Hersey, Prospect rivalry a playoffs tuneup
By Mike Garofola
Prospect versus Hersey takes top billing at 4:45 p.m. Thursday in the Mid-Suburban League regular season finale for both sides.
While the host Huskies (6-3-3, 6-3-1, 19 points) look for inspiration before a big Homecoming audience in its quest to earn second place honors in the MSL East, the visiting Knights (8-5-2, 4-5-1) hope to extend their current win streak to three games.
When Hersey lost 4-1 to eventual division champion Buffalo Grove on September 18, captain Trey Schmidt was quick to advise that this result, although disappointing, was not the end of the world for he and his teammates.
"We obviously came into this game knowing a win puts us right in the thick of the division title, but our effort didn't match that of Buffalo Grove, which was clearly the better team," began Schmidt.
"But we all have to remember this was just one game of many during a long season. If we sorted a few things out, and got back to playing the way we did in our first six or seven games, (we) would be in a position to compete with anybody and have a good chance of a long run in the state playoffs."
Schmidt's faith in his mates was rewarded with strong efforts in victories over Schaumburg (3-1, Sept. 27) and Rolling Meadows (3-0) on Tuesday night.
"We're back to playing well, which is great because this is the time to do so," said Schmidt, who bagged the eventual game-winner on Tuesday in the 29th minute.
"We've graduated a lot of good players during these past two seasons, so the new guys have had to get up to speed at this level, and the only way to do that is to play games. I feel like we're getting to be at a level where we'll be a tough team to play from here on out," added Nick Clarizio, the Huskies fine senior keeper, who recorded his fifth clean-sheet of the season against Rolling Meadows.
Both players feel the no. 14 seed they received in the Evanston Sectional is a blessing in disguise.
"We felt like we deserved a higher seed, but getting the 14th will be the motivation for all of us when regionals begin to show we're a much better team than the seed we got," said Schmidt.
"I like the fact that we have that play-in game with (Schurz), because it will give all of us a little more experience in the postseason, and an advantage when we hopefully move on to the no. 3 seed (Evanston) a couple of days later."
Hersey manager Mike Rusniak figures the lack of games on his schedule prior to the online seeding process, plus a three-game losing streak at the same time coaches filed their sectional resume likely did in his club. But just as his two captains, he feels the lack of respect will go a long way come playoff time.
"That's just the way the system works, nothing we can do about it (except) to go out and play like a higher seed when it all starts," said Rusniak, who is in his first season in charge.
"It's all about being mentally ready, and to come out and play right from the opening whistle, which is something we haven't always done this season."
Rusniak says his club has that Jekyl and Hyde look at times. In certain games he has seen his lads play 60 impressive minutes, only to be undone with 20 minutes of less than sparkling soccer.
"Tonight was kind of the same, opened really well, put one in, and created a bunch of quality chances, then fell off some after the break, only to finish strong in the final 10-15 minutes."
The Huskies dynamic duo up-top, Major Hassan and Patryk Bujak proved too hot to handle for Rolling Meadows. They showed tremendous pace, strength and the ability to create for themselves and each other.
"Those two are dangerous, as is my partner in the midfield, Ronan Wilcox, who can defend, distribute and do a lot of the little things at his position," offered Schmidt.
Bujak and Hassan, who have combined for nine goals, each found the back of the net against Rolling Meadows, and will look to continue when the club hosts Prospect.
"Prospect is a great MSL rival, and the great thing about playing such a well-coached team at this time of the season is that the result means something for both of us. So I expect a hard-fought 80-minute battle," said Rusniak.
The visiting Knights, and their fine junior tri-captain, Edmund Conroy, come to Arlington Heights riding a wave of confidence following their 2-1 win over Palatine on Tuesday and an impressive 3-2 victory against Central Suburban League power Glenbrook South last Saturday in Mt. Prospect.
"We kind of got caught up in the way Palatine plays soccer," said Conroy, whom manager Mike Andrews deploys as a center back in the Knights four-man defensive unit.
"The ball was in the air, and we didn't possess and build our attack, but it was still good to get a win against such a difficult opponent.
"However, our win over Glenbrook South was big for us because it was against the no. 2 seed in our sectional, so we (now) know we can play with the best when regionals begin in two weeks."
The Knights were anointed the no. 12 seed, and will open with o. 5 Loyola on October 16 at the Ramblers soccer park at Munz Campus in Glenview.
