Boys soccer: Kaneland comes back to beat Burlington Central
Despite trailing Burlington Central 1-0, the Kaneland boys soccer team carried a positive vibe into the second half of Saturday morning's nonconference match.
The determined Knights dominated play over the final 40 minutes with senior captain Angel Escontrias notching a pair of goals to complete an impressive 2-1 come-from behind victory.
Escontrias tallied the equalizer for Kaneland (1-3-1) in the 43rd minute on a perfectly placed free kick from just outside the box into the right corner.
"We were playing great and we knew once we got the first goal we were going to take off," Escontrias said. "I looked at the free kick and luckily I placed it right where I wanted to. That goal made us relax a little bit."
With just over 13 minutes left to play, Escontrias handled an excellent pass from midfielder John McCaffrey and tucked another well-placed shot into the left corner.
"We were trying to make too many flat passes earlier and we needed to make angled runs to the corners. It helped get us a big goal," McCaffrey said.
After going winless in their first four starts against quality competition, including West Aurora and St. Charles North, the Knights believe the tough schedule will pay dividends in the long run.
"That's why you play teams of that caliber right away," said Knights coach Scott Parillo. "It lets you know what you need to work on. We've been focusing on those things and we were able to be a lot more creative offensively today."
"Those teams were very tough and that hardened us up. I think this is the first steppingstone for conference and the rest of our season," Escontrias added.
Burlington Central (1-2-2) produced a solid counter attack in the first half and grabbed the lead in the 13th minute. Kevin Green launched a cross deep into the box and Luke Schramme connected on a header for the goal.
"The guys in the first half did exactly what we've been working on and we looked dangerous," said Rockets coach Mike Galeski. "Second half they adjusted well and we started second guessing a little bit."
After Kaneland freshman Tucker Jahns nearly extended the lead with numerous strong runs down the left side, BC made a late surge for the tie.
Jack Schramme produced a pair of quality chances for the Rockets in the final three minutes and missed wide right on a free kick just before time expired.
"We had a good push at the end," Galeski said. "My guys probably gave me a good 60 minutes. Now we just have to find that other 20."
It was a tough day for both teams on the injury front as Rockets starting keeper David Murphy left just before halftime after being shaken up on a collision while corralling a rebound. Kaneland senior midfielder Trevor Jahns suffered an ankle injury in the second half and did not return.
"We're pretty banged up right now," Parillo said.