The Sentinel: Postseason Soccer

Tigers exit soccer postseason in a heartbreaking thriller

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

With Mahomet-Seymour defender Ethan Ramirez on his heals, Urbana's Nana Winner fires a shot on the Mahomet-Seymour goal. Winner missed the mark on the second half shot that could have extended the Tigers' season another week.

URBANA - In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs clinched their second consecutive regional title in a nail-biting penalty shootout against the Urbana Tigers. The game, played on a chilly day at Randy Blackman Field in Urbana on Friday, was a testament to the grit and tenacity of both teams, with neither able to break the deadlock in regulation time or the two 10-minute overtime periods.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Bulldogs' Travis Hoffman and Tigers' Matthew Bodony leap to win a header during second half action. Despite controlling the tempo and their aggressive attacks on the Mahomet-Seymour goal in the second half, Urbana could not catch a break getting the ball in the net.

Expectations were high for the Tigers after shutting out Danville 7-zip in Tuesday's semifinal match.

"I think we finally hit our stride at the right point of the season," Urbana head coach Mikki Kowalski said after the victory propelled the Tigers on a collision course with the Bulldogs. "We struggled to have shutouts. It is finally nice to get one in a game that means something."

Kowalski, urged the team to stay focused and continue applying the strategy they had practiced during their halftime huddle. "We keep moving the ball, chances are we will get clear opportunities," Kowalski said. "When you see their back line move, apply a little more pressure."

Urbana keeper Jevan Juday echoed his coach's sentiments, advising his teammates to focus on 1-2 touches when the Bulldogs pressed too hard for the ball.

"If we play one-two touch, it is going to benefit us," he said, pointing out that whenever the Tigers got the ball into Mahomet-Seymour's half of the field, the Tigers had the advantage of numbers pressing the ball forward. "Everything has to be 100%. Boom-boom-boom."

Urbana dominated ball possession for the majority of the second half, creating numerous opportunities and taking solid shots on goal. However, they found an insurmountable obstacle in Bulldog Keeper Hayden Litteken. The senior made 17 crucial saves during his 100 minutes on the field.

Left: Urbana's Isaac Quintas keeps the ball away from a Mahomet-Seymour challenger. Middle: Hayden Litteken makes a diving save for the Bulldogs before Tigers' Fortunel Nana could tap the ball to finish. Right: UHS' Hayden Barton takes possession of the ball in the second half. Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Urbana, 11-9-1 for the season, matched its opponents, kick for kick, in the shootout under the lights until the seventh, a miss that handed the IHSA championship plaque to Mahomet-Seymour (16-7-2). Bulldogs' Kade Smith, a freshman who didn't miss, slipped the ball into the Urbana goal for the win.

Mahomet-Seymour, no stranger to postseason drama, had previously won their regional semifinal match against Mt. Zion in overtime earlier in the week, handing the Braves a 3-2 loss via the decisive goal in the first overtime session.

With the victory, Mahomet-Seymour advances to the Warrensburg-Latham sectional, where they will face Glenwood High School on Wednesday at 4 pm. The winner of that match will take on the victor of the other sectional semifinal between Champaign Centennial (13-7-2) and Springfield High School (16-7), both of whom finished third in their respective athletic conferences.

Keywords: Mahomet-Seymour soccer, Urbana soccer, Regional title match, Penalty kick shootout, Illinois high school soccer, Hayden Litteken

Despite earlier milestones, Spartans soccer season ends with loss to Pioneers

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Exhausted and heartbroken, junior Zach Harper (standing) and senior Logan Mills take a moment to regain their composure after Spartans' season-ending loss to Normal U-High at the Monticello Sectional on Saturday.

MONTICELLO - St. Joseph-Ogden’s remarkable soccer season came to a close on Saturday as they fell 6-0 to Normal University High School in the sectional semifinal at Monticello’s soccer complex. The Spartans, who had been dominant throughout the season, were held scoreless for the first time all year in a tough matchup against the defending Class 1A state runner-up.

The loss marked only the Spartans' third defeat of the season, finishing with a 22-3-1 record. Despite the disappointment, SJO can look back on a historic campaign, having scored 172 goals this season, more than any other team in Illinois High School Association (IHSA) history, regardless of class. The Spartans also set a program record with 22 wins, showcasing the team’s growth and offensive prowess.

Coming into the sectional semifinal on the back of a five-game winning streak, where they outscored opponents 45-5, the Spartans had every reason to be confident. However, U-High’s precision and disciplined play proved too much to handle. The Pioneers, now 21-5-1, displayed their experience and senior leadership, especially in the first half, where they quickly established control of the match by scoring four goals.

