Neuqua Valley-New Trier showdown looms

A year ago, many had projected that Neuqua Valley and New Trier would be the boys soccer teams battling for the Class AA state championship.

While the Trevians had a hiccup in the quarterfinals, Neuqua made it to the final dance, only to have the championship door slammed in its face by Barrington in the third overtime.

Fast forward a year later, and those who had looked forward to seeing those powerhouses square off will get that opportunity Friday at 7 p.m. in Final Four action of the Class 3A state finals at North Central College in Naperville.

The only difference is that the winner of the New Trier-Neuqua Valley semifinal will advance to the 3A title game at 8 p.m. Saturday, and play Edwardsville (23-4) or Rockford Boylan (24-3-1).

New Trier (19-1-1), which is making its third consecutive state finals appearance and fifth under coach Craig Fairbairn (290 career wins) since 1998, is led by Kyle McCrudden (20 goals), Ryan Foreman (18 goals), Ben Beaver (18 goals) and Chris Ritter (14 assists).

Having played a much tougher regular-season schedule, Neuqua Valley (21-4-2) is hoping that will work in its favor. Wildcats to watch are Bryan Ciesiulka (17 goals, 13 assists), Scott Davis (13 goals) and Ian Krol (11 goals).

In the 2A bracket, St. Joseph (16-6-2) will have its hands full with Peoria Notre Dame (19-3-1) in the 1 p.m. semifinal. Marco Gutierrez has put the charge in the Chargers’ attack with 31 goals. Juan Perez (19 assists) will need to work his magic in the midfield if St. Joseph hopes to advance.

Lake View (18-7-1) is looking to become the second Public League team to win a boys soccer state title since the 1973 Harrsion squad, which beat Morton East for the crown. The Wildcats will need to knock off Sacred Heart-Griffin (19-2-2) in the 11 a.m. match.

‘‘It was a historic day in Chicago on Tuesday, and now we have a chance to make more history this weekend,’’ said Lake View coach

Fernando Rodriguez, whose squad is the first Public League soccer team to advance to the state finals since the Public League eliminated the conference’s automatic bid in 2002.

Angel Buastamante (11 goals) and Ruben Flores (10 goals) provide a 1-2 punch for Lake View.