Lake Forest downs Hersey in thrilling regional final

Lake Forest 2, Hersey 1

THE SKINNY

After both teams played overtime sessions in Wednesday’s regional semifinal round, Hersey (14-4-4) appeared to be the fresher team, netting an early goal from senior all-state midfielder John Cappuccitti. But Lake Forest (14-6-1) held Capuccitti in check the rest of the game, scoring the tying goal late in the first half and the winning one six minutes into the first overtime period. The Scouts win their first Class 3A regional title since 2009 and will face the winner of Libertyville-Barrington in Tuesday’s sectional semifinals in Mundelein.

TURNING POINT

Strong winds blew from north to south the entire game. Lake Forest scored both its goals going with the wind. With 3:49 remaining in the first half and the Scouts trailing 1-0, senior midfielder Jack Duffy won a loose ball and dropped a perfect pass to junior forward John O’Connor just inside the goalie box. O’Connor slid a shot just under Hersey senior goalkeeper Christian Carranza for the tying score. Senior forward Robert Schyns netted the winning goal on an assist from O’Connor.

THE STAR

Junior defender Hunter Moore marked Capuccitti for most of the game, preventing chances inside the box. Senior goalkeeper Jack Sentell was also outstanding for Lake Forest.

QUOTABLE

“We had to constantly be aware of where he was. It was a team effort, it was the whole defense. … We’ve been saying it from the beginning of the year. We’re resilient.” — Moore on defending Capuccitti