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Eight players score in Lyons rout of Proviso West
La Grange, 10/04/12--Proviso West's Daniel Delgado jumps to kick the ball as Lyons Township's Ben Larson moves in to defend. Lyons Township High School hosted Proviso West High School in boys soccer Thursday afternoon. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: October 9, 2012 11:56AM
LA GRANGE — It was the kid who started the onslaught.
Lyons freshman forward Christian Sanchez has the right name. The younger brother of Lions’ great Horacio, the rookie took a beautiful through ball from Frankie Kocimski in the 36th minute he blasted into the near post for the Lions.
Lyons continued its hot play by lashing the visiting Panthers 8-0 Thursday afternoon in LaGrange. The final score was misleading as the Lions, ranked No. 3 in the Chicago Sun-Times, scored seven times in the final 22 minutes.
Eight different players scored for the Lions (14-3-1, 4-1 West Suburban Silver).
“It’s very important that we continue to play hard and get better every game, with the start of the state tournament so close,” star senior defender Ben Larson said.
Lyons avoided a possible trap game, facing a talented, though very young Proviso West team the day before their homecoming showdown against Reavis.
For much of the first half, the Lions appeared snakebitten, unable to finish several chances in the front of the net. Shots were wide, hit the cross or had the misfortune of trying to get by star Panthers’ junior keeper Matthew Cabrales, who went to the bench for the final 12 minutes.
He recorded seven saves in the first half, including twice denying junior forward Matt Murphy at close range. Late in the half, Sanchez broke free and wedged the shot past Cabrales.
In the 58th minute, senior midfielder Brett Heimerdinger provided the necessary breathing space, helping turn the game into a rout as Lyons scored three goals during a 10-minute stretch. Murphy followed four minutes later. Sanchez and Murphy lead the team with seven goals apiece.
“Our scoring is more spread out and diverse this year,” Lyons coach Paul Labbato said.
As if to prove the point, Kocimski, Kevin Kokaska, Cole Gilchrist, Pearman Clarke and Patrick Duncan each contributed goals.
Pick up your local Pioneer Press newspaper on Oct. 11 to read more about the Lyons boys soccer team.
