First victory over DGS in more than 15 years.
By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
The Willowbrook boys soccer team broke a streak it had been wanting to shed for a long time.
The Warriors recently scored a 4-3 West Suburban Conference Gold Division win against Downers Grove South on senior night. It was Willowbrook’s first boys soccer win against Downers South in more than 15 years.
“It was our biggest win of the season,” said Willowbrook coach Ed DeLaCruz.
Senior transfer Efren Gomez had two goals in the game. Miguel Correa had a goal and an assist, while senior Patrick Florey tallied two assists. David Rizzo, a junior, had one goal.
Downers South scored first and then Willowbrook knotted it up at 1-1 with 30 seconds left in the first half.
Willowbrook came out in the second half and scored three unanswered goals to go up 4-1.
“We were winning 4-1 and then got complacent thinking we won the game and Downers Grove South scored two goals in two minutes with five minutes left in the game,” DeLaCruz noted.
Willowbrook junior goalie Mario Giase made two key saves in the closing minutes.
“Mario made two ridiculous saves in the final two minutes to keep the lead and win the game,” said DeLaCruz.
DeLaCruz was thankful for the support the team received on senior night. “The stadium was rocking with fans for senior night,” he said.
Through late last week Willowbrook was 5-10 overall.
“We have been playing better as of late with our injured players returning,” said DeLaCruz. “The bulk and middle of our schedule we were missing four starters, which is why we struggled.”
In other recent action, Willowbrook lost 2-1 to Addison Trail and defeated Proviso West 8-2.
DeLaCruz cited recent strong play from senior captains Correa (center-mid), Florey (forward) and Tomas Hernandez (center-back defense).
“All three of them and Mario our goalie have been invited to the Pepsi Showdown Showcase on Friday, Nov. 24, to show the talents of the best high-school soccer players in Illinois,” DeLaCruz announced. “It’s a true honor.”
Willowbrook played Hinsdale South in a WSC Gold game earlier this week to close out the regular season. The Warriors open Class 3A regional action Saturday at 1 p.m., at Hoffman Estates.
