Patrick Z. McGavin – Page 81

Libertyville's Tanner Kelly (7) heads a ball in front of Collinsville's Trey Przybysz during a Class 3A semifinal on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018.

Saving grace: Zach El Ghatit makes eight saves as Libertyville posts shutout for state semifinal victory

December 11, 2018 at 7:31 p.m.

Libertyville goalkeeper Zach El Ghatit made up for his own error. “I started to come off my line and that was a mistake by me,” he said. “Luckily I was...

Patrick Koenig’s overtime goal sends Naperville North back to Class 3A state title match

December 11, 2018 at 7:25 p.m.

Even when luck went against him, Patrick Koenig never lost his confidence. “I just kept getting chances and I thought eventually I could get one in,” Koenig said. After hitting...

Libertyville's Jack Brennan, left, celebrates with Evan Rasmussen, center, and Tanner Kelley after Brennan scored the go-ahead goal against St. Patrick in the Class 3A Barrington Supersectional on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018.

From a fan to the man: Jack Brennan’s tie-breaking goal sends Libertyville back to state semifinals

December 11, 2018 at 6:48 p.m.

Last season Jack Brennan was a face in the crowd, looking on as a fan as Libertyville reached the state title game. “I watched these guys all the way through...

One-two punch: T.J. Laurich, C.J. Sowers score goals in 7-minute span as Marmion reaches supersectional

December 12, 2018 at 11:17 a.m.

Junior midfielder T.J. Laurich was ready for the pass. In the 77th minute Friday, Laurich controlled a feed from junior midfielder C.J. Sowers and converted his shot as Marmion completed...

Stephen Auw returned for his senior season at Vernon Hills after missing his junior year with an injury.

Vernon Hills boys soccer falls just short of Class 2A sectional title

December 12, 2018 at 11:07 a.m.

Stephen Auw had an entire year to ponder the scenario. The Vernon Hills senior midfielder missed his entire junior year after undergoing surgery in the offseason. “Basically my core muscles...

Streamwood's Leo Magana, left, collides with Dundee-Crown's Aldair Ortega while heading the ball during the Class 3A Hampshire Sectional on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018.

Thrilling finish: Alex Chavez solves Damian Smiech on penalty kick as Streamwood edges Dundee-Crown

December 12, 2018 at 10:23 a.m.

The one-on-one battle between Streamwood forward Alex Chavez and Dundee-Crown goalkeeper Damian Smiech produced a dynamic backdrop to Wednesday’s thrilling game. Smiech, who finished with eight saves, denied Chavez four...

St. Edward's Carson Scarnegie celebrates after scoring the first goal against Parker during the Class 1A Benedictine Supersectional game on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018.

Back to state: Zach Olenek assists on 2 goals with flip throw-ins as St. Edward reaches Final Four

December 12, 2018 at 10:29 a.m.

St. Edward’s Zach Olenek has turned the routine throw-in into an art form. A former gymnast, the senior midfielder draws on his acrobatic background to add a flip to each...

Elgin's Rafael Perez (8) tries to avoid a collision with the goalkeeper during the second half of a game on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017.

Good to go: Rafael Perez’s goal and assist powers Elgin to first regional title in program history

December 12, 2018 at 9:37 a.m.

Senior midfielder Rafael Perez has provided a steady and creative presence for Elgin. “He’s a very high-motor guy and a great player,” Maroons coach David Borg said of Perez. “I...

West Aurora's Andy Emile (12) celebrates with Rashidi Meso (16) and Axel Sanchez (10) after scoring a goal against Plainfield East during a Class 3A Bolingbrook Regional semifinal on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018.

On target: Rashidi Meso scores two goals against Bolingbrook to lead West Aurora into sectional semifinals

December 12, 2018 at 9:32 a.m.

West Aurora’s Rashidi Meso never has to worry about feeling out of place. The junior forward is one of several players on the team who hails from Tanzania. Along with...

West Aurora's Andy Emile, left, gets a shot off against Plainfield East's Colin Nicoski during a Class 3A regional semifinal on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018.

Nerves of steel: Eloi Niyibizi scores the go-ahead goal as West Aurora breaks out in regional semifinals

December 12, 2018 at 8:36 a.m.

Junior midfielder Eloi Niyibizi was ready to prove the recent string of misfortune surrounding West Aurora was a thing of the past. The Blackhawks were trending in the wrong direction...

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