U-High’s defense was equally impressive. Known for their tight formations and tactical discipline, the Pioneers managed to stifle SJO’s high-powered offense throughout the game. The Spartans, who had averaged nine goals per match in their previous five games, struggled to create meaningful chances. Normal’s defense consistently denied the Spartans any scoring opportunities, particularly during the first 28 minutes of the second half when SJO was desperately searching for a breakthrough.

The Spartans’ best opportunity came late in the match when Zach Harper broke free of U-High’s defensive line with just over five minutes left. Harper’s one-on-one chance against Pioneer goalkeeper Noah Grieshaber could have ended SJO’s scoring drought, but Grieshaber came up with a crucial stop, preserving the shutout and sealing the Pioneers’ victory.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Logan Mills tries to dribble the ball around Normal University's Bryce Nicolas-Penn (right) and Connor Evans during the first half.

Normal U-High’s balanced performance, marked by precise passing and organized teamwork, propelled them into the sectional final. They will face Fisher-GCMS (20-3-1) on Tuesday in what promises to be a highly competitive match.

For St. Joseph-Ogden, Saturday’s defeat brought an end to a memorable season. Led by seniors like Alexis Acosta Reyes, Carter Turner, and Logan Mills, the Spartans will be remembered for their record-breaking offensive achievements and their resilience throughout the year. In head coach Chris Stevens’ second term, the Spartans compiled an impressive 36-11-1 record over two seasons, cementing their status as one of the top programs in Class 1A.

As the Spartans reflect on a year filled with highlights, including three more wins than any previous team in program history, the foundation is in place for a successful campaign in 2025. With underclassmen like Harper and sophomore goalkeeper Jaxson Colvin set to return next season, the future remains bright for St. Joseph-Ogden soccer.

This year's team seniors included Alexis Acosta Reyes, Carson Sharp, Carter Turner, Davin Alvarez, Eli Birt, Logan Mills, Logan Patton, and Will Besson. Juniors on the squad included Branson Pearman, Rudra Chaudhary, Chris Coffey, Cooper Kietzman, Quinn Stahl, and Zach Harper. Jaxson Colvin, Nicholas Harris, Skyler Graham, Steven Newman, Tyler Hess, Waylon Jones, and Yadiel Acosta Reyes made up the sophomore class, with Hunter Cler as the only freshman on this year's varsity squad.

Stevens was assisted this season by Dan Ahart and Marcus Harris.

Keywords: St. Joseph-Ogden soccer sectional semifinal, SJO vs Normal U-High soccer playoff Illinois high school soccer Class 1A, Normal University High soccer win over SJO, IHSA soccer playoff results 2023, SJO soccer record-breaking season

Oakwood-Salt Fork soccer advances to Sweet Sixteen after regional shutout

HOOPESTON - Oakwood-Salt Fork (OSF) claimed their second consecutive IHSA regional soccer title Wednesday with a commanding 6-0 victory over Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Westville (GRFW) in the final at Hoopeston Area High School. Led by a standout performance from Ethan Merritt, who tallied three goals and an assist, the Comets controlled the match from start to finish, adding yet another chapter to an impressive season under head coach Eric Fenton.

The win improved OSF’s record to 22-3, with a perfect 12-0 mark in the Vermilion Valley Conference, as they continue to build momentum heading into the Class 1A sectional semifinals. Their next challenge will be Fisher-Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley (FGCMS), a formidable opponent riding an eight-game win streak. OSF will look to avenge their October 8 loss to FGCMS in the upcoming showdown.

Comet striker Macen Phillips pushes the ball away from St. Joseph-Ogden's Tyler Hess during their early season match in August. Macen delivered two goals in OSF's title victory.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

From the opening whistle, OSF dominated possession and created multiple scoring opportunities, finishing the first half with a comfortable 3-0 lead. The Comets struck early when Macen Phillips connected on a pass from Merritt to open the scoring. Merritt then added two goals of his own before the break, converting assists from Saul Carrillo and Mason Swartz to put OSF in complete control.

In the second half, the Comets picked up where they left off. Phillips scored his second goal of the match, once again assisted by Carrillo, while Merritt completed his hat trick just minutes later, courtesy of another assist from Carrillo. Swartz rounded out the scoring, netting the final goal on a pass from Cooper McCrae, capping off a dominant offensive display.

The Comets outshot GRFW 32-8, with 17 of those shots on target, compared to just five from the Buffaloes. Goalkeeper Matt Darling of GRFW faced constant pressure throughout the match, making 11 saves to keep the score from getting even more out of hand. Meanwhile, OSF keeper Jakob Rupp had a quieter night but still managed five saves to preserve the shutout.

