Opportunistic Joliet West tops Minooka

Updated: September 13, 2011 2:33PM

Soccer, more than just about any other sport, is about opportunities.

Minooka and Joliet West had equal chances to score during their match Monday in Joliet. Joliet West made good on one of its chances late to take home a 1-0 win.

The victory puts the Tigers at 3-6 overall. Minooka fell to 4-5.

“Our guys finished strong the last 10 or 15 minutes, we took control and got one we’ve been looking for all game,” West coach Eddie Contreras said.

In the game’s 73rd minute, Josh Lopez sprung Christian Gutierrez down the east sideline. Gutierrez raced to the corner, then crossed the ball through the penalty box to the far post. A sliding Diego Alcantar put it home.

“That was all him,” Alcantar said, pointing to Gutierrez. “I just happened to be there to score it.”

Minooka had one final chance, in the 79th minute. However, it failed to get a shot on goal.

“We had a couple of first-half chances and in the second half we played a little passive and more defensive minded,” Minooka coach Chris Brolley said. “We just won a game 1-0, so we were on the other end. That’s soccer.”

“We both had chances, but we had the goal,” Alcantar said. “It was a big one. That was the difference.”

So was the Tigers’ young but solid defense.

“We have a good defense right now,” Alcantar said. “We have a good defense. We have five underclassmen, freshmen and sophomores, out there.”

Evan Claffy turned away five shots to earn the shutout and keep the Tigers unbeaten at home. They have yet to win on the road.

“We have a core group of seniors, but we also have a big group of young guys who are getting more and more experience,” Contreras said. “Hopefully, as they get more experienced, we’ll get on the same page.”

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