Lions blank Marsist to claim a share of ESCC title

By Curt Herron

When a team is playing on the road against another unbeaten squad in a conference showdown, how well the visitor plays is secondary to winning.

And that's just how Saint Viator's players and coach chose to look at things after Wednesday's East Suburban Catholic Conference clash at Marist.

While the Lions didn't perform as well as they hoped to, they managed to collect a goal off of a set piece during each half against the Redhawks.

As a result, Saint Viator claimed a 2-0 victory in Chicago which assured it of at least a share of the ESCC championship.

Coach Mike Taylor's squad can wrap up the outright title on Friday when they finish league play with a match at Benet Academy.

If the Lions (15-5-2, 7-0) fall to the Redwings, the winner of Saturday's Carmel Catholic at Marist match will earn a title share.

Nick Abel handed out assists on both scores, thanks to dangerous throw-ins that were directed right in front of Marist's net.

Matt Morsches headed in the first effort with 8:05 remaining in the opening half to put the Lions in front for good.

Then with 12:58 left in the contest, Abel sent a throw-in that was knocked in by Michael Decker to conclude the scoring.

Scott Faul stopped everything that Marist (16-5-1, 6-1) sent his direction as he he posted his second straight shutout.

The Lions also recorded their sixth clean sheet in the last nine matches, during which time they've gone 7-1-1.

Saint Viator's win detracted from senior day for the Redhawks, who now need some help if they want a share of the ESCC crown.

Click to hear coach Mike Taylor interview

Despite arriving to the city's southwest side early for the match, the Lions got off to a slow start against the Redhawks.

But Marist was unable to capitalize on the situation, allowing the Lions to remain even despite their early difficulties.

As the initial half began to wind down, things finally started to click for the Lions, with the first payoff coming shortly before the break.

Restarts haven't necessarily been the Lions' calling card this year, but they proved to be critical on Wednesday, with Abel leading the way.

His throw-in toward the net found Morsches, who headed the ball in for a score and Saint Viator had the only goal that it would need.

Click to hear Nick Abel interview

The first 10 minutes of the new half featured a little of something from both sides before the chances started to go in the Lions' favor.

Shortly after the break, Marist's Kevin Szubrych sent a header to Faul and Abel answered with a grounder that went to the Redhawks keeper.

After Marist's Jeremy Ballard was denied on a liner, Jack Horvath was stopped on one shot before Tim Hogaboom sent an attempt wide.

Click to hear Jack Horvath interview

The next 10 minutes featured free kicks from Abel and Horvath that were hauled in and a grounder from Horvath that was also secured.

Frustration built for the visitors after they were unable to connect on their good chances, setting the stage for some late drama.

But the combination of Abel to Decker had other ideas as they gave the Lions a two-goal advantage with just over 13 minutes remaining.

Faul secured the shutout after stopping a grounder from Daniel Grand a liner from Dillon Olson during the final three minutes of play.

Click to hear Michael Decker interview

Despite seeing his squad fall short in the key conference showdown, Marist coach Sean Maxwell is pleased by how the Redhawks have played.

The veteran coach feels that this is one of the closest groups that he's had, giving him hope that they they will do well in the playoffs.

Click to hear coach Sean Maxwell interview

Saint Viator. last year's Class 2A champions, begins the playoffs on Tuesday against Mundelein in the Class 3A Glenbrook North Regional.