By Bobby Narang
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) boys soccer season is hitting the final lap of the regular season. One year ago, York claimed the top prize in Class 3A with an historic run, by defeating Fremd, 4-0, in the championship game to win the program’s first State championship.
Riding the strength of a 19-player senior class, the Dukes are squarely in the hunt for another State championship. The Dukes gained a measure of revenge by beating Lions 1-0 October 6, the first time the senior class has beaten the Lyons.
York, 14-0-3, and 5-0, West Suburban Silver, lost two games last season, but have remained unbeaten this season behind a solid back line, a potent offensive attack, and solid goalie play. York failed to win the Conference championship last season, but clinched the championship this season by beating Glenbard West Saturday, Oct. 8.
The Dukes, who open up the 3A playoffs against the winner of Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg October 19, have tied against Lake Park, Elgin, and St. Charles East.
“One of our goals was to win conference,” York head coach Jordan Stopka said, a Lyons alum. “I think we can almost check that off. We’re going to try and win our last two Conference games and use that as a snowball effect going into the playoffs. This is a great group of kids and listen and work hard. Maybe we can do it again.”
Stopka admitted he never expected the Dukes to be undefeated so late in the regular season due to a number of factors.
“Not at all did I expect this, especially with the way we were playing at the beginning of this season,” he said. “I totally expected us to lose. We could’ve lost twice all ready this season. Two of our ties came when we tied it up in the last 45 seconds, so we’ve been there. The Cardiac Kids have finally come back to win or tie the game. They just don’t quit. If you have that mentality, anything can happen in the playoffs. We like to be up going toward the final whistle, but we know if we’re down one, we can find that last bit of energy to tie the game up.”
• In football, York is making a run at the State championship. The Dukes have set the stage for one of the best seasons in program history on the gridiron. The Dukes, 7-0 and 5-0, showed their victory over Glenbard West in week six was no fluke by recording a 31-7 triumph at Hinsdale Central Friday, Oct. 7. The Dukes will close out the regular season against Willowbrook and Oak Park-River Forest.