Scouting Fox Valley girls soccer teams
Bartlett Hawks
Coach: Heather Thomas (4th season)
2009 record: 17-8-1 (Regional champions; sectional semifinalists)
Top returning players: Seniors Erin Zaideman (GK), Sam Fairbanks (D), Rachel Irwin (D), Sam Barone (F), junior Trish Donlon (F-MF), sophomores Nicole Gobbo (F), Jesicca Cosentino (D), Lisa Palmer (MF)
Key newcomers: Freshmen Nicki Norren (MF), Lyndsay Bruzzini (F)
Outlook: The Hawks started the season winning three of their first four games. "Right now, defensively we're holding our own and offensively we're getting there," said Thomas. "In three of the four games we've looked pretty strong offensively. Hopefully we can get our offense going. It's been a weakness. We want to get over that hump and get the ball in the back of the net." Bartlett enjoyed a record-breaking 2009 campaign. "We have some big shoes to fill," said Thomas. "We had our most successful season ever last year. This year we're holding our own. We've still got some things to work on. The girls are working on things that are important in the game. We've got good, coachable girls that want to learn." One major key for Bartlett is veteran goalie Zaideman. "This is Erin's fourth year on varsity," said Thomas. "She's started all four years and has signed with Northern Iowa. She's been a good goalkeeper for us." Irwin and Barone are both back on the team after taking last year off to train with their club teams.
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Michael Gecan (5th season)
2009 record: 5-14-1 (2-6-1 Big Northern East)
Top players: Seniors Cara Martini (D-MF), Erin Lund (D-MF), Erica Heissler (MF-F), Kylie Pecoraro (D-MF), Emily Ramsey (MF-F), Sara Dollmeyer (MF-F), juniors Michelle Fowler (MF-F), Danielle Judkins (D-MF), Gabriella Mazzarisi (MF-F), Heather Krup (MF-F), sophomores Caitlin Solberg (GK), Alison Rodriguez (GK), Katherine Cappas (MF-F), Courtney Andrew (MF-F), Catherine Kaynish (MF-F), Alexandra Tarr (MF-F), Madalene Stoneman (MF-F), Jessica Martinez (MF-F), Chloe Plum (MF-F), Lindsey Puccio (D-MF), freshmen Paige Nyman (D-MF), Cammille DeLacruz (MF-F)
Outlook: Central will look to take a step forward this year with 19 players returning to the varsity team. "This year we have a lot of players working hard for playing time, which will add a lot of depth to a very strong team." Gecan feels last year's campaign will serve as a springboard of sorts for his players. "Last year was a great learning experience for a pretty young team," said Gecan. "This season they will need to show us what they have learned from that experience."
Cary-Grove Trojans
Coach: Ray Krystal (4th season)
2009 record: 18-3
Top returning players: Seniors Liz Bart (MF), Nicole Bussenger (MF), Ashley Gustafson (MF), Brittany Kroening (F), Paige Wooldridge (GK), juniors Taylor Mahoney (F), Allie Simon (MF), Alyssa Ptaszek (MF), sophomore Korey Kronforst (F)
Outlook: While the Trojans did graduate some player's from last year's squad that advanced to the regional championship game, there is still plenty of firepower left on the roster. "We have 13 players returning with varsity experience and a strong commitment to the principles of this program," said Krystal. "This team has a strong work ethic and an even stronger desire to meet the standards and traditions established by earlier teams. These girls are enthusiastic, eager to learn and understand that it takes teamwork and a lot of hard work to be successful in our competitive conference. I expect this team to grow and mature during the season through the leadership of our returning players."
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Brian Allen (2nd season)
2009 record: 10-11 (7-3 FVC Valley)
Top returning players: Seniors Ashley Ross (F), Karley Mecko (MF), Kelsey Taldone (D), Kelsey Cosley (D), Natalie Blazier (MF), Alison Agnes (MF), Katie Burton (D)
Key newcomers: Senior Beth McGinn (GK), junior Elizabeth Quinn (GK), sophomores Emily Hamrick (D), Christina Szocka (F), freshman Mackenzie Taldone (MF)
Outlook: South's roster is loaded with college-bound players. Ross has signed with Toledo, while Mecko is headed to UW-Parkside. Kelsey Taldone is going to Upper Iowa, while Cosley is going to Millikan and Blazier to Sioux Falls. "Team chemistry and senior leadership is going to be a key to the success of this team," said Allen. "With 17 upperclassmen (10 seniors, 7 juniors), the experience is there with many 3-year varsity starters in the senior core. But how well the team gels with the newcomers and paying attention to the small details in their game (technically and tactically) will be a good indication of how far this team can go this season. Most importantly, staying focused on whatever our weekly goals are and improving each and every day is going to be a must if we expect to compete for the FVC Valley Division title this year." Allen feels Huntley and Cary-Grove are two teams to keep an eye on in the division.
