McHenry Dominates Prairie Ridge 4-0 in Crucial Conference Match

UPDATE: McHenry High School’s soccer team delivered a stunning performance, overwhelming Prairie Ridge with a decisive 4-0 victory on Tuesday evening in the Fox Valley Conference. The Warriors seized control in the second half, scoring three goals in just 30 minutes to secure the win.

With the match underway at 6:00 PM at Prairie Ridge, McHenry entered halftime with a slim 1-0 lead, thanks to a goal from junior Cody Bundy in the 38th minute. The Warriors maintained relentless pressure throughout the second half, dominating possession and outshooting their opponents 10-2 in shots on goal.

“We trusted each other, and we know we’re capable of doing great things in the conference,” Bundy stated after the match. “When we play as a team, we can compete against anyone.” His two second-half goals showcased McHenry’s offensive prowess.

Senior captain Cole Tapia was pivotal in the attack, providing key assists and leading the charge early on. Despite strong defensive efforts from Prairie Ridge goalkeeper Chris Zinevich, who recorded six saves, the Wolves struggled to keep pace with the Warriors’ speed and efficiency.

Prairie Ridge head coach Joe Schroeder acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, which was missing injured starting forward Trenton Pavoris. “It’s a big learning experience for us,” Schroeder said. “When three freshmen are starting, it’s a whole new world.”

The match intensified as McHenry quickly extended their lead in the second half. In the 52nd minute, senior forward Nate Caruso scored after a well-executed cross from Tapia, pushing the score to 2-0. Just moments later, Bundy found the net again, solidifying McHenry’s dominance.

“We were just trying to keep possession and look for open gaps for our attackers,” Tapia explained. “Our pace of play really put them under pressure.” This strategy paid off as McHenry continued to exploit Prairie Ridge’s defensive lapses.

The final goal came in the 72nd minute, with Bundy securing his brace and capping off a remarkable performance. “This win puts us in a really good spot,” Tapia added, emphasizing the importance of the victory for the Warriors’ confidence as they approach the postseason.

With this win, McHenry improved their record to 9-2-2 and moved into third place in the conference standings. The Warriors are now tied with last season’s win total and are looking to continue their momentum as they prepare to face Burlington Central on Thursday.

Prairie Ridge, now sitting in fifth place with a record of 7-5-2, will need to regroup quickly as they return home to battle Huntley on the same day. The outcome of this match serves as a critical reminder of the competitive nature of the Fox Valley Conference, with playoff seedings on the line.

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on the lessons learned in this match, with McHenry’s confidence soaring and Prairie Ridge seeking to bounce back.