The old anything-can-happen adage rang true on Saturday afternoon when the Fenwick soccer team upset cross-town rival OPRF 1-0 in double overtime to win the Class 3A Oak Park Regional Championship.
Despite being outshot 26-6 in the game, the Friars (11-8-2) prevailed with 2:31 left in the second overtime on a goal by Alex Holterman. The Huskies, who closed out the season with a record of 16-7-1, had four shots on goal bounce off the posts.
“I have to give [Fenwick head coach] Rob Watson and his crew credit. It was a great game,” said OPRF head coach Paul Wright. “Will Rigali was great to watch; he battled so hard the whole game when playing on the top and in the back.”
Mike Jank recorded his eighth shutout in goal for the Friars, who take on highly-ranked Lyons Township today (Wednesday, Oct. 28) in the semifinal of the Hinsdale Central Sectional (3:30 p.m.). The Lions currently hold an overall record of 21-3.
To open the playoffs, the Friars came away with a 1-0 win over Hinsdale South when a shot by Fenwick winger Mike Comiskey deflected off a Hornets player into the goal. The play occurred halfway through the first half.
Also against Hinsdale South, Jank thwarted a hard-hit shot on goal in the second half by diving to the lower corner.
The Huskies thumped Argo 4-1 in the opening round. Jordan Golz led the onslaught with two goals, while Chimela Eneogwe and Noe Espinoza each netted a goal apiece. Golz, a senior headed to Wheaton College in the fall, finished his high school soccer career with 20 goals on the season.
“Jordan made sure every player was respected and on the same page from senior to freshman – everyone was accepted and part of the program no matter starter or role player,” Wright said of his forward. “Jordan did not have one yellow card this season and he was abused game in and game out, but never complained. He just battled and shrugged and smiled it off. People may not notice that but coaches and players do. He was our go-to player this year and took this program to another level.”
The Huskies are expected to return seven starters next year, including goalkeeper Sam Euler, who, as a junior, posted nine shutouts this season.
