Red Devils blank Plainfield South

By Curt Herron

After getting off to a shaky start to its season, Hinsdale Central is hoping that it's finally beginning to put some positive things together.

The Red Devils came away from last weekend's trip to the Great Midwest Classic in Indianapolis feeling that they could compete against quality teams.

And coach Mike Wiggins and his staff are currently fine-tuning things by attempting to find the right system that fits the strengths of their players.

Although one match doesn't qualify as a great example, the Red Devils hope that they can put together more outings like the one it had on Thursday.

Against Plainfield South, Hinsdale Central enjoyed some offensive success while shutting down its opponents in a 3-0 nonconference win in Hinsdale.

"We went through an early learning curve where we had our bumps and bruises," Red Devils assistant coach Michael Smith said. "But we've made some changes tactically that the players have been very receptive to.

"Now we're starting to put into action what those training plans are. It was great to see the positives in this evening's match. The players are starting to play with confidence and you can see a sense of unity.

"The players are battling together, so with this confidence and our changes in their training, now their walking with their heads a little higher. And that's certainly great to have going into our conference."

The Red Devils (5-4-2) began to really apply pressure on the Cougars' goal shortly after the match was about 10 minutes old.

Mitch Reavis had an attempt from the side stopped while Cameron Legan sent a header toward the net which was also halted.

Hinsdale Central finally broke through with 24:41 remaining in the opening half when Legan scored to put his team up for good.

Mike Oleszkiewicz sent a cross in front to Legan, who couldn't get off a shot initially but eventually connected from close range.

"At the beginning of the season we struggled a little bit since we didn't know where to put guys since we had a lot of defenders and midfielders," Legan said. "But from here on out things should be really good.

"We've tried all of the systems possible but I think we've finally figured out one that really works for us. It gets us into the attack well so it's really nice to find something that really works for the team.

"We met a lot of great teams in Indianapolis and played with them so that built up our confidence. We have a lot of good individuals from different clubs and hopefully we're starting to come together as a team."

There was only about one other good scoring opportunity in the first half and the Red Devils were able to convert on it for another goal.

With 15:25 left before the break, Taylor Cole sent in a pass to Reavis, who got free and put an attempt into the opposite side of the net.

Possessing a 2-0 halftime advantage, the Red Devils hoped to maintain the momentum during the new half by collecting an early score.

They got their wish just 35 seconds after the break when Oleszkiewicz lined a nine-locking shot that found the upper corner of the net.

Plainfield South finally began to apply some pressure on the net after halftime, but keeper Jack O'Donnell only needed to make three saves.

That was due in part to the play of defenders such as Mike Oleferchik, Andrew Worthington and Lenny Zavala, who shut down the Cougar attack.

In addition, other Red Devil players such as Robbie LaRocque, Eric Loebig and David Grasso helped to control the play in the midfield.

Hinsdale Central had a few other early chances following a corner kick by Legan and then again a short time later on a corner from Cole.

Near the midpoint of the second half the Red Devils threatened again as Legan was stopped on a header and Ryan Johnson had a shot try halted.

The final 20 minutes featured few good scoring chances as the hosts seemed content to possess the ball and work on wrapping up the shutout.

Hinsdale Central's three-goal effort tied its second-best scoring day and its shutout marked the third time that it blanked an opponent.

The new approach should help the Red Devils as they face a tough stretch against New Trier, Oak Park, Naperville Central and Lyons Township.

"We knew it would take some time but as a coaching staff we've been very vigilant by stepping back and looking for the correct system for this group of players," Smith said. "We think we've found the system and the boys are receptive.

"This team's identity and its work ethic and their desire to work for each other is starting to support their ability to be strong, technical players. Now that we have that bond, they're starting to realize what they can accomplish."

Man of the match: Mike Oleszkiewicz

By Curt Herron

After grabbing a 2-0 halftime lead of its match with Plainfield South, Hinsdale Central hoped to get another score to set the tone for the second half.

And on their first attempt of the second 40 minutes of play in Thursday's nonconference match, that's just what they got from Mike Oleszkiewicz.

The senior put in an impressive shot from long range that found the upper corner of the net just 35 seconds after the break.

That also turned out to be the final score as the Red Devils kept the Cougars in check the rest of the way to claim a 3-0 victory.

Oleszkiewicz also had a hand on his team's first goal of the afternoon, when he sent a cross to Cameron Legan, who connected.

The Red Devils had troubles scoring goals early in the season but recent changes in their system seem to be providing more offense.

"We were struggling in the beginning of the season," Oleszkiewicz said. "So we were trying to figure out our formation so we've been putting players in different positions.

"I think what we're in right now has really been working and things are clicking for us. We haven't been able to score goals before but now we're definitely getting chances.

"We have a lot of new players so we're getting to know each other a lot better and that helps as the season goes on. We're all friends and that translates onto the field."

Red Devils starters vs. Plainfield South

2009 Red Devils Schedule