A concerted offensive effort was not enough for the Huntley boys soccer team in a 2-1 loss to divisional rival McHenry Tuesday night.
The Red Raiders (10-6-3 overall, 1-3-0 FVC) lost despite out-shooting the Warriors (14-3-2, 3-1-0) over the course of the game, finishing with 22 shots to match just 3 made by McHenry. Huntley also surpassed McHenry in number of shots on goal, 4-3.
“I thought we did everything right,” said sophomore Niko Mihalopoulos. “We just couldn’t finish.
McHenry struck first early in the match, scoring a goal with 28:15 still remaining in the first half. Huntley then stepped up its attack, and had several close calls before time expired, sending the Raiders into halftime down 1-0.
Despite Huntley’s adjustments to their lineup at the half, the Trojans again struck a blow, taking a 2-0 lead off a goal coming with 23:27 remaining in the game.
Huntley began to show a sense of added urgency following the second McHenry goal, and continued to control the ball while making shots at every possible opportunity.
Sophomore Scott Dorvilier assisted in Huntley’s resurgence, and stoked hopes of a comeback by scoring a goal with 7:43 remaining in the second half. Huntley dominated ball control down the stretch, and nearly tied the game with 4:26 remaining, though the shot was deflected by the goal post.
McHenry held on following the missed scoring opportunity by Huntley, and ran out the final four minutes of the match to clinch a 2-1 victory.
“It’s all about winning 50-50 balls,” said Head Coach Kris Grabner. “We should have scored more goals.”
Huntley will play division leader Cary-Grove on Thursday, before facing rival Jacobs in a make-up game scheduled for Saturday.
Post Author: Tom Heagney. Tom Heagney is a junior at Huntley High School and a staff writer for The Voice. He enjoys exploring the streets of Huntley in his mini van, having great times with his friends, and spending time with his family. He is a member of the track team, has a first degree black belt in the art of Kyukido, and can be found screaming at his TV during Bears, Cubs, Bulls, and Blackhawks games. He can be found on Twitter at www.twitter.com/theagney.