Ben's First Soccer Match

Today Ben went to his first soccer match, an IHSA boys soccer state semi-final between Winnebago (where I grew up and went to high school) and Chicago Francis Parker. Winnebago won 5-1, advancing to their first state final ever, where they'll play two-time defending state champions Waterloo Gibault later tonight.

This is the 20th year of soccer at Winnebago HS, and this semi-final win was Coach Mary Beth Elsen's 200th career victory. Mrs. Elsen has been there from the beginning, and one of my class- and team-mates Larry Southard—now an assistant coach—was part of that first team way back in '87 as well. Congrats guys, and good luck tonight!

Update: Well, it sounds like Winnebago controlled much of the game, only to eventually lose 3-2 after 4 scoreless overtimes and a shoot-out.

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