For GRFW, the loss marked the end of a season in which they finished 7-10 overall and 4th in the Vermilion Valley Conference with a 5-7 record. The Buffaloes were unable to find the offensive spark they needed, as their leading scorer, junior forward Simonas Ankstutis, was held scoreless. Ankstutis, who averages 2.5 goals per game and leads his team with 75 shots on goal this season, struggled to break through OSF’s organized defense. Senior midfielder Elijha Jones and freshman forward Landon Heck were similarly stifled, as GRFW managed just eight total shots, with few clear scoring opportunities.

The regional title represents a continuation of OSF’s upward trajectory under Fenton. Last season, the Comets finished 17-8-1, winning the conference with a 10-2 record before falling to Bloomington Central Catholic in the sectional semifinals. Now, with a deeper squad and more experience, OSF appears poised for a deeper postseason run.

Standing in their way is a rematch against FGCMS, who boast a 19-3-1 record and have not lost since September 25. FGCMS is known for its defensive discipline, having allowed only a handful of goals during their current winning streak. Their only recent loss came against Coal City in a 1-0 defeat decided by a late second-half goal.

Saturday’s match, set for 10 a.m. at Monticello High School, will offer OSF a chance to avenge their previous 2-0 loss to FGCMS and continue their quest for a sectional title. With Merritt and Phillips in top form, the Comets will look to test the Bunnies’ defense while relying on their own balanced approach to maintain control of the match.

For OSF, this postseason run represents more than just an opportunity for redemption. With their sights set on a potential state tournament appearance, the Comets are riding a wave of confidence and form as they enter the final stretch of the season.

St. Joseph-Ogden dominates again! Spartan soccer team wins first regional title in 12 years

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Zach Harper sets up a pass in St. Joseph-Ogden's home match against Central Catholic on October 1. Harper led the Spartans with another hat trick in their long awaited - and expected - regional title.

ST. ANNE - St. Joseph-Ogden captured its first regional soccer title in over a decade with a commanding 7-2 victory over Watseka on Wednesday, clinching the St. Anne Regional Championship. The Spartans, who hadn’t tasted postseason success since 2012, are in the midst of a remarkable season, improving their record to 22-2-1 and extending their current win streak to 15 games.

The Spartans displayed their balanced offensive attack once again, led by Zach Harper, who scored a hat trick and added an assist. Harper’s relentless playmaking has been a cornerstone of St. Joseph-Ogden’s dominance this season, and his performance against Watseka proved vital. Yadi Acosta contributed two goals to the Spartans' cause, while Alex Acosta and Tyler Hess each added a goal, with Hess also registering an assist. Logan Mills played the role of facilitator with two assists, and goalkeeper Jaxson Colvin made seven saves on nine shots to anchor the defense.

Despite Watseka's spirited effort in the first half, which saw them score two goals, the Spartans carried a 3-2 lead into halftime. St. Joseph-Ogden’s ability to control possession and create opportunities through its well-organized midfield and clinical finishing proved too much for Watseka to handle. The second half was all Spartans, as they rattled off four unanswered goals to seal the victory.

Tyler Hess attacks the Central Catholic goal looking for a solo shot or open teammate to send the ball. Hess, who is a quiet force behind SJO's dominant offense, scored one goal and notched an assist in his team's first regional title in 12 years.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Watseka, who struggled against St. Joseph-Ogden in their previous meeting earlier this month—an 8-0 shutout—fought valiantly to stay within striking distance in the first half. However, they were ultimately overwhelmed by the Spartans’ tactical adjustments and superior depth. Wednesday’s match marked St. Joseph-Ogden’s 15th consecutive win, a streak bolstered by 14 shutouts throughout the season.

As the final whistle blew, the Spartans celebrated their long-awaited regional title, a moment that seemed increasingly likely as they breezed through the Illini Prairie Conference without dropping a match. Now, with a regional championship under their belts, St. Joseph-Ogden turns its attention to the Monticello Class 1A sectional semifinals, where they will face a formidable opponent in Normal University.

The Spartans' upcoming match against Normal University will be a significant test. The Pioneers, with a 20-5-1 record, finished the regular season with an undefeated 7-0-1 mark in the highly competitive Central State Eight Conference. They boast wins over Sacred Heart Griffin, Quincy Notre Dame, and all five Big Twelve Conference schools on their schedule. Known for their defensive discipline and midfield control, Normal University will pose a unique challenge for St. Joseph-Ogden, whose high-powered offense has made quick work of most opponents this season.

