Reavis, Eisenhower return
from break with big showdown
By Dave Owen
After an early season lull, the 2019 campaign kicks into high gear quickly for Reavis and Eisenhower.
The Cardinals (0-2-1) and Rams (2-2-0) open South Suburban Conference Red Division play at 5 p.m. Monday in Burbank.
Both squads should be rested and practice prepared, but maybe a little rusty – neither has played a match in over a week.
For Reavis, a focus in the break between games has been on defense in the box.
The Rams had allowed just two goals in their first three games before a 3-0 setback to Lincoln-Way West in the Windy City consolation semifinals on Aug. 31.
“Defensively we have given up three goals this year on poor clearances,” Reavis coach Mark Gniadek said. “We’ve spent some time this week working on defending our own 18.”
Offensively, Reavis has shown good balance – Juan Cedillo, Diego Porras, Marek Judka and Jose Rico all have one goal this season, and Judka also has an assist.
So far, I’ve loved the way the guys have moved the ball,” Gniadek said. “They put a lot of time in this offseason to get fit and improve their touch, and it has really showed.”
The Rams’ midfield has also made a strong showing.
“Our center midfielders Juan Cedillo and Julian Ochoa have done a great job winning the ball and maintaining possession for us,” Gniadek said. “Look for them to control the pace of the game (Monday).”
Controlling the pace is always a huge factor against Eisenhower’s speed.
“Eisenhower always has a very talented squad,” Gniadek said. “They will be able to put some pressure on our defense.”
Reavis presents its own set of problems for the Cardinals.
“We have to play solid defense and must set the tone,” Eisenhower coach Iran Rodriguez said. “Reavis plays us tough, and they are physical and are technically sound.”
Eisenhower’s early season record has been deceiving, as the Cardinals’ schedule has included a season-opening loss to St. Patrick (ranked 5th in the Chicagoland Soccer poll).
“We have been more competitive and focused on all aspects of the game compared to last season,” Rodriguez said.
Their last game came 10 days ago, on Aug. 30.
“Even though we have only played a few games so far leading up to the Reavis game,” Rodriguez said, “our leaders have been playing well. Junior Gael Arriaga and seniors Sebastian Frausto, Alan Arriaga and Alejandro Martinez lead our team.”
Back from its own nine-day break between games, Reavis hopes to hit the ground running on Monday.
“Offensively our key to the match is to be composed in the attacking third and finish,” Gniadek said. “We’ve done a great job creating opportunities this year, and our guys are eager to put it in the back of the net.”
from break with big showdown
By Dave Owen
After an early season lull, the 2019 campaign kicks into high gear quickly for Reavis and Eisenhower.
The Cardinals (0-2-1) and Rams (2-2-0) open South Suburban Conference Red Division play at 5 p.m. Monday in Burbank.
Both squads should be rested and practice prepared, but maybe a little rusty – neither has played a match in over a week.
For Reavis, a focus in the break between games has been on defense in the box.
The Rams had allowed just two goals in their first three games before a 3-0 setback to Lincoln-Way West in the Windy City consolation semifinals on Aug. 31.
“Defensively we have given up three goals this year on poor clearances,” Reavis coach Mark Gniadek said. “We’ve spent some time this week working on defending our own 18.”
Offensively, Reavis has shown good balance – Juan Cedillo, Diego Porras, Marek Judka and Jose Rico all have one goal this season, and Judka also has an assist.
So far, I’ve loved the way the guys have moved the ball,” Gniadek said. “They put a lot of time in this offseason to get fit and improve their touch, and it has really showed.”
The Rams’ midfield has also made a strong showing.
“Our center midfielders Juan Cedillo and Julian Ochoa have done a great job winning the ball and maintaining possession for us,” Gniadek said. “Look for them to control the pace of the game (Monday).”
Controlling the pace is always a huge factor against Eisenhower’s speed.
“Eisenhower always has a very talented squad,” Gniadek said. “They will be able to put some pressure on our defense.”
Reavis presents its own set of problems for the Cardinals.
“We have to play solid defense and must set the tone,” Eisenhower coach Iran Rodriguez said. “Reavis plays us tough, and they are physical and are technically sound.”
Eisenhower’s early season record has been deceiving, as the Cardinals’ schedule has included a season-opening loss to St. Patrick (ranked 5th in the Chicagoland Soccer poll).
“We have been more competitive and focused on all aspects of the game compared to last season,” Rodriguez said.
Their last game came 10 days ago, on Aug. 30.
“Even though we have only played a few games so far leading up to the Reavis game,” Rodriguez said, “our leaders have been playing well. Junior Gael Arriaga and seniors Sebastian Frausto, Alan Arriaga and Alejandro Martinez lead our team.”
Back from its own nine-day break between games, Reavis hopes to hit the ground running on Monday.
“Offensively our key to the match is to be composed in the attacking third and finish,” Gniadek said. “We’ve done a great job creating opportunities this year, and our guys are eager to put it in the back of the net.”