It took eight seasons for the Lisle boys soccer program to go from inaugural year to first state championship appearance.
It felt like longer to coach Paul Kohorn.
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“This season itself felt like it was (that) long,” said Kohorn, who is leaving after this season to be an assistant for the Aurora University women’s team.
Thanks to three goals from senior midfielder Grant Fitzgerald, the Lions (16-9-1) prevailed 3-2 in two overtimes Friday against Stillman Valley in a Class 1A state semifinal at North Central College in Naperville.
“We started the season 0-3. Now to be here and going to the state finals is crazy to think about,” Fitzgerald said.
With four minutes remaining in the second overtime, Fitzgerald netted the game-winner off a corner kick from junior midfielder Pat Webb.
“I love scoring,” Fitzgerald said, “but I wouldn’t be able to it without guys like Pat.”
Despite being outshot 8-4 by the Cardinals (21-4) in the first half, Lisle took a 2-1 lead into halftime.
Fitzgerald, the Lions’ all-time leading scorer, had a point-blank goal four minutes in. Sophomore midfielder Eric Osika was credited with the assist. Fitzgerald struck again in the 34th minute, this time with an assist from sophomore forward AK Kamara.
Senior forward Uriel Perez scored Stillman Valley’s first goal. Perez had a chance to tie the score before halftime, but hit the left post on a breakaway. He scored the tying goal in the second half on a header after the ball was crossed into the box by junior Devin Standard.
Kohorn looked to his senior leader once again in overtime.
“Sometimes Grant takes over practice, too.” Kohorn said. “That makes it very easy for me.”
Player of the match:
Grant Fitzgerald, Lisle, 3 goals.
Key performers:
Lisle – Eric Osika, assist; AK Kamara, assist. Stillman Valley – Uriel Perez, 2 goals.