Fox Valley All-Area girls soccer team

Fran Abate Bartlett

Abate finished the season with 15 goals en route to an all-Upstate Eight Conference honorable mention selection for a Hawks team that won 15 matches. "Fran has incredible vision on the field," said Bartlett coach Heather Thomas. "She controls the middle of the field by taking players on or dishing the ball off to her teammates. Her ability to finish a game with the same intensity and strength she starts the game with far surpasses her opponents." A repeat Daily Herald All-Area choice.

Stephanie Brown Streamwood

An all-Upstate Eight Conference and all-sectional honorable mention selection, Brown led the Sabres in scoring as a freshman with 4 goals and 3 assists. "Stephanie is the smallest girl on the field usually, but is the toughest girl out there," said Streamwood coach Matt Polovin. "She has such a great upside to her and talent out on the field. I truly don't remember a game where afterward the other coach had such positive feedback regarding Stephanie. She played 99 percent of the minutes this season. She never wanted to come out and never looked like she needed to. Stephanie will definitely be a player to watch the next few years."

Brittany Brozek St. Edward

Brozek helped St. Edward win a regional championship by tallying 8 goals to go with 8 assists (3 goals and 4 assists in the state playoffs). An all-Suburban Catholic Conference selection, Brozek was a four-year starter for the Green Wave. "Brittany really helps us when the pressure is on," said St. Edward coach Tim Brieger. "(She is) an outstanding offensive force, combining speed, ballhandling and a powerful leg." Brozek, who will attend North Central College, finished her career as St. Edward's all-time leader in assists (29). She finished fifth all-time with 30 career goals. A repeat Daily Herald All-Area selection.

Bre Bury Huntley

An all-Fox Valley Conference selection, Bury finished the year with 5 goals and 9 assists for a Red Raiders team that ran the table in the FVC Fox Division (10-0). "Bre is one of the smartest players we have," said Huntley coach Kris Grabner. "She hates to lose and is very feisty. She passes the ball incredibly well. Bre is a very special player. I would be surprised if she isn't among the top players in the area the next 2 years and isn't up for player of the year. She is that kind of quality player."

Rachel Chapius Huntley

Chapius, who scored 2 goals and had 1 assist, was a key part of the Huntley defensive attack this season. Chapius helped Huntley advance all the way to a Class 3A sectional final. "She wins the ball and starts the attack for us," said Huntley coach Kris Grabner. "She's a power player. She is so strong in the air. She wins balls in the air better than I have ever seen-boy or girl. She can take a 65-yard punt and lead the ball right back in. You don't see it too often. The other team knows how strong in the air she is and they tend to mark her with their strongest player."

Luisa Desario Bartlett

Desario found the back of the net often this season for a Bartlett team that won a regional title. Her 31 goals earned her all-Upstate Eight Conference and all-sectional accolades. Desario finished her career with 51 goals. "Luisa has so much composure on the ball," said Bartlett coach Heather Thomas. "She knows exactly what she's going to do with it before she even gets it. She has the quickest turnout of any high school player I have ever coached. She creates her own chances, which is apparent by the number of goals she has scored this year. But she also creates chances for others."

Alex Holland Cary-Grove

Holland posted a 0.50 goals-against average and had 12 shutouts this season to earn her fourth straight all-Fox Valley Conference selection. A 2-time all-sectional pick (2008, 2009), Holland finished her career at Cary-Grove with a 0.61 goals-against average and 41 shutouts. "Alex has been a dependable goalkeeper and leader for 4 years," said Cary-Grove coach Ray Krystal. "She has gained the respect of teammates and opponents. She is just as determined to produce a shutout during practice and communicates with all of her teammates to make it possible. Alex has been able to be successful because of her talent, preparation, commitment and leadership. Doug Cardosi (her former ODP coach) describes her as intense and organized and these qualities are evident every moment she plays." Holland will continue her career at the University of South Carolina. A repeat Daily Herald All-Area selection.

Taylor Hunsberger St. Edward

Hunsberger, who is headed to Loras College, posted 4 shutouts and earned all-Suburban Catholic Conference accolades for a St. Edward team that lost to state medalist Rockford Lutheran in the round of 16. Hunsberger leaves St. Edward as the program's all-time leader in games started. She ranks third all-time with 24 shutouts and fourth in career-goals against average (1.69). "This year Taylor helped to anchor an inexperienced, but talented defense," said St. Edward coach Tim Brieger. During the state playoffs, Hunsberger allowed only 3 goals in 4 games and has allowed 5 goals in 10 career postseason contests (5 shutouts). "Taylor saved her best for last, having one of the best games ever in goal for the Wave against Rockford Lutheran, allowing only a penalty kick goal late in the game," said Brieger.

