Demons fall after

While it's impossible to predict the future, it would be a good guess that Maine East's boys soccer success will have a lasting effect.

The Demons (17-5-3) had a phenomenal 2008 season. And while they fell short of their ultimate goal -- to advance to the state finals -- it was clearly a year to remember.

East's players had the curtain drop on their magical season Saturday afternoon when it fell to No. 1-ranked New Trier 4-0 in the championship game of the Niles North Sectional. But before they bowed out of the postseason, coach Vic DiPrizio's athletes pulled off a major upset in the semifinals.

Playing second-seeded Loyola on Oct. 29, the Demons squeaked out a grueling 1-0 victory.

After controlling most of the action in the first half, East was awarded a free kick at about the 20-yard line. All-State midfielder James Kelly took the shot, which bounced off the crossbar. Luckily for East, Josh Swoboda was positioned perfectly and buried the rebound shot to give his team the lead with 14 seconds left before intermission. As it turned out, that would be the only goal of the night.

"Everyone was expecting it to be a Loyola-New Trier final here (at Niles North)," DiPrizio said. "But our kids came to play. We had a good scouting report and prepared ourselves. I think they (Loyola) were ranked eighth in the state."

On Saturday, the Demons returned to Skokie for their championship battle with the nationally ranked Trevians. New Trier entered the contest with an impressive record of 18-1-1.

Amazingly, it was the Demons who had the first real opportunity to score. Kelly stole a ball in New Trier territory and moved in on goalkeeper John Secaras. His shot was just wide.

Late in the half, New Trier increased the pressure and Matt Weaver drilled a shot past East goalkeeper Milan Tijanic. The Trevians were awarded a penalty kick just four minutes into the second half and Kyle McCrudden made it 2-0. New Trier later had goals from Chris Ritter and Benjamin Beaver.

"You can't make mistakes with a team of this caliber," DiPrizio said. "And we had a couple. But I was so proud of our team. We were not intimidated coming in here and played hard."