As a four-year varsity starter and a two-time all-state selection, senior midfielder Tyler Chrisman is leaving quite a legacy at Lemont.
But as he plays his final games this weekend for the program, Chrisman wants to be remembered for more than just stats and awards.
“I’m hoping it’s just how I led on the field and that every single game I gave it my all,” Chrisman said. “Coach (Rick Prangen) always said I have a great work ethic, and I hope all the younger players will follow that in the future and always give it everything they can.”
Lemont certainly left it all on the field Friday afternooon, but fell short in a 1-0 loss to Belleville Althoff in a Class 2A state semifinal game at Hoffman Estates.
Adrian Lisowski made two saves, Chrisman had four shots on goal and Andrew Guzy came close to scoring on a header for Lemont (23-4-1), which was playing in a state semifinal for the first time in program history.
It was the second state appearance for Lemont, which lost in the quarterfinals in 2007.
“It was a huge accomplishment,” Chrisman said. “In my first three years, we hadn’t made it past a sectional final. Even getting to (the supersectional) was a huge accomplishment for us, especially all the seniors.”
Lemont will play at 9 a.m. Saturday in the third-place game against Prairie Ridge (19-5-1), which lost 1-0 to De La Salle (27-1-2).
Tyler Birdsong scored the lone goal off an assist from Tyler Pollock and Zach Winkler made six saves for Althoff (25-4), which advanced to the championship game at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
The goal in the 23rd minute came off a long throw-in by Pollock. Birdsong headed it on goal where a Lemont defender headed it away. But the referees ruled the ball had crossed the line for a goal.
Lemont disagreed, but Prangen said they had to move on with much of the game still remaining.
“It was called in, so what are you going to do?” Prangen said. “They’re not going to change their minds, so it’s in. They got the goal and then they defended with all their might, so props to them.”
Prangen knew Chrisman, however, would fight to get his team back in the game.
“Tyler’s been with me since he was a freshman,” Prangen said. “Over four years, he’s steadily grown into that main guy. At times (Friday), they were putting three guys on him.
“He’s been such an important player for us.”
Lemont consistently threatened in the second half but came up empty on six dangerous free kicks and four corner kicks.
Guzy had the best look on a header off Lisowski’s free kick. Winkler leaped to save the shot.
“It was late in the game and we were trying to push for a goal to tie it up,” Guzy said. “Adrian put the ball in the box. There was a lot of commotion. I went up for the header and he just made a good save.”
Guzy, a sophomore forward who leads the team with 18 goals, hopes to lead Lemont back to state next season.
He’ll also be looking to follow Chrisman’s example.
“He shows us younger guys how to lead at a bigger level,” Guzy said. “He’s kind of paved the road for next year as for what we have to pick up. He’s been a wonderful role model.”
One more lesson from Chrisman? It’s all about believing in your teammates.
“I think the most I’ve learned is that no matter who’s playing around you, you have to trust your team,” Chrisman said. “It doesn’t matter how old or young they are, how big or small they are, you just have to trust them.”
