Lisle claims first boys state title

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:12PM

In just eight seasons, Lisle has gone from not having a soccer program to winning a state championship.

Sophomore Eric Osika scored on a 25-yard rocket with 33:00 remaining in the second half to lift the Lions (17-9-1) to a 1-0 victory over Peoria Christian in the Class 1A state championship match Saturday night at North Central College in Naperville. It is the first state title in a boys sport in school history.

"It's crazy," Osika said. "I can't even describe how good it is."

Lisle's defense, led by Matt Gill and Jacob Soukup, held the potent Chargers (20-4-3) to just four shots on goal, all of which were saved by Lions goalie Kazim Khan. The victory was the 100th of the program, which was founded in 2003 by coach Paul Kohorn, who is stepping down to become an assistant women's soccer coach at Aurora University.

"Our guys never gave up, never quit," a choked up Kohorn said. "It was incredible. It means so much to me for them [to win]. I'm going to miss them but what a way to go out."

Kohorn was especially pleased for senior Grant Fitzgerald, Lisle's all-time leading scorer with 91 goals. Peoria Christian blanketed him throughout, limiting him to two shots. But Osika made them pay for that.

"As soon as Grant gets it off his foot, I take it," Osika said. "I have to put it on my shoulders. But he's the one who always has it on his shoulders and wins. That's how we got here."

Fitzgerald is Lisle's only senior starter, so Kohorn is optimistic about Lisle's future.

"Eric's shot, as we say, was just sick," Kohorn said. "It was a great shot. He's a great player. He's just a sophomore so he's got great things to come."

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