Defensive dominance powers Neuqua Valley

The last time Neuqua Valley won a girls soccer sectional, it also won a state title.

Perhaps this is the year for the Wildcats to win their first state championship since 2005. They certainly appear to be heading in the right direction.

Neuqua Valley used a dominant defensive effort to defeat Metea Valley 2-0 during a cold and drizzly night in Aurora at Saturday's Class 3A Metea Valley sectional championship.

"I don't know if they had a shot on goal in the second half," Wildcats coach Joe Moreau said. "That was huge."

Neuqua Valley's ability to shut down Metea Valley's Jade Eriksen-Russo and Alena Sidwell and their rest of the Mustangs' attack made the difference.

Tatiana Espinoza, Nicole Mondi, Sophia Moreau and Dannah Williams provided that intensity on defense.

"We studied some game tape," Sophia Moreau said. "I know a lot of us before the game were on YouTube watching the NC17 highlights, and before we left we were on the whiteboard looking at what they do. So we kind of knew exactly the offense they like to play."

Neuqua Valley (17-3-2) got all the offense it would need just a little less than 15 minutes into the action. Kiley Czerwinski delivered on a shot that just seemed destined for the back of the net.

"I just wanted to get something on it for my team to finish," she said. "With a slick surface you never know if it's going to bounce off. It went through some players and found its way. I'm very happy with it."

The Wildcats netted that typically all-important insurance goal with close to 30 minutes remaining in the second half via Anna Toersloev, but it truly wasn't needed as the Wildcats stifled the efforts of the Mustangs all night.

"I have to give a lot of credit to (Neuqua Valley)," Mustangs coach Chris Whaley said. "They definitely played hard and they were organized. We were never able to settle into the game and play our game."

Despite the loss, it was quite a run for the Mustangs (15-8-3) who were young and inexperienced this spring but still found a way to win a regional and get to a sectional title game.

"It's a great group of girls who had a lot of fun out there," Whaley said. "They didn't want it to end, but at the same time we're proud of what they did this year."

Meanwhile, the Wildcats advance to Tuesday's Lewis supersectional where they will take on Hinsdale Central. For now though, they'll enjoy their latest victory.

"It's called the 'Sectional of Death' because it's so hard to get out of," Sophia Moreau said. "This feels so good."

A win on Tuesday to get to state would feel even better.