Morton puts away Huskies late

Font Size

Email

Bookmark

Black Text

White Text

For most soccer teams, the clock would’ve struck midnight had they missed as many opportunities as Morton did Tuesday afternoon in Chicago.

But somehow, someway, Lady Luck remained on the Mustangs’ side during its 2-1 victory over Oak Park in semifinal play of the Class 3A St. Ignatius Sectional.

Eric Borjas’ goal off an Ivan Chavez assist with 10 minutes to play enabled Morton (24-2-1) to advance to Friday’s final, where it will face the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between Hinsdale Central and Lyons.

“Before that goal, we hit everything but the back of the net,” Chavez said.

Chavez was referring to two breakaway opportunities and one penalty kick, all three of which Morton came up empty-handed.

“Oak Park was physical and kept making the plays when [it] had to,” Borjas said.

One bright spot for Morton was the return of senior captain Carlos Leon, who missed the previous 17 game because of a foot injury.

“It was great to have him out there, because he means a lot to this team,” Morton coach Mike Caruso said. “The effort was there today from everyone, but we have to finish better if we want to keep advancing.”