Rams Soccer Team Wins Regional Title 3-1

Winning a regional title was the highlight of the Grayslake Central Rams soccer season. The last time the Rams won a soccer regional title was in 2006. That team had repeated as Regional Champs and made it to the Sweet 16 before losing 4-3 in double overtime to Warren.

"Our strength of our schedule this year was really, really hard," said Head Coach Mike McCaulou. "All of those tough games prepared us for the playoffs. We played Cary Grove, Crystal Lake South, Round Lake, Zion Benton, Huntley and ended with Libertyville. These are all bigger schools than us and the kids know that we play such a demanding schedule to prepare for the post season."

With 30 minutes of scoreless ball under their belt, the Rams struck first with Phil Longenecker scoring on an assist from Jonny Madrid. Eight minutes later, Asa Goldsmith hit a rocket from 30 yards on a bouncing ball that hit the far post and found the back of the net.

"We’re really young and the kids are still learning how to play together," said McCaulou. "Our seniors have really led this team. All of the kids have put in the work, especially in practice to help our starters get better. It’s a total team effort and I’m really excited about their progress."

Freshman Isaac Longenecker scored with just under 18 minutes left in the second half on a James Garcia corner kick to make it 3-0 Rams.

The Hurricanes finally got on the board with 1:27 left in the match as Max McCready scored on a scramble in front of the net to make the final score 3-1 in favor of the Rams.

"Steven Anderson (sophomore) was phenomenal in goal. Alex Stickler (sophomore) was deadly with his throw-ins and services. We had players stepping up at the right time. Alex Stickler was outstanding," said McCaulou. "Our two forwards, Jonny Madrid (freshman) and Ryan Fontana (junior), were great. Everybody contributed to this win. Isaac Longenecker (freshman), the smallest kid on the field, scored a goal."

When time finally expired the entire team ran towards their goalie Anderson and mobbed him on the field. "That was a bit unexpected. But once the team started running at me I knew what was coming," he said.

After being handed the Regional Championship plaque by McCaulou, Assistant Coach Steve Feldman yelled, "I’m sleeping with it tonight!"

"It was a good win. The kids played great. Our biggest problem is that when we get the ball, the kids get too nervous. As long as they relax, they will do fine," Feldman.

"Asa Goldsmith hit an incredible shot. Alex Stickler played very composed. His throw-ins were incredible and that’s tough to compete against. The kids are finally learning to do what we have asked them to do the whole year," said Feldman.

"Coach McCaulou and I couldn’t be happier for the team. It’s been a struggle all year, up and down in conference and now we have a regional championship. Icing on the cake," Feldman added. "Coach and I agreed before the game that if we scored first we would win and we did."

The Rams played Deerfield in the Sectional semi-final at Lakes last Tuesday, but fell short as their season ended in a 4-0 loss.

"We played very well, but gave up some soft goals and mentally let down defensively for about 7 minutes when the Warriors scored 3 first half goals," said McCaulou.

Looking Ahead

The Rams will be losing seniors Asa Goldsmith, Diego Gomez and Caleb Munk from their defense next year.

"It will be a major challenge to find replacements for those guys, but I have faith in our younger players that they will take on the roles we need filled," McCaulou said.

Returning varsity players include juniors Ryan Fontana, Philip Longenecker, Jason Koziol, Kyle Martinez and James Garcia; sophomores Alex Stickler, Nate Cerquone and Jacob Swearingen; and freshmen Issac Longenecker, Jonny Madrid, Jackson Frey and John Knight.

Next year the Rams will need to improve offensively. "We will need consistent attacking and goal scoring to advance further in the playoffs," said McCaulou.

"All of my assistants, Steve Feldman, JV Coach Thomas Hamilton and Freshman Coach Jay Meyers did a great job in developing our players," McCaulou added. "They do everything in their power to make our athletes better people on and off the field. Without them, the program does not run."