Banton heads Evanston in big win

Updated: August 30, 2011 10:10PM

Jamal Banton is smoldering.

A day after the Evanston senior midfielder recorded a hat trick and two assists in a 5-1 victory over a very good Mather team, Banton scored two additional goals as the host Wildkits ripped Foreman 6-0 in the opening round of Evanston soccer tournament Tuesday night.

“Last year in this tournament, I didn’t score once and I had the attitude I wanted to be aggressive with the ball and look for my chances,” he said. “After the game I had yesterday [against Mather], I wanted to keep it up.”

Five different Evanston players registered goals to power the attack. They showcased a crisp passing attack and fluid movement in scoring three first half goals the Hornets had no means to counteract.

The Wildkits (2-0-1) opened the scoring in the 19th minute with junior forward Daniel Lev breaking receiving a beautiful through ball from senior forward Frantz Jacques that he blasted into the left corner for the opening onslaught.

Banton extended the lead to 2-0 in the 29th minute on a penalty kick after the official ruled his teammate, forward Manuel Quiroz was fouled in the box. Junior midfielder Michael Deremo closed out the first half scoring in the closing seconds with an impressive goal on a free kick from the left wing.

Banton said he maintained his recent hot play, but it was done in the framework of the team. “We have a very balanced and talented team, and everything you saw out there was a result of team play,” he said.

“We passed well and moved well and everybody contributed. That’s going to make our team very tough,” Banton said.

Banton’s second goal came off a nice cross from senior defender Julio Almanza. Jacques closed out the scoring by blasting in a goal from about 18 yards out at the 69 minute mark.

Senior Randall Foreman registered three saves in posting his first shut out of the season. The Hornets fell to 1-3 on the season.

In the first game, Payton earned the victory over Von Steuben on penalty kicks after the game ended 2-2 in regulation. The Grizzlies outscored the Panthers 4-2 on penalty kicks. Defender James Robinson and forward Kirk Davies scored for Payton. Chidozie Nwagbara and Leonardo Gill tallied for the Panthers.

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