Elgin-Larkin sure to be an intense battle
It will be a tale of two cities at Elgin's Memorial Field this afternoon when two of the area's finest boys soccer teams meet, each looking for an Upstate Eight Conference win.
OK, maybe more like an Eastside-Westside bout with a river in between, as cross-town rivals Elgin and Larkin go head-to-head looking for bragging rights.
While Elgin hasn't beaten Larkin in at least 5 years, this might just be the time for it.
After all, the Maroons upset Waubonsie Valley this past weekend for the first time in more than 5 years. Trailing 2-1 at the half, Elgin battled back for a 3-2 regulation victory.
"This team is relentless," said Elgin coach Dave Borg of the Maroon roster. "It seems to be that this is the oldest of the rivalries as we are the two oldest schools in the district so that always makes for an intense match.
"These kids all know each other and play together in the off-season so its kind of for bragging rights."
Elgin, ranked No. 19 in this week's Daily Herald Top 20, will take a 7-1 overall record into the game looking to add to the tally, but the Maroons will have their work cut out for them as Larkin will counter with a very strong and very balanced attack.
Currently 4-2 overall, the Royals will be taking a break from the Pepsi Showdown where they recently faced some of the finest teams in the state to challenge the Maroons in the 4:30 p.m. start.
"I have seen Elgin a few times this season," said Larkin coach Ken Hall. "The are definitely dangerous.
"Any time Elgin and Larkin play, it's anybody's game. Anybody can win it."
According to Hall, his guys were talking about the match-up as early as two weeks ago in practice.
Larkin returnees Steven Drew (midfield), David Rodriguez (forward), Fernando Alvarez (sweeper) and Raul Sandoval (forward) certainly know the intensity while leading newcomers Danny Hinterlong, Carson McFadden, David Hernandez and Raziel Samarriba will have to learn fast.
"We will be up for, and I'm sure they will be up for it," said Hall. "It's always exciting."
For Elgin, veteran anchors Lucas Valencia, Joel Perez, Jasinto Catalan, Hugo Aranda, Roberto Quintana and Kevin Rodriguez will look to set the tempo.
"This is the best team we've had in the five years I've been here," said Borg. "They have the most potential.
"We are going to do the same thing we've been doing because it's working. We cannot get out of our game plan because Larkin is a good team that is well-coached, and they will take advantage of it."
Offensively, Elgin has scored 25 times already this year, while Larkin has found the back of the net 11 times having played two less games.
Defense will be important for Elgin.
"We have to play solid defense," said Borg. "The key for us is not giving up early goals."
For Larkin, consistency is key.
"Our biggest obstacle right now is consistency," said Hall. "Our guys will be ready."