Hornets try to build upon share of conference title

The frustration the Hinsdale South soccer team might have felt during its scoreless tie with Oswego Oct. 9 in Darien was quelled for a moment by an announcement.

The Hornets were about to share their first West Suburban Conference Gold Division title since 1995 because Downers Grove South was in the process of beating Morton 3-0.

Hinsdale South (12-7-2), Downers South and Morton all had 5-1 Gold records. The Hornets beat Downers South 2-1 Oct. 4 on junior Kyle Gorgol's goal with 50 seconds left after losing 2-0 at Morton Sept. 18.

"It wasn't as exciting as it could have been because we found out on the field. And it didn't help that we ended up just tying (Oswego)," Gorgol said.

"I'm very excited actually. It's one of the things that we worked on, talked about at the beginning of the season," Gorgol said. "(Coach Mark McNellis) wanted us to be either first or second because he knew Morton and Downers South were very good. We tied them so we're all very happy about it."

The Hornets will be even happier if they can win their first regional title since 1998. The No. 6 seed in the Hinsdale South Regional, they played No. 10 Downers Grove North Wednesday with the winner most likely playing No. 3 Lyons Township at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20. Hinsdale South beat LT 1-0 Sept. 11.

Hinsdale South finished its regular season with the Waubonsie Valley Tournament, following up the tie with Oswego by losing to Batavia 2-0 Oct. 11 and Lemont 2-1 Saturday.

Giovanni Cianelli scored with 10 minutes left Saturday off an assist by Devin Wells. The loss to Batavia snapped an eight-game unbeaten streak.