Hersey’s Kacper Lechowicz, who scored 2 goals, holds off Conant’s Aidan Hensgen during Thursday’s MSL Cup in Hersey. (Patrick Jasionowski/Special to the Journal)
Hersey men’s soccer returned to the top of the Mid-Suburban League for the fifth time in program history, but for the first time since 2008, with a 2-0 shutout victory over Conant for the MSL Cup on Thursday, Oct. 17. Hersey also won the MSL championship in 2001, 2006 and 2007.
Kacper Lechowicz scored a goal in the 32nd minute of the first half off an assist from Nate Mabry to give the Huskies a 1-0 lead. The two combined again for the second goal with 2 minutes remaining in the first half as Lechowicz scored off another assist from Mabry.
Hersey (12-3-5, 7-1-3 in MSL) held strong in the second half, preserving the shutout with Adrian Smakowski in goal, taking the clean sheet.
This was the fourth time Hersey and Conant met in the MSL title game. The Huskies evened the series 2-2 with the victory.
The two teams played on September 24 and drew 1-1, but Hersey got the victory when it mattered most.
Final MSL 2024 rankings (in order): Hersey (7-1-3), Rolling Meadows (7-1-3), Conant (7-3-1), Palatine (6-3-2), Elk Grove (6-4-1), Wheeling (6-4-1), Fremd (5-6), Barrington (3-6-2), Buffalo Grove (3-6-2), Hoffman Estates (2-7-2), Prospect (2-7-2), Schaumburg (2-8-1)
The Hersey boys soccer team celebrates its MSL championship in front of fans last Thursday.
Hersey Cup MSL Championship History:
2024: Hersey 2, Conant 0
2021 (fall): Fremd 3, Hersey 0
2008: Hersey 0, Barrington 0 (Hersey wins PKs)
2007: Hersey 1, Barrington 1 (Hersey wins PKs)
2006: Hersey 3, Fremd 2 (OT)
2005: Palatine 2, Hersey 0
2003: Barrington 4, Hersey 0
2002: Conant 3, Hersey 2
2001: Hersey 1, Conant 0
1997: Conant 2, Hersey 2 (Conant wins PKs)
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