Leyden seeing rays of hope despite slow start

Senior captain Jordan McMillan was hopeful Saturday, even after Leyden had fallen to 1-4 on the season with a 6-2 nonconference loss to visiting Maine South.

"We are starting to come together," said McMillan, who scored Leyden's second goal of the game with 8 minutes, 5 seconds remaining. That score came only 1:43 after sophomore teammate David Wisniewski finally got the Eagles on the board after Maine South had scored the game's first five goals.

"We do have a young team this year (with 11 of the 21 players on the roster nonseniors, including three sophomores), and we have to learn from our experiences. We have to keep on trying to work together as a team, and everyone has to do that."

The biggest mistake made Saturday by the Eagles, said coach Mark Valintis, was too much "ball watching."

"Everyone has a responsibility on the field, and when even one player stands around and watches, it seems like that's where the ball ends up. Good teams will capitalize when you make mistakes."

Still, Valintis said he was pleased with the effort from some of his players.

"We had some guys who never gave up, they led by example," he said. "I think our guys found out that you have to come ready to play right from the start of the game.

"We have a tough schedule, and good teams will come right after you, so you have to be ready to go when the game starts."

The Eagles were scheduled to open WSC Gold Division play Monday night against Downers Grove South. They return to action at 6:30 p.m. Thursday by hosting Fenton in a nonconference match.