Bailey Kish-Steven Sutkay connection leads Yorkville over Kaneland

Yorkville was the team that arrived by bus for Tuesday’s Northern Illinois Big 12 contest at Kaneland.

But Kaneland coach Scott Parillo said his team didn’t arrive mentally prepared for the home match. The result was a 3-0 shutout and the Foxes’ first-ever victory at Kaneland.

Bailey Kish had long ball assists on a pair of Steven Sutkay goals in the opening half as Yorkville (5-6, 2-2) chalked up a third consecutive win.

According to Parillo, the loss did more than snap a three-game win streak for the Knights (4-5-1, 2-2-1).

“We beat DeKalb on the road to put us in prime position in the conference and with today’s home match we completely negated that. We didn’t show up to play at all,” Parillo said. “We’ll need a miracle or two plus help from others to turn 2-2-1 into title contention.

“Unfortunately for us, Yorkville did show up and they clearly wanted it more. They continue to play like this, they’ll win the title.”

The first real scoring chance belonged to Yorkville, but Bobby Reichert’s header was snared by Knights goalie Andrew Mathys. But at 18:44, a Kish clearance gave Sutkay a breakaway and the ball eluded Mathys. With 6:29 left before halftime, the same Yorkville duo executed the same play for a 2-0 lead.

“I was able to run past the defender on the first one and kept it low and hard to get by the keeper,” said Sutkay, whose two goals upped his season total to five. “Bailey saw me breaking open on the second one and set me up on the right side. Having played varsity since my sophomore year, a first-ever win here as a senior makes it more special.”

Connor Wilie spotted teammate Wyatt McKibbon getting free on the left wing and the sophomore had his initial shot blocked, but put the rebound back in for his sixth goal. That gave Yorkville a commanding lead with 26:31 left in regulation.

“I’m disappointed I didn’t put the first one in, but getting that third goal made a comeback too hard for them,” McKibbon said.

Yorkville then turned its focus on helping goalie Brett Redd and his defenders earn a shutout.

“Hopefully this is an indication that we’re starting to truly come together,” Yorkville coach Mike Jacobs said. “The more they realize the potential they have and work out the kinks in their game, the better chance we have to add victories. I was really pleased with Lucas Maaske’s effort. I can basically put him anywhere and know he’ll play hard and play well.”