Neuqua pushed into third place game

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Throughout the season, the New Trier Trevians have played with a chip on their shoulder as they looked to avenge their super-sectional upset loss that ended last year's season.

The Trevians are now one game away from accomplishing their state title goal as they defeated a tough Neuqua Valley team 4-0 on Friday night at the Benedetti-Wehrlil Stadium at North Central College.

Matt Strauss recorded the only goal of the first half when he made some moves on an isolated Wildcat defender and blasted a shot from 25 yards away that was just underneath the post. The goal was Strauss' eighth of the season.

The second half belonged to the Trevians and the goal that set the tone was scored just 1:59 into the final period.

Ryan Foreman made a cut move past a defender then sent an arc ball to the Trevians' lead scorer, Ryan McCrudden. McCrudden headed the ball just beyond the reach of Neuqua goalkeeper, Jack Turancik for his 21st goal of the season.

"As soon as we scored that second goal we knew we could put more in. There was a lot of time left but I think it (the goal) really broke their backs," Foreman said. "All of these guys have been together since our under-nine team and we are not only playing for ourselves, but for the seniors last year who are sitting in the stands that didn't get the title."

Both teams had missed chances to score. Neuqua dodged a bullet when a shot hit Turancik's gloves and the artificial turf slowed the ball down enough for it to clear. One minute later, Neuqua hit the post on a free kick and it bounced in the six-yard box creating a scrum for the ball. It was finally cleared out by the Trevians.

Michael Alpogianis added an insurance goal with 14:33 left as he took the feed from Foreman from the far side of the box and buried the shot with his right foot. Just 3:33 later McCrudden picked up his second goal of the game when he controlled a cross field pass and touched it into the net.

"They are the best team we have played all year and they really play with confidence," said Jim Johns, Neuqua Valley head coach. "We played with passion the whole game but it is just hard to play against them (New Trier). We had our opportunities but we either hit the goalie or the post."

Neuqua plays at 6 p.m. in the third place match against Boylan, which lost to Edwardsville 1-0 in the early game.