Winds of fate favor Conant

A young and inexperienced Palatine girls soccer team was frustrated by a well organized Conant side Tuesday night when the visiting Cougars defeated their hosts 3-0 in a windy Mid-Suburban West crossover match.

Senior striker Alyssa Stylski, one of the top returning players for Conant coach Jason Franco, proved to be an influential figure in the Cougars' attack, recording a helper on a late strike by Courtney Raetzman while showing terrific pace and energy to help keep the pressure in the Pirates' own end all match long.

"We played a little too fast and out of control at the start of the match, but after we calmed down we began to play much better despite the conditions out here today," said Stylski.

Roaring winds and a less than desirable turf gave the Cougars (3-0-0, 2-0-0) fits during the first quarter hour, causing them to struggle to keep the ball in between both touch lines and unable to play through the middle to build their attack.

"Sometimes we play a little too frantic, and when we did that at the start (today) - you saw how we couldn't possess or string any passes together even though we were in (their) end most of the first half," said Franco.

Pirates keeper Allie Fernandez, with the help of sophomore sweeper Amanda Filian, put in a full day's work in the first 40 minutes of play, and did well to keep the visitors out of the back of the net on several occasions.

Raetzman hit the goal frame at eight minutes, then missed on the Cougars' best chance at 16 minutes when teammate Brenna Fitzpatrick sent the freshman through.

With the wind growing stronger, and Filian and backline mates Taylor Harding and Meghan McNulty feeling even more pressure, the Pirates packed it in to add numbers to their defense with the hope of keeping the Cougars off the scoreboard until intermission.

But Paige Wentzel hit the game-winner, finishing at the back post on a well-struck serve from Becky Knoll from the left side. Eight minutes later the sophomore was right in the mix when another Knoll ball from almost the same spot hit a Palatine defender and fell over the end line for an own-goal.

"We didn't measure up on the physical side of the game, and in fact were called for only one foul in that first half," said Palatine coach Willie Filian. "When you're having troubles matching up because of inexperience and youth, you at least have to play a little tougher in order to make your opponent work harder out there."

Stylski would combine with Haily Andress on a superb goal, the last of the match at 75 minutes after Andress initiated by connecting with Stylski on the right side.

Stylski roared down the flank to beat one defender before turning along the endline and the near post. With an extra step and freedom from her mark, the senior expertly linked with Raetzman in close, who turned a low drive around the outstretched gloves of Fernandez.

"We got some good young players on this team who are making important contributions every time out," said Stylski.

Conant keeper Jackie Piasecki was tested just once in the early going en route to the shutout.