Coming off a regional championship and a 15-5-4 record last season, the Oak Park and River Forest soccer team entered this season with high expectations. Ranked No. 8 in the state in a pre-season soccer poll, the Huskies have actually opted for patience and perspective as fuel to steadily improve before peaking just in time for the state playoffs that begin Oct. 4.
After some early season losses to Maine West and Prospect coupled with “being on every opponent’s radar” as a ranked team, Huskies head coach Paul Wright knew his team had the goods to be successful but was going through an adjustment phase.
“I don’t believe a boys soccer team has ever been ranked before at OPRF,” said Wright, in his second year as head coach. “Our boys had to learn other teams were not going to just roll over against us. We also have a big roster with over 20 players so it has taken some time for the team to jell. With steady improvement, we’re climbing up the ladder.”
Last week, the Huskies (10-4-3, 3-1 West Suburban Silver Conference) delivered on some of the promise with a pair of impressive shutouts: 5-0 over Hinsdale South and 4-0 over Whitney Young.
Against Young, junior forward Drew Golz scored three goals and goalkeeper Eric Lindermann earned his fifth shutout of the season. It was the Huskies’ second victory over the Dolphins this year, but more significantly, a tangible sign of how much the team has improved in a matter of just a few weeks.
Along with the stellar play of Golz and Lindermann, the Huskies have received fine efforts from several players. Center midfielders Mark Rosenberg, a returning all-conference player, and Pat Koller dictate the flow and direction of a game for OPRF. Matt Gebert, a natural left footed player who was called up from the junior varsity, has helped stabilize the left back position.
The Huskies, who are on pace to accumulate more wins under Wright’s watch then the previous four seasons combined, have lofty goals for the rest of the season, starting with hopefully regional and sectional championships. OPRF will open regional play with a tough match against cross-town rival Fenwick and a potential showdown with conference rival and the No.1 regional seed, Lyons.
Last season, the Huskies lost a heartbreaking 2-1 decision to Morton in the final 36 seconds of the sectional semifinal to end their season.
OPRF, currently tied with Hinsdale Central and Lyons for first place in the Silver Division, hosts Glenbard West and also celebrates its Senior Day Saturday at 10 a.m. against Mount Carmel.