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Sebastian Falinski (3rd season)
2009 record: 4-17 (2-8 FVC Valley)
Top returning players: Seniors Deanna Libricz (GK), Paige Suwanski (D), Nicole Beck (MF), juniors Mallory Fryer (D), Clare Mazurkiewicz (D), sophomore Allison Sanders (MF)
Key newcomers: Junior Stephanie Letheby (F), freshmen Carolyn Schneider (F), Brittney Gantz (MF), Jordan Fryer (D)
Outlook: Falinski feels improvement is a distinct possibility with this group. "This year's squad should be more competitive, skilled and spirited," said Falinski. "Having 10 players return from last year's team eager to make statements, plus the addition of young, talented players should make for an exciting season. Our main goal as a team this season is to approach every practice and game as an opportunity to improve and develop as players, and more importantly, compete." Falinski's team will play a rigorous schedule. "The largest obstacle we face will be the strength of our schedule," he said. "Our schedule contains some of the best in the area (Conant, Huntley, Cary-Grove, Crystal Lake South). However, we will have the vision to see these obstacles as opportunities to test ourselves." Falinski feels the FVC Valley portion of the schedule will provide constant doses of good competition. "With the addition of Huntley, our conference just became more complicated and competitive," said Falinski. "I see Huntley, Cary-Grove and Crystal Lake South providing great matches between themselves."
Elgin Maroons
Coach: Cesar Rosales (2nd season)
2009 record: 4-8
Top returning players: Seniors Nohemi Sarfan (MF), Elizabeth Avina (D), juniors Riti Chokski (F), Lupe Barragan (D)
Key newcomers: Freshmen Melissa Roberts (F), Alexis Sprague (MF)
Outlook: Rosales likes the team's makeup in the midfield. "I think we're going to be strong in the middle," said Rosales. "We've got a good foursome in the middle. We'll be able to spread the ball around and hopefully overpower the defense." Rosales said the team's youth could actually work to its advantage this season. "They are very young and very determined," said Rosales. "They are not easily intimidated, which is always good. We've got four returning players and the rest are pretty much new and that's a positive thing." The Maroons started the season 0-2. "We saw great improvement from the first game to the second game," said Rosales.
Elgin Academy Hilltoppers
Coach: Greg Repede (4th season)
2009 record: 13-6-3, 5-2-1 (2nd place Independent School League)
Top returning players: Seniors Lauren Steimle (MF), Alyssa Pena (D), Siena Romano (D), Bianca Swagler (GK), Gizem Tunca (D), juniors Emma Stone (F), Kacy Rauschenberger (MF), sophomore Ashley Barnes (MF)
Key newcomers: Senior Elaina Skiouris (MF), sophomores Bethany Oglesby (MF), Angie Martinez (MF), freshmen Isabella Romano (MF), Sedona Georgescu (D)
Outlook: Elgin Academy returns six starters from last year's conference runner-up team. "We will be an experienced squad," said Repede. Steimle is the program's all-time leading scorer who has racked up myriad postseason awards. Repede has been impressed with Barnes' play and feels Stone will help the team in the offensive department. Pena, Tunca, Romano and Swegler are four seniors who will anchor the defense with Swegler being the team's veteran goalie. Repede feels teams like U-High, Latin School, FW Parker and Willows Academy will be teams to keep an eye on in the conference.
