Scouting the Fox Valley area's girls soccer teams
Bartlett Hawks
Coach: Heather Thomas (2nd season)
Last season's record: 14-8-2, 6-4 Upstate Eight Conference
Top returning athletes: Senior: Abby Palmer (midfield); Juniors: Fran Abate (center-midfield), Luisa Desario (forward), Michelle Glaser (defender); Sophomore: Erin Zaidman (goalkeeper)
Top newcomers: Sophomores: Rachel Irwin (stopper), Jackie Mandoske (defender)
Outlook: Kicking off the 2008 term with a 0-0 tie against Schaumburg, it is evident early that Bartlett defense with be top-notch this season. Sophomore net keeper Erin Zaidman returns for the Hawks a little older and a little wiser, and is joined by returning defender Michelle Glaser. Sophomores Rachel Irwin (stopper) and Jackie Mandoske will unite with the returns to anchor the defensive end of things for Bartlett. "We have a very strong defense," said coach Heather Thomas. "Erin is doing an incredible job in goal." While the offense is young, Thomas is more than confident in their ability to be successful on the other end of the field. "We have a great offense," Thomas said. " We are a young offense, but experience will make them stronger."
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Michael Gecan (3rd season)
Last season's record: 17-5-2
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Bekah Haberkost (forward), Kalena Richards (midfield), Kelly Engelking (defender/forward), Bri Conran (midifield), Karly Kuranda (forward), Kim DeRaedt (goalkeeper), Heather Ferstl (midfield), A.J. Wilks (defender); Juniors: Jessica Saldivar (midfield), Lili Castillo (midfield); Sophomores: Cara Martini (sweeper), Eric Heissler (midfield)
Top newcomers: Sophomores: Kylie Pecoraro (defender), Emma Bruderel (forward), Alyssa Westman (defender), Emily Ramsey (midfield), Erin Lund (midfield); Freshman: Michelle Foweler (forward)
Outlook: Coming off a successful season last year, Burlington Central will be driven by eight very talented seniors. "As a whole it should be a very good year," said coach Michael Gecan. "This group has what it takes to be a great team. It is up to them what they do with it." Early injuries could be a factor. Leading scorer Karly Kuranda is battling a groin injury and shin splints and Rebekah Haberkost awaits an MRI for clearance to play following a car accident 3 weeks ago. But, this team is deep. "How effective the younger girls are will help mold this team," said Gecan. "We have athleticism top to bottom here, and just extremely talented players." Gecan expects the usual Big Northern East rivalry with Hampshire to stir up some excitement. "I respect Hampshire," said Gecan. "Pat is an excellent coach and a great guy."
Cary-Grove Trojans
Coach: Raymond Krystal (2nd season)
Last season's record: 14-6-1, 8-2 Fox Valley Conference (Valley)
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Kelsey Passaglia (forward), Amanda Popinchock; Juniors: Alex Holland (goalkeeper), Kelli Anderson (midfield), Lisa Anderson (defender), Sally Tashjian (midfield)
Top newcomers: Junior: A.J. Wilhelm (defender)
Outlook: Cary-Grove enters the 2008 campaign full throttle already having met a pre-season goal of getting prepared. According to second-year coach Raymond Krystal, this is a group that has a strong sense of leadership and organization which could take them far. The Trojans also welcome back leading scorer, senior and 4-year varsity forward, Kelsey Passaglia. Krystal described this 2007 Daily Herald All-Area selection as 'the mark.' With 22 goals, at least one in every game last season as a junior, Passaglia will look to continue stumping area goalkeepers in the upcoming weeks. "There is a strong bond with this group," said Krystal. "We have maturity and composure, and these girls worked hard in the off-season." Unity will be the team strength. "These girls don't shy away from hard work, and they are up for any challenge that comes their way," Krystal said. Krystal expects the reigning Fox Valley Conference (Valley Division) champions, Crystal Lake South, to be a worthy opponent. "South is a favorite until someone beats them," he said.
