Officially committed to Roosevelt University. I’m beyond grateful to God for the opportunities, and to my family and coaches for their endless encouragement and support. Here’s to the next chapter! #Thankful#CollegeBound”
Galaxy Boys 06/07 win the weekend in Virginia finishing undefeated 3-0. The boys places 3rd out of 50 teams at the ECRL event. The defensive line Nichani, McMahon Karubas and Ladd and DeGraff had two shut outs. Great start to the season boys. 👊🏼
#bluenation#wearegalaxy #thefutureisbright #ECNLRLVA @ECNLboys@PrepSoccer
Angelo Piech and a talented senior class grew up together on the varsity, helping put Brother Rice soccer back on the map. Check out the @BevRevNews story and photos!
@BRSoccerChi@BRice_Athletics@BrotherRice@AngPiech
https://t.co/DKXvmQRmtl
So many different storylines at this time of the year for high school fall sports across the U.S.
You have the final days and weeks for some seniors in what may be the only sport they play all school year. While those playing careers come to an end - and maybe for good - new stars also will be born in the final weeks of the fall campaign.
One of the emotional games during this stretch will take place this weekend in Chicago when Washington (Chicago) travels to play Brother Rice in a 2A regional boys soccer game.
Al Perez, one of the highest-quality human beings you will ever meet, retired from Washington with 35 years of service to the Southeast Side school last May. He led the program to the school’s first state title and coached other city champions and state Final Four teams during his legendary span.
Now, still in his young 50s, Al is teaching part time and coaching at Brother Rice. He took over arguably the most historic boys soccer program in Illinois at the start of the school year after former alum Matt Prunckle returned and rebuilt the program before moving into school administration.
I say it all the time: Sport is so much more than a win and loss or a goal or point scored. Sport forms relationships, creates human emotions and pride - just to name a few.
Think about just that from Al Perez watching his current and former players; longtime assistant and current Washington coach Ricardo Suarez trying to win his first regional title; and Matt Prunckle watching his former players and program.
And guess what?
We haven’t even talked about the most important part of this post yet - the kids and their emotions.
You don’t think the Washington players want to beat their former coach and by doing so helping their current coach win his first regional and advance?
On the other side, you have the Crusaders, who are trying to become the first team in school history to win a IHSA boys soccer title.
Brother Rice, which is unbeaten in 36 of its last 43 games, advanced to the Elite Eight a year ago before falling to Peoria Notre Dame 1-0 in a game that should’ve never been played if adult leaders took health and safety into consideration.
(Said it before the game, said it during and will say it forever. It wasn’t smart when Wednesday was sitting there, as games were cancelled later that evening.)
Weather won’t be an issue Saturday, with sunny skies and temps in the low 60s. A perfect day to showcase kids, families, schools and communities.
Building off freshman year on varsity, Brother Rice sophomore Anthony Piech steps into bigger spotlight role for @BRSoccerChi as Crusaders look to put together deep playoff run. Check out the @BevRevNews story!
@BRice_Athletics@BrotherRice@AngPiech
https://t.co/hyJpJ7DySo
Markulin Cup stays home. Great Senior Day win vs St. Rita. Thank you BR Soccer, BR Athletics, BR Parents for a great Senior Day @BRSoccerChi@BRice_Athletics@BrotherRice