Pacholski helps Libertyville hold off Mundelein for regional title

SHARE Pacholski helps Libertyville hold off Mundelein for regional title

LIBERTYVILLE — When asked about Libertyville senior defender Ryan Pacholski’s ability in the air, boys soccer coach Andy Bitta immediately smiled and nodded his head in approval.

“He’s excellent in the air. He’s got great timing, which has a lot to do with winning [50-50] headers,” said Bitta, whose team beat Mundelein 1-0 on Saturday in the final of the Class 3A Libertyville Regional. “He anticipates, intercepting passes. Just a fabulous center back.”

“Every ball I play in the air I try to win it, so I’ve got to get up there,” said Pacholski, a two-year starter.

Pacholski’s dominance in the air hasn’t always been a certainty. Growing up, he always played up an age group, facing taller players.

“I’ve always been on the shorter side [5-foot-10],” Pacholski said. “I’ve had to work on my jumping ability. I learned really fast how to become tougher, because I was always outmuscled in the air when I was younger.”

Once he has control of the air, Pacholski added, “My accuracy has really improved. I’m able to pick someone out and head it to him.”

In Saturday’s victory over Mundelein (11-7-3), Pacholski showed his mastery in the air on more than one occasion as he headed the ball out of harm’s way. That included clearing a dangerous Mustangs cross in the box with just over four minutes left.

“He’s a stud. He’s been carrying the team all year,” said Libertyville goalie Sam Muchmore, who has recorded 10 shutouts. “He wins almost every air ball that he gets to. I love having him back there.”

Muchmore knows Pacholski’s exploits well, with both having played in the Greater Libertyville Soccer Association club team for the past several years.

In the final minutes against Mundelein, Pacholski also showed his dominance on the ground, executing a sliding tackle on the Mustangs’ Yann Nsoga, who was breaking into the box all alone.

“In the last 10 minutes, coach wants me to play deeper in the back, so I’m the one who clears it off and makes sure everything gets out,” Pacholski said.

Libertyville (14-3) scored the game’s lone goal in the 15th minute on a breakaway shot by forward Kevin Reilly. The junior dribbled into the box and right-footed a shot just over diving Mundelein goalie Donnie Kvien.

Kvien made seven saves for the Mustangs, while Muchmore turned away three shots. Muchmore preserved the lead with 16 minutes remaining, making a diving stop on a shot inside the box by Mundelein’s Lino Garcia.

Libertyville advances to face Fremd in the Palatine Sectional semifinals at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

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