Lewis University in Romeoville the host for this 3A super-sectional matchup between three time defending state champ Naperville North and the Mustangs from Morton. The Huskies defeated Morton in 2016 and 2017 in this same super-sectional matchup, while the Mustangs topped North 2-1 back in September.
First Half
Opening minute of play, All American Ty Konrad breaks through the defense and passes to Patrick Koenig. Koenig’s shot is blocked by the Morton D, Koenig gets another chance, but Andres Calderon stays with it to make the save.
Around ten minutes into the first half, Christian Romano with a running throw in, it glances off the head of Sebastian Babayan, freshman Alex Barger gets his lefty kick through a wall of legs and into the net for the opening goal of the game.
Just a few minutes later, Adrian Salto with a long kick to the chest of Giovanni Alverez, who taps a pass to Cristian Perez who ties the game with a strong shot into the top right of the net.
Mustangs with a corner later in the half, Saul Juarez gets a piece with a header before Romario Iniguez shoots from point blank range. Jason Barba with the quick reaction to snag it and keep the game tied.
Time winding down in the first half, Patrick Koenig with a free kick just outside of the penalty box. He tries to thread the needle between the defenders and the top of the goal, but the shot is too high.
Late in the half, Christian Romano pops a ball up, Calderon punches the ball out of the air and it goes right to Patrick Koenig who fires a perfect shot right into the corner. North takes a 2-1 lead into halftime as the Huskies mob Koenig.
Second Half
Early in the 2nd half, Juan Ramirez with a crossing pass, Cristian Perez gets fouled in the box which gives Morton a penalty kick. Edwin Zizumbo takes the kick and gets Barba going the wrong way. 31 goals this season for the Mustang captain and this one ties the game at 2.
A few minutes later Saul Jauarez with a free kick, Jesus Perez skies high for the header that gets past Barba into the goal. In a blink, Morton is back in front 3-2 with 30 minutes to play.
North looking to tie the game, Ty Konrad sprints towards the middle, creates just enough space to get a shot off. But Andres Calderon makes a sprawling save to keep the lead.
Under 15 to play, Ty Konrad makes moves along the baseline, centers a pass that gets deflected right to Patrick Koenig. The senior does not miss his chance, his 2nd goal of the game ties it up once again 3-3.
Over Time & Penalty Kicks
The game would go to overtime. After a scoreless first OT, Yobani Esparza with a shot, but Jason Barba makes the save and the game move on to penalty kicks.
The goalies meet before the PK’s with a trip to state on the line.
First up is Ty Konrad for Naperville North, he scored a PK goal against Morton in their first matchup, but Andres Calderon dives right and makes the save.
Romario Iniguez is the first up for Morton, he goes middle right and Barba matches his counterpart with the diving save. No score after round one.
Patrick Koenig with the touch all night and that would continue as he puts in the first PK goal, North with the early edge.
The 2nd kicker for Morton is Cristian Perez who goes high and gets to to go. 1-1 after round number two.
After Cesar Recendez shot too high on North’s third attempt, Morton takes the lead with a goal from Jesus Perez. Mustangs up 2-1 after three rounds.
Huskies need a goal to help their chances, Nata Rojas gets his shot past Calderon but it hits the post. A tough break for North as Morton can now win it with one more goal.
Captain Saul Perez is up fourth, Jason Barba goes right, Perez goes left and keeps it inside enough to find the twine. Morton outscores Naperville North 3-1 in penalty kicks to win the super-sectional plaque. An incredible four year run for the Huskies comes to an end in thrilling yet heartbreaking fashion.
Check out other post season soccer in our Boys Sports Highlights!