Saturday’s clash at noon will not only test St. Joseph-Ogden’s ability to maintain their scoring prowess but also how they manage against a team with the caliber of Normal University’s defense. While the Spartans have largely been dominant, outscoring opponents by wide margins, Normal University’s balanced approach could force them to adapt their strategy. The Spartans' success may hinge on their ability to break down a defense that has held its own against some of the state’s top programs.

Steven Newman keeps the ball away from two Blue Ridge players during SJO's home match on September 16. Newman, a sophomore, and the Spartans made quick work of the Knights in the 9-0 shutout.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

With the Spartans riding high on confidence and momentum, the stage is set for an intense matchup that could determine the trajectory of St. Joseph-Ogden’s playoff run. As they seek their first sectional title since their 2012 campaign, the Spartans will need to rely on the consistency and leadership of players like Harper, the Acosta brothers, and Hess, who have been key contributors throughout the season.

For a team that has consistently found the back of the net and controlled matches with superior tactics, St. Joseph-Ogden’s success against Normal University will likely depend on whether they can replicate the offensive precision that has been their hallmark. If they continue to perform at this level, the Spartans could very well extend their remarkable season even further.

St. Joseph-Ogden’s triumph over Watseka represents not only the end of a long postseason drought but also the beginning of a promising path deeper into the playoffs. With a talented roster and a winning mentality, the Spartans look poised to make a serious run at a state title.

Keywords: St. Joseph-Ogden soccer regional championship, SJO vs Watseka soccer, Illinois Class 1A sectional soccer, St. Joseph-Ogden high school soccer, Normal University vs SJO soccer playoff

Mahomet-Seymour edges Mt. Zion 3-2 in OT thriller to advance to regional final

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Alexandre Chequim-Fiho celebrates after his overtime score in Mahomet-Seymour's Class 2A semifinal game on Tuesday. The Bulldogs advanced to Friday's regional championship game after beating Mt. Zion, 3-2.

URBANA - Mahomet-Seymour secured a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory over Mt. Zion in the IHSA soccer regional semifinals on Tuesday, punching their ticket to the regional championship match. A late surge by the Bulldogs, capped by sophomore Alexandre Chequim-Fiho's overtime goal, sealed the win after a hard-fought battle at the Urbana Tigers Athletic Complex.

Mt. Zion controlled much of the first half, with forward Greg Frazier striking twice. His first goal came with 23:27 left in the half, followed by a second at the 9:40 mark, giving the Braves a 2-0 lead and momentum as the half wound down. However, Mahomet-Seymour responded before the break with senior Travis Hoffman netting his 23rd goal of the season, trimming the deficit to 2-1 just 39 seconds before halftime.

The second half saw both teams exchange opportunities, but neither side could break through until the closing minutes. With just 2:40 remaining in regulation, the Bulldogs found the equalizer through Brody Back, sending the match into overtime.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Bulldog goalkeeper Hayden Litteken leaps forward to block a shot by Mt. Zion's Will Grohne in the second half.

In the first overtime period, Mahomet-Seymour capitalized on their renewed momentum. Chequim-Fiho found the back of the net with 1:57 left, putting the Bulldogs ahead 3-2. Despite a strong push from Mt. Zion in the second overtime, including several near-miss opportunities, Mahomet-Seymour’s defense held firm to preserve the victory.

With the win, Mahomet-Seymour improved to 15-7-2 on the season. The Bulldogs, who captured the Apollo Conference title with an 8-1-1 record, have now strung together two consecutive wins in the postseason. They will face Urbana on Friday for the regional championship. Mahomet-Seymour previously defeated Urbana 1-0 earlier in the season, setting the stage for a tightly contested rematch at the Tigers Athletic Complex, with kickoff set for 4 p.m.

Mt. Zion (12-9-2) saw their season come to a close with the overtime defeat. The Braves, who finished third in the Apollo Conference with a 6-3-1 record, were known for their strong defensive efforts, recording seven shutouts during the season. However, despite a promising start in Tuesday's semifinal, they were unable to hold off the late charge by Mahomet-Seymour.

Keywords: Mahomet-Seymour soccer, Mt. Zion soccer loss, IHSA regional semifinals, Apollo Conference soccer, Illinois high school soccer, Mahomet-Seymour vs Urbana soccer

Photo Gallery |
Unity soccer wins first postseason match

Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Andrew Berkey tries to take possession of the ball from Monticello's Will Trimble during their regional quarterfinal game last Wednesday. The Rockets, who defeated the Sages 3-2 in their Illini Prairie league match, won the postseason matchup 3-1, advancing to the semifinal against Fisher on Saturday. Below are 20 photos from last week's home match.