Varsity Soccer |

GAME RECAP
The 2017 IHSA playoffs started today with a 4:30pm start as our #3 seeded Broncos took on the # 14th seeded Deerfield Warriors in the regional semifinal, hosted by Palatine High School.  The sun was shining, and although there was a bit of a stiff wind when the game began, it was a great day for a game.

From the opening whistle, our boys came out ready to play.  We moved the ball well, finding left back Noah Sebens on the weak side, for a few high quality chances.  The forward pairing of Enrico Ruffolo and Aidan Lew were active and energetic, and helped us to assert ourselves as we attacked the Warriors net.

Twenty three minutes in we capitalized and took the lead as Charlie Frank delivered a long free kick into the box, where Sebens redirected the ball to the feet of Aidan Lew.  Lew knocked his attempt past the Deerfield keeper and into the net.

Just three minutes later, Lew would strike again, this time from some excellent work from Enrico Ruffolo along the right flank.  Ruffolo masterfully faked an initial crossing attempt, getting the Deerfield defender to bit heavily on his attempt to block the serve.  From there, Ruffolo took another step and had a clear path to play the ball inside the goal area for a waiting Aidan Lew.  Lew confidently stepped onto the delivery and slipped the ball underneath the Warrior goalkeeper for the two goal advantage.

In the first half our Broncos had taken twelve shots and allowed none to the Warriors.  We were in total control and felt confident heading into the second half.  Coach Steib did want to see if we could get the outside back pairing of Sebens and Connor Delahunt up the field more in the second half.  With Deerfield not having much in terms of a potent attack, and now facing the wind in their faces we elected to employ a 1-3-5-2 system to start the second half.  Our boys though seemed too eager to keep possession in our own end, and rarely went forward through this new set up.  Coach Steib switched back to the starting system of 1-4-4-2 before too long.

With a little sense of our disorganization, and aware of their own need for some kind of lifeline, Deerfield started to increase their energy going forward.  A little more than half way through the second half they capitalized on one of just a few chances and cut the lead in half.  Momentum was theirs and their belief grew by leaps and bounds.   Thankfully, our boys stepped up and managed to slowly establish control over the play again just a few minutes later.

The risk of a potential game tying moment for Deerfield was officially vanquished in the 88th minute when Gio Guarnero magically navigated his way through three or four Warrior midfielders and defenders and played a perfectly weighted ball to a dashing Enrico Ruffolo.  Ruffolo was streaking into wide open space on the left with no defensive players to stop him.  He settled the ball with one touch, prepared to shoot with another, and their blasted the ball past the keeper restoring the two goal lead.  Victory would be ours.

The lessons tonight were to see how a team who is being outplayed can scratch back into a game if you allow them even a little belief.  We discussed after the match how that lesson is excellent regardless of which side of it you are on.  The game rewards a team who works hard and keeps fighting for their opportunities.

Next up will be Palatine, who defeated Round Lake 3-0 in the second match of the night.  Our game with Palatine will be at Palatine High School on Saturday, at 11:00am.

We hope to see you there!

GO BRONCOS!  YNWA!

SCORING SUMMARY
BHS – Aidan Lew (Noah Sebens, Charlie Frank) — 23rd minute
BHS – Aidan Lew (Enrico Ruffolo) — 26th minute
DHS – #16 — 62nd minute
BHS – Enrico Ruffolo (Gio Guarnero) — 88th minute

STATS SUMMARY
Shots:  BHS 16, DHS 4
Fouls:  BHS 19, DHS 13
Corner kicks:  BHS 4, DHS 2
Offsides: BHS 3, DHS 0