Kotsakis, Fremd handle LZ
Elise Kotsakis struck for 3 goals in the first 25 minutes, then added another after the break as host Fremd rocked Lake Zurich 5-2 Thursday night in nonconference girls soccer play in Palatine.
The outcome spoiled the season opener for the Bears and sent the Vikings into spring break a perfect 2-0.
“I was a little disappointed that we gave up 2 goals tonight, and I thought we were a little (too) relaxed with our play at times, but it was still a good win for us heading into the break and a good start for us despite missing two starters in our lineup,” said Fremd coach Steve Keller.
The Vikings were without the grit and energy of midfielder Alexis Tice were also missing the versatile Jessa Rizzo, who both were nursing injuries. They are expected back when the Vikings open Mid-Suburban League play a week from Wednesday at Schaumburg.
“It helped us a lot to get that first match out of the way earlier this week (against St. Charles East), and it really showed in our play at times — especially in the back, where we have a couple of new players playing after losing Danielle (Romano) and our keeper Allison Norenberg,” said Kotsakis, who couldn’t remember if she’d ever scored 4 goals in one match.
The Vikings didn’t allow the visitors to settle down during their first outing of the season, with Kotsakis finding the back of the net just six minutes into the match. Kotaskis struck again two minutes after the Bears’ Vanesa Abad brought her club even in the 11th minute, with teammate Brooke Sill providing the helper.
“We’ve installed a new philosphy and system this season, and we struggled at the start,” said Lake Zurich coach Meghan Kolze. “Not only because of that, but also the fact that we’re playing our first game of the season against one of the best teams in the state, who slowly took over after we opened with a pretty good 20 minutes of soccer.
“We got back into the match after scoring a very good goal, but our lack of fitness showed quickly thereafter, and Fremd had plenty more energy than we did.”
The hosts took advantage of the Bears along the back when both Kelsey Beschta and Michelle Mottonen lofted balls over the backline to get Kotsakis free of her markers for one-one-one opportunities with keeper Maggie Monson. Kotsakis’ third and fourth goals put Fremd ahead 3-1 at 26 minutes.
Caroline Wagner made it 4-1 just before the half-hour when, on the turn, the sophomore showed terrific patience and composure to take an extra touch before unloading a 35-yard missile which sailed over Monson and into the net.
“We got caught on two of those goals in the first half, but again, not to use any excuses, or to take anything away from Steve’s team, we’ve got to work some of the kinks out of this new system we are playing,” said Kolze.
The visitors opened the second half well, but after newly installed Bears keeper Anna Kurowska stopped Kotsakis from 25 yards, the Vikings’ leader scorer from last season struck for her fifth goal in two matches after working a terrific 1-2with teammate Michelle Mottonen.
“We have a lot of skill on this team this year, and so far we’ve shown some of the things we can do together,” said Mottonen, who was a starter for Keller last season as a freshman.
The Vikings coach brought on a handful of players off the bench to finish out the final 20 minutes, including keeper Christine Piasecki. The sophomore allowed the Bears’ second goal when a ball played back to her did not have enough pace, allowing an alert Molly Murrin to scoop up a loose ball and finish neatly in the 64th minute to make it 5-2.
“I am really exited about this team, and what it will do once we get things sorted out and a few more matches under our belt,” said Kolze. “We’ve got New Trier next Wednesday, which will be another big test for us, but we’ll be in much better shape (then) and ready for the challenge.”
Despite the 2 goals given up by the Vikings, the defensive unit of Kristin Abruscato, Emily Basten and Jennifer Freeman looked sharp for most of the evening, with each going forward on occasion to join the attack.