The Lockport Boys Varsity Soccer team made this season a memorable one. With back to back seasons as conference champs, the boys’ drive to win was unstoppable this year. Starting their season in late August, it did not take long for the team to make things click.

The sectional final at Carl Sandburg between Thornton and Lockport was an aggressive one. A majority of the first half was tied 0-0, but Thornton scoring before half-time did not discourage the Porters. Coming out strong in the second half, Lockport played hard defense. However, at the end of the game, the Porters fell short, losing to Thornton 2-0, concluding their 2014 season.

As the season came to an end, senior captain, Chris Monte reveals, “I was devastated after our loss at the sectional final.

The varsity team was led by three seniors, Chris Monte, Jack Brassil, Angelo Demarco and junior, Jack Dilger. All four captains played on the previous 2013 conference champ team. Leading the team this season, the boys managed to get the top seed in their sectional, including teams like Andrew and Stagg. Even though the team lost several players last year, that did affect the boys this year.

Brassil said, “Our team was so successful this year in conference because a lot of us were on the [varsity] team last year. We’ve gotten so close as a unit and we all wanted to go undefeated in conference again so we all had that extra incentive to win.”

The Porters won their first regional game on Oct. 22 at home against Homewood-Flossmoor, with a final score of 4-1. Lockport held the first seed while H.F. was 16th. The team then advanced to the regional final against eighth seed, Thornton Fractional North.

The regional championship game was played on Oct. 25. The Porters beat T.F. North 2-0, with goals scored by senior, Tommy Boland and junior, Jack Dilger. After the thrilling regional win, Brassil said that the best part about the playoffs is its atmosphere.

“You have so many more fans in the stands than normal, but at the end of the day it’s just you and the other ten guys on the field with you,” said Brassil

After winning their regional, the boys continued onto the sectional round, where they faced 12th seed, Stagg in the first game at Carl Sandburg. The sectional game between the Porters and the Chargers was very physical. Going into the half, the score was tied at 0-0. As time was winding down, Vinny Smithwick scored the game winning goal on Stagg’s All- State goalie with eight minutes left. With this win, the boys moved on to the sectional final against seventh seed, Thornton on Nov. 1.

One of the team’s managers and long time soccer fan, Meg Lesnefsky shares, “I’ve never seen a more dedicated group of guys. They got along extremely well and never put each other down.” Although the Porters’ season is over, everyone is very proud of the boys for their hard work and making it so far in the playoffs. With so many supporters for the soccer team, everyone is sad to see the season end, but nonetheless, we are very happy with their accomplishments this season. “Making it to Sectionals is the farthest Lockport Boys Soccer has ever gone. I’m beyond proud of everyone on the team. Even though the season has ended, I’ll never stop cheering for these boys,” Lesnefsky adds.