Boys Soccer: Marmion keeping it simple for state semifinal

Updated: November 3, 2011 6:49PM

Even though the IHSA’s Class 2A State soccer final four features three new opponents, Marmion is hoping an old, reliable approach works for two more contests.

The Cadets (19-6-3) will meet Chatham Glenwood (16-5-2) in Friday’s 1 p.m. semifinal at Lincoln-Way North in Frankfort. The 11 a.m. semi pits Chicago Mather (19-3-1) against Peoria Notre Dame (20-5-0).

“We got here emphasizing a few simple things: No. 1, play hard all match in order to give us a chance to win,” Marmion coach Kevin O’Connor said. “We haven’t yet had 80 minutes, but the closer to it the better. No. 2 is staying organized, be it in back on defense, in the midfield or up top on offense. It’s about possession soccer, playing the ball to feet. And last is to be sharp on set pieces.”

“The further you go the stronger and more capable the opposition becomes. You try to find out as much as possible, but you have to be able to adjust on the fly,” O’Connor said in regard to Chatham Glenwood, a team he labeled “always fundamentally sound, very strong through the middle, very good on restarts. Tournament success is part of their DNA.”

The Titans’ 3-1 Tuesday win over Springfield was their first supersectional triumph since claiming the 2005 Class 2A title, two years after finishing fourth. Glenwood is led by Connor Carnduff, whose midfield blast beat Springfield and became his 13th goal to go with a team-best 15 assists (41 points). Andrew Watters has a team-high 14 goals, while Jordan Fields is a third threat (10 goals, 2 assists). In net, Brayton Haack has allowed 14 goals in 13 matches, while Colton Schreyer has yielded 11 in 10 contests with the Titans having nine shutouts.

For the Cadets, Mike Frasca has 99 points (41 goals, 17 assists) while Mick Maley is next at 63 (23 goals, 17 assists). A knee injury will keep Matt Switzer (2 goals, 18 assists) off the field, but the senior midfielder will be available for a PK shootout. With seven shutouts, senior keeper Brad White has been a wall against PKs.

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