Weekly Scores: Benet Varsity Soccer

Benet Academy vs. West Chicago: 2-1

The Redwings had luck on their side Monday as they celebrated a 2-1 victory over the West Chicago Wildcats.  The decisive goal was scored by Benet senior Brendon Gesior with just over 2 minutes remaining in the game. Gesior launched a nice long ball from midfield intended for the forwards, that one hopped over the charging West Chicago keeper who had lost his footing.

The Wildcats dominated in the first half with their well established high pressure game. Offensively they dominated and played very well back-and-forth through the middle.  The first goal of the game was scored just ten minutes into the game by West Chicago junior Jesus Duran. Duran was able to outmaneuver the Benet defense on the left and executed a nice pullback move in the box and finished with a shot to the upper right.   

Benet, however, gained significant momentum in the second half after some offensive adjustments.

"They beat us in the first half and the score reflected that play," Benet coach Sean Wesley said. "In the second half we played much better, created chances, and put pressure on their defense. We started dictating play, pressuring higher up the field as a unit, and we looked better."

Benet's consistent pressure in the second half paid off.  With 23:42 minutes remaining in the game, senior Benjamin Kucera scored on a header set into motion with a corner kick by senior Hunter Miller. The game remained a tie until the last two minutes of play, when senior Brendan Gesior scored giving the Redwings the lead. 

Coach Wesley also gave credit to midfielder Joey Chiariello who was a huge help in the midfield tonight, along with Miller and Kucera.  

The Benet coaching staff was also impressed with the contributions of junior goalkeeper, Kyle Dal Santo, who had three saves.

"He had his best game to date," added Wesley.  "In addition to saving the ball, he provided real leadership on the field. He was also able to step off the line and provide several value added touches throughout the game." 

Benet Academy v. Joliet Catholic, 5-1

The Benet Academy Redwings (7-3-1, 3-0 ESCC) defeated Joliet Catholic Hilltoppers 5-1 on Saturday afternoon in their third East Suburban Catholic Conference soccer match. The Redwings came out strong with three quick goals in the first ten minutes of play. Hunter Miller, a senior forward from Aurora, was the first to score for Benet with 32:10 remaining in the first half.  Less then one minute later, Miller increased that lead to two, scoring from a difficult angle on the right. Junior Alex Senak of Glen Ellyn, added another goal for Benet after getting taken down in the box and scoring on a penalty kick.

Senior Benjamin Kucera of Burr Ridge and Kyle Dal Santo of Bolingbrook also scored for the Redwings. Joliet Catholic put one on the boards after Cody Vercellotti scored on a looper over the goalie with 14:54 minutes remaining in the second half.

“It was great to see the team come out strong today,” added Benet coach Sean Wesley. “The whole team played well. Offensively, we are creating more scoring opportunities and our defense did a great job limiting Joliet Catholic’s scoring chances.”

Senior Thomas Sullivan of Naperville was in goal for Benet and had three saves. Joliet Catholic had two saves.

The Redwings have gone unbeaten in their last six games.  They hope to extend that lead to seven as they face a strong Metea Valley team in Lisle at 4:30 p.m. on Monday.