Trojans knock off stingy Warriors
A defender by trade, Downers Grove North's Morgan Olsen was happy to oblige when first-year Trojans coach Jason Hunter asked her to move up to a forward spot this season.
She was even happier after notching a goal and 2 assists against Willowbrook on Tuesday in a West Suburban Conference crossover girls soccer game.
"I'm not used to it yet, but I really like it," Olsen said of playing a strikers' role.
"I really like working with Kierstyn (Harrington) and Brianna (Magill) up there, and we're just starting to get used to it."
The Trojans (2-0) followed Friday's 2-0 win over Benet with a 3-0 win over Willowbrook (0-1) in Villa Park. The Trojans controlled play throughout, got first-half goals from Olsen and Kelly Rounce and a second-half goal on a head shot by Jaime Cuzman off of an Olsen corner kick.
"It's the first time we've played on grass, it's a slippery surface -- we scored more than they did, and that's the main thing," Hunter said. "I think our intensity level came up in the second half after coming out slow and sluggish to start the game.
"We had a lot more creative intent in the second half."
The Trojans put 10 shots on net in the first half, with Jessica Ballow consistently turning the corner on the right side, dribbling up the end line and creating dangerous scoring chances.
The speedy Ballow was a purple-clad blur for much of the night, but every hard-hit shot she managed found the hands of Willowbrook goalkeeper Brita Yacoub, who made 17 saves on the night in a fine performance.
"She had a very good day," Warriors coach Pete Montgomery said of his goalkeeper. "The only times she got beat were on crosses, and that's going to happen to the best goalkeepers."
The Trojans held the Warriors to a single shot on net for the night, but Willowbrook defenders Renate Willer and Amelia Weyer also put in a hard night's work on Tuesday.
"This is our foundation, and we've got a long way to go and a lot to build on," Montgomery said. "Defensively, we played well, but we definitely need to work on our transition to offense."
The Trojans' offense showed long stretches of solid attacking cohesion in the second half, and they're enjoying the offensive style they're being asked to play.
"We're good. There's not so much booting, and we can connect passes together," Olsen said. "We're really happy with the way we're playing so far. We're having fun."
"Morgan had a good night. She is constantly trying to put the ball in the right place," Hunter said. "She's a natural leader, which is nice, and she's the type of kid that wants the ball."