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Pat O'Brien (7th season)
2009 record: 13-4-3 (10-0 Big Northern East champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Alex Field MF), Kelsey Burke (MF), Sam Anderson (SR), Cassie Dumoulin (F), Bridget Dumoulin (F)
Key newcomer: Haylee Moscato (GK)
Outlook: Senior leadership permeates throughout the Whips' team. "We've got good leadership," said O'Brien. "We've got girls who have been playing at the varsity level for four years or almost four years now. I like the girls' willingness to incorporate the younger girls and bring them in. We graduated 10 from last year. These girls know we'll be a work in progress this year, but they've done a great job of including the new girls." On the field, O'Brien feels his team has just the right mix of positive components. "I think we're going to be balanced," said O'Brien. "We've got a nice mix of girls that can score goals and our defense should be pretty strong. We want to get into game shape and stay healthy. And with our work ethic, good things should come from that." There are a total of five Dumoulin girls in the Hampshire program. Cassie, Michelle (starting defender), Alex (midfielder-goalie for the varsity) and Jenny (freshman forward on JV team) are all sisters, while Bridget is their cousin.
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Kris Grabner (7th season)
2009 record: 24-2-1, 10-0 (FVC Fox champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Sara Hoffman (GK), Taylor Henning-Fletter (MF), Lauren Gaitsch (D), Corinne Wronski (F), Jamie Wimberly (D), Kelly Creager (MF), juniors Kaytlyn Owens (GK), Emily Konior (F), Bre Burry (MF), Alyse Williams (D), Aimee Wronski (F), Sam Zobott (D), Rachel Chapuis (D)
Key newcomers: Junior Priscilla Jara (MF), sophomore Kelly Manczko (MF)
Outlook: Huntley features 8 players on its roster who have either signed letters of intent or are committed to a college/university to play soccer for four more years (both Aimee Wronski and Williams are headed to Illinois State). The Red Raiders will face a number of new wrinkles to their schedule this season. "The loss of key players and significantly more difficult schedule will make for a challenging season," said Grabner, who came into the season with 89 career wins. "The move to the (FVC) Valley (Division) will add to an already difficult schedule. We look to peak at the end of the season and make a big run in the state tournament." Grabner feels the Valley side of the conference will be a constant battle. "None of the teams can be overlooked," said Grabner. "I expect Cary-Grove and Crystal Lake South to remain on or near the top of the tables. I look for the Valley to be very competitive all season long."
Jacobs Golden Eagles
Coach: Anthony Cappello (1st season as head coach)
2009 record: 11-10-3
Top returning players: Seniors Kelsey Quitschau (MF), Mo Ramirez (MF), Alyssa Barnard (GK), Maria Tamburino (D), Kathleen Mammoser (D)
Key newcomers: Sophomore Cassidy Sherman (MF), freshmen Catie Sherman (D), Kylie Dennison (MF), Margaret Rivera (D)
Outlook: Cappello, the team's interim coach to finish last season and formerly the JV boys and girls coach at the school, feels his team will be strongest in the midfield and on defense. "Our midfield is very deep. It's definitely our strength," said Cappello. "The girls can do some good things with the ball. They move the ball around real well." Cappello is also blessed with numbers this season. "I feel we're deep. We can go 18-20 players who can contribute and play a large part for the team," said Cappello. "This is a hardworking group day in and day out. They are there to work. We lack a little bit of experience, but I think we will surprise some teams. At the same time, we could have some ups and downs because of the youth. We want to build this program back up to the same level it was before." Jacobs started the season with a 4-0 win over Crystal Lake Central. Junior midfielder Monica Orjuela had two goals. The Golden Eagles all dropped a 2-1 game to St. Viator.
Larkin Royals
Coach: Ken Hall (11th season)
2009 record: 6-16-2 (2-7-1 Upstate Eight)
Top returning players: Seniors Ana Medina (MF), Lyzzette Solano (D), Monica Huertado (D), sophomores Amanda Lane (MF), Emily Stevens (MF), Wendy Guaderramo (F)
Key newcomers: Junior Carol Garcia (MF), sophomores Abby Alvarez (MF), Diana Hernandez (GK), Rosa Cammerrena (MF), freshman Stephanie Leon (sweeper)
Outlook: Hall has been impressed with the team's work ethic. "It's been the effort probably more than anything," said Hall. "We know we're not as skilled as a lot of teams will play, but we really put forth the effort. They've worked hard in training. If they keep doing that, hopefully we'll get the results later on in the season." Larkin has just 3 seniors and 1 junior on the roster. "We're very young," said Hall. "We're definitely heavy with freshmen and sophomores. Some of these players have not played at a level equal to the high school level. They have to get used to the speed and the things that need to be done to be successful. But they've gotten better each practice. We're making progress and that's a positive. They want to be out there and hopefully they are beginning to understand the level they need to play at and get to it." Larkin opened the season last week with a 3-0 loss to Maine West.
