Hornets play on new turf surface to highlight senior day

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By Curt Herron

Tuesday certainly turned out to be a special day for all of the players on Hinsdale South's team, but especially its seniors.

On a day where 16 athletes were recognized for being a part of the program, all of the Hornets also received a bonus prize.

And that was they finally got the opportunity to play a match on the new turf surface that has been installed at the stadium.

They had been denied that chance thus far this season while the new turf was delayed by ground conditions and labor issues.

As a result, the Hornets had hosted all of their matches so far on the practice field on the other side of the school.

But with homecoming week unfolding at the school, the timing was perfect for the Hornets to get their first match at the stadium.

The first unofficial contest took place on the surface on Monday when the girls played in the Stinger powder puff football game.

On Friday, the Hornets host Downers Grove South in the much-anticipated initial home football game of the season.

A nice halftime ceremony honoring the seniors was one highlight of Tuesday's match with Oswego in the Waubonsie Valley Invite.

Coach James VanDenburgh started all seniors but one and made sure that each of those 16 got some playing time during the match.

Some seniors who earned starts were Macario Bandera, Stephen Beavis, Edwin Cisneros, Lukasz Graniczek and Rogelio Mendoza.

Other senior starters for the Hornets on Tuesday were Joe Petrak, Marcelo Picallo, Dan Pocica, Adam Radi and Matt Warta.

Usual starters Nick Henry and Tyler Langosch couldn't play due to injury and Jon Beavis has been sidelined much of the year.

The other three seniors on the squad who were also recognized are Vince Cullinan, Armando Picallo and Gianlucas Picallo.

Perhaps the only down side was the 2-2 score that stood on the new state-of-the-art scoreboard following regulation play.

The Hornets assured that when Cisneros put in a short rebound shot with 4:57 remaining to force a draw with the Panthers.

Click to hear coach James VanDenburgh interview

South (6-9-3) had chances to grab the early lead in the opening, but as has often been the case, it was unable to connect.

The best chances were provided on long free kicks from Pocica and T.J. Kubiesa during the initial 30 minutes of action.

In the final 10 minutes of the first half, Warta had a pair of chances while Matt Schuster and Kubiesa also threatened.

Following the halftime ceremonies, the Hornets came out strong and managed to find the net during the opening minute.

Just 37 seconds after the break, Joey Gangi sent a cross in front of the net and Kubiesa was there to head the ball in.

Click to hear Joe Petrak interview

The Hornets followed up on that score with good chances from Cisneros, Schuster, Warta and Petrak in the next few minutes.

Oswego (6-7-2) responded a few minutes later with a long free kick from Collin Stransky and a short shot by Nathan Kyes.

South keeper Paras Patel was able to stop those two attempts but he couldn't halt the Panthers' next try right after that.

The Panthers tied things with 27:45 left to play when Curtis Grysiewicz sent a pass to Adam Udy, who put in the short shot.

With midfielder Henry and defender Langosch not available, the host's hopes for a comeback didn't look all that encouraging.

Click to hear Stephen Beavis interview

South tried to get the equalizer but keeper Luis Gallardo stopped a short try from Gangi and another free kick from Pocica.

Oswego took the lead for the first time with 13:14 remaining when Luis Abrego found Grysiewicz, who lined a shot over Patel.

Kubiesa later had a corner kick headed away by Kyes and sent in a free kick that Gangi flicked before the threat fizzled.

Finally, with just under five minutes left in the match, Cisneros got free in front and put in a loose ball to even things.

Click to hear Edwin Cisneros interview

In upcoming tournament matches, the Hornets play Batavia at Waubonsie on Thursday and travel to Lemont two days later.

The Panthers host Lemont on Thursday before playing at Waubonsie on Saturday. The Warriors tied Batavia 1-1 on Tuesday.

Metea Valley kicked off competition in the six-team Warrior Invite last Saturday when it claimed a 3-1 victory at Lemont.