Varsity Soccer |

GAME RECAP
Today’s game matched us up against the Palatine Pirates, the one MSL West foe who still had a shot at the MSL West division title heading into the game.  A win or tie for our team would clinch the MSL West title.

During the first half hour of the match, our boys played the best soccer we have seen all season in terms of ball movement, support, communication, passing accuracy and overall play.  It was a pleasure to watch.  The ball was moving quickly, from one flank to the other, penetrating the lines and opening up the Palatine defense.  Our play lead to plenty of high quality scoring opportunities for us.  Michael Blanke was his usual speedy self, racing behind the Palatine defense and getting to goal.  If not for several terrific saves from the PHS goalkeeper, this game could have been a lopsided affair just from the chances Blanke created.  Other players also did their part to create chances as well.  Klaus Pallan, Justin Funk, Enrico Ruffolo, Ethan Lew, and Connor Delahunt all contributed to scoring opportunities for us.

The breakthrough for us came in the 18th minute when Justin Funk jumped on a long throw in from Enrico Ruffolo.  Funk pounded the ball into the Pirates net, tallying his third goal in as many games.  Tonight’s goal came in similar fashion to his goal against Wheeling earlier in the week, where he was rewarded for his efforts to get in front of goal and be proactive with making things happen.

For most of the remainder of the first half, we continued to play extremely well.  Overall during the first forty minutes, we attempted 14 shots (a season high in a half) and also had plenty of other near chances from crosses.  The Palatine goalkeeper made six first half saves and near a dozen other key plays coming out and snatching balls in the air before we could get to them.

After halftime, Palatine came out in the second half and put forth a much better level of effort defensively and our play wasn’t quite as sharp as a result.  Palatine had very limited chances going forward too though, with our guys committing to being organized and seeing out the game for the 1-0 victory.

The win earned us the 2017 MSL West title.  We also won the division in 2016, so many of these boys are now back to back division champions.  Coach Steib praised the team for earning the back to back titles, something that has only been done two other times in BHS soccer history (during the 2003 & 2004  and again during the 2007 & 2008 seasons.)  The division title is our 8th crown in our 42 year history.

The 1-0 victory was also the teams first victory by that score this season.

The hope will be to win the MSL Championship against the MSL East division winner (which will be either Wheeling or Buffalo Grove.)  Our program has lost the last five trips to the MSL Championship, hopefully a streak that ends on October 12th.

SCORING SUMMARY
BHS – Justin Funk (Enrico Ruffolo) — 18th minute

STATS SUMMARY
Fouls:  BHS 10,  PHS 7
Corner kicks:  BHS 4, PHS 2
Offsides:  BHS 3, PHS 0