St. Edward Green Wave
Coach: Tim Brieger (15th season)
2009 record: 8-12-2, 3-4 (Suburban Catholic); Regional champions
Top returning players: Seniors Jessica Stasinski (F), Collen Kerger (MF), Maggie Duggan (D), juniors Mallory Malone (MF), Shelby Shepherd (MF), sophomores Jordan Madden (MF), Paige Gannon (D-GK), Jessica Realozola (F)
Key newcomers: Sophomores: Katie Ayello (D), Callie Johnson (D), freshmen Kim Smith (F), Rena Renallo (MF)
Outlook: St. Edward returns 9 players that started at some point during the 2009 season. "Our depth and athleticism is strong," said Brieger. "We've got a good core of three- and four-year starters. We went 19 deep in a game recently and we didn't see any real drop off, which is real nice." When Brieger says the team is filled with athletes, he's not kidding. "We have four of the five starters from the basketball team and five of the volleyball starters," said Brieger. "These girls know how to play at the varsity level. They are used to high pressure." Brieger's team is one of the few that hung with standout Rockford Lutheran last season. "Our goal is to be ready at the end of the year for when it matters the most," said Brieger, whose starting lineup could feature predominantly sophomores. "We could have some growing pains early, but we're excited about this season."
South Elgin Storm
Coach: Tiffany Disher (4th season)
2009 record: 5th place Upstate Eight
Top returning players: Junior Erica Williams (D), sophomores Dana McElwain (sweeper), Lauren Verdine (F)
Outlook: Defense will be the Storm's calling card this season. "Our strength is definitely our defense," said Disher. "These girls are working really well together. They are willing to learn and try new things. We've got versatile players who can go in and contribute in different scenarios. We want to get the ball and maintain the ball and work our way up the field and put one in the back of the next. This team has a lot of promise." McElwain has enjoyed a strong start to the season. "Both games we played (earlier this week) Dana stood out," said Disher. "She's working hard for every ball and trying to get every ball to her teammates." McElwain was an honorable mention all-sectional pick. Both McElwain and Verdine were all-UEC picks last year. Disher would like to see the team continue to work on the offensive side of the ball (South Elgin was shutout in both of its games earlier this week). "We've had difficulties getting numbers up on the attack," said Disher. "We want to see if we can get those numbers up and score."
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: Chelsea Lloyd (1st season)
2009 record: NA
Top returning players: Senior Gillian Toomey (D), junior Amy Tyszkiewicz (MF), sophomores Brianna Roppo (GK), Stephanie Brown (CMF)
Key newcomers: Freshmen Sharice Ellenwood (GK-MF), Daniela Escalante (D)
Outlook: Lloyd likes the chemistry she's seen thus far. "We've got good teamwork," said Lloyd. "We're still working out the kinks. We started 0-2 against Schaumburg and Elk Grove. We've had some injuries already kind of hurt us." Lloyd feels her team will excel on the defensive end. "Our defense is strong and we've got a very strong midfield," said Lloyd. Getting a consistent lineup in place will be a key as the season progresses. "We've had some ups and downs with injuries and the starting lineup," said Lloyd. "We've been working to get the bench players consistent. We're having to shuffle people around. Once we get people back, we should be pretty good. There is definitely some potential."
Westminster Christian Warriors
Coach: Mike Richardson (2nd season)
2009 record: 5-12
Top returning players: Seniors Sarah Rogers (MF-F), Rachel Doby (MF-F)
Outlook: The Warriors numbers are up slightly in the program this season. "We've got 14 girls on the team total. Last year we had 12," said Richardson. But Richardson knows the team will not use small numbers as an excuse. "They are into it and they want to get better," said Richardson. "They give a good effort. They are willing to learn. It's cliché but I want them to do the best they can and understand what's required of them. Any time you have a bunch of girls willing to do what is asked of them, that's great. There is room for improvement here. They want to get better at soccer and compete and they are doing that. We lost to Elgin Academy, 2-0, in our first game, but the girls did well. Hopefully we'll get better every game. Who knows? Maybe we'll upset a few people along the way. Every game we want to compete."