Sports
Athlete Of The Week: Kyle Murbach
Murbach, a forward for the soccer team, is the latest athlete to be interviewed in the weekly series.
forward Kyle Murbach delivered when his team needed him the most Tuesday. He scored two second-half goals against Willowbrook — including the game-winner with less than two minutes left — in a wild 6-4 victory.
The feat is even more amazing when you realize Murbach is, in fact, deaf.
He doesn’t play or act it, as Hornets coach James VanDenburgh will tell you.
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“He earned a starting spot out there today,” he said. “I admire how he plays. He plays with such intensity, every second he’s out there. He’s a hell of an athlete and a good guy too.”
His second goal came less than 30 seconds after Willowbrook tied the game at 4 on a controversial penalty kick. The Hornets, undeterred, rallied on a free kick that caromed off the goalie’s hands and the crossbar before landing in front of Murbach. Murbach dropped it home to give the Hornets the lead for good.
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“It felt awesome,” Murbach said. “To bring my team up like that. We had to get back together after that penalty kick. We knew this game was ours and we knew we had to finish it.”
For his gusty, clutch play, he is Darien’s Athlete of the Week.
How long have you been playing soccer? Ever since I was 5. A little kid. Park district, middle school and now high school.
Were your parents an influence in any way? No, I was the first in my family.
Are there any other sports you play? I play volleyball. I’m a setter.
What have you improved on the most as a player in the offseason? I think it would be keeping my head up and looking for the open passes. Last year I kept my head down and I missed some plays. Because I can’t hear I have to keep my head up.
Do you have any ambitions to play soccer in college? I’m hoping to play soccer for RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) up in New York.
Any thoughts on a major? I’m undeclared, but probably something in science.
Is there a soccer team or player you really admire? I like Lionel Messi. I also like Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Final question … you lost to Downers Grove North last year in the regional final on your home turf. What are your hopes for this year? We’re hoping to get back there, obviously, and beat them. Go to state and go all the way. But one thing at a time.