Kelli Johnson Larkin

A 4-year varsity starter, Johnson tallied 4 goals to go with 4 assists for the Royals this season. This all-Upstate Eight Conference pick, will continue her career at Judson University. "Her commitment to the game and her desire to win are what make her such a good player," said Larkin coach Ken Hall. "Kelli is a good-skilled, good defensive player. Clearly, she was our best all-around player." A repeat Daily Herald All-Area honoree.

Licia Keyes Dundee-Crown

A 4-year varsity player, Keyes is a 2-time all-Fox Valley Conference and all-sectional honorable mention selection. She finished the 2009 season with 4 goals and had 36 goals and 7 assists during her high school career. "Licia is the type of player that every coach would like to have on their team," said Dundee-Crown coach Sebastian Falinski. "The most impressive trait that Licia has is her willingness to get her teammates involved. She is very unselfish. As every good player does, Licia understands and reads the game at a high level, which allows her to create chances for her teammates. She is a well-rounded player and individual." A repeat Daily Herald All-Area choice.

Heather Krup Burlington Central

Krup led the Rockets with 9 goals and was second on the team with 5 assists. "Heather is a tremendous athlete and she is very difficult to defend one-versus-one," said Burlington Central coach Mike Gecan. "I expect great things from her in the future both on and off the soccer field."

Karley Mecko Crystal Lake South

Mecko tallied 13 goals and 4 assists from her central midfield position for the Gators. Named to the all-Fox Valley Conference and all-sectional teams. "As solid as they come in the air," said South coach Brian Allen. "She also possesses great vision when distributing and can do so accurately with both feet. She dictated the tempo at which each of our games would be played this year. She was also asked to pick up the scoring load for the first half when our leading scorer from last year (Ashley Ross) was out with a pulled hamstring and did so wonderfully."

Kristina Nieman South Elgin

Nieman, who did not play high school soccer as a junior, scored 6 goals and had 7 assists to earn her second all-Upstate Eight Conference award. Nieman is a 2-time all-sectional pick and was captain of the Storm team for 3 years (also a 3-time South Elgin team MVP). She finished her career at South Elgin with 9 goals and 10 assists. "Kristina is a dominating force on the pitch," said South Elgin coach Tiffany Disher. "She has the ability to play anywhere and against any opponent. Kristina controls the middle of the field and is the pivotal point where the plays begin. Kristina is not only a threat on offense, but she is also an amazing defensive player. Every player on our team sees Kristina as a true leader and each one of them chose her as our captain."

Emily Preis Jacobs

Preis, who missed the 2008 season with a knee injury, scored 5 goals to go with 1 assist for the Golden Eagles. An all-Fox Valley Conference selection. "Emily anchored our defense. She is remarkably patient as a defender and has a powerful left foot," said Jacobs coach Jim Dzialo. "She plays many of our dead ball situations because of it. Emily is strong in the air and remarkably seasoned and experienced playing soccer at a regional level." Preis will play at Judson University next season.

KC Roller Jacobs

Roller tallied 4 goals to go with 11 assists in 2009 and finished her career with 13 goals and 29 assists. A two-time all-Fox Valley Conference selection, who also earned all-sectional honors this season. "Our most skilled player," said Jacobs coach Jim Dzialo. "KC is good in one-versus-one scenarios. She can serve a quality ball into the box. She is one of the hardest workers in games and in training." Roller was named to the Chicago Red Stars all-academic team and will continue her career at Trinity Christian College. A repeat Daily Herald All-Area pick.

Christine Schumacher Hampshire

A unanimous all-Big Northern Conference West Division selection, Schumacher tallied 24 goals and 5 assists for a Hampshire team that went 13-4-3 and won the conference title with a 10-0 mark. "Christine is a special player because of her love of the game," said Hampshire coach Patrick O'Brien. "Ever since I had her in middle school, she was always reading biographies of great soccer players. The past two seasons, she had her knee blown out and rebuilt after our trips to state. She never played scared. She knew she had to play with the same intensity as always to be successful. She stayed mentally focused throughout every game whether she had a number of goals already or if she was trying to get on the score sheet for the first time."

