Boys Soccer: Mather makes it case with ‘beautiful style’

Updated: November 3, 2011 6:45PM

The best soccer games, typically involve a clash of styles.

When the Class 2A soccer semifinals unfold Friday morning at Lincoln-Way North, the unstoppable meets the immovable. Public League champion Mather and its exciting, offensively aggressive style confronts defending state champion Peoria Notre Dame and its unflinching, lockdown defense.

Behind senior forward Qudus Lawal, Mather (19-3-1) has showcased a lethal attack.

In five state tournament games, the Rangers have outscored their opponents 34-6, punctuated by their 7-1 supersectional victory against St. Francis on Tuesday.

“We play a very clean and I think, beautiful style, that is a joy for people to watch,” first-year coach Branko Cvijovic said. “I’ve made that a point of emphasis, that we play the right way, no yellow cards and our bench always sitting down.”

Cvijovic said the Rangers have reversed the presumption that Public League teams lack discipline and team cohesion. “We’ve become a very good passing team, and everyone shares the ball and we’re playing much better defense,” he said. “Against St. Francis, I don’t think they ever had the ball for more than five seconds at a time.”

Playing on its home field Tuesday, Peoria Notre Dame (20-5) topped Lemont 1-0 on Dylan Stockman’s score in the 63rd minute.

“We play a lot of 1-2 balls where I drop down and I have the chance to create either for myself or for others,’’ said Lawal, who has 35 goals. “With my speed I don’t think any team can really stop us.”

Lawal is far from the Rangers’ only scoring threat. Steven Younus and Chizom Ogbonna are excellent second and third options.

Eseh Godman, who had two goals against St. Francis, said the team is focused. “We’re going to the finals to win a state championship,” he said.

In the other bracket, Marmion (19-6-3) faces Chatham Glenwood (16-5-2). Senior defender Mick Maley scored both goals in the Cadets’ 2-1 overtime thriller over Lakes on Tuesday. “All I know is we’re going Downstate and it’s the first time ever,” he said.

Midfielder Mike Frasca, who has 41 goals and 17 assists, assisted both goals, and keeper Brad White keys the defense.

© 2012 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.