Deerfield Boys Soccer Aiming For State Title

Three wins. That's all that separates the Deerfield boys soccer team and a trip downstate with what they hope will be destiny.

The Warriors face off against Graylake Central tonight at 4:30 pm, in a Class 2A Sectional semifinal showdown that takes place at Lakes High School, in Lake Villa.

Tickets are $4 each at the gate.

Deerfield (17-5-1 overall) is fresh off a regional championship victory last week in which they were a top seed. Granted, they know the competition will quickly become stiffer. But they should be well-prepared.

"Even though we are in Class 2A in the playoffs, we played a tough, competitive 3A schedule during the regular season," Deerfield coach Elliot Hurtig said. "The Central Suburban Conference is tough, and we play a lot of really good teams."

If the Warriors are able to hold off the Rams tonight, they would advance to the Sectional title game at 11 am Saturday, which would also be at Lakes High School.

Enough talent to win a state title

Hurtig said he saw the talent in this year's squad start to evolve as early as last season.

"We had a great season last year, and performed much better than expected with a lot of young players," Hurtig said. "And that has carried over into this season, as a lot of those players are back again this year."

The Warriors are led by one of the state's top players in Joey Calistri, who has 34 goals, along with junior defender Leland Pew, and senior midfielders Adam Rabushka, Jason Kayne and Eric Gilbert. 

But just how good can this group really be? The team's coach may be their biggest fan.

"With the shift from Class 3A to 2A, I think we have a chance to win the state title," Hurtig said. "It's been exciting to watch."