Alex Smith Elgin

Smith averaged 5 blocks per game and had 2 assists for the Maroons this season. A 2-year captain, Smith was an all-Upstate Eight Conference selection. "Alex is the captain of our team because she is a natural leader," said Elgin coach Cesar Rosales. "She likes to take charge. She is the sweeper of our team, but is never afraid to be the first to attack the offense. She was the one player that I believe struck fear into many forwards with her extremely accurate slide tackles and her aggressiveness in taking the ball. She was never afraid to attack and put the ball in play to make assists or take a shot whenever possible. She is a very intense player and a very competitive player. She is the one player whose presence will be missed on the field."

Lauren Steimle Elgin Academy

A 3-time Daily Herald All-Area selection, Steimle tallied 31 goals to go with 12 assists this spring. She finished her career at Elgin Academy with 74 goals and 32 assists and is the program's all-time leader in goals (21 multi-goal games) and points. "Lauren makes everybody around her better," said Elgin Academy coach Greg Repede. "She has great skills, has a strong leg and is extremely smart in both her studies and play. She really stepped up this year. I don't know how many free kicks she made from 25-30 yards out. She was able to deliver the ball there." A 3-time all-Independent School League selection.

Jessica Taldone Crystal Lake South

Taldone finished with a goals-against average of 1.03 (88 saves) and registered 7 shutouts. This Eastern Illinois University signee was named to the all-Fox Valley Conference team and was an all-sectional honorable mention award recipient. "She is one of the most athletic goalkeepers around and excels in one-versus-one situations, is quick and strong off her line and terrific at taking away crosses within the 6-yard box," said South coach Brian Allen.

Sally Tashijan Cary-Grove

Tashijan, who is headed to Loyola-Chicago, scored 7 goals and had 3 assists for the Trojans and ended her career as a 3-time all-Fox Valley Conference choice and a 2-time all-sectional pick (22 career goals, 9 career assists). "Sally is a top contender for the most valuable player for her team," said Cary-Grove coach Ray Krystal. "Sally provides the strongest presence in an already strong midfield-intense team. Sally has been asked to play a mainly holding role and has been called on to provide defensive help when needed, because she is the strongest defender in our midfield. She is skilled, strong and talented. Cary-Grove would not be the same team without her."

Aimee Wronski Huntley

Wronski, an all-Fox Valley Conference pick, scored 20 goals to go with 14 assists for a Huntley team that won 24 contests. Wronski was also named to the prestigious Pepsi Showdown all-tournament team. "Aimee is big, fast, strong and powerful," said Huntley coach Kris Grabner. "She can cut the ball extremely well and has a strong shot off both sides. She passes well. To finish with 14 assists, that's exceptional. She scored 20 goals and then added 14 assists to it. I always say a forward has to be a little selfish, but she put the assists with the goals and got the best of both worlds." A repeat Daily Herald All-Area selection.

Cori Wronski Huntley

The 2009 Honorary Co-Captain of the Daily Herald All-Area girls soccer team, Wronski led the Red Raiders to the sectional championship game. She finished with a team-best 27 goals to go with 8 assists and earned all-Fox Valley Conference plaudits. "Cori is strong with both feet and extremely good in the air," said Huntley coach Kris Grabner. "Cori is a very well-rounded player who strikes the ball clean and solid. She really turned it on for us this year." Wronski has already eclipsed the 50 career goal mark with one season to play.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>All-Area Teams</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Cook County</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=298406"><B>Softball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298405">Softball captain: Nikki Goranson</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298398"><B>Baseball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298397">Baseball captain: Jon Carlson</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298403"><B>Girls soccer</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298402">Soccer captains: Laura Mayer, Mary Kubiuk</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298401"><B>Boys volleyball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298400">Volleyball captain: Chris Falknor</a></li> </ul> <h2>DuPage County</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=298388"><B>Softball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298392">Softball captain: Hannah Santora</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298388"><B>Baseball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298582">Baseball captain: Jack DeAno</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298391"><B>Girls soccer</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298394">Soccer captain: Leah Fortune</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298390"><B>Boys volleyball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298393">Volleyball captain: Joe Kelly</a></li> </ul> <h2>Fox Valley</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=298362">Softball captain: Kimberly Pierce</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298660"><B>Baseball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298356">Baseball co-captain: Brian Brauer</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298355">Baseball co-captain: Craig Lipp</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298658"><B>Girls soccer</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298361">Soccer captain: Cori Wronski</a></li> </ul> <h2>Lake County</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=298410"><B>Softball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298408">Softball captain: Olivia Duehr</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298407"><B>Baseball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298396">Baseball captain: Chas Evans</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298404"><B>Girls soccer</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298409">Soccer captain: Courtney Levy</a></li> </ul> <h2>Tri-Cities</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=298385"><B>Softball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298383"><B>Baseball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298382"><B>Girls soccer</B></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>