Downers Grove South coach Jon Stapleton knew this year’s boys soccer team had the talent to compete. But a brutal early schedule left the coach modestly optimistic at best.
“It’s not necessarily that I didn’t think the kids would do well, but with this schedule, we had some rough tests early and I didn’t really expect us to pass,” Stapleton said. “But they’re quickly making believers out of me.”
Not only has Downers South passed its tests, but has done so with honors. The Mustangs were 8-0-2 through Monday with impressive showings in two tough tournaments. They’ve been able to do it while fighting multiple injuries.
Three-year starter Eric Diaz, the team’s leading goal scorer with seven goals, had to sit out a 0-0 tie with Hinsdale Central in the Red Devil Cup. The Mustangs went on to win their next two tournament games.
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Junior defender Ryan Strelau was lost for several weeks after injuring his shoulder during the Midwest Classic in Indianapolis. South went 2-0-1 in the tournament. The Mustangs rested forward Nick Rohl last week in a nonconference contest against Bartlett after he sustained a head injury. South beat Bartlett 2-0.
“We’ve definitely had some adversity, but we’ve been able to manage this with different guys stepping in at different times and playing well. It’s been nice to see,” Stapleton said. “It seems like someone different each day is stepping up, and that’s really fun to see as a coach. Yet we still have some room for growth. I don’t think we’ve played our best yet.”
Having a consistent core of returning players has helped. The Mustangs have spread around the scoring, with big goals coming from midfielder Jason Galick. Hunter Thoren has chipped in with timely assists.
Stapleton praised goalie Sam Dumford, who has three shutouts and had several crucial saves during the Indianapolis tournament.
The biggest tests are right around the corner. First is a West Suburban Gold matchup with Hinsdale South for the Southern Bell. Then comes a game against Morton that may show how far this team has come.
“It’s not as if we’re not playing to our ability. We just haven’t been 100 percent with all the pieces in place on the field,” Stapleton said. “We’ve played some very, very good games this year against very good competition. From our vantage point, if we can get healthy and all the pieces out there, we can be as good as any team in the area.”