Trevians win another state title

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Naperville has long been regarded as the home of youth soccer in Illinois.

Since 2003, the New Trier soccer programs have made themselves quite cozy at the end of each season in the western suburb. The girls program has made five state finals appearances and won three state titles during that span, while the boys have made three consecutive state appearances since 2006.

On a frigid Saturday night, New Trier (21-1-1) added to the school’s growing soccer legacy by capturing its second boys soccer state title in three years with a 2-1 victory over Edwardsville (20-5) in the Class 3A championship at North Central College. The game-time temperature was 30 degrees.

Ben Beaver’s 19th goal of the season a mere four minutes into the contest got things going for the Trevians, who have compiled a 63-8-2 record over the past three seasons under coach Craig Fairbairn (292 career wins). Chris Ritter also scored for New Trier, while Edwardsville’s lone goal came in the 76th minute.

“We have all been playing together since under-9,” said New Trier midfielder Kyle McCrudden, who finished as the team’s leading scorer with 22 goals. “It was a great year, and it was great for us to do this together. It’s sad that it’s over, because I’m going to miss high school soccer.”

With the win, New Trier is expected to move into the top five of the ESPNRISE.com national rankings on Tuesday. The Trevians are currently ranked No. 6 in the country.

Neuqua Valley (21-6-2) finished fourth after dropping the Class 3A third-place game 2-0 to Rockford Boylan, which also finished third in 2007.

The Wildcats, who entered the final weekend having won nine consecutive games by outscoring those opponents 25-5, were shut out in both state finals games.

St. Joseph claimed the Class 2A third-place game with a 4-1 victory over Lake View.

Roberto Almazan, Ruben Estrada, Marco Gutierrez and Steve Kvasnicka tallied for the Chargers (17-7-2), who claimed their fourth state trophy since the IHSA broke soccer into more than one class back in 1997.

Despite recording 24 shots on goal, Lake View (18-9-1) was held to one goal by Angel Buastamante in the 76th minute. The Wildcats’ fourth-place finish is the best showing for the Public League since Foreman finished fourth in 1996.