The 2001 IHSA Boys AA State Soccer Champions recorded a 27-1-1 overall record. After starting the season with a tie and a loss, the Eagles went on a winning streak in their next 27 games. Every player on the 2001 team contributed to the team’s success in this remarkable season. The members of this team did the right thing on the field, off the field and in the classroom. They were extraordinary student- athletes who represented the best of Carl Sandburg High School..

Captains Bob Beard and Kevin Marszalek led their teammates in a dream season.The Eagles shutout 22 opponents and let up only 9 goals in the 2001 season. In an epic final game of the season, the Eagles would have to defeat the defending state champions, Edwardsville.

After qualifying as an IHSA Elite Eight State finalist for the state tournament held at North Central College in Naperville, the Eagles shutout all opponents. With Cole Glassner as goalkeeper, the Eagles recorded 3 shutouts.

In the quarter-final against Downers Grove North, Marszalek (penalty kick) and Greg Kupiec (assisted by Jed Zayner) scored goals in the 2-0 win.
In the semi-final against Rockford Boylan, Alex Duncan (assisted by Kupiec) scored the winning goal in the 1-0 win.
In the championship against Edwardsville, Duncan (assisted by Beard and John Partyka) scored the winning goal in the 63rd minute of the game in the 1-0 win.

Members of the media covering the tournament selected 4 of the 11 players for the 2001 IHSA All Tournament Team from Sandburg. Glassner (GK), Duncan (Forward), Zayner (Defender) and Marszalek (Midfield) were recognized as members of the IHSA All tournament Team.