Boys soccer: Avon playing for first state title in Lorain County history

AVON — When the season began, Avon knew it had a good team. When the defense soared to a new level in the second half, it was evident the Eagles could be great. Avon (16-2-3) is riding the wave of momentum its defense has created into today's Division II state championship game against Kings Mills Kings (15-2-4) at Historic Crew Stadium, where it will become the first Lorain County team to play for a state title. "That phrase 'Defense wins championships,' is said for a reason," Avon coach Chris Dore said. "The way we defended (Wednesday), especially in the back line and the defensive center midfielders and the goalkeeper, that's what won us the game." The goal the Eagles conceded in their 2-1 overtime win over Brecksville-Broadview Heights in the state semifinals was the fourth they have allowed in their last 11 games. Avon allowed 12 goals in its first 10 games. "It's amazing to see what we've been able to overcome this year," senior defended Logan Fitchko said. "At the start, it was a bit of a struggle, but we worked together and worked hard in practice to figure out what we needed to do. It's been awesome to see every player and every position grow every single day. I've been on the team for four years and it's the best senior year I could ask for." Senior Oliver Dobrovic has started in goal for every postseason game. Though he did give way to fellow senior Tyler Ferguson and junior Owen Huron late in a couple of games, he's had a prime view how his defense has evolved over the course of a year. "I'd say our team chemistry from our preseason games to now is totally different. We went from moving as individuals to totally moving as a unit," Dobrovic said. "We're focused on our end goal, which is winning a state championship. I knew it was a possible if we worked on our craft all season and didn't take anything for granted, but it was a little bit of a dream. "At the start of the year, you could have said we have potential, but what is potential if you don't use it?" Sophomore defensive midfielder Connor Britt was the hero in the win over Brecksville, scoring on a free kick in overtime, but he understands how defenders normally toil in obscurity while center midfielders and strikers shine in the spotlight. "I feel like the defense gets overlooked a lot because they don't get the glory of having all the stats," Britt said. "We're starting to do a lot better under pressure. We're playing at our peak right now. I feel like we're finally realizing the stakes of the season. Our chemistry is good. We're all playing as a team and the defense is really stepping up and we're working for each other." The last time Avon allowed more than a goal in a game was Sept. 27 in the regular season with Brecksville, but as the games get bigger, the stakes get higher. "The pressure gets stronger and stronger, especially on the goalkeeper and the defenders," Dore said. "If a forward doesn't score a goal, we'll get more chances. If the back line or the goalkeeper gives up a goal then it impacts the game in negative way. It's been fun to watch these guys grow up in front of you. I'm very proud." No matter how strong the defense, plays Dore, who is in his 19th season as coach, knows his team needs great goalkeeping to win it all. "You can't win big games without great goalkeeping," he said. "A great goalkeeper allows his team not to be perfect. If you don't have a great goalkeeper, your team in front of you has to be almost perfect." Dobrovic has 67 saves, but he know that any ball played in his direction could alter the trajectory of the championship run. "Especially as you get deeper in the tournament, the pressure gets drastically ramped up, but that's what you sign up for as a goalie," Dobrovic said. The Eagles know they are going to have to produce high-level defense for 80 minutes or more today to bring home the title, as they will be facing a proficient Knights team that has only allowed seven goals. "(We) just have to keep doing what we're doing," Fitchko said. "We can't overlook our opponent, but we have to be confident in our abilities. We made it here for a reason. Now, we have to go out there and finish what we started." Contact Todd Shapiro at (440) 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com.