Tri-Cities girls soccer season preview
Aurora Central
Coach: Maria Della Torre
Last year: The Chargers finished the season 6-11-0 and were 2-7-0 in the Suburban Christian Conference.
Key losses to graduation: Sam Cowles, MF-F.
Top returners: Emily Blaser, MF-F, Jr.; Lisa Gaffino, F, Jr.
Key newcomers: Maggie O'Brien, MF-F, Fr.; Meghan Curcio, D, Jr.; Greta Hopp, D, Sr.
Outlook: The first thing you notice if you drive by an Aurora Central girls soccer practice is that there seem to be more players on those fields than there used to be. And that's true. There are 23 Chargers in the program this year and there is a solid returning core that helps coach Maria Della Torre anticipate having as strong a season as the school has ever had in the sport. “We have many new players with solid group of returning players that we anticipate will create one of the strongest girls soccer teams Aurora Central Catholic has ever had,”
Della Torre said. Among those returning players are some who had some offensive success. Junior Emily Blaser had 6 goals and 6 assists while playing as either a forward or midfielder. Lisa Gaffino added 8 goals. Freshman Maggie O'Brien, whom Della Torre terms “feisty” should further solidify that attack. “Everyone is determined to work to create a close-knit team that works well together on the field as well as off the field,” Della Torre said. “One of our biggest focuses this year is having selfless attitudes.” Defensively, the Chargers are strengthened by a pair of newcomers, Meghan Curcio and Greta Hopp, neither of whom has been involved with Aurora Central soccer before. “They will be important leaders who bring ‘soccer intelligence' to our lineup,” Della Torre said.
Batavia
Coach: Jim McAlpin
Last year: The Bulldogs finished 13-6-3 and were 5-0-2 in the Western Sun Conference and lost a Class 3A regional title game.
Key losses to graduation: Tory Kinniard, MF; Dana Landem, D-MF; Hillary Cooper, F; Elena Mudrak, GK.
Top returners: Abby Gray, F, Sr.; Hannah Schweigert, D, Sr.; Tara Rush, MF, Sr.; Bre Choffin, MF, Sr.
Key newcomers: Shelby Stone, So.; Anna Zeyen, So.; Grace Andrews, So.
Outlook: That thunderous sound during preseason workouts was the sound of an awful lot of Batavia girls soccer players' feet hitting the floor. The Bulldogs had 96 girls turn out for tryouts, creating an unprecedented number of players vying for roster spots throughout the program. “There was a groundswell,” Batavia coach Jim McAlpin said. “I think we've got a good group of freshmen and a good group of sophomores. In terms of overall perspective for the program, I think it's a good sign.” McAlpin said a turnout like this is the kind around which you can build a program. “We haven't had these large groups of freshmen, the kind that can be the core of the program,” McAlpin said. “From top to bottom, they're probably as good as we've had in 8-10 years.”
Batavia does have some holes to fill, especially in defense, where four-year goalie Elena Mudrak graduated along with the entire starting defense. Allie Fredenhall and Ronnie Resek will split goalkeeping chores this year and a combination of newcomers and converted midfielders will play defense. Jenny Steurer will move from midfield to defense, as will Meagan Reinecke. Hunter Pryor was on the roster last year and will form part of the six-player rotation, as will. Jordyn Cikesh, Molly Rossell and Jessica Milaneses. Up front, Abby Gray had an electric second half of the season a year ago and returns for her senior year after a 12-goal junior season. Joining Gray in the forward line will be Grace Andrews, Anna Zeyen and Briana Davey, who is back with the varsity after overcoming asthma issues that sidelined her the last couple of seasons.
Geneva
Coach: Megan Owens
Last year: The Vikings finished the season 16-6-3, were 6-0-1 and champions of the Western Sun Conference and lost to St. Charles North in a Class 3A sectional semifinal.
Key losses to graduation: Stephanie Davison, D; Sammi Hill, F; Madeline Tennant, MF; Sarah Tennant, MF; Gina Peri, D; Abbey Schroeder, F; Emily Saunders, MF.
Top returners: Catherine Allon, MF, Jr.; Amanda Lulek, F, So.; Demi Miller, D, Sr.; Kailey Rote, MF, Jr.; Kristin Rodriguez, MF, Jr.; Caitlin Griffin, D, Jr.; Victoria Fortney, GK, Sr.
Key newcomers: Molly Axen, F, So.; Hope Goodman, MF, Fr.; Molly Stanfa, D, Fr.; Annie Waldoch, D, Fr.; Ally Serra, MF, Fr.; Michaela Loebel, F, Fr.; Tory Herbst, D, Fr.; Caite Coghlan, GK, Fr.; Stevie Fanale, D, Fr.; Sarah Davison, MF, Jr.; Rachel Hinchman, MF, Jr.
Outlook: Geneva lost six starters to graduation and returns five starters for the 2011 season. So is the lineup half-empty or half-full? Vikings coach Megan Owens sees plenty of potential for this year's team. “We have a nice core returning and there are some nice additions to the team,” Owens said. “It's a matter of having varsity experience. It doesn't matter what kind of club team you've come from. There's still a transition to the speed and the physicality of the varsity team.” Owens said last year's graduating group, while talented on the field, had other qualities that are sometimes hard to replace. “That senior group was outstanding in terms of leadership,” Owens said. “That may be what we'll look for for the most part this year. We'll hold our own, though.”
