Sporting events can produce results more meaningful than wins and losses. Bartlett and Morton experienced one of those moments Saturday night in the Bartlett Invitational at Millennium Field.
The game came five days after eight Morton players were accused of stealing items — including an iPod, cash, cell phones and wallets — from Bartlett players when the teams shared a locker room Monday.
The accused players have been suspended from the team pending the completion of an investigation by school officials, which is expected Monday.
What could have been a mean-spirited, ugly game turned out to be fast-paced and well-played.
Morton coach Mike Caruso addressed his opponents before the game.
“I told them I went to Morton, I played soccer at Morton,” Caruso said. “It didn’t hit anyone any harder than it hit me. I told them it was the action of a few guys and they’re being disciplined.”Junior forward Garett Dini scored the only goal to give Bartlett a 1-0 victory.
“It was disappointing and kind of heartbreaking. We thought the stuff was safe,” said Dini, who had his missing iPod returned. “Everyone makes mistakes. I forgive them.”
Bartlett (3-5-1) ended its four-game losing streak. Morton (9-2-2) collected its fourth straight first-place tournament trophy.
*Wheaton Warrenville South beat Sandburg 1-0 and Lincoln-Way Central defeated Warren 5-1 in the semifinals of the Pepsi Invitational at Lyons Township Soccer Complex in LaGrange. The teams will play for the championship at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Toyota Park.
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dsurico@tribune.com
