It’s a family affair.
In 1993, Dan Fahey was a key member of Sandburg’s first state championship boys soccer team.
The Eagles went 29-0, which is still tied for the best record by an Illinois team.
Thirty-three years later, his niece put on an unreal performance that had the family texting and calling Fahey at his home in California to keep him updated.
Freshman Quinn Fahey had a dream week, scoring all three of her team’s goals to help the Eagles win their first regional championship since 2022. Fahey scored twice in a 2-1 semifinal win against Stagg on May 20,and had the lone score in a 1-0 shutout of host Marist on May 22.
For a bulk of the final, it was another defensive battle — the teams played to a 0-0 regular-season draw — but Fahey broke through with a goal with 8:35 left and the Eagles (9-7-3) held on to beat the RedHawks.
“I couldn’t wish for a better season and a better postseason,” Fahey said. “The seniors put their blood, sweat and tears (into) playing here and I’m so glad I could be a part of their favorite season.
“I just love it.”
Marist (15-5-2) can take solace in that junior leading scorer Mia Sherry, freshman assist leader Anna Budz and junior goalies Treasa Hernon and Guliana Conte and others are likely coming back next season.
Fahey scored four goals during the regular season before last week’s outburst.
“She’s built for big moments,” Sandburg coach Tom Kubowicz said. “She’s been playing at a high level since she was a little kid. She said she was nervous going into the first (regional) game, but obviously those nerves have gone away.
“The moment is never too big. Once the whistle blows, instinct takes over.”
Sandburg was 5-10-4 last season, 6-13-4 in 2024 and 7-16 in 2023 so pulling off this upset was huge for the program.
“Ever since I’ve been here, we haven’t won a regional,” said senior goalie and Benedictine recruit Alanna Noone. “It just means a lot. All of the hard work from every single person is paying off. Everyone from the seniors to all the freshman who stepped up against players older than they are.”
“This is great a group of girls,” Kubowicz said. “We have 11 seniors and the chemistry we have is great. The upperclassmen embraced underclassmen.”
Other regional champs
Lyons used overtime goals by Zibby Michaelson and Abby McKenna to win its own Class 3A regional on May 23, 2-0 over Downers Grove North. It was the Lions’ 13th straight regional title.
St. Laurence topped Leyden 1-0 on May 22 in its own regional on May 22.
In Class 2A, host De La Salle scored two second-half goals to beat Pritzker 3-1 on May 22.
Mother McAuley won its own regional, shutting out Richards 9-0 on May 23.
At the U-High Regional, seventh-seeded Nazareth upended second-seeded Fenwick 3-2 on May 23.
Chicago Christian won its own Class 1A regional on May 22, 5-0 win over Morgan Park Academy.