While fans will remember Catherine Allon playing some in her sophomore year, an ankle injury put her on the sidelines for the majority of the season. A junior this year, Allon is back and ready to contribute. “She's as solid as they come in the midfield,” Owens said. “She'd started for us as a freshman. She's a great kid and has got a great attitude. She's a very unselfish player and is a great teammate.” Among areas hit hard by graduation was Geneva's front line. Owens said that Allon, coupled with Kailey Rote or Kristin Rodriguez, all midfielders with an offensive mindset, will have to carry some of that load. “We're looking to have them step up,” Owens said. “ Graduation hit every area of Geneva's lineup, but the Vikings also return players in every area of the field. “Every one of our experienced kids will have some young kids around them,” Owens said.
Kaneland
Coach: Scott Parillo
Last year: The Knights finished 15-3-5 and lost to Rosary in a Class 2A Regional title game.
Key losses to graduation: Megan Gill, D; Colleen Gebauer, MF; Shelby Koester, MF; Thalia Garcia, MF; Haley Johnson, MF; Andie Bruce, MF; Natalie Swieca, D.
Top returners: Emily Heimerdinger, F-MF, Sr.; Sophia Blank, MF-F, Sr.; Amy Fabrizius, MF-F, Sr.
Key newcomers: Delany Stryzek, MF-F, Fr., Michelle Ortiz, GK-MF, Fr.; Jessica Coia, MF-F, Fr.
Outlook: If you notice an angry glint in the eyes of Kaneland's returning players, the reason is simple — 2010 ended on a sour note for the Knights. After soaring through the regular season, Kaneland fell 1-0 in a regional title match to Rosary and failed to win the first postseason plaque in school history. “It left a real bitter taste in our mouths,” Kaneland coach Scott Parillo said. “Those of us that are returning, it's been stinging for awhile.” The thing is, there are only three returning starters from last year's squad — seniors Emily Heimerdinger, Sophia Blank and Amy Fabrizius. Heimerdinger scored 22 goals last year and Blank added 10, providing much of the Knights' firepower.
That trio will be surrounded by a talented but inexperienced team which has built a standard of success in its time in school. “You have to be that way,” Parillo said. “You can't keep settling for mediocrity. You always want to push for being better and better.” The Knights suffered a further blow when senior goalie Jordan Ginther opted to play for her club team this spring. “She came in a month early and told me she wasn't coming out,” Parillo said. “She came in and she was not happy. I think she wanted to play with us. But her club team is ranked No. 1 in the nation, and you can't deny her the chance to play for a national championship. A lot of coaches I've talked to have said ‘what are you complaining about? This happens to us every year.'” Still, Parillo said replacing a goalie is difficult, and the Knights will work with a converted field player in goal this spring. So with eight new players on the field, the time it takes for the Knights to get comfortable working together will be a key to the team's regular season fortunes.
“There is an exciting part, and that's that we don't know what's going to happen,” Parillo said. “Hopefully, it's not a major step backward and hopefully we gel quickly and we'll have a good season.”
Rosary
Coach: Kevin Callaghan
Last year: The Royals finished 13-9-2, were 6-3 in the Suburban Christian Conference and won a Class 2A regional title.
Top returning players: Taylor Gibson, F, So.; Samantha Duarte, MF-F, Jr.; Courtney Bila, D, Jr.
Key newcomers: Lauren Frasca, GK, Fr.
Outlook: Last season ended on a high note for the Royals, who rebounded from a tough penalty kick loss to St. Francis in the last match of the season to win a Class 2A regional title before being eliminated from the sectional by Sycamore. Rosary had a solid season last year, and certainly have plenty coming back – but the key to the Royals' season will no doubt be the success with which a large number of young players integrate into the varsity unit.
There's no doubting the quality on the team, especially in the form of junior Samantha Duarte, who scored 9 goals and added 9 assists in 2010. The Royals also have firepower in high-scoring senior Jessica Janota (12 goals in 2010) and sophomore Taylor Gibson (8 goals as a freshman.) Sophomore Alex Bode returns in goal but Lauren Frasca is one of two freshmen on the varsity roster. The other is forward Lauren Kieffer.
St. Charles East
Coach: Paul Jennison
Last year: The Saints finished the season 8-9-3 and lost in a Class 3A regional title match.
Key losses to graduation: Shaylee Pedersen, D; Maggie Hoscheit, D.
Top returners: Ellie Sterner, MF, Jr.; Lauren Rohrmeier, F, Sr.; Liz Gelow, MF, Sr.
Key newcomers: Allie Arvizu, D, So.; Amanda Hilton, MF, Fr.
