By TR HARLAN

A lot of times, there is no rhyme or reason to what happens.

The Chesterton boys soccer team loaded itself with pressure and didn’t respond well to it during the final week of the regular season. Losses to Mishawaka Marian and Michigan City left a sour taste in the Trojans mouths heading into the Wheeler Sectional.

One last chance is all Chesterton had and they made the most of it in picking up a second consecutive Sectional title with a 3-2 double overtime win over Valparaiso on Saturday.

“This year is special in that we put so much pressure on ourselves with 11 seniors to do this,” Chesterton coach Jamie Sensibaugh said. “We didn’t always have the consistency we wanted, but it was nice to win the one that matters.”

Valparaiso took a 1-0 lead in the game’s sixth minute when Todd Morton nailed a free kick. But, the Trojans didn’t wait long to answer as Alex Gordon knocked in a loose ball in front of the goal just 22 seconds later.

“It was such a roller coaster,” Sensibaugh said. “They scored and we scored 22 seconds later. Then they scored again and we’re down at the half.”

Less than two minutes later, the Vikings scored on a Max Breitinger goal.

“We made a lot of early substitutions that ultimately paid off,” Sensibaugh said. “The second group didn’t play particularly well, but they allowed us to have some gas left in the tank.”

On a day where temperatures approached 90 degrees, fatigue was a factor.

“The heat was an issue,” Sensibaugh said. “I’ve always used my bench liberally. I’m not afraid to give them a break when they need it. It wasn’t part of the original game plan, but it became important to keep people fresh.”

The Vikings, much like their regular season victory over the Trojans, became content with a defensive game and packed everyone back into their defensive half of the field.

“Valpo is so defensive-minded,” Sensibaugh said. “I think they fell back into what’s comfortable. In this case, I think that hurt them.

“I’d rather go out swinging. Defense can win a lot of games for you, but our midfielders started attacking more and possessing the ball. That was big for us.”

Chesterton senior Jordan Lewis fired a throw-in into the goal box and Cole Galloway was there to put it home to tie the game at 2-2 with less than 20 minutes left in regulation. The game stayed that way into overtime.

A scoreless first overtime finally saw a score come with 1:34 left in the second overtime when Wesley Phillips crossing pass intended for a sliding Lewis missed, but found the foot of Gordon for the game-winner.

“Wesley Phillips had an amazing game for us,” Sensibaugh said. “For Alex, what a day. Our kids know that if you’ll get to the back post, there’s a good chance there will be a gift waiting for them.”

Gordon, who played the first half of the season as the Trojans’ stopper, was moved to outside midfield just before the regular season meeting with Portage.

“Since we moved (Gordon) to outside midfield, he’s had a goal in about every game,” Sensibaugh said. “He’s got a good left foot. He’s got four or five goals. He’s managed to rise to the occasion in a tough position to play.

“His last goal was all effort. It’s a run that you make without being rewarded a lot. It’s the times you do it just because you’re supposed to that are the biggest.”

The victory moves the Trojans into the Valparaiso Regional on Wednesday night when they will face off against DAC-foe Michigan City. The first game of the night will feature Culver Military against Kankakee Valley.

“We get another shot at Michigan City,” Sensibaugh said. “Anybody that’s watched those games we’ve lost to them, we had possession of the ball on their half for most of the game.

“I’d like to think the third time’s the charm.”

Chesterton 3, Valparaiso 2 (2 OT)

AT WHEELER

Chesterton – Alex Gordon 2 goals; Cole Galloway 1 goal; Wesley Phillips 1 assist; Jordan Lewis 1 assist; Adam Stueber 1 assist; Alex Mannen 5 saves.

Valparaiso – Todd Morton 1 goal; Max Breitinger 1 goal; Kyle Brietenbach 1 assist; Grant Reed 8 saves.

Records – Chesterton 13-4-1, Valparaiso 12-2-4.

Posted 10/8/2007