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Anne Santucci (4th season)
Last season's record: 17-2-4, 8-1 Fox Valley Conference (Valley)
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Liz Agnes (goalkeeper), Megan Graffly (defender), Bri Comisky (midfield), Evann Hilt (midfield), Kelly Quill (midfield)
Top newcomers: Five sophomores join the 2008 roster
Outlook: Entering the 2008 season minus last year's leading scorer, Laura Knutson (42 goals since her sophomore year), area opponents might be champing at the bit to knock the 2-time defending Fox Valley Conference Valley Division champions off the podium. Fourth-year coach Anne Santucci says it won't be as easy as some might think. "We lost a couple of key players to graduation, but we kept the core of our team," Santucci said. "We have some talented girls that will fill holes. We will certainly miss Laura's skills, focus and ability on the field, but we might benefit from her absence too. Opponents might have trouble identifying our top players now." Among a long list of positives for the Gators this season is depth. "Every practice means a lot right now because girls are competing for several starting positions," Santucci said.
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Sebastian Falinski (1st season)
Last season's record: 6-13, 2-8 Fox Valley Conference (Valley)
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Katie Dunning (midfield), Amanda McKee (forward), Beth Nowicke (defender), Meghan Elgan (forward); Juniors: Licia Keyes (forward), Yasmine Hernandez (forward/midfield), Tori Scarpelli (defender), Lindsay Tarte (forward); Sophomores: Kailyin Quinn (midfield), Deanna Libricz (goalkeeper)
Top newcomers: Senior: Morgan Steele (defender); Freshman: Claire Mazurkiewicz (defender)
Outlook: With speed up top and 11 girls playing defense at all times, Dundee-Crown hopes to go places in the season ahead. First-year coach Sebastian Falinski has crossed over from the boys program to take over at the helm bringing with him the flat-back-four formation. With some changes under way, Falinski doesn't expect the quickest start, but he certainly sees great potential with his current group of girls. "We're still getting a feel for one another, but the girls are working extremely hard and they want to be competitive," Falinski said. "We've got speed and a lot of girls with strong technical skills and good ball skills." Much appreciated by the new coach is senior leadership despite having just 5 seniors on the roster. Just getting acquainted with the girls side of things, Falinski and the Chargers will take it one day at a time. "We're not worrying about what other teams can do," he said. "We are focused on becoming a better team and developing our game. We are going to take things one game at a time."
Elgin Maroons
Coach: Dave Borg (4th season)
Last season's record: 8-11-1, 3-7 Upstate Eight Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Lizzy Niles (forward), Giselle Bruskewitz (stopper), Rebekah Hegel (sweeper), Rachel Hegel (forward/midfield); Juniors: Alex Smith (center midfield), Juana Baza (midfield); Sophomore: Yesenia Meza (forward)
Top newcomers: Junior: Anna Hernandez (midfield); Freshman: Christina Espindola (goalkeeper)
Outlook: Forward progress is on the menu for Elgin this year as the Maroons welcome back one of the quickest players in the Upstate Eight Conference in 2007 Daily Herald All-Area selection and all-conference choice Lizzy Niles. With 44 career goals, 20 during her junior campaign, Niles will look to overpower area goalkeepers yet again. This time, she will work without former counterpart and sister, Sara Niles. "Losing Sara, we lost some leadership, but several girls are quickly stepping up to fill that void," said coach Dave Borg. While Niles returns, she will be out early having recently had surgery on her ear drum. In the meantime, Yesenia Meza and Rachel Hegel will fill in up top. "We will probably have a rotation at forward early on," Borg said. "We are a mixture of inexperience and experience, but we have several young girls with a lot of potential." Behind a diamond formation, Elgin's strength will be in the middle of the field led by center-midfielder Alex Smith. Smith will be joined by newcomer Anna Hernandez and returning starter Juana Baza. Rebekah Hegel will look to anchor the defensive side of things at sweeper along with returning stopper Giselle Bruskewitz.