Outlook: When teams graduate players, the two terms coaches use is “rebuild” and “reload.” As he enters his second season coaching St. Charles East's girls soccer program, Paul Jennison is using the latter term to describe his club. “I really don't think it's a case of rebuilding,” Jennison said “We already had the girls here in the program, especially the underclassmen. It's more a matter of us continuing and progressing.” The Saints experienced a number of losses through graduation a year ago, but Jennison reminded that only three starters were lost from the 2010 club which finished 8-9-3. “Those younger girls on the roster got a lot of playing time and they learned what to expect last year. In all fairness, I felt we underachieved a bit last year and they're looking to put that right this year
.” Of various losses to graduation, one of the largest holes was created when goalie Zoie Samaan moved on. Taking her place this year are Melia Kruitz and Bailey Stengler. “We're very confident with both of those girls,” Jennison said. “We're looking forward to starting with either of them in goal.” The Saints have returning players in all areas of the field, including Lauren Rohrmeier at forward and Liz Gelow and Ellie Sterner in the midfield. In defense, returning players such as Cat Camic or Kate Rosignal should provide anchors along with Rachel Pottle. “I think team spirit is going to be fantastic,” Jennison said. “We're going to have the ability to play the ball around and see their creativity and imagination. I think we're going to better our goals record from last year and be better at putting pressure on teams.”
St. Charles North
Coach: Ruth Vostal
Last year: The North Stars finished 23-2-1, were 8-1-1 in the Upstate Eight Conference and finished third in the Class 3A state tournament.
Key losses to graduation: Leah DeMoss, F; MF-F; Paige Dusek, MF; Kristen Manski, GK.
Top returners: Sammy Gage, F-MF, Sr.; KK Barr, D-MF, Sr.; Lisa Manski, D-MF, Jr.
Key newcomers: Alex Gage, Kelly Manski, Shannon Lee.
Outlook: It's hard to top the kind of season St. Charles North's girls soccer team put together in 2010. The North Stars started the season in strong form, never had a letdown and powered to third place in the Class 3A tournament, the second of Ruth Vostal's teams to reach the state finals. “You know what is really interesting,” Vostal said. “It's almost like we're starting from scratch but it's not like we're rebuilding. I think we're going to reload and start where we picked up last year. Most of these girls have been in the program. I'm really confident that we're starting from in a good place.” Among the important pieces of the 2010 team that graduated was Leah DeMoss, the captain of the Daily Herald's All-Area team.
Other key components to graduate include goalkeeper Kristen Manski and forward Paige Dusek. Between them, DeMoss and Dusek scored 46 goals last year while Manski solidified the team's airtight defense. But the depth of St. Charles North's squad has is strong. Nine players return from last year's team, including sisters Sammy and Alex Gage. Senior Sammy is the team's leading returning scorer after an 11-goal, 9-assist season. Alex saw some varsity time in her freshman year and contributed 4 goals and 4 assists. “I'm hopping Lauren Koehl has the potential to be a great goal scorer,” Vostal said. “She'll be able to do well. One great benefit to this team is that we have so many versatile players. Almost every single one of them can play a different position. It think it will take us awhile to find the formation because so many of them can play multiple positions.” Sammy Gage figures to shoulder much of the scoring load this year and Vostal said she thinks freshman Sophie Pohl has tremendous talent. In goal, the North Stars have to replace Manski, a star for better than three years in the team's net. Senior Kendall Karr and junior Carly Dietrich will handle those duties.
“(Karr) played all the JV games for us last year, and we planned it that way so she didn't just sit on the bench behind Manski,” Vostal said. “They both have different strengths and things to work on, but I'm confident with both of them.”
West Aurora
Coach: Laura Wagley
Last year: The Blackhawks finished the season 4-19-2 and were 0-7-0 in the DuPage Valley Conference.
Key losses to graduation: Briana Burkett, GK.
Top returners: Jessica Saffel, MF-F, Jr.; Daniela Bueno, MF-F, So.; Felicia Dattolo, GK, Sr.
Key newcomers: Reilly Kulakowski, MF-F, Fr.; Sammie O'Brien, MF-F, Fr.; Abriya Zeitz, D, Fr.
Outlook: First, there is the good news that top scorer Jessica Saffel is back with West Aurora's girls soccer program, and that's more than good news for anyone involved with the program. The junior scored 23 goals a year ago in a breakout season. But as the season progressed, teams put more and more attention on Saffel, and her chances became more limited. This year, the further good news for West Aurora fans is that the Blackhawks don't look at all like a one-woman shot.
Credit for that goes to players like Sammie O'Brien, and Reilly Kulakowski both freshmen with talent, for helping make that happen. “(O'Reilly and Kulalowski) are both offensive-minded,” West Aurora coach Laura Wagley said. “That takes so much pressure off Jess. Last year, it was a lot of Jess.” Wagley said she saw that potential in a recent 3-2 loss to Plainfield Central. “They were all going ‘get her, get her' toward (Saffel),” Wagley explained. “Then we put (O'Brien) up top too, and they had to watch her too. It was a big sigh of relief that (Saffel) doesn't have to carry us this year.” In goal, West Aurora graduated Brianna Burkett but has a senior returning in Felicia Dattolo. In 2010, Dattolo played in five matches. “I set (Dattolo) up last summer with a goalie coach from Aurora University and she worked hard every week. She's been coming to practice this year doing very well.”