Broncos post MSL road win at Elk Grove
By Dan Santaromita

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Barrington senior Craig Zahour plays a role rarely seen in high school soccer. The Ohio State signee sits in front of the Broncos’ back four and begins just about every possession, picking out teammates push forward.

Even on the grass field of Elk Grove, Zahour’s importance to Barrington was evident. As an experienced, hard-working and settling influence sitting deep in the midfield he helped the to a Broncos’ 2-1 win over the host Grenadiers in a Mid Suburban League crossover.

An eighth minute goal from Jonathon Arzeta gave Elk Grove (2-2-3, 1-2-1 MSL) the early lead, but it was canceled out by Barrington scores from Ethan Claes and Jack Hoots to give the Broncos (6-2-2-, 2-1) their second MSL win in a row.

After missing the team’s first five games, Zahour is back at the heart of the Barrington varsity squad for his fourth year.

“He’s probably the player on our roster who’s played at the highest level for the longest and he’s smart,” Barrington coach Scott Steib said. “He just had a level of composure and confidence. He just sits in front of that back line and kind of surveys and figures out what he wants to do.”

Zahour typically plays center back at the club level, but his midfield position with Barrington still allows him to keep the action in front of him at all times.

“What I like about it is there’s a unique sense of command,” Zahour said. “I get to sit there and see everything. I like having the game in front of me and being able to make decisions ahead of time of where I want to have the ball go.

“One of the key things I’ve always treasured was hard work in that position. If you’re not willing to work hard and work your butt off for your buddies you’re just not going to be successful. One of the big things is going to win head balls, trying to win head balls on second balls, digging everything out. You gotta be the guy that’s being the horse of the team.”

Steib praised the work rate of several Broncos. He conceded that it wouldn’t be the prettiest game and the Broncos wouldn’t be able to connect with as many passes as they like to on their home turf. Therefore, they were going to have to work hard for the win – and they did.

“I said I wanted us to play direct,” Steib said. “It’s good to play a game out of your comfort level. I certainly don’t like giving up a goal and a couple other chances, but I’m proud of them. They played hard tonight. A lot of guys going hard tonight.”

It wasn’t always peachy for the visitors though. Eight minutes in Elk Grove pressed up the field and took advantage of a poor clearance to score. Gio Garcia headed the clear back towards Arzeta, who smoothly slipped away from the defenders and put a low right-footed shot into the goal.

Barrington answered in the 17th minute with a long-range effort from Ethan Claes that slipped through the fingers of Grens’ keeper Alberto Centeño (16 saves).

It may have been a fortuitous goal, but Claes earned it. He played a role in several scoring chances including hitting the free kick that eventually led to the winning goal. Strong play from the third-year varsity member is nothing new this season.

“He’s been good the whole time, but he’s been great this year,” said Steib, who also noted Claes was arguably the team’s MVP en route to winning the Barrington Classic.

Despite giving up Claes’ equalizer, Elk Grove continued to create opportunities with Arzeta and Ben Castellanos showing good skill on the ball.

Arzeta almost scored a wonder goal a half hour in, but his ambitious lofted shot from outside the box would only hit the crossbar. Arzeta admitted to seeing Barrington keeper Pat Deroche (3 saves) off his line before attempting the shot. All Deroche could do was watch as Arzeta’s ball almost went in the upper 90.

The Grens have just four seniors, but between this game and a 5-3 loss at Buffalo Grove Thursday they have shown the ability to play with some of the league’s most talented teams.

“I think our guys can learn from this, the Buffalo Grove game and the Barrington game against two quality opponents,” assistant coach Rob Shepard said. “They make some mistakes that younger guys make. I think they’re excited for the opportunity for big games. I think that’s going to make them stronger going forward so hopefully they can figure it out.”

“We’re focused on this season,” Arzeta, a junior, said. “We have a good team right now. Four seniors, all young players, but we can make something happen.”

The Broncos’ winner came six minutes into the second half. A Claes free kick was punched away by Centeño, but the ball stayed in the area and eventually Hoots tapped it in right in front of the open net.

Barrington’s work rate showed throughout the second half, dominating most of the half after a mostly even first 40 minutes.

“We lost control and communication in the second half,” Arzeta said.

EG will look to rebound Thursday at Wheeling. Barrington continues its push for the MSL West with a home match against Conant on Thursday.