Unbeaten Maine S. holds court vs. Deerfield
By Mike Garofola
Host Maine South (4-0-1) is eager to extend its unbeaten streak when it hosts Central Suburban League cross-over rival Deerfield at 7 p.m. Wilson Field tonight.
The Hawks, fresh off a 2-2 draw at Niles North on Tuesday, have outscored opponents 12-4 featured by back-to-back 4-1 home victories over sister schools Maine East and Maine West. Senior star John Cronnolly posted a hat-trick against West.
In advance of this shortened 2021 campaign, Hawks manager Dan States mentioned he would lean on the quartet of defender Matt Skorupa and mifielders Jackson Wambach, Stefan Iricanin and Cronnelly, and look to the strong returning duo of Drew Burgis and Tommy Prokos for stability in goal.
This contest marks the final tune-up before divisional play. The Hawks welcome Niles West on March 30 top open South Division play, while Deerfield host Niles North in North Division action.
Last year at Deerfield, It took Ari Wainer and his mates 11 games to win their second match. This season the Warriors sports a 2-2-2 mark after an unfeated start in the club's first four games. While its current mark may not warrant a parade down the streets of Deerfield, Wainer says its a big step forward to erase the taste of the sour 2019 campaign.
"Last year did not go well for us at all; we had so many injuries," began Wainer, who along with Josh Berman and Nick Prus wear the captain armbands for manager Elliott Hurtig. "There were times when we had half of our starting lineup out.
"Being healthy has been a key reason we're playing better. The juniors and seniors, who were on this team last year, are one year older; and all of us are stepping up in our play and leadership."
"Wainer, Berman, Prus, and Ryder Coleman are the guys who have been leading by example," Hurtig said. "But they have also been great leaders off the field by pushing their teammates, while bringing a sense of of unity to the team during a very strange and disjointed season
"They have been a force of consistency for us."
Hurtig adds when his lads play with energy and what he calls 'ganas,' a deep desire to win balls in the air and tackles, the Warriors play well.
"When we play like that for 80 minutes and possess and string 6-8 passes together, then we get a good result."
Wainer, who has his eye on attending either Maryland or Wisconsin next fall says Berman and Prus have been impressive this season.
"Josh has been amazing. He continually saves us when we need it the most, especially in our first two games with Glenbrook North (0-0) and Evanston (1-0)," said Wainer, who normally lines up in the Warriors formation at the no. 9 spot.
"Coach said our win over Evanston is probably the first over them in 15 years."
"Prus was one of our captains last year as a junior, so that shows how much he means to our team. He's a great role model, technically gifted, a great passer, and he's always so tough in his tackles."
Maine South defeated the Warriors 2-1 last season.
By Mike Garofola
Host Maine South (4-0-1) is eager to extend its unbeaten streak when it hosts Central Suburban League cross-over rival Deerfield at 7 p.m. Wilson Field tonight.
The Hawks, fresh off a 2-2 draw at Niles North on Tuesday, have outscored opponents 12-4 featured by back-to-back 4-1 home victories over sister schools Maine East and Maine West. Senior star John Cronnolly posted a hat-trick against West.
In advance of this shortened 2021 campaign, Hawks manager Dan States mentioned he would lean on the quartet of defender Matt Skorupa and mifielders Jackson Wambach, Stefan Iricanin and Cronnelly, and look to the strong returning duo of Drew Burgis and Tommy Prokos for stability in goal.
This contest marks the final tune-up before divisional play. The Hawks welcome Niles West on March 30 top open South Division play, while Deerfield host Niles North in North Division action.
Last year at Deerfield, It took Ari Wainer and his mates 11 games to win their second match. This season the Warriors sports a 2-2-2 mark after an unfeated start in the club's first four games. While its current mark may not warrant a parade down the streets of Deerfield, Wainer says its a big step forward to erase the taste of the sour 2019 campaign.
"Last year did not go well for us at all; we had so many injuries," began Wainer, who along with Josh Berman and Nick Prus wear the captain armbands for manager Elliott Hurtig. "There were times when we had half of our starting lineup out.
"Being healthy has been a key reason we're playing better. The juniors and seniors, who were on this team last year, are one year older; and all of us are stepping up in our play and leadership."
"Wainer, Berman, Prus, and Ryder Coleman are the guys who have been leading by example," Hurtig said. "But they have also been great leaders off the field by pushing their teammates, while bringing a sense of of unity to the team during a very strange and disjointed season
"They have been a force of consistency for us."
Hurtig adds when his lads play with energy and what he calls 'ganas,' a deep desire to win balls in the air and tackles, the Warriors play well.
"When we play like that for 80 minutes and possess and string 6-8 passes together, then we get a good result."
Wainer, who has his eye on attending either Maryland or Wisconsin next fall says Berman and Prus have been impressive this season.
"Josh has been amazing. He continually saves us when we need it the most, especially in our first two games with Glenbrook North (0-0) and Evanston (1-0)," said Wainer, who normally lines up in the Warriors formation at the no. 9 spot.
"Coach said our win over Evanston is probably the first over them in 15 years."
"Prus was one of our captains last year as a junior, so that shows how much he means to our team. He's a great role model, technically gifted, a great passer, and he's always so tough in his tackles."
Maine South defeated the Warriors 2-1 last season.