Munster knocks off Andrean

Updated: September 28, 2011 9:29PM

MERRILLVILLE — Give credit where credit is due — in this case, the schedulers. The Northwest Crossroads Conference championship came down to the last match of the season as Munster knocked off Andrean 1-0 to capture the league title.

The conference title is Munster’s fourth in the NCC’s four years of existence. The Mustangs have never lost a conference match during that time span.

“Overall, we beat a really good team,” said Munster coach Jim Prasopolous. “We knew coming in that this wouldn’t be easy and that the game could go either way.”

Munster (11-3-1, 6-0) scored the lone goal of the match in the 26th minute courtesy of Zarko Coric. A deflected cross ended up at the foot of an unmarked Coric near the right top of the box. The senior midfielder had plenty of time to gather himself and make his advance on Andrean keeper Mike Croux. Coric delivered a low blast past the defenseless Croux for his 18th goal of the season.

“We made a mistake on that goal,” said Andrean coach Pete Reist. “We had two guys both come to the ball and they were a little indecisive. Of all the guys not to have marked up, you don’t want it to be Coric.”

The 59ers best opportunity came in the 35th minute when Tom Cappas dribbled his way through three Munster defenders down the left side. Cappas bore down on Mustang keeper Evan Kattan and appeared to have the uncontested shot. But Cappas was looking to assist on an easy chip-in as he slid a pass across the goal mouth, but couldn’t connect with his onrushing teammates.

Andrean (13-3, 5-1) had one more chance with a little over five minutes left in the match. Dean Ricciardi got behind the Munster defense to receive a cross down the right side. Ricciardi headed the ball to a streaking Hayden Fogle, but Kattan punched the ball out just a hair before Fogle got to it.

“Our goalie was on the spot with that,” said Prasopolous. “That was a huge save. As a coach, you like to see your goalkeeper do that.”

Kattan finished with four saves for Munster, while Croux saved six shots for Andrean. The 59ers move on to a sectional matchup with Westville next Wednesday, while the Mustangs wrap up with a non-conference match at Valparaiso prior to sectional play.

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