Boys Soccer: Lemont Advances to Sectional Final with 1-0 Win Over Washington

Going into Tuesday's sectional semifinal, varsity boys soccer team knew they would face a tough challenge against the fast and physical Washington High School.

The matchup did not disappoint.

Despite a somewhat slow start on offense, the Indians held on to beat the Patriots 1-0, advancing to their sixth consecutive IHSA Class 2A Sectional Championship.

Junior Tommy Gasienica scored the game's only goal three minutes into the second half.

Lemont head coach Rick Prangen said after the game that his team was lucky to pull out a victory despite being outpaced by Washington early in the game.

"Washington is a very good team, and they came out with great energy," Prangen said. "I think we got a bit lucky in that sense, because we looked a little flat. I think the adrenaline got the best of us.

"But to our credit, we did make the most of the opportunities we were given, and were able to hang in there with them. That ultimately made the diffence in the game."

Immediately following Lemont's game Tuesday night, Crete-Monee and Bremen took the field for the second sectional semifinal.

Crete-Monee jumped out to an early 2-0 lead over Bremen in the first half before play was suspended due to lightning. The game will resume at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The Indians will host the winner at 6 p.m. Friday for the sectional championship match. The game will again be held at the Lemont High School Sports Complex, located at 131st Street and Bell Road.

Lemont has won a sectional title four out of the past five years.

Prangen said his team will need to regain its intensity to have a shot at another title Friday night.

"We need to come out more aggressive — that's what the playoffs are all about," he said.