Chicago Christian Makes School History With Regional Soccer Win

Submitted by Chicago Christian High School

The men’s soccer team continued its outstanding season by reaching yet another milestone Friday, winning a Regional Championship. Not only have they won their first Regional Championship in school history, they are continuing to set the school record for victories as well.

With each victory, the Knights are setting the new standard for wins in a season after winning their 16th game last week. Currently they boast an18-5-1 overall record, a Peotone Diablo Tournament Championship, and a Peoria Christian Invitational Tournament Championship.

Last Wednesday the Knights defeated Chicago Carver Military Academy 4-1 in the semifinals,and on Friday they defeated Chicago Richards High School 7-0 to capture the title.

The Knights are led by first year head coach Bryan Miller. Miller is in his fourth year of his coaching career, but his first year coaching Chicago Christian.

He inherited a team that lost only one senior from the year before, All-Conference goalkeeper Dan Van Groningen (Oak Forest). Miller handed over the duties to sophomore Josh Mollema (Oak Forest), despite this year being Mollema’s first year as a goalkeeper.

Accompanied by a group of experienced defensive players,including senior co-captain Josh Potter (Orland Park), the move paid off. The Knights have out scored their opponents 91-23 so far this year.

The Knights are led by Potter on defense, and are led offensively by senior Brett Robertson(Monee) and sophomore Gatenet Timmermans (Palos Heights) who have scored 33 and 27 goals, respectively.

Although the Knights have excellent individual performers, Miller knows that what makes them successful is that they understand that individual success is not as important as team success.

“(The team) has bought into the idea that by working together they can be even betterthan just the one or two star players.”

The Knights entered the Sectional Tournament at Lisle High School Tuesday evening against defending State Champion, Lisle High School.

Editor's Note: The Knights played to a 2-2 tie on Tuesday when the game was suspended due to darkness. They were scheduled to take the field this afternoon.