Huskies fall to Mustangs in possible playoff preview

By Curt Herron

There were a lot of similarities between host Downers Grove South and Oak Park and River Forest heading into Thursday's nonconference meeting.

Both squads were off to 8-1-2 starts this season and had won seven of their last eight matches with the loss coming by a 1-0 score to a quality opponent.

Each is at or near the top of their respective division in the West Suburban Conference and the pair was recently assigned to the Class 3A Argo Sectional.

Not surprisingly, things were pretty even between the Mustangs and Huskies throughout much of a match that figured to be a low-scoring, defensive affair.

In a contest featuring few great scoring chances for either squad, Downers South made the most of one of those opportunities late in the opening half.

With 6:37 remaining before the break, Joe McLean sent a pass to Kyle Wolf, who got free for a short shot which gave the Mustangs a 1-0 advantage.

Then thanks to the efforts of South's center backs, David Masolak and Tim Herlihy, the Huskies struggled in their attempts to get the equalizer.

Complicating matters was a strong crosswind, which likely affected OPRF more due to its use of keeper Sam Euler's free kicks as part of its attack.

Wolf's goal wound up as the lone score and keeper Sam Hadley made some big stops to post his sixth shutout as Downers South claimed a 1-0 victory.

Other WSC powers such as Morton, Lyons Township, Downers Grove North and Hinsdale Central join the Mustangs and the Huskies in the upcoming sectional.

While postseason pairings are still to be determined, there's a possibility that Downers South and OPRF will be seeded fourth and fifth in that field.

If that proves to be the case, the squads may match up again in a regional championship where the stakes will be much higher than they were Thursday.

For the time being, coach Jon Stapleton's Mustangs (9-1-2) have earned the right to claim the upper hand over coach Paul Wrights's Huskies (8-2-2).

Click to hear coach Jon Stapleton interview

Downers South has now won five straight matches since losing 1-0 in penalty kicks to Louisville Trinity in the Great Midwest Classic in Indianapolis.

Defense has been a big reason for the Mustangs' success so far this season, with the squad recording six shutouts during its last nine matches.

Meanwhile, the Huskies had won three straight matches since suffering their only previous defeat, which was a 1-0 setback to unbeaten Libertyville.

OPRF has also relied on its defense to get off to a good start, allowing only three goals and posting five shutouts in its previous eight matches.

But while the Huskie defense executed well enough to get another win, their coach was disappointed with how his team played during the opening half.

Click to hear coach Paul Wright interview

Downers South had the first good chances of the match, beginning with a bouncer to Euler from Conor Kelch and a liner over the net by Nick Suker.

The Huskies didn't really challenge the Mustang keeper until about 15 minutes into the match when Kelly Foran sent a long bouncer toward the net.

Later, Elias El Metennani sent a long free kick over the net and then Hadley stopped a grounder from Stephen Golz and a bouncer from Roman Zwarycz.

With about 15 minutes left before the break, Masolak sent a free kick toward Kelch, who got off a short attempt which went to the Huskies keeper.

Not long after that, Euler set up for a free kick just inside the midfield stripe and managed to send in a liner which deflected off the crossbar.

Then as the first half was winding down, McLean sent a pass toward Wolf, who was able to connect for what turned out to be the match's only goal.

Click to hear Kyle Wolf interview

Wolf nearly added another score with 5:10 remaining in the first half, but his short shot attempt was deflected away by Euler for a corner kick.

Both squads had one other chance before halftime but McLean was denied on a line drive and El Metennani later sent a corner kick right to Hadley.

The hosts applied pressure at the start of the final half but Euler punched Joe Sombeck's corner over the net and Suker was just wide on a try.

Shortly after the midway point of the second half, McLean sent a free kick to Euler, and a short time later, Huskie Marcus Machado hit the post.

Not long after that, McLean had a liner knocked away by Euler for a corner kick and then Suker saw an attempt deflected for another corner kick.

Click to hear Nick Suker interview

Downers South has four more nonconference matches before its next WSC Gold match, starting with Saturday's noon contest at Lemont.

OPRF plays three more nonconference matches, beginning with Monday's trip to St. Patrick, before it returns to WSC Silver action.

Both squads find out where they're seeded in the sectional next Wednesday and the IHSA announces postseason pairings next Friday.