Few soccer teams can match the artistic attack of Barrington’s forwards and midfielders.
With Nash Pirie running on the wing, the Broncos’ standout forward combination of Caleb Orr and Klaus Pallan is a sight to behold that often flummoxed opponents this season.
Conant discovered that the hard way on Friday in a Class 3A state semifinal at Hoffman Estates. The Cougars jumped out to a 2-0 halftime lead against the Broncos and looked to be in position to beat their Mid-Suburban West rivals.
Barrington beat Conant twice during the regular season, and it only took a minute for the Broncos to show off their talent, drive and skill level as the second half began. Eight minutes later, and Barrington had taken the lead and was on its way back to the state final, the program’s first title-game appearance since 2007.
“It was just passion and hard work,” said Orr, who started the second-half surge with a goal in the 41st minute and also assisted Pallan on the third goal minutes later. “We came back from being down and changed the game in a minute and seven seconds. We never stop working. It’s all about being together as a team, working hard, and I think we did that.”
The dream season ended just short of the optimal prize Saturday, as Barrington fought off an early deficit against Naperville North and scored the equalizer at the start of the second half before allowing two late goals in a 3-1 loss. Barrington took second to wrap up its season.
“Against Conant, we were extremely clinical in the second half,” Orr said. “We weren’t as clinical tonight, and it showed.”
Barrington (23-4-1) recaptured the same second-half magic against the Huskies as Pirie made a great run and cross to Pallan for the equalizer in the 41st minute.
Despite allowing the early goal in the seventh minute on a set piece, Barrington strung together the more consistent play and created far more opportunities.
With 10 returning starters, Barrington entered the season with excitement and purpose. Barrington suffered surprising first-round tournament losses the last two years.
The seniors were ready to go out with a flourish.
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“I think the game that set us apart and made us realize we are not a team to be messed with was when we played Wheeling in the MSL Cup game (on Oct. 13),” Pirie said. “We were playing a man down with five minutes left and scored two goals to take the game to overtime before we lost. At that point, we realized we could beat anybody.”
Despite its loss in the state final, Barrington’s season put it in elite company.
“Years from now, how are we going to describe this team?” coach Scott Steib asked. “It was a team that never stopped. Against Conant we were down two and it didn’t matter. Tonight against a great team, we were down one and it never mattered. We just kept coming, and I am very proud.”
Pallan ended the year with a remarkable 31 goals and six assists. He was named player of the year by the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association. It was hardly a one-man team. Thirteen different players recorded goals this year. Senior Alex Ruffolo split keeper duties with Brett Sprengel and Cal Uhryniak.
“We made a great memory out here,” Pirie said. “It is something we are going to remember for the rest of our lives. I wish we could just keep on playing and go on forever.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press