Varsity Soccer |

GAME RECAP
Today’s game almost never happened due to the extreme heat.  It was hot.  Crazy hot.  When this game was scheduled for a 1pm kickoff many weeks ago, we never thought a late September fixture would be a doubt as a result of a 95 degree heatwave but it was.

Once the decision was made to allow the game to happen (with scheduled water breaks and modified substitution allowances) we were ready to go.  Our boys came out looking good, moving the ball, and playing intelligently.  Our play resulted in several quality chances with a majority of them coming from service from the flanks.  We just missed getting on the end of some great crosses from Noah Sebens on the left, Enrico Ruffolo from multiple locations.  Mundelein defended well though and held us at bay, while also
getting forward and threatening our end.

The Mustangs first quality chance of the match came in the 20th minute when they dispossessed us in midfield and quickly pushed the game forward.  Their penetrating dribble and a nice run into our goal area resulted in a quick moment of opportunity with which their player skillfully lifted the ball over the charging Brett Sprengel and into the back of our net.  Mundelein had the early advantage, 1-0.

Just before halftime, as we continued to play as the aggressor, we were able to get back level at 1-1.  another good delivery into the box by Noah Sebens found the head of Connor Delahunt, which he crashed into the net.  Credit to both of those players for the skill involved in each piece of the goal, and also to Klaus Pallan who challenged the delivery and cancelled out the Mustang goalkeeper as he left his line.  That savvy decision allowed Delahunt the space needed to even the score.

After halftime, the game continued to be played well by both teams.  There were a few moments where things did get a little chippy with players on both teams were getting frustrated.  The physical play never seemed dirty, but there were a few casualties, with Sebens getting a knock that took him out of the game.

Our game winning goal came from a Michael Blanke corner kick, with Justin Funk on the receiving end.  Funk, who had a great week of training and earned a start today, not only scored the game winning goal but played a vital role in the entire match, starting as an outside midfielder, then moving to forward, and finally finishing the match along the backline, after Sebens was required to exit the match.

For the day, we were a little disappointed with conceding the opening goal, as one of the focuses for the day was defending well, and committing to getting the shutout.  In the big picture though, we are very pleased with the come from behind win (our third come from behind win in the last two weeks.)  We limited Mundelein to only 6 shots (of which only 3 came from inside our box.)  Mundelein came into the match on a 5 game win streak and is a team with a handful of dynamic players, so this result was a solid one overall.  Well done boys!

Up next:  we travel to Wheeling on Tuesday for a match up of MSL undefeated squads.  Game time is 6:30pm.

GO BRONCOS!  YNWA

SCORING SUMMARY
MHS – #9  —  20th minute
BHS – Connor Delahunt (Noah Sebens) — 40th minute
BHS – Justin Funk (Michael Blanke) — 73rd minute

STATS SUMMARY
Fouls:  BHS 8, MHS 12
Corner kicks:  BHS 6, MHS 5
Offsides:  BHS 3, MHS 0