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Another fine season for Geneva results in a regional title By Gary Larsen
There’s a word that describes how a program graduates nine starters but still manages to post 18 wins the next season. Tradition. “The kids have gelled well together and they’re really starting to build off the tradition of previous years,” Geneva coach Ryan Estabrook said, after his side won 2-0 over St. Charles East on Saturday. “The boys put on the jerseys for Geneva, and they know they’re expected to play well.” Saturday’s win gave the Vikings (18-4-2) a regional title, and sent them into a sectional semifinal against Schaumburg at Hoffman Estates, on Tuesday at 6:30. Geneva got goal from Brady Wahl and Kevin Hilgart against the Saints in Streamwood, little more than two weeks after the Vikings beat the Saints (11-9-2) 2-1 as part of the Tri-City Challenge. “It feels good to win twice against them but they gave us a run for our money both games,” Hilgart said. “The rivalry is big and they’re a good team.” Goalkeeper Ryan Ward and the Vikings' defense posted its 9th shutout of the season, and their 3rd in the last 5 games, and came on the heels of a 3-2 win over Streamwood in Tuesdays’ regional semifinal round. “I thought John Wilger and Jeff Williams played well on the outside backs. They were very solid today,” Estabrook said. “I think we did a better job of shoring up our back line. Estabrook also singled out junior Brian Ruane for his play against the Saints. :Brian is one of those unsung guys that might not get any stats from here on out, but he does a lot of the work that allows Brady (Wahl) to get forward a lot more," Estabrook said. "I’m sure Brady is thankful to have a kid like Brian playing next to him.” Geneva struck first on Saturday when Wahl lined up a free kick and hit it about as well as a free kick can be hit, from roughly 23 yards out near the left wing, bending it and beating one of the best goalkeepers in Illinois in the Saints’ Charlie Lyon. There’s not a whole lot any goalkeeper can do about an upper ninety shot that hits the side netting. “We were all pretty much in awe,” Hilgart said. “That was a brilliant shot, right where Charlie couldn’t get it. Charlie can get to most places, but not there.” Hilgart made it 2-0 with his 14th goal of the season, cleaning up a ball in a scramble in the box after a shot by Wahl. “Kevin has found that knack for being in the right spot,” Estabrook said. Hilgart is also a prime example of how Geneva’s tradition stays so strong. “Kevin probably played fifteen minutes of our sectional final game last year, and probably averaged thirty minutes a game last year,” Estabrook said. “Now, he’s very vital to our success. So you don’t know who the kids on the bench are that are going to be important for you next year. I didn’t know (Hilgart) would play that big of a role at forward.” “It’s nice to see kids who are positive contributors as sophomores and juniors, and can then be main contributors as seniors.” Hilgart started the season in back before showing his value as an attacking player. The attack has also gotten 18 goals from Seamus Kaminski, a natural midfielder who has adapted well to a forward’s role. Versatility has been the watchword at Geneva this year. “It took us a while to gel together as a team but I think now, in these last couple games, we’re finally starting to get it,” Hilgart said. “We’re playing together and we’re getting results. We finally found something that works and we all want to do what’s best for the team. So whatever coach says, goes.” Estabrook’s tinkering this year has produced 18 wins, and it may not be over yet. “I think it’s still a work-in-progress from game to game. We have guys filling different roles,” Estabrook said. “Sometimes a guy will play well in a certain formation, and another might do well in another formation. And that’s what has really been successful for us this year.”
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Geneva's 2009 Schedule
Postseason play
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