Sandburg rides defense, downs Lockport

Updated: April 28, 2011 11:42PM

Sandburg’s boys water polo team saw a door opened when Lockport upset Homewood-Flossmoor on Tuesday, giving the Eagles an opportunity to win the SouthWest Suburban Blue outright if they can win out in conference.

The Eagles appreciated the help, but they weren’t exactly in a thanking mood Thursday as they took on the Porters. Six different Sandburg players scored at least two goals and the Eagles rolled to a 17-6 win in Orland Park.

“We had a team meeting (Wednesday morning) after we found out Lockport beat H-F,” Sandburg’s Matt Veldman said. “We were excited and we’re really fired up for next Wednesday’s game (against H-F).”

Veldman scored four goals Thursday to lead the Eagles (23-4, 10-1). Balys Gintautas and Cody Corridino added three goals apiece, while Tony Rogina made 14 saves.

While Sandburg piled up the goals, it was the Eagles’ defense that was the most impressive. Lockport (14-9, 6-4) was blanked in the first quarter and had just two goals in the first half.

“We live and die with our defense,” Sandburg coach Jim Caliendo said. “It keeps us in a lot of games. Today, we played really well. The kids were excited because instead of hoping for a tie (for first in conference), it could be winner take all when we play H-F.”

Sandburg raced to a 5-1 lead early in the second quarter behind its defense and balanced offense as five different players scored the first five goals.

“When everyone scores, it’s huge,” Veldman said. “It takes the pressure off Erik (Niemeier) in the hole and opens up chances for all of us.”

Sandburg took a 10-5 lead into the final quarter and poured it on from there. Rogina was huge in the goal, making several point-blank stops to keep the Porters at bay.

Lockport never got its offense going, but did capitalize on its power-play opportunities in the second half, going 4-for-4.

Alex Koch, Brian Cavanaugh, Chris Neylon, Billy Bafia, Chris Bowman and Jeff Johnson all scored a goal for the Porters. Matt Yaeger made five saves.

Cavanaugh, the Porters’ top offensive weapon, was in foul trouble throughout the game and fouled out in the third quarter.

Niemeier and Mike McNicholas each scored twice for Sandburg.

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