Prospect knows what
it's up against in Fremd
By Bobby Narang
Prospect coach Michael Andrews didn’t require a history lesson to realize the significance of his team’s three-game stretch in late September.
He said he spoke to his team before the start of this week, telling them the importance of not losing focus and playing inspired soccer heading into a three-game slate against Mid-Suburban League teams: Buffalo Grove; Rolling Meadows; and Fremd.
“I told them at the beginning of the week that (we’re) going up against these three rivals in a row," Andrews said. "It's not going to be easy, and it will be a major test for us."
Through the first two games this week, the Knights have responded to the challenge, testing themselves with two double-overtime thrillers heading into Saturday’s 2 p.m. showdown at Fremd.
The Knights (8-3-1, 4-1-1 MSL East) defeated Buffalo Grove 1-0 in the final minute of double overtime on Ryan Novak’s goal off a corner kick from Steven Lopez.
Two days later, the Knights faced an even tougher test against undefeated Rolling Meadows (10-0-2, 2-0-2). The Knights scored a first-half goal thanks to a stellar rocket shot by Luis DeSantiago, but gave up a late second-half goal to force overtime. After 100 minutes of soccer, the Knights left with a 1-1 tie against the Mustangs, who are currently ranked fifth in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25.
Andrews said his team “rose to the occasion at the right time” of the season with two emotional, hard-fought efforts.
But he admitted the Knights can't afford a letdown against Fremd, which moved up to the No. 2 spot in the current rankings behind only Morton.
Andrews said the Vikings (9-1-1, 6-0-0 MSL West) represent another stiff test for his team. Fremd has scored 21 goals this season and have not lost to an in-state opponent. Chaminade, from the St. Louis area, recorded a 2-0 win over Fremd on Sept. 10.
Fremd's defense is a big part of its success. It has not allowed a goal in eight of 11 games.
The Vikings rely on a balanced attack to score goals. Forward Leo Akashi and Eli Schoffstall lead the team with four goals apiece; midfielder Dimitri Vlahos has three goals and three assists.
“If you look at Fremd’s record, they are winning but also allowing no goals,” Andrews said. “We expect a very good game. Historically, we’ve always been neck and neck with Fremd, but they poke one in in the second half. I think this team has the guts and determination and composure to really bring it on Saturday.”
Prospect goalie Alejandro Rider-Leiner is a player to watch after a stellar performance against the Mustangs.
“Buffalo Grove and Rolling Meadows are both very good, so I think they prepared us for Fremd,” he said. “We’re ready for Saturday. We know they’re a good team, but anything is possible. We’re good, too.”
Prospect defender Sam Heintz said the backline play and communication is one of the keys to beating Fremd. The Knights have allowed just two goals in their last five games.
“We have to be more defensive minded, because they have a really strong offensive attack,” Heintz said. “We have to be ready for them.”
it's up against in Fremd
By Bobby Narang
Prospect coach Michael Andrews didn’t require a history lesson to realize the significance of his team’s three-game stretch in late September.
He said he spoke to his team before the start of this week, telling them the importance of not losing focus and playing inspired soccer heading into a three-game slate against Mid-Suburban League teams: Buffalo Grove; Rolling Meadows; and Fremd.
“I told them at the beginning of the week that (we’re) going up against these three rivals in a row," Andrews said. "It's not going to be easy, and it will be a major test for us."
Through the first two games this week, the Knights have responded to the challenge, testing themselves with two double-overtime thrillers heading into Saturday’s 2 p.m. showdown at Fremd.
The Knights (8-3-1, 4-1-1 MSL East) defeated Buffalo Grove 1-0 in the final minute of double overtime on Ryan Novak’s goal off a corner kick from Steven Lopez.
Two days later, the Knights faced an even tougher test against undefeated Rolling Meadows (10-0-2, 2-0-2). The Knights scored a first-half goal thanks to a stellar rocket shot by Luis DeSantiago, but gave up a late second-half goal to force overtime. After 100 minutes of soccer, the Knights left with a 1-1 tie against the Mustangs, who are currently ranked fifth in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25.
Andrews said his team “rose to the occasion at the right time” of the season with two emotional, hard-fought efforts.
But he admitted the Knights can't afford a letdown against Fremd, which moved up to the No. 2 spot in the current rankings behind only Morton.
Andrews said the Vikings (9-1-1, 6-0-0 MSL West) represent another stiff test for his team. Fremd has scored 21 goals this season and have not lost to an in-state opponent. Chaminade, from the St. Louis area, recorded a 2-0 win over Fremd on Sept. 10.
Fremd's defense is a big part of its success. It has not allowed a goal in eight of 11 games.
The Vikings rely on a balanced attack to score goals. Forward Leo Akashi and Eli Schoffstall lead the team with four goals apiece; midfielder Dimitri Vlahos has three goals and three assists.
“If you look at Fremd’s record, they are winning but also allowing no goals,” Andrews said. “We expect a very good game. Historically, we’ve always been neck and neck with Fremd, but they poke one in in the second half. I think this team has the guts and determination and composure to really bring it on Saturday.”
Prospect goalie Alejandro Rider-Leiner is a player to watch after a stellar performance against the Mustangs.
“Buffalo Grove and Rolling Meadows are both very good, so I think they prepared us for Fremd,” he said. “We’re ready for Saturday. We know they’re a good team, but anything is possible. We’re good, too.”
Prospect defender Sam Heintz said the backline play and communication is one of the keys to beating Fremd. The Knights have allowed just two goals in their last five games.
“We have to be more defensive minded, because they have a really strong offensive attack,” Heintz said. “We have to be ready for them.”