lions are already out of the picture for top honors makes Mike Taylor's club all the more dangerous. Saint Viator would like nothing more to dash the hopes of the Redwings.
"Everyone around here is excited about going to play Saint Viator," admitted Wesley.
"Our program believes that over any individual award or success that might be earned, team trophies matter most."
"We now have the chance to play our ESCC rival and take home a team trophy. It's what high school sports are all about."
turnaround with league title
By Mike Garofola
Reports of the demise of Benet soccer this season have been greatly exaggerated. Those who figured the Redwings were done after a 1-6-1 start three weeks ago and would play out the campaign until its merciful end, think again.
Sean Wesley's club has made a remarkable return since those dark days to become relevant once again and force its way into the East Suburban Catholic Conference title race.
"As I mentioned after our 1-0 loss to St. Patrick on that Monday (September 18) at our place, always had faith in these guys, and I also knew we had a group of guys that could compete and get results at the same time," said the Benet manager.
"We went back to basics, with a focus on culture -- looking for the right kids who were willing to do the right things at the right time."
Since that one-goal loss in its ESCC opener, the Redwings (8-6-2, 7-1-0) have won seven-straight conference games by a combined score of 39-1. The streak included an important 1-0 win at Carmel (September 22), which finished its regular season at 8-1-0.
A win Friday at Saint Viator (5-13-2, 5-1-2) would give Wesley's men a share of the ESCC title one year after lifting the trophy outright with a spotless 9-0-0 record.
"We haven't changed our formation, we've just moved some guys around," began Wesley.
'It was an odd summer in that we never really had everyone together. So the camps and games that we had never gave us a clear picture of what and who we had and how it would all come together.
"To be honest, it took us that first month to figure out a way for Nick Trakszelis, Franklin Rutkowski, Jason Rowaiye, Artur Pach and Nick Renfro, plus five freshmen and a sophomore to all play together."
After its recent breakout run, it's apparent Wesley and his staff have found a way.
The Redwings now lead the ESCC in goals scored (39) and have conceded only two. Wesley points to the strong defensive effort of goalkeeper Brian Gould and the center back pair of Collin Dannheim and Danny Smith, who have limited mistakes to just a few during the past eight games, which included a 0-0 draw with Naperville Central.
On the offensive end, the impetus comes from Trakszelis.
"Nick has been a real force up-top for us. (He has) quickness and an unbelievable first touch with the ability to beat any defender in a 1-v.-1," said Wesley.
The senior leads the club with nine goals, followed by Rutkowski (7) and Rowaiye (6).
Wesley figures the move of Rutkowski has been the difference in the Redwings attack. Since the change he's deployed at either forward or a central midfielder alongside Pach.
"Pach is a hard-working playmaker. He went from the outside into the middle of the park," Wesley said. "With Rutkowski, if teams don't adjust and send extra defenders to his side, he can terrorize his side of the field by either scoring or making killer passes to his teammates."
The aforementioned Rowaiye is a classic predator in the box. He uses his size, speed and desire to score to his advantage.
Benet enters its longtime rivalry with Saint Viator with the hope of a repeat result from last year, when the Redwings beat Lions 5-1 in Lisle.
That the Lions are already out of the picture for top honors makes Mike Taylor's club all the more dangerous. Saint Viator would like nothing more to dash the hopes of the Redwings.
"Everyone around here is excited about going to play Saint Viator," admitted Wesley.
"Our program believes that over any individual award or success that might be earned, team trophies matter most."
"We now have the chance to play our ESCC rival and take home a team trophy. It's what high school sports are all about."