Elgin Academy Hilltoppers
Coach: Greg Repede (2nd season)
Last season's record: 12-9-1, 5-3 Independent School League
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Kyla Farquhar (sweeper), Kate Burnham (striker), Allison Clark (midfield), Jacqui Diaz de Leon (defender), Marysia Watson (midfield); Junior: Kristin Cella (striker); Sophomores: Lauren Steimle (center midfield), Bianca Swegler (goalkeeper)
Top newcomers: Junior: Catherine Simmons (midfield); Sophomores: Alyssa Pena (midfield), Gizem Tunca (defender), Siena Romano (defender), Elaina Skiouris (striker)
Outlook: Losing in overtime to Hampshire in the sectional final at Hampshire last season, Elgin Academy capped off a program-best 12-9-1 season narrowly missing a state berth. Despite the loss of 5 starters to graduation, the Hilltoppers expect another solid year returning a lot of talent and experience while welcoming new faces. Bianca Swegler will become the full-time goalkeeper, and according to coach Greg Repede, she has the potential to be excellent. "Jacqui (Diaz de Leon) is playing with a lot of skill and newcomers Gizem (Tunca) and Siena (Romano) look great," said Repede. "All of our girls back are much improved, and I'm seeing a huge difference in skill levels." Farquhar, Steimle, Burnham and Clark each return to the field bringing with them all-area or all-conference accolades from the 2007 campaign.
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Patrick O'Brien (5th season)
Last season's record: 15-5-2, 6-1-1 Big Northern East
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Devon Murphy (midfield), Lauren Schumacher (defender); Juniors: Alexa Heinrich (goalkeeper), Gianina Estocado (midfield), Lauren Balisteri (defender), Kayla Meyer (midfield), Kendall Kurilla (midfield/defender), Cynthia Brigham (midfield), Allison Lattanzio (midfield), Kelly Plichta (midfield), Christine Schumacher (forward), Kristy Paffinger (midfield); Sophomores: Funmi Makinde (defender), Alex Field (midfield/forward), Kelsey Burke (defender), Samantha Anderson (defender)
Top newcomers: Sophomores: Cassie Dumoulin (forward), Stephanie Toufexis (goalkeeper); Freshmen: Kelsey Anderson (defender), Alex Dumoulin (goalkeeper)
Outlook: Hampshire earned a bid to state during the 2005-06 campaign and not only returned last year, but got a little further by finishing fourth. This year, a little further would mean a shot at the state title. With 16 girls back and the introduction of some new faces, including basketball stars Cassie and Alex Dumoulin, anything is possible. Among those returning is last year's leading scorer, Christine Schumacher who finished the year with 11 goals as well as the No. 2 go-to-girl Kelly Plichta (8 goals, 4 assists in 2007). "Our strength will be experience primarily," said fifth-year coach Patrick O'Brien. "These girls have been playing together for a long time."
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Kris Grabner (5th season)
Last season's record: 19-3, 9-1 (1st place tie for FVC Fox Division)
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Megan Hamm (midfield), Gretchen Bachrodt (defender), Ashley Williams (forward); Juniors: Kaylee O'Brien (midfield) Nina Barreto (midfield), Lauren Opolony (midfield), Aylyssa Silvestri (defender); Sophomores: Corrine Wronski (forward), Taylor Henning Fletter (forward), Lauren Gaitsch (defender)
Top newcomers: Sophomore: Sarah Hoffman (goalkeeper); Freshmen: Bre Burry (midfield), Rachel Chapius (defender), Alyse Williams (defender), Aimee Wronski (forward), Samantha Zabott (forward), Kaytlyn Owens (goalkeeper)
Outlook: Earning a share of the Fox Valley Conference Fox Division title last year, as well as a 19-3 overall finish, coach Kris Grabner expects another solid season from the Red Raiders. "I expect to at least repeat our win total from last season, and I do think we can contend for a sectional title," said Grabner. Huntley welcomes back 9 starters from last year as well as senior forward Ashley Williams, who missed 95 percent of the season with a torn ACL. Williams led the Red Raider offense two-years ago as a sophomore. "None of the teams in our division can be overlooked," said Grabner.
Jacobs Golden Eagles
Coach: Jim Dzialo (1st season with girls)
Last season's record: 11-11, 6-4 Fox Valley Conference (Valley)
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Jessica Perrone (striker), Leah Straub (defender), Jill Traecy (midfield); Sophomore: Kelsey Quitschau (midfield)
Top newcomer: Senior: Markie Rahn (midfield)
Outlook: Two notable additions to the Jacobs girls program could potentially change the overall look of the team, but sometimes change is good. Head boys coach Jim Dzialo takes over at the helm for the girls replacing 20-year coach John Bardin, but brings knowledge of Golden Eagle soccer with him. Also new to the roster in 2008 is cross country phenom Markie Rahn, who made the switch from track to the soccer field for her senior year. "Markie is new to the team, but she is a true athlete who we expect will bring a lot to the table for us," said Dzialo. "The girls are looking good and they want to do well. Our seniors feel that they have something to prove, and they have the skills to do so." New to the schedule will be an appearance in this year's Pepsi Showdown where the Eagles will face some of Illinois' best, and they will also play in the Rockford Boylan Tournament this season. "We like to play a tough schedule," Dzialo said. "We will figure out just how good we are."
