Lake Forest's soccer team denied trip to Final Four by New Trier
CHICAGO -- Lake Forest High's defense had been spot-on with no goals allowed during its four-game win streak in the IHSA Class 4A boys soccer playoffs.
But two defensive lapses in the first half of Tuesday's Round of 8 super-sectional here at Loyola University against defending state-champion New Trier proved costly to the Scouts in a 2-1 loss.
(JOEL LERNER/STM)
Lake Forest (19-4-1) dominated time of possession for most of the contest, but the Trevians' defense held up under the attack -- especially in the final 20 minutes which was played mainly in the Scouts' offensive zone.
"We had our opportunities with plenty of shots right at the (New Trier) keeper and even one off the goal post, but we just couldn't get one to tie the game," said Lake Forest coach Rob Parry. "New Trier had two good chances and made the most of those shots, while we didn't make the most out of our shots."
A pair of defensive lapses by Lake Forest in the first half helped create opportunities for a pair of goals by New Trier senior striker Ben Beaver in the 12th and 37th minutes.
A poor decision to pass across the middle of the goal box, and a bad clearing attempt were both capitalized on by Beaver, who was the player in the right position for the Trevians to give them a 2-0 halftime lead.
"We had a couple of mistakes which we haven't made in our last four games which cost us," said Parry. "New Trier punished us when we made those mistakes. You can't give a player like Beaver the ball in those positions. He's going to make you pay."
In the second half, Lake Forest showed its heart by taking it to the Trevians with its possession-passing game.
Cameron Offer finally got the Scouts on the scoreboard in the 54th minute as he won the ball in the scramble in front of New Trier keeper John Secaras and deposited it in the back of the net.
Lake Forest kept the pressure on the rest of the way -- including two solid shots by Cole Smith into the hands of Secaras in the 50th minute and off the woodwork with under 10 minutes to play, and some nifty ball control by midfielder Harry Shipp -- but couldn't get the equalizer.
"We didn't give up in the second half, and that shows the character of this team and our seniors," said Parry.
Parry praised his upperclassmen and the leadership they have shown in this record-breaking season.
"We have 15 seniors who have worked very hard for us for the last four years," he said. "We tied a school record with our 19 wins, and that's a tribute to those seniors who raised the bar for our program. They are going to be missed."
THE NUMBERS GAME
TREVIANS 2, SCOUTS 1
New Trier 2 0 -- 2
Lake Forest 0 1 -- 1
Shots -- New Trier 15, Lake Forest 9. Shots on goal -- New Trier 5, Lake Forest 3. Corners -- New Trier 0, Lake Forest 5. Fouls -- New Trier 9, Lake Forest 9.
