Big crowd witnesses even match

Friday night football games and weekend conference boys basketball games undoubtedly draw a lot of attention and generally a big turnout of fans.

A weekday girls soccer match? Generally, not so much.

That wasn't the case in Aurora on Tuesday as District 204 rival Neuqua Valley's visit to Waubonsie Valley resulted in overflowing bleachers and spectators lining the west sideline.

The fans were treated to a competitive game, but neither team could head home overly satisfied. The teams settled for a 1-1 draw in Upstate Eight Valley play.

"I thought both teams played hard and both teams played aggressive and it was a clean game," Wildcats coach Joe Moreau said. "It's disappointing with the result. It would've been nice to come out on top, but I was pleased with the effort we put out there."

Neuqua Valley (6-1-2, 3-0-1) made the most noise early, scoring with 25:51 remaining in the first half.

Sophomore Haley Singer picked the ideal time to score her first varsity goal, pouncing on a cross from Veda Tappin that freshman Alyssa Bombacino slightly redirected to set up for Singer from about 10 yards away.

Waubonsie Valley (5-0-3, 2-0-1) didn't panic, though, netting the equalizer with 16:24 left in the half on a goal from Sarah Griffith. Paige Filipek, who has already scored 9 goals, set up the play. Filipek sent a pass into the penalty box and Griffith gained possession and beat Neuqua Valley goalkeeper Hannah Parrish.

"We felt they came out with intensity and it took us a while to match it," Wildcats senior Tori Christiansen said. "We worked on pressing and working for each other as a team, and they got one on us and we got one on them. It was an evenly matched game, and now we're looking forward to (Naperville) North (on Friday)."

The teams exchanged scoring threats in the second half, but most weren't too dangerous.

"I thought we just need to have better service," Moreau said. "I'm not sure how many crosses we had that went right to (Waubonsie Valley goalkeeper) Emma (Rigby). We've got to get those off the keeper. We hit too many right at the goal, rather than slotting them in the 6(-yard line) where we want them so (Rigby) has to make a decision."

On the flip side Neuqua Valley's back line did a solid job of minimizing any chances from Filipek and the Warriors.

"I think our backline played the best that it's played," Moreau said. "We cut service and we didn't back pedal. We kept pressuring and I think that set the tone more than anything."

Despite leaving the pitch deadlocked, Christiansen sounded pleased with the entire experience.

"Our fans are the 12th player," she said. "They're important to us. We have a great senior class and they're willing to come out here and watch our games."

They definitely saw one of the better ones that'll be played this spring.