LT finds value in a tough loss to Neuqua

By Gary Larsen

Make no mistake about it, Lyons Township has one of the top teams in Illinois this year.

But after starting the season with a pair of wins, the Lions learned a lot more about themselves after falling 4-0 to top-ranked Neuqua Valley on Saturday.

"We learned a little something about being there for each other. You win the first couple games and everyone is happy, but the first test comes when you get pounded," said Lyons coach Paul Labbato.

"We did a good job of staying composed, working hard for each other, and we can build off of that."

"Now it's something we can strive for, talk about, and maybe our kids can learn a little from the intensity that (Neuqua) was able to put forth for the full eighty minutes. They barely subbed. They're fit and they just ran at us."

The Wildcats (3-0) came out like gangbusters, putting LT (2-1) on its defensive heels and posting three goals before halftime.

"I'm pleased that we got to see them early in the year. It was a good test for us," Lyons senior Billy McGuinness said. "We were not ready for their pace. They came at us really hard, high pressure, they played quick and we just weren't accustomed to that. We definitely need to play quicker on the ball."

LT keeper Sully Fox did all any keeper could do against a swarming attack like the one Neuqua brought Saturday, while the Lions struggled to get anything going offensively through 40 minutes.

"How many times did we receive the ball and they were closing with three guys on us, immediately?" Labbato said.

"We have to find the places that maybe we can swing that ball in pressure in a different way. I thought in the second half we did a whole lot better job. We changed the formation and did a better job getting to goal."

"We had opportunities in space, we had some free kicks on goal, and we challenged their goalkeeper a little bit. We took a forward away, played four in the back, and five in the midfield to try and win the ball in space and try to counter."

McGuinness was also happier with his side's play in the second half.

"Neuqa is in very good shape and they know exactly which players they need to press, and which angles to cut off so that you can't get out of it," McGuinness said.

"We need to get our touch better, be technically better, and we need to focus. If we can do that I think we'll be able to knock the ball around better if we see them again."

The two teams could meet again during the Pepsi Showdown. Should they meet, the top-seeded Wildcats and third-seeded Lions would square off for the tournament title at Toyotoa Park on Sept. 20.

2009 Schedule