Another shutout for Magiera, unbeaten Wauconda

Make that another clean sheet for Wauconda senior goalkeeper Ally Magiera, who already has recorded five shutouts to start the girls soccer season.

The most recent one came Satuday afternoon as the Bulldogs played to a scoreless draw against visiting Niles North in a nonconference matchup.

Magiera is quick to credit Wauconda's cumulative defensive effort for her individual success. The bulk of the defensive work in front of her is being managed by Aimee Berg, Marissa Miller, Analisa Maze, Brittany Stepaniam and Rebecca Reyes.

"My defense really are the ones that help me out and make things a lot easier," Magiera said. "We're a lot closer this year, and we work well together. We might be a young team, but we're learning to adapt and work together."

The Bulldogs improved to 4-0-1 and have claimed victories over Crystal Lake Central, Richmond-Burton, Waukegan and Woodstock.

""Our depth is saving us a lot," Wauconda coach Patrick Heckmann said. "We're able to put people in and out, and it's making us more competitive. The girls are getting to know their opportunities. As a coach it's something we haven't seen in a while."

On Saturday, Wauconda went against the wind in the first half and managed to keep the game 0-0. In the second half, the Bulldogs came up short on a few chances.

"The wind was a big factor," Heckmann said. "It was good what we did in the first half to keep (Niles North) without a goal. Second half, we had some better looks with the wind. But it was a pretty much even game."