Larkin Royals
Coach: Ken Hall (6th season)
Last season's record: 10-9-4, 4-5-1 Upstate Eight Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Alyssa Burns (forward), Anna Goodlove (goalkeeper); Juniors: Jacqlyn Goodlove (center midfield), Kelli Johnson (sweeper), Rachel Neukom (defender)
Top newcomers: Sophomores: Ana Medina (forward), Monica Hurtado (defender)
Outlook: With a nice blend of experience, depth, speed and a concrete defense, seventh-year coach Ken Hall expects Larkin to be comparable to last year -- and then some. The Royals welcome back influential players all over the field including forward Alyssa Burns, center-midfielder Jacqlyn Goodlove, sweeper Kelli Johnson and defender Rachel Neukom. That 4-pack should anchor things, while newcomers Ana Medina and Monica Hurtado could add some flair. "Ana is a great athlete and she is very fast," said Hall. "We have a large group of juniors who all have experience, and an overall good group. The key will be finding consistent scoring. If we can get that, we will be very successful," Hall added. Competing in the Upstate Eight, Hall expects some big obstacles in state champion Waubonsie Valley as well as St. Charles North and St. Charles East. "We will have to play out of our minds to beat some of these teams, but it is a realistic goal," said Hall. "A regional title is another realistic goal for us." Despite suffering a broken leg in club action, Anna Goodlove will return to the net for Larkin to work as the backstop.
Prairie Ridge Wolves
Coach: David O'Leary (7th season)
Last season's record: 5-17, 3-7 Fox Valley Conference (Fox)
Top returning athletes: Senior: Tasha Pinkley (defender/midfield), Sandra Nirva (all-positions); Junior: Jackie Schwartz (midfield/defender), Julie Schwartz (forward), Melinda Esplin, Courtney Burrows, Lara Troszak (midfield)
Top newcomers: Sophomore: Kyli Humm (goalkeeper); Freshman: Taylor Smerecky (goalkeeper)
Outlook: Opening the season against the likes of Cary-Grove, Hoffman Estates and Crystal Lake Central, Prairie Ridge will be tested early. Last year, the Wolves got off to a rough start at 0-9, but with several returning starters and some capable trainees, they are hoping for a different outcome in the weeks ahead. Outside defender, Tasha Pinkley is the lone full-time starter returning from last year's roster and she will move to the stopper position. "Tasha's experience and leadership will be a huge asset this season, and we will need it if we're going to improve on last year's performance," said coach David O'Leary. Although the team is young, O'Leary anticipates significant contributions from several juniors
South Elgin Storm
Coach: Tiffany Disher (2nd season)
Last season's record: 2-17, 2-6 Upstate Eight Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Monserrath Bustamante (all-positions), Jessica Hantak (goalkeeper); Junior: Rachel Musnicki (midfield)
Top newcomer: Danielle Wagner (forward/goalkeeper)
Outlook: South Elgin enters its second official season with a varsity team that is looking strong and communicating well. With the inaugural year out of the way, the Storm intends to focus on building a winning tradition at South Elgin. Teamwork will be a key factor in the weeks ahead. "There isn't just one person to rely on this year," said coach Tiffany Disher. "The girls will all have to work together." Earning two wins in their varsity debut last year, the Storm come in with experience and confidence to kickoff 2008, two things they lacked last season. "The girls back are better athletes now than they were at this time last year," said Disher. "Foot skills, strength and power are definitely improved." The Storm will look to win more conference games and hope to compile a .500 season or better despite a tough schedule. "We intend to be in every game, and always keep them close," Disher said.
