Prospect looks to cool off Fremd
By Dave Owen
With eight state trophies in the history of its boys soccer program, Fremd is no stranger to strong finishes.
The 2017 Vikings are certainly on course to add to their own late season roll to the record books.
Winners of five matches in a row, Fremd (7-5-0, 5-3-0 in the Mid-Suburban League) puts its hot streak on the line at 5 p.m. Friday when it hosts Prospect (5-7-0, 2-6-0).
The Knights are hoping their own rise in fortunes is underway. Prospect comes off a 2-0 win Tuesday over Elk Grove.
“In the Elk Grove game, my players found the right balance between aggression and composure,” Prospect coach Mike Andrews said. “We were winning the ball, but we wouldn't resort to recklessly booting the ball up field.
“We weren't panicky like we had been earlier in the season. They played a nice passing game and created a lot of scoring opportunities.”
Fremd has scored 16 goals in its five-game win streak, including a 2-0 win over Hoffman Estates on Tuesday. The run began with a 5-0 win over Elk Grove.
After a 2-7-0 start against elite foes (including one-goal losses to Naperville North, Barrington and Notre Dame-Peoria), the Vikings are rolling.
“We are certainly playing with more confidence as of late,” Fremd coach Steve Keller said. “We have our system in place and are executing it well.”
Standouts for the Vikings during the streak have been plentiful.
“Jake Schoffstall and Ben Cuthbert are playing well in our center back positions,” Keller said. “Dalton Rogers, Angel Virgos and Matt Austin are controlling the midfield, and Max Clark is giving us excellent possession and hustle up-top.
“Our wide players are getting wide, making good decisions and making things happen.”
Prospect also navigated an early season minefield of good foes, with one-goal losses to Barrington and Buffalo Grove (in overtime) included.
“Certainly we’ve had our ups and downs this season,” Andrews said, “but when my players are at their best, I do believe we can compete with anybody.
“Joey Boduch and Nico Mho have been doing a solid job getting the ball under control quickly in the midfield, Patrick Limanowka continues to increase his scoring tally, and our keeper Kevin Shane has been making some amazing saves every game. And Javian Whyte's speed and physicality definitely complicate things for opposing defenders.”
And a huge boost for the Knights’ attack is on the way.
“One of our captains Aaron Whiteman was out for a few games due to injury, and we will have him back Friday to help solidify our play,” Andrews said.
Fremd’s play has been rock solid of late, a trend Keller hopes to see more of Friday.
“(The key Friday) is to continue to play the way we have been playing and finishing our chances,” Keller said. “As a team we finally understand how important defensive shape and work rate are to a strong attack.
“I’m pleased with the way we are performing right now. Things are clicking. But we need to stay focused and do the little things well.”
With Fremd on its home field Friday and playing at its best of late, Prospect knows a test awaits.
“I think that making quick decisions and winning the physical battle in the middle of the field will be key tomorrow night,” Andrews said. “Fremd is on a winning streak, and I expect high pressure and high intensity from them. We can’t afford any mental lapses or sloppy passes, especially out of the back.”
A fast start could be essential for the Knights to succeed.
“More than anything, we need to capture momentum early and keep the pressure on Fremd,” Andrews said. “We know they are a quality team, like so many others in our conference. It will all come down to who wants it more.
“Against Fremd we will have to be sharp,” Andrews added. “I can't imagine they will give us much time and space. At this point in the season, we have had our moments of glory and suffered some major defeats. We know what we need to do. It's time to show we can get it done.”
By Dave Owen
With eight state trophies in the history of its boys soccer program, Fremd is no stranger to strong finishes.
The 2017 Vikings are certainly on course to add to their own late season roll to the record books.
Winners of five matches in a row, Fremd (7-5-0, 5-3-0 in the Mid-Suburban League) puts its hot streak on the line at 5 p.m. Friday when it hosts Prospect (5-7-0, 2-6-0).
The Knights are hoping their own rise in fortunes is underway. Prospect comes off a 2-0 win Tuesday over Elk Grove.
“In the Elk Grove game, my players found the right balance between aggression and composure,” Prospect coach Mike Andrews said. “We were winning the ball, but we wouldn't resort to recklessly booting the ball up field.
“We weren't panicky like we had been earlier in the season. They played a nice passing game and created a lot of scoring opportunities.”
Fremd has scored 16 goals in its five-game win streak, including a 2-0 win over Hoffman Estates on Tuesday. The run began with a 5-0 win over Elk Grove.
After a 2-7-0 start against elite foes (including one-goal losses to Naperville North, Barrington and Notre Dame-Peoria), the Vikings are rolling.
“We are certainly playing with more confidence as of late,” Fremd coach Steve Keller said. “We have our system in place and are executing it well.”
Standouts for the Vikings during the streak have been plentiful.
“Jake Schoffstall and Ben Cuthbert are playing well in our center back positions,” Keller said. “Dalton Rogers, Angel Virgos and Matt Austin are controlling the midfield, and Max Clark is giving us excellent possession and hustle up-top.
“Our wide players are getting wide, making good decisions and making things happen.”
Prospect also navigated an early season minefield of good foes, with one-goal losses to Barrington and Buffalo Grove (in overtime) included.
“Certainly we’ve had our ups and downs this season,” Andrews said, “but when my players are at their best, I do believe we can compete with anybody.
“Joey Boduch and Nico Mho have been doing a solid job getting the ball under control quickly in the midfield, Patrick Limanowka continues to increase his scoring tally, and our keeper Kevin Shane has been making some amazing saves every game. And Javian Whyte's speed and physicality definitely complicate things for opposing defenders.”
And a huge boost for the Knights’ attack is on the way.
“One of our captains Aaron Whiteman was out for a few games due to injury, and we will have him back Friday to help solidify our play,” Andrews said.
Fremd’s play has been rock solid of late, a trend Keller hopes to see more of Friday.
“(The key Friday) is to continue to play the way we have been playing and finishing our chances,” Keller said. “As a team we finally understand how important defensive shape and work rate are to a strong attack.
“I’m pleased with the way we are performing right now. Things are clicking. But we need to stay focused and do the little things well.”
With Fremd on its home field Friday and playing at its best of late, Prospect knows a test awaits.
“I think that making quick decisions and winning the physical battle in the middle of the field will be key tomorrow night,” Andrews said. “Fremd is on a winning streak, and I expect high pressure and high intensity from them. We can’t afford any mental lapses or sloppy passes, especially out of the back.”
A fast start could be essential for the Knights to succeed.
“More than anything, we need to capture momentum early and keep the pressure on Fremd,” Andrews said. “We know they are a quality team, like so many others in our conference. It will all come down to who wants it more.
“Against Fremd we will have to be sharp,” Andrews added. “I can't imagine they will give us much time and space. At this point in the season, we have had our moments of glory and suffered some major defeats. We know what we need to do. It's time to show we can get it done.”