Wave falls in sectional semis
ROCKFORD - St. Edward's girls soccer season may have ended Friday night in the Class 1A sectional semifinal at Rockford Christian, but it wasn't the last you'll be hearing of the Green Wave.
In a stunning performance against Rockford Lutheran, everything came down to a single call and a single moment as the Green Wave fell 1-0.
After playing nearly 75 minutes of scoreless soccer, St. Edward (8-12-2) was assessed a tripping penalty. That set up Miranda Lofgren's penalty kick, which she placed in the upper right corner of the goal and just out of reach Green Wave keeper Taylor Hunsberger.
"It's a shame it had to end like that - even their coach said the same thing," said St. Edward coach Tim Brieger. "That call was iffy at best. We took them wire to wire and gave them everything we've got. I can't say anything bad about my girls tonight, they were just amazing."
Hunsberger played just an incredible game. The senior keeper, who was among just a few upperclassmen to start, collected 15 saves against the Crusaders' onslaught.
"Thinking that could be last game, I gave it my all," Hunsberger said. "I was real nervous coming into it and usually when I'm that nervous, I try to play my best and lay it on the line.
"I am so proud of my teammates. We have a lot of youth on this team and they're going to go so far next year."
Hunsberger's effort didn't go unnoticed.
"She was absolutely (outstanding)," Brieger said of the senior keeper, who stopped several point-blank shots to keep the Crusaders at bay. "I am so proud of that young lady."
The Green Wave had several great shots early in the game by freshmen Paige Gannon and Jordyn Madden. Both were turned away by Lutheran keeper Lauren McKee (4 saves).
"That was an incredible game," said Crusaders coach Scott Lofgren, whose team improved to 19-1-3. "It's unfortunate that one of these teams had to lose. (St. Edward) played their heart out."
Brittany Brozek, another senior standout, echoed the sentiment that her team has a bright future.
"I'm proud of myself and proud of these girls," said Brozek of her teammates. "Our season has been a tough one. I've had so much pleasure playing soccer with them. What a way to end it."
"It was exciting," Brieger said. "I think both teams put it on the line. Without that call, we might've (been playing that game all night). I'm not going to complain. We did a great job. We couldn't squeeze another drop out of them."