Lemont Raiders claim U-15 title over Fire Juniors-North

By Curt Herron

The Lemont Raiders U-15 squad already had accomplished plenty prior to Sunday's Illinois Youth Soccer Association State Cup.

After winning the Midwest Regional League's Premier Red Division title, Lemont was assured of a trip to the Region II tournament.

And the Raiders had clinched a berth to next month's national meet after finishing second to California's Albion White in the National League.

But winning the state championship in Sunday's action at Sportscore Two in Loves Park proved to be far from certain for the relatively-new squad.

Playing against a Chicago Fire Juniors-North team that they had already beaten by a 2-1 score, Lemont found itself a man down in the early going.

Then to complicate matters, both squads had to wait out a lengthy delay due to storms in the area before a champion was finally determined.

But when all was said and done, Lemont converted on a pair of penalty kicks by Ricardo Aldape to claim a 2-1 win over the Fire Juniors-North.

Their next competition takes place between June 25-30 when they take part in the Region II tournament, that will be held in Beavercreek, Ohio.

Regardless of how they do there, the Raiders will also get the opportunity to take part in the U.S. National event in Overland Park, Kansas.

Click to hear Ricardo Aldape interview

Although the Raiders were clearly the team to beat on Sunday, they suffered a big blow in the early minutes when they lost a field player.

But despite being down a man for nearly the entire match, Lemont had plenty of chances during both halves against the Fire Juniors-North.

They grabbed a 1-0 advantage during the opening half when Aldape made a penalty kick and maintained that lead as they headed to the break.

Click to hear Jack Alberts interview

Lemont increased its advantage to 2-0 during the second half when Aldape converted on his second penalty kick of the match.

But the Fire Juniors-North made things interesting when Yacir Herrera connected on a free kick to pull his team to within a goal.

That's how the score stood when play was halted, and following the long delay, the Raiders ran out the final minutes to wrap up the win.

Click to hear Brandon Medina interview