PR closes in on Fox title

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JOHNSBURG – Playing on the road in front of a spirited crowd, the Prairie Ridge boys soccer team had the task of facing a tough Johnsburg team with a chance to clinch at least a share of the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division title Thursday.

 “Their fans were great today, and to come out here is always tough,” Prairie Ridge senior forward Alex Walker said.

Walker and teammate Mac Curtis each scored twice, and the Wolves overcame the road challenge to beat the Skyhawks, 5-1.

Prairie Ridge senior midfielder Taylor Bennett also scored, and the Wolves eliminated the Skyhawks (9-5-2, 8-3) from Fox Division title contention. Prairie Ridge can win the title outright in its final division game Tuesday against winless Woodstock North.

Walker scored the only goal of the first half a couple of minutes into the contest, and it turned out to be the only shot on goal in the half for the Wolves (11-6-3 overall, 10-1 FVC Fox). Walker scored his second goal with 5:28 remaining in the game as he placed the ball in the right side of the net past the outstretched arms of Johnsburg keeper Trevor Cherwin.

“They played 11 up top, and we were able to get some breakaways and some good opportunities to score,” Walker said.

Mac Curtis’ first goal came 12 minutes into the second half after the junior forward won a ball inside the Johnsburg box. Curtis scored the final goal of the match on a rebound off his own shot that ricocheted off the left post.

“I think our defense did a great job moving the ball up to us when we needed it most,” Curtis said.

And when the Wolves got a chance to score, they made the most of their opportunities.

“From a goal-scoring standpoint, this was our best effort so far this year, and we were able to keep shots on frame,” Prairie Ridge coach Dave O’Leary said.

Mike Dombrowski scored for the Skyhawks on a perfect through ball from Matt Wells.

“I didn’t think the score reflected the game but, PR did a very good job counterattacking and taking advantage of scoring opportunities,” Johnsburg coach Rob Eastland said. “I was very proud of the way our team played and that they never gave up.”