"I've never faced them as a coach, but I know they are a tough squad, with some impressive wins along the way," said Andrews.
"I'm confident that if we display the best version of ourselves, we can come out on top against anyone."
Conroy agrees, albeit with a caveat of sorts.
"All year we've found a way to play down to some of our opponents, which has cost us at times."
"But that win over Glenbrook South and Barrington,and for that matter, our effort against Buffalo Grove (a 3-1 loss) shows we can play against some of the best. So we'll need to do that from here on out."
Conroy is part of a unit which has improved dramatically from a year ago when the club conceded a dreadfully high 39 goals, compared to just 21 this fall.
"The overall effort from our team has been very good (in) fact, our energy and has always been way up there from the first game of the season," said the affable Conroy, who took some time away from 'scouting' the St. Viator-St. Patrick game in Arlington Heights to have a chat.
The Knights could play St. Patrick should they advance into the regional final.
"Our play (defensively) has improved as well, and it's something as a junior, that I've taken pride in, especially as one of our captains this season."
Conroy shows tremendous maturity for his age at his position, flashing the ability to read potential trouble, while proving capable of a strong tackle when needed. He shows a desire to lead by example.
"As our center back, I have to see what's happening in front of me in order to organize things in the back, and in our midfield, and its been the chemistry we've developed as a group that has helped us play so well defensively."
In the 2-1 victory over Palatine, Michael Kaczowka scored his seventh of the season. It was matched later by Peyton Myers, who drove home his sevneth to help send off the Pirates.
"Joey Boduch has been out with an injury, so in his absence, Jacob Keil has been wearing the captains armand along with Edmund and Patrick Limanowka," said Andrews.
Limanowka leads the Knights in overall scoring iwth four goals and seven assists.
"We're looking foward to playing Hersey because they have a strong team, and one with some fast and dangerous players who can attack," continued Andrews.
"We'll have to be smart and aware in the back, which is something we've demonstrated of late. I expect a fun, but competitive game at Hersey."
Conroy added: "We have a terrific keeper, Szymon Mocarski, one of my good friends, who's the type of keeper who can make a big save or two when we really need it. That's the type of player who can help carry us through from here on out."
The junior hopes to play college soccer at Illinois-Chicago in the fall of 2020.
By Mike Garofola
Prospect versus Hersey takes top billing at 4:45 p.m. Thursday in the Mid-Suburban League regular season finale for both sides.
While the host Huskies (6-3-3, 6-3-1, 19 points) look for inspiration before a big Homecoming audience in its quest to earn second place honors in the MSL East, the visiting Knights (8-5-2, 4-5-1) hope to extend their current win streak to three games.
When Hersey lost 4-1 to eventual division champion Buffalo Grove on September 18, captain Trey Schmidt was quick to advise that this result, although disappointing, was not the end of the world for he and his teammates.
"We obviously came into this game knowing a win puts us right in the thick of the division title, but our effort didn't match that of Buffalo Grove, which was clearly the better team," began Schmidt.
"But we all have to remember this was just one game of many during a long season. If we sorted a few things out, and got back to playing the way we did in our first six or seven games, (we) would be in a position to compete with anybody and have a good chance of a long run in the state playoffs."
Schmidt's faith in his mates was rewarded with strong efforts in victories over Schaumburg (3-1, Sept. 27) and Rolling Meadows (3-0) on Tuesday night.
"We're back to playing well, which is great because this is the time to do so," said Schmidt, who bagged the eventual game-winner on Tuesday in the 29th minute.
"We've graduated a lot of good players during these past two seasons, so the new guys have had to get up to speed at this level, and the only way to do that is to play games. I feel like we're getting to be at a level where we'll be a tough team to play from here on out," added Nick Clarizio, the Huskies fine senior keeper, who recorded his fifth clean-sheet of the season against Rolling Meadows.
Both players feel the no. 14 seed they received in the Evanston Sectional is a blessing in disguise.
"We felt like we deserved a higher seed, but getting the 14th will be the motivation for all of us when regionals begin to show we're a much better team than the seed we got," said Schmidt.
"I like the fact that we have that play-in game with (Schurz), because it will give all of us a little more experience in the postseason, and an advantage when we hopefully move on to the no. 3 seed (Evanston) a couple of days later."
Hersey manager Mike Rusniak figures the lack of games on his schedule prior to the online seeding process, plus a three-game losing streak at the same time coaches filed their sectional resume likely did in his club. But just as his two captains, he feels the lack of respect will go a long way come playoff time.
