Lake Braddock Kicks Past Indian Run Into State Semi-Finals

Seniors Jefferson Ortiz and Matt Fraedrich both scored in the first 20 minutes of play, and the Bruin defense held the Braves at bay to win 2-0 in Tuesday night’s state quarterfinals. Fraedrich has simply dominated since the end of the regular season, scoring 7 goals in his last 6 games, and although many in the region didn’t see his offensive outburst coming, Fraedrich expected nothing less of himself. 

“There is more on the line each game,” the Northern Illinois bound senior said.  “I knew it was my time to step up and put the team on my back, and that is what I have been able to do.”

Fraedrich wasted no time in Tuesday night’s match, streaking down the left side before finding Jefferson Ortiz at the back post with for the goal in the first minute of play.   Indian Run looked for an immediate response, but the Bruins weren’t finished.

The second goal came on a great long throw from defender Brendan McHale in the 19^th minute.  The Bruin’s stellar soccer and basketball player used his arm strength to whip the ball in towards the near post, and Fraedrich flicked a no look head into the net at the back post.

Haven fallen behind by two early, the Braves began resorting to easy clearances and desperate long balls, the the Bruins were able to put their chokehold on the game.  The Bruins dominated the battle for 50/50 balls and used the lead to stretch out their opponent, knocing the ball around in the back to extend their opponents formation.

“The early goals helped us control the pace of the game, which was important for us,” head coach Joe Soos explained.  “Oussie and Christian did a great job winning balls and linking up with the defenders to possess.”

The Bruins continued to apply the pressure in the second half, and although they were’nt able to add to their lead, they played with great confidence on the ball, and Indian Run could only watch as the remaining time on their impressive season dwindled away.

“Being up by two made us more comfortable and we were able to play our game,” Fraedrich said.  “We kept them running around and it really opened up the middle of the field for us to attack.”

And attack they did.  Fraedrich,  Ortiz, and Kosko ran circles around the Braves, combining on multiple give-and-gos to create great shot opportunities.  Tyler Durbin came out of the back to nearly score a goal late, but his perfectly timed head on a Bruin corner went right to the hands of the Indian Run netminder. Bruin keeper Patrick Clark was challenge once towards the end, and met that challenge with a terrific diving save to the far post on a 25-yard blast.  In the closing minutes, McHale prevented a dangerous shot from reaching net with a sliding clearance to preserve the shutout victory.

“Everything we’ve been working fo since February is finally coming to fruition,”  Soos said.  “We just need keep up the concentration, the discipline and maintain good habits.” 

The Bruins continue their quest on Friday night’s first semi-final game at Westfield High School at 6pm.