Sports
Boys Soccer Team Upset by Streamwood
The Sabres surprise the Vikings soccer team Monday with a 2-1 win on a goal in the last two minutes of the game. Geneva is off to a 1-1-1 start after knocking off Wheaton Academy in the first home game on Saturday.
The Geneva Viking boys soccer team was upset by Streamwood, losing 2-1 Monday on a goal with about two minutes to play.
The loss drops Geneva to 1-1-1 on the young season.
Going into the Streamwood game, Geneva was No. 7 in the Chicago Tribune Preps Plus power rankings.
Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Vikings tied Oswego 1-1 in the away opener on Aug. 24, but on Saturday, they played well, as they shut out Wheaton Academy 2-0 in their first home game.
In the Saturday home game, Senior Brady Wahl scored Geneva's first goal 10 minutes into the first period. The Vikings controlled the pace of the game from that point on.
Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Head coach Ryan Estabrook was happy with his team's efforts.
"We played with a lot more energy and focus today at Burgess Field," he said. "We still aren't scoring as many goals as we can, so we need to work on finishing."
Leading 1-0 at halftime, Estabrook said the key was to not be predictable. "Keep that ball moving and look for the gaps in their defense," he told his team.
That advice paid off as Carlos Gonzalez scored the Vikings second goal with 28 minutes remaining in the second period. The Vikings and goalie Steven Soderstrom shut out Wheaton Academy from there.
In addition to the six returning starters from last year's squad, younger players are making an impression on Estabrook, including Soderstrom and Joshua Poythress who he said "played very nicely in a number of roles" on Saturday. It was Soderstrom's first complete shutout in the goal.
In spite of Monday's loss, Geneva is expected to be among the top contenders for the River Division title of the Upstate Eight. The Vikings migrated to the UEC from the Western Sun Conference, where they were conference champions the past four seasons.
The Vikings soccer team plays next at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, in the Chaminade College Prep at the Christian Brothers College High School, 2101 Rue de la Salle Dr, Glencoe, MO.
A Closer Look At Vikings Soccer
Record: 2-0-1
Favorite Opponent: Batavia or St. Charles North
Traditions/Superstitions: "We play a game called World Cup at every practice prior to the playoffs," head coach Ryan Estabrook said.
Key Players: Robbie Johnson, Craig Hancock, Seamus Kaminski, Briane Ruane, Brady Wahl
Key to Success: "If we are able to develop some new players into our system, then we will be very strong," Estabrook said.
Something not many people know about this team: "We have our own Web site at Genevasoccer.org," Estabrook said.
