As the first half of the Class 3A Hinsdale South Regional final drew to a close, Oak Park-River Forest midfielder Sam Menzies found himself in a great position to score.
Menzies was positioned near the opposite goal post on a corner kick with the Huskies trailing 1-0 against Downers Grove South on Saturday, Oct. 24. The ball found its way to Menzies, but his shot was blocked by Mustangs goalie Sam Dunford as the half expired.
It was a rare first-half scoring chance for Oak Park-River Forest, which eventually lost 2-0 to Downers Grove South.
“I was waiting at the back post, waiting for that flick off the head,” Menzies said. “I just could not capitalize, but their goalie had a good save and got a hand on it. We work on set plays on corners, where to position yourself. We were trying to get opportunities up the field, it just was not working out.”
Menzies is a sophomore who moved up to varsity during the season, so he will get the chance to grow from the disappointment of the regional loss.
“You learn to keep your head up and listen to the seniors,” Menzies said. “You listen to what people tell you and work hard. Even though it is not your last game, you work your hardest and give 110 percent.”
The Huskies (11-7-1 ) had more scoring opportunities in the second half, but were not able to find the net.
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Huskies goaltender Will Dunne sent several free kicks midfield to place pressure on the Mustangs. It is a play that Oak Park-River Forest has used throughout the season.
“(We do it) just to get numbers in front of the ball. You want to crash their goalkeeper,” Dunne said. “They have a great goalkeeper, who is very good and very strong.
“(The strategy) is just so we can get an extra man in the box. I am pretty confident in putting balls in, putting them on frame. It is something we want to do a lot.”
Dunne, who played his last game for the Huskies, recalled his top memories.
“Soccer-wise, it was beating (Lyons) 1-0,” Dunne said. “It was a great feeling with the guys. We have played them at every level. You know all the guys, so it was great to beat them.
“It is great to put on a jersey and play for your school. That is something I live for.”
Huskies coach Paul Wright was pleased with his team’s effort on the season, including on Saturday.
“These guys they came and battled and worked hard, you cannot fault their effort” Wright said.
Downers Grove South (14-4-3) scored with about 12 minutes left in the first half, when Nicholas Rohl knocked in a goal off a header from Peter Becht. Rohl added a second goal on a penalty kick in the second half.
Patrick Kelly is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.