Prospect, Meadows look to right ships
By Mike Garofola
Expectations were high for both Prospect and Rolling Meadows at the onset of the 2018 soccer season.
The two will try to build to the upcoming state playoffs at 6:30 p.m. tonight in Rolling Meadows. The host Mustangs (2-7-1, 2-5-0) returned three top-flight attacking weapons this season, while Prospect manager Mike Andrews was sure the firepower he had back, along with a terrific new keeper, would allow his men to be in the thick of things in the Mid-Suburban League East Division.
Fast forward into the final weeks of the regular season and both sides are looking up in the league standings to leading Buffalo Grove which sits far ahead of the pack with 18 points, and co-runnersup Hersey and Wheeling with 13 points.
"We've been very underwhelming from our own expectations that we had coming into the season," said second-year Rolling Meadows manager Brett Olson. "We're looking to put forth a strong effort to build momentum to finish strong in the league and head the postseason.
Perhaps it was a sign of things to come when the Mustangs dropped their MSL season-opener 3-2 to Elk Grove in overtime in late August. That led to an 0-3-1 start which Olson's men have not been able to overcome.
Injuries left the club shorthanded during that stretch. An inability to find the back of the net also contributed to the slow start.
A 6-3 victory over Conant on Sept. 4 looked to be just what the doctor ordered, but three one-goal losses in the next four games kept the Mustangs reeling.
"A real positive for us has been our defense, which after a change in formation has seen the guys step up to play so much better together as a unit," said Olson.
Seniors Sammy Olague (6 goals, 4 assists) and Sergio Lucero Herrera (6 goals, 2 assists) are the scoring leaders for the Mustangs. Adam Ramirez, a junior, and sophomore Ethan Kakavetsis both provide quality play on both sides of the ball from their spots in the Mustangs midfield.
The Mustangs sit ninth in the table, one point behind Prospect (7-6).
The Knights (5-4-2, 2-4-1) appeared to be growing into MSL life after their hard-fought 2-0 victory over reigning MSL champion Barrington on Sept. 12. - only to lose its next two games to fall out of contention in the East Division.
"That (1-0) loss to Schaumburg last week was frustrating, because we just didn't finish the chances we created," said Andrews, whose been opposite of Olson for several seasons prior on the freshman level.
"We came out with a couple of different looks last Saturday at Niles West, and were able to get a good result, thanks in part to a much more potent attack. So we'll look to get right back at it tonight against Rolling Meadows.
"We fully expect a tough game tonight. (Brett) has some guys who are really good with the ball at their feet, so the importance of maintaining our defensive shape and to be disciplined cannot be overstated."
The Knights top goal scorers, Patrick Limanowka and Michael Kaczowka, have four each. Senior Daniel LaCost has been sturdy and strong when deployed as Andrews' defensive midfielder or along the back.
"With us nearing the final weeks of the regular season, the guys know what has to be done. Wjust have to execute with precision and consistency."
Prospect will be back on the road at Hoffman Estates on Thursday, while the Mustangs head to Palatine.
By Mike Garofola
Expectations were high for both Prospect and Rolling Meadows at the onset of the 2018 soccer season.
The two will try to build to the upcoming state playoffs at 6:30 p.m. tonight in Rolling Meadows. The host Mustangs (2-7-1, 2-5-0) returned three top-flight attacking weapons this season, while Prospect manager Mike Andrews was sure the firepower he had back, along with a terrific new keeper, would allow his men to be in the thick of things in the Mid-Suburban League East Division.
Fast forward into the final weeks of the regular season and both sides are looking up in the league standings to leading Buffalo Grove which sits far ahead of the pack with 18 points, and co-runnersup Hersey and Wheeling with 13 points.
"We've been very underwhelming from our own expectations that we had coming into the season," said second-year Rolling Meadows manager Brett Olson. "We're looking to put forth a strong effort to build momentum to finish strong in the league and head the postseason.
Perhaps it was a sign of things to come when the Mustangs dropped their MSL season-opener 3-2 to Elk Grove in overtime in late August. That led to an 0-3-1 start which Olson's men have not been able to overcome.
Injuries left the club shorthanded during that stretch. An inability to find the back of the net also contributed to the slow start.
A 6-3 victory over Conant on Sept. 4 looked to be just what the doctor ordered, but three one-goal losses in the next four games kept the Mustangs reeling.
"A real positive for us has been our defense, which after a change in formation has seen the guys step up to play so much better together as a unit," said Olson.
Seniors Sammy Olague (6 goals, 4 assists) and Sergio Lucero Herrera (6 goals, 2 assists) are the scoring leaders for the Mustangs. Adam Ramirez, a junior, and sophomore Ethan Kakavetsis both provide quality play on both sides of the ball from their spots in the Mustangs midfield.
The Mustangs sit ninth in the table, one point behind Prospect (7-6).
The Knights (5-4-2, 2-4-1) appeared to be growing into MSL life after their hard-fought 2-0 victory over reigning MSL champion Barrington on Sept. 12. - only to lose its next two games to fall out of contention in the East Division.
"That (1-0) loss to Schaumburg last week was frustrating, because we just didn't finish the chances we created," said Andrews, whose been opposite of Olson for several seasons prior on the freshman level.
"We came out with a couple of different looks last Saturday at Niles West, and were able to get a good result, thanks in part to a much more potent attack. So we'll look to get right back at it tonight against Rolling Meadows.
"We fully expect a tough game tonight. (Brett) has some guys who are really good with the ball at their feet, so the importance of maintaining our defensive shape and to be disciplined cannot be overstated."
The Knights top goal scorers, Patrick Limanowka and Michael Kaczowka, have four each. Senior Daniel LaCost has been sturdy and strong when deployed as Andrews' defensive midfielder or along the back.
"With us nearing the final weeks of the regular season, the guys know what has to be done. Wjust have to execute with precision and consistency."
Prospect will be back on the road at Hoffman Estates on Thursday, while the Mustangs head to Palatine.