Loyola edges New Trier

Updated: May 12, 2011 7:49PM

Patrick Callahan’s goal with less than four minutes to play Thursday tied New Trier with Loyola for the first time since the start of the game.

The classic rivalry between the state’s consensus best clubs seemed destined for overtime until Luke Cowan split two defenders and scored the game-winning goal with 1:19 to go to lift Loyola to a 6-5 victory over the Trevians in Northfield.

“It’s always a great atmosphere and always close,” said the Providence-bound senior Cowan, who scored a team-high two goals. “I’m glad it finally went our way. It’s awesome. Our defense definitely showed up and allowed us the opportunity to win.”

When these two teams last played, the Trevians captured their sixth consecutive state championship with a 7-6 win. New Trier (11-5) and Loyola (12-4) have played each other in five finals in a row.

Loyola scored in the game’s opening two minutes and added two more for a 3-0 lead with 6:54 left in the first quarter.

“They come in year in and year out with a phenomenal team,” said New Trier senior Chad Sawyer, who scored two goals in the loss. “We just couldn’t really catch up to them. We came out flat, and we needed to have the same fire they had.

“We look forward to playing them again in the playoffs and get back at them.”

Cowan and four others scored for the Ramblers, including Dylan Brennan, who celebrated his 17th birthday Thursday.

Sawyer broke the shutout with his first goal late in the first quarter. After the Ramblers went up three again, Sawyer found the net to leave the score 4-2. Charlie Carothers then scored with 24.4 seconds to go before the half to get the Trevians within one.

But the Ramblers responded right after the break as Dan Conway scored at the 10:51 mark to return them to a two-goal advantage. New Trier finally tied the game with goals by Mick Parks and later

Callahan before Cowan’s game-winner.

Cowan’s among those hoping for rematch, possibly June 4 at Oak Park-River Forest, where the championship game will be staged.

“Definitely, and I don’t see why we can’t beat them again,” he said.

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