Marian shuts out 4th-seeded Marengo

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MARENGO – A lot went right for Marian Central in its 5-0 boys soccer victory against Marengo in an IHSA Class 2A Marengo Regional semifinal Tuesday.

Forward Kyle Gust eclipsed the single-season goals record for the top-seeded Hurricanes (18-5-1) by scoring two in the first half, giving the senior 30 goals. Goalkeeper Andrew Hull collected his 11th shutout of the season. And the ’Canes’ defense held the fourth-seeded Indians (7-12-1) to three shots.

Marian racked up its program-best 18th win of the season, but coaches and players weren’t satisfied.

“For whatever reason, we have a tendency to come out a little sluggish in games,” Marian coach Mike Golda said. “We don’t turn it on unless we’re being pushed [by the other team].

“That’s got to change if we want to go far in the playoffs.”

Marian made it all the way to the Class 2A supersectional round last year but lost to Chicago Lake View. Next for the ’Canes is either Woodstock or Richmond-Burton, which play at 4 p.m. today in the other semifinal.

“The next round is only going to get tougher,” Golda said. “Woodstock and Richmond-Burton are two very good teams that can cause any team trouble.

“We’d better be more mentally prepared, that’s for sure.”

Marian played keep-away for most of the first half and squandered a number of scoring opportunities before Gust scored on a free kick from about 20 yards out with a little more than 22 minutes remaining.

The goal, which was well out of the reach of Marengo goalkeeper Gabe Herrea, found the upper right corner of the net, securing Gust’s single-season goals record with 29. He later added his 30th off a punt from Marian goalkeeper Andrew Hull. After the ball bounced over two Marengo players, Gust gained control and lobbed it over a charging Herrea.

“As a team, we didn’t come out as intense as we probably should have,” Gust said. “We had a tough time getting adjusted because we had some freshman playing on top, but we finally got the hang of things late in the first half and into the second.

“There’s no excuse though. As a strong team, we need to come out strong and finish even stronger.”

In the second half, Marian wasted no time, scoring within the first six minutes as center midfielder Ben Platta scored after dribbling past two Indians. Tyler Lundquist added a goal on a penalty kick, and Max Mac Cready scored the ’Canes final goal off an assist from Brian Pavey.

Marengo coach Jim McKinnon said the Indians gained a lot of experience and grew closer throughout the season.

“We came into the year not knowing much about each other,” McKinnon said. “But in the end, these kids worked their butts off and stuck with it.

“Now, they are like the family. They go to breakfast together, go to lunch together, run miles together. They do everything together.”

The Indians hope to advance further in the playoffs next year.

“As the season progressed, we became a better passing team, dribbled with our heads up and kept an eye out for each other,” junior James Simonson said. “Unfortunately, we played a little too laid back at times, and it definitely hurt us.”

“Next year, we expect to be better prepared, hustle more and get a lot more wins.”