St. Edward Green Wave
Coach: Tim Brieger (13th season)
Last season's record: 11-11-2, 2-4 Suburban Catholic Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Mackenzie Malone (sweeper), Bianca Ramirez (midfield), Alex Rubio (midfield/forward), Katy Lally (defender); Juniors: Taylor Hunsberger (goalkeeper), Brittany Brozek (forward); Sophomores: Colleen Kerger (midfield), Maggie Duggan (midfield)
Top newcomers: Seniors: Caroline Boye (defender), Taylor Barone (forward), Bridget Cholewa (defender); Freshmen: Mallory Malone (defender), Shelby Shepherd (midfield)
Outlook: With the loss of Katie Chambers and Liz Babowice, who scored 30 of St. Edwards' 56 goals last year, the Green Wave will look to new faces to find the back of the net in the weeks ahead. Brittany Brozek, Colleen Kerger, Bianca Ramirez and Alex Rubio will each look to pick up on strong finishes from last year according to coach Tim Brieger. "We should have a much more balanced attack this year, relying less on speed and power and more on ball control and movement," Brieger said. "Returning eight starters will help a lot." Second year keeper Taylor Hunsberger will look to anchor a veteran and talented back line. "This defensive unit should be the strength of the Wave this year," Briger added.
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: Matt Poloviin (7th season)
Last season's record: 5-14-1, 1-9 Upstate Eight Conference
Top returning athletes: Senior: Geena Boris (forward); Juniors: Stacy Frazer (defender), Alanah Thompson (center midfield), Lonnie Prout (defender); Sophomores: Tanya Garcia (sweeper), Cinthya Garcia (midfield), Violet Sanchez (midfield), Gillian Toomey (midfield/forward)
Top newcomers: Senior: Jenny Kaeseberg (stopper); Freshmen: Amy Tyskiewicz (striker), Mayra Nevarez (forward)
Outlook: Long-time coach Matt Polovin and the Streamwood girls come into this season with something that they have lacked in years past -- club experience. That being said, Polovin foresees good things for the Sabres in the upcoming months. Young talent is already beginning to flourish. Most notably are freshmen additions Amy Tyskiewicz, Sara Kemp and Mayra Nevarez. "Sara is very smart up front and should compliment Geena (Boris) very well," Polovin said. "Geena is doing extremely well up top." One of just 4 seniors, Boris will undoubtedly provide strong leadership in addition to field skills. "Amy, Sara and Mayra are dedicated players who fit right in here," said Polovin. "They are very smart on the field, like seasoned pros." With Boris, Kemp and Nevarez sharing time up top and Alanah Thompson and Tyskiewicz anchoring the midfield, offense will be a strength. Sweeper Tanya Garcia is coming off of an ACL surgery, but as she gets stronger, so will the defense. "I'd like to see a bunch of Ws this year and I think we have a better shot in the post-season," said Polovin.
Westminster Christian Warriors
Coach: Josh Guge (8th season)
Last season's record: 11-13
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Melissa Fudge (defender), Sarah Russell (defender/midfield); Junior: Hannah Guge (midfield); Sophomores: Amanda Shelton (forward), Rachel Doby (midfield), Rachel Farquhar (goalkeeper), Katie Webster (defender)
Top newcomers: Sophomore: Sarah Rogers (midfield); Freshmen: Rachel Ward (defender/midfield), Brittnie Feitlich (midfield/goalkeeper)
Outlook: Having head coach Josh Guge back for his eighth straight season, the Westminster Christian girls soccer program continues to grow. Finding more and more success with each season, the Warriors hope to continue to cultivate the program's achievements. Finishing the 2007 crusade with the most wins in program history, they are on the right track. An early battle will be compensating for the losses of Abby Hoeflich and Erica Schrieber to graduation. But, the Warriors won't lack experience. "We have a ton of very good young players," said Guge. "There is a lot of experience in each class, and we should be strong for the next couple years. With several girls that can score and move the ball, offense will be the more dominant end. "We are still filling in some defensive holes, but hopefully our offense can carry us early," Guge said. Guge and the Warriors are set to beat the 11-win tally for a new record, and would also like to move up from last year's No. 3 finish in Private School League play. "We want to step it up from where we left off last year," Guge said. "We've got great athletes in key positions which should help us to meet our season goals."