Barrington breaking new ground with victories

Barrington appears to be breathing some fresh air of late after a rough start which saw the Mid-Suburban West defending champs open with a 1-8-1 record.

Saturday evening the Broncos traveled to Niles North for an annual nonconference friendly with the Vikings, and on the strength of a couple of firsts came away with a well-earned 2-0 victory.

"Three wins in our last four matches, with 3 shutouts during that span ... maybe we're beginning to move forward a little bit," said pleased Broncos coach Scott Steib, who watched keeper Steve Polasik record his first shutout with the big club, and both Marc Drouin and Mason Gott score their first career varsity goals.

The Vikings (2-9-2) were a threat to the Broncos (4-9-1) in the early stages, but the recently assembled backline of Drouin, Gott, Dan Barber and Eric Bushel did well to stay organized, and in time, became major contributors to the outcome.

"We were having problems (defending) with three in the back, and since (going) to a flat 4, we've defended better as a team," said Barber, who assisted on both Broncos goals.

Barber delivered a perfect serve off a corner to an unmarked Drouin, who headed at the spot and past keeper Daniel Miranda at 32 minutes.

The visitors, who seized control of play almost immediately after the break, added some insurance to their lead when, after a sequence which saw Andrew Krissinger and Barber build the attack up the right side, got a free kick when Barber was brought down.

His subsequent crossfield serve from the right side found Gott on the tail-end of his far post run and a stinging shot past Miranda.

"All year, mistakes have led to goals, and tonight Barrington took advantage of couple to help take this match from us," said Niles North coach and former St. Viator star Dan Edminster.