Naperville Central wins season opener

What makes a team even happier than playing the first game of the season after weeks of practice? It’s winning that opening game.

Under picture-perfect conditions late Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night at Memorial Stadium, host Naperville Central scored twice in the second half to prevail 3-1 over Oak Park-River Forest of the West Suburban Silver.

Naperville Central coach Ed Watson said the Huskies, also playing their first contest of 2012, were not an easy opponent to lead with on the schedule.

“They are a tough team to start with because of their style of defense. They dare you to play through, which takes away from our possession style,” he said. “When you haven’t practiced against that style, it’s difficult especially for the first game. I’m pleased with our opportunities. There were just not enough of them.”

It was a big day for Redhawks sophomore Abby Joyce. Joyce, who saw limited time on the varsity last season, scored two of Naperville Central’s goals, including the game-winner.

“Of course I had butterflies. But I was pumped for the game,” Joyce said. “Their defense was pretty difficult. They pushed pretty tough, but when they let some room go by, I tried to make a move.”

An example of that was her team’s first goal of the contest, coming in the sixth minute. Joyce took a cross pass from Katherine Short and with a defender on her the whole time, then made the most of her look at a wide open half of net from just a few yards out.

The Redhawks took that lead into intermission and outshot the Huskies 8-2 for the first half. Winning goalie Jill D’Amico was only tested once during the first half, on a free kick that she deflected over the net.

Naperville Central’s defense got more of a test in the final 40 minutes when the Huskies altered their game plan.

“They made some nice adjustments. They had two forwards up with more of an attacking midfielder,” Watson said.

Joyce scored her second goal during the 57th minute on a 25-yard shot just inside a post to make it 2-0, but Oak Park finally took advantage of its improved play and got on the scoreboard in the 66tth minute on a shot 8 yards out from Ruby Gonzalez.

A key for the Huskies was better play in the air. Oak Park coach Ignacio Ponce said his team lost 28 headers during the first half and won just eight. The Huskies won 32 headers during the second half.

“Naperville Central’s physicality was a big threat to us,” Ponce said.

Short took advantage of a complete breakdown in the Oak Park defense to go on a breakaway and goalkeeper Katy Oldach stopped it. About three minutes later, she converted on a header for the game’s final score.

“I was fired up after the first breakaway. I was going to make it this time for my team,” Short said.

The Redhawks are starting the season with a four-game homestand. They return to action at 4 p.m. Friday against Whitney Young.