Glenbrook South Soccer Ties Maine South In Anxious Game

It could have been a big night for the Glenbrook South boys soccer team. Instead, the Titans will rue what could have been: a first conference title since 1984.

The home side battled to a 0-0 draw with CSL rivals Maine South in front of a vocal student section amidst some cool, crisp weather on Tuesday evening.

And, while the two teams are seeing an odd kink in their conference scheduling — Glenbrook South wrapping up while Maine South is just starting — the game was as fiery and aggressive in the second half as was any game of the season.

Only six minutes into the contest senior Brendan Mullane was the recipient of a long, gorgeous pass from teammate Mike Termina. Mullane controlled the ball down the Titan left and cut inward only to see his delicate chip over Titans goalkeeper David Abiera saved by the crossbar.

At 13 minutes in, it seemed some good pressure from the Titans would bear its reward — only for the crossbar to again come into play.  Glenbrook South senior Luke Harrison, the team's leading scorer, rose highest from a corner kick and saw his powerful header come crashing off the underside of the crossbar falling safely into the hands of Hawks goalkeeper Richard Balek.

The rest of the first half had few highlights, most of which were overshadowed by a game-changing second half.

The Titans created chance after chance but couldn't find the back of the Hawk net.

With fifty-one minutes on the clock Tyler Hynes, a Titan defender, unloaded a bullet of a shot that brought out a terrific save from Maine South's goalie Richard Balek.

Seven minutes later, Agombar was furious with the referee after Nathan Park was fouled in the box and a penalty was not awarded.

"Look, I don't ever like to talk about the referees but if that foul is here [the middle of the field] then he'd whistle it for a foul," said Titans head coach Paul Agombar. "But, instead, it happens in the box and it's no foul."

Eight minutes before the end, junior forward Luis Hernandez went on a streaking run down the left side to draw a corner. From the ensuing set piece, Harrison headed just over the crossbar from a yard out essentially ending any hopes of a Titan victory.

"We asked them [the team] to go out and try their hardest," said Agombar. "Sometimes you try your best and you just don't win. I think it was anxiety because we haven't won the conference in 26 years and I think we are anxious. The nerves were there and the adrenaline was there but it just wasn't meant to happen tonight."

The Titans end their conference slate but still have much to play for before the IHSA tournament beginning October 16th.