Panthers overcome two-goal deficit to win Battle of Oswego

By Steve Nemeth

A quick start, a two-goal lead becoming a two-goal deficit, some dramatic saves, yellow cards, a red card, controversial calls by the officials, post-game comments from a water-logged coach - just your typical soccer match between crosstown rivals.

In the end, Oswego rallied for a 4-2 victory over Oswego East in Tuesday's Southwest Prairie Conference showdown between neighbors.

Thanks to the win, the host Panthers moved back on top in the series by a 5-4 count after the Wolves had won the previous two meetings.

More importantly, it kept Oswego in a tie for first in the SPC at 4-0-0 along with the loop's other unbeaten squad, Plainfield Central.

It was also reason enough for a squad with only a 5-6-1 overall record to give coach Travis Carlisle a post-game shower to celebrate it all.

The match actually started in favor of the visitors as Oswego East took a 1-0 lead just seven minutes into the contest when Marco Alvarez set up twin brother Jorge for a five-yarder tucked inside the right post.

While it was Marco's ninth assist for the year, it was the seventh time he fed his brother, whose team-best tally for goals is now 20.

Ten-plus minutes later, Jorge Alvarez's through ball led to Seth Stillman's seven-yard strike from the right side a 2-0 advantage for the Wolves.

But that's when the old coaching axiom about a 2-0 lead being dangerous came into play.

Oswego responded with a trio of goals for a 3-2 halftime lead but not without controversy.

First came a cross from Curtis Grysiewciz which was blasted home from eight yards out on the left wing by Fernando Chavez.

"Being down 2-0, we just wanted to push, push, and keep pushing on offense," Chavez said. "When I saw the center back coming across, I just used my left foot to get it past the keeper."

There was still nine minutes left before intermission when a Chavez corner kick was headed in from eight yards out by Kyle Kearby. It was the senior tri-captain's third goal within the past four matches.

Then the rivalry really got heated with 1:58 still on the clock. That's when Oswego East was whistled for obstruction resulting in an indirect free kick within the box.

The entire Wolves' squad joined goalie Dakota Bruns within the cage trying to form a virtual post-to-post wall.

With Oswego foes jostling for position prior to the ball being touched, Oswego East's Stillman was yellow carded for encroachment.

Although he left the field, he was near midfield hoping to return at the first opportunity while OEHS coach Steve Szymanski was talking to his replacement.

The linesman viewed Stillman's presence as an indication Oswego East wasn't sending in anyone else and signaled for the referee to resume play.

The Panthers' Nathan Kyes tapped the ball the indirect so that Adam Udy could ricochet his shot through the defenders and in for the lead.

"The foul call that led to the indirect was correct and the encroachment should've been called as well. However, the referee has to give you a chance to substitute," Syzmanski insisted.

"The same thing happened in the Neuqua Valley-Lyons game and the goal scored by Lyons was called back because there were only 10 men on the field. My main problem is neither official came over to explain what was called or give us a chance to sub."

Nevertheless the goal stood and the second half was just five minutes old when Jorge Alvarez rocketed a direct free kick that Oswego goalie Luis Gallardo made a one-hand tip save to prevent a tie.

Six minutes later, it was the Panthers' turn to groan over a missed opportunity as the Wolves made a defensive clear on a loose ball to keep from falling behind by two goals.

Unfortunately for Oswego East, that became reality, however, with 21:58 remaining when Oswego's Kyes drew a foul within the penalty box and then converted the penalty kick.

"Getting the call I was really fired up and wasn't nervous, I'm pretty confident on PKs," Kyes said after his grin gave a hint that he may have embellished his fall.

"Beating Oswego East, winning conference were two of our goals going into the season, we can check off one of those."

"There's no question he got hit in the box and it's a foul," Carlisle noted. "Did he make sure everyone here knew he got fouled, maybe, but that's a smart play."

With 10:44 still to be played, Oswego East's Edson King got a breakaway opportunity but his shot sailed over the net.

The Wolves got a takeaway and immediately raced in for another chance but Jorge Alvarez's shot was blocked by Gallardo.

"It was very frustrating because this is a game we should've done better after a 2-0 lead," Jorge Alvarez said.

"They outplayed us, played harder and just wanted it more. We didn't play our game and played into their hands."

Despite stopping three of Oswego's seven shots on goal which were part of a 15-9 edge in overall attempts, Wolves goalie Bruns admitted their efforts just weren't enough.

"We got too complacent with the 2-0 lead. Plus I think we thought too much instead of just playing. They really outplayed us over the rest of the game," Bruns admitted.

Oswego's Chavez agreed with that assessment.

"We showed our pride, played with heart and the scoreboard says it all," the senior stated. "It feels great. We haven't beaten them in my time but this winning this rivalry game was one of our goals."

Since losing tri-captain Elliot Totsch, Oswego has been making adjustments to its lineup and formations prompting Carlisle to insist progress was being made, even after a 2-0 loss at East Aurora.

"Things really came together for us today. I believe the guys have come to trust each and being on our home field, we were able to spread the ball which allowed us to use our wide field," Carlisle added.

"Even down 2-0, from the pressure we were putting on them, I knew we'd have opportunities. Since we've been struggling with finishes I wasn't certain what to expect, but we also knew from their results that they've given up goals.

"I know it sounds cliché, but it's Fernando's senior year and he's playing with a passion and a fire, he wants to be the person to step up and he definitely did."

With the loss, Oswego East saw its overall record evened at 7-7-0 while the Wolves' SPC ledger dipped to 3-2-0.

"They played with much more intensity from the start. To their credit they outplayed us and beat us. The referees did not beat us," added Szymanski, who will now miss Thursday's contest at East Aurora.

"I think their style of play is more physical and we let that style get under our skin. Hopefully, we learned another lesson."