Senior midfielder Nathan Claybrook had an inauspicious start to the season at Lincoln-Way Central, but he’s ready to finish strong.

Claybrook suffered an avulsion fracture in his hip in the preseason and missed several games at the beginning of the fall. When he came back, it took some time to find his rhythm again.

“I was definitely out of shape a little bit,” Claybrook said. “My touch was a little bit off. But I kept working hard every day and doing what I could to be ready to help my team.”

Claybrook gave the Knights a big lift in a huge moment Saturday.

The first goal of his varsity career put host Lincoln-Way Central ahead for good on the way to a 3-1 win over district rival Lincoln-Way East in a Class 3A regional final in New Lenox.

Senior defender Tom Hanenburg also scored his first varsity goal for the third-seeded Knights (12-5-1), who advanced to play second-seeded Stagg (15-4-1) at 7 p.m. Tuesday in a Lincoln-Way East Sectional semifinal.

Najeeb Ejaidi added a goal for Lincoln-Way Central, which won its fourth straight regional title, while Will Bettenhausen provided two assists and Jimmy McKendry made nine saves.

Owen Bohren scored for sixth-seeded Lincoln-Way East (14-9). Mateo Espinosa had the assist and Jacen Winefka made five saves.

Bohren gave the Griffins an early lead before Ejaidi tied it. Claybrook then gave the Knights the lead in the 32nd minute, tracking the ball down off a long throw-in from Bettenhausen and quickly ripping in a shot from 20 yards.

“The throw comes in and I was looking for it,” Claybrook said. “I wanted to one-time it out of the air but I took a touch, I saw a little bit of space, and it just went in from there.

“It was unbelievable. First varsity goal. I wish I could relive it again and again. It was awesome.”

Hanenburg was thrilled for his fellow senior.

“Nate’s a grinder, man,” Hanenburg said. “He’s been working through injury all season. Just to see him score that goal was beautiful.”

Hanenburg then got in on the first-goal party, scoring on a header off another throw from Bettenhausen to give the Knights some cushion with 20:44 left.

“We’ve been running that long throw all season and I had to finally connect on one,” Hanenburg said. “I was due. First varsity goal — perfect time for it.”

Lincoln-Way Central coach Dave Brown was beaming with pride for both seniors.

While Hanenburg has started all season, Claybrook had to carve out a role coming off the bench after his injury.

“Nate started the season injured and has kind of worked his way back into our rotation,” Brown said. ”We found a position for him as an outside mid. He came through big for us there in a big time.”

Claybrook takes a simple approach to his role as a reserve. When he gets in the game, it’s full blast.

“My mentality is never give up,” he said. “Go 100% and just give everything I can every time I get out there.”

Claybrook has been playing soccer since he was 7 years old, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Jonathan, who is now playing at Illinois Wesleyan.

“He was always bigger than me and always stronger than me but it was nice going to the field and practicing with him and getting better,” Claybrook said. “It was awesome.”

Jonathan never played high school soccer, sticking with club teams, but Nathan is loving the experience. Especially on days like Saturday.

“It’s awesome,” Claybrook said. “The team dinners, the wins, everybody celebrating after a game like this. It’s something special.”