"That's just the way the system works, nothing we can do about it (except) to go out and play like a higher seed when it all starts," said Rusniak, who is in his first season in charge.
"It's all about being mentally ready, and to come out and play right from the opening whistle, which is something we haven't always done this season."
Rusniak says his club has that Jekyl and Hyde look at times. In certain games he has seen his lads play 60 impressive minutes, only to be undone with 20 minutes of less than sparkling soccer.
"Tonight was kind of the same, opened really well, put one in, and created a bunch of quality chances, then fell off some after the break, only to finish strong in the final 10-15 minutes."
The Huskies dynamic duo up-top, Major Hassan and Patryk Bujak proved too hot to handle for Rolling Meadows. They showed tremendous pace, strength and the ability to create for themselves and each other.
"Those two are dangerous, as is my partner in the midfield, Ronan Wilcox, who can defend, distribute and do a lot of the little things at his position," offered Schmidt.
Bujak and Hassan, who have combined for nine goals, each found the back of the net against Rolling Meadows, and will look to continue when the club hosts Prospect.
"Prospect is a great MSL rival, and the great thing about playing such a well-coached team at this time of the season is that the result means something for both of us. So I expect a hard-fought 80-minute battle," said Rusniak.
The visiting Knights, and their fine junior tri-captain, Edmund Conroy, come to Arlington Heights riding a wave of confidence following their 2-1 win over Palatine on Tuesday and an impressive 3-2 victory against Central Suburban League power Glenbrook South last Saturday in Mt. Prospect.
"We kind of got caught up in the way Palatine plays soccer," said Conroy, whom manager Mike Andrews deploys as a center back in the Knights four-man defensive unit.
"The ball was in the air, and we didn't possess and build our attack, but it was still good to get a win against such a difficult opponent.
"However, our win over Glenbrook South was big for us because it was against the no. 2 seed in our sectional, so we (now) know we can play with the best when regionals begin in two weeks."
The Knights were anointed the no. 12 seed, and will open with o. 5 Loyola on October 16 at the Ramblers soccer park at Munz Campus in Glenview.
"I've never faced them as a coach, but I know they are a tough squad, with some impressive wins along the way," said Andrews.
"I'm confident that if we display the best version of ourselves, we can come out on top against anyone."
Conroy agrees, albeit with a caveat of sorts.
"All year we've found a way to play down to some of our opponents, which has cost us at times."
"But that win over Glenbrook South and Barrington,and for that matter, our effort against Buffalo Grove (a 3-1 loss) shows we can play against some of the best. So we'll need to do that from here on out."
Conroy is part of a unit which has improved dramatically from a year ago when the club conceded a dreadfully high 39 goals, compared to just 21 this fall.
"The overall effort from our team has been very good (in) fact, our energy and has always been way up there from the first game of the season," said the affable Conroy, who took some time away from 'scouting' the St. Viator-St. Patrick game in Arlington Heights to have a chat.
The Knights could play St. Patrick should they advance into the regional final.
"Our play (defensively) has improved as well, and it's something as a junior, that I've taken pride in, especially as one of our captains this season."
Conroy shows tremendous maturity for his age at his position, flashing the ability to read potential trouble, while proving capable of a strong tackle when needed. He shows a desire to lead by example.
"As our center back, I have to see what's happening in front of me in order to organize things in the back, and in our midfield, and its been the chemistry we've developed as a group that has helped us play so well defensively."
In the 2-1 victory over Palatine, Michael Kaczowka scored his seventh of the season. It was matched later by Peyton Myers, who drove home his sevneth to help send off the Pirates.
"Joey Boduch has been out with an injury, so in his absence, Jacob Keil has been wearing the captains armand along with Edmund and Patrick Limanowka," said Andrews.
Limanowka leads the Knights in overall scoring iwth four goals and seven assists.
"We're looking foward to playing Hersey because they have a strong team, and one with some fast and dangerous players who can attack," continued Andrews.
"We'll have to be smart and aware in the back, which is something we've demonstrated of late. I expect a fun, but competitive game at Hersey."
Conroy added: "We have a terrific keeper, Szymon Mocarski, one of my good friends, who's the type of keeper who can make a big save or two when we really need it. That's the type of player who can help carry us through from here on out."
The junior hopes to play college soccer at Illinois-Chicago in the fall of 2020.