Spartan Soccer Falls in Crucial Conference Match

For all of Maine West’s success last year, one thing they didn’t have was a conference title. After beating defending Central Suburban League North champ on Thursday, the Warriors are in the driver’s seat.

Maine West came up with a pair of goals within five minutes in the first half to beat the Spartans 2-0 in Northbrook. The Warriors outshot 14-6, but it was a pair of fortunate bounces that led to open shots in the box for the visitors.

In the 26th minute Nelson Herrera scored on a volley at the back post following a scrum for the ball on a corner. Three minutes later Will Hepburn was in the right spot at the right time and emphatically roofed the ball to double the lead.

“The difference is they have finishers right now,” Spartan coach Paul Vignocchi said of the Warriors. “We’re still finding our finishers and I’ve said that from day one.”

(3-3-2, 0-1-1) turned the pressure up in the final half hour, but was unable to put one in the net. Maine West (8-3-1, 2-0) goalkeeper Jecsan Torres made six saves for the shutout.

The Warriors sit all alone atop the CSL North following the win. Last fall they won a sectional title, but only finished fourth in the conference.

“Beating the returning champs is great, especially beating a team that’s so organized,” Maine West coach Mike Divincenzo said. “Paul is the best coach in the conference, in my opinion.”

The talented sophomore Herrera, who picked up his team leading 12th goal of the season, was a key player on last year’s team as well. He wasn’t ready to say whether the team is better than a year ago, however.

“We had a lot of good people last year and this year,” he said. “I don’t know. We’ll see in the finish.”

Meanwhile, the Spartans are winless in two conference games and will need some help to repeat. Vignocchi called his team a work in progress, but wasn’t down on them after a good effort.

“As long as we continue to work hard, things are going to get better,” Vignocchi said. “We’re not down on ourselves at all. We’re going to keep fighting and stay in every game. That’s just the character of this team.”

The defensive line of Jared Weisburg, Brian O’Keefe and freshman Zayne Willis had the tough task of containing Herrera and the rest of the potent Warrior attack. Mitch Shapiro (11 saves) made a few nice saves in the second half once the Spartans pushed forward and were left vulnerable to counter attacks.

Weisburg thinks the Spartans will turn things around in time for another conference match Saturday at Highland Park.

“I want to make a statement at Highland Park on Saturday,” the senior said. “I think that could be the game because they have some great players that are back and I think if we win that could set the tone and carry that on to Tuesday against Deerfield.”