Girls soccerFox Valley preview
Bartlett Hawks
Coach: Heather Thomas
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2011 record: 11-7-4 (3-3 UEC Valley)
Top returning players: Seniors Jess Cosentino (MF), Ashley Johnson (D), Natalie Grodzki (GK), Nicole Gobbo (F)
Key newcomers: Freshmen Melissa Gal (D), Josie Dombrowski (MF)
Outlook: Bartlett, which went 2-1 in its first 3 games this year, returns 10 starters from last year's team (Aubrey Czejkalo, Brittney Van Ness, Kendra Videckis, Tina Fairbanks and Nikki Noreen also return). Gobbo was the team's leading scorer from a year ago and Noreen also was one of the top point-getters for the Hawks. “They are both very quick on and off the ball and can beat most defenders with their speed,” said Thomas. “They receive the ball very well at their feet and can beat players with their ability to turn with the ball.” Bartlett also brings back three of four starters on defense. “Our defenders are very good decision-makers overall. They know when to clear the ball out of the back and when to possess the ball and work the ball through the midfield to get it up the field,” said Thomas. “We're physical in the back and are able to frustrate opposing forwards.” Grodski is a four-year varsity player and a two-year starter in goal. “She has great vision on the field and a natural talent in the net that can't be coached,” said Thomas. The coach likes the start her team is off to. “If we can stay healthy, this team can do great things,” said Thomas. “I have a great group of seniors that have been with the team four years and are doing a great job guiding the younger girls. I'm excited to see where we go.”
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Mike Gecan
Conference: Big Northern Conference East Division
2011 record: 14-7-1 (8-1-1 BNC East)
Top returning players: Seniors Caitlin Solberg (GK), Madalene Stoneman (MF-F), Chloe Plum (D-F), Lindsey Puccio (D-MF), Courtney Andrew (D-MF), Catherin Kaynish (MF-F), Jessica Martinez (D-MF), Katherine Cappas (MF-F), juniors Camille Dela Cruz (MF-F), Lexi Kern (MF-F), Alex Weigand (D-MF), sophomores Cali Andrew (MF-F), Alyssa Messina (MF-F), Taylor Martin (D-MF), Karina Reynoso (MF-F)
Outlook: Central has plenty of firepower returning from last year's team that reached the regional final (losing to state-qualifier Marian Central in 2 overtimes). Stoneman, an all-sectional pick, had 15 goals and 8 assists last year, while Dela Cruz had 8 goals and 13 assists. Andrew had 11 goals and 5 assists. Solberg recorded 8 shutouts in goal and made 168 saves. “This year we will be looking to use the regular season to better prepare us for the postseason,” said Gecan. “We have a lot of experienced players mixed with some new talent. This is the deepest team I have had while at the helm of the girls' program. Our players will work at developing strong relationships on and off the field to help build the best team possible moving into the playoffs. These young ladies have the potential to do something special and I believe they will.”
Cary-Grove Trojans
Coach: Ray Krystal
Conference: Fox Valley Conference Valley
2011 record: 12-8-1 (9-3 FVC Valley)
Top returning players: Seniors Allison Budreck (MF), Lauren Harte (F), Jackie Holtz (MF), Beth Hughes (D), Liz Koch (MF), Korey Kronforst (F), Paige Lincicum (GK), Sierra Romero (D), Jae Jay Usab (MF)
Outlook: The Trojans are loaded with veteran returning talent this season which will help make it a contender in the FVC Valley. “Thanks to strong senior leadership, this team may have the best chemistry of any team I have coached at Cary-Grove,” said Krystal. “Every girl on the team has the desire to work hard and support each of their teammates and the program. These seniors have guaranteed there is no quit in this group.”
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Anne Santucci
Conference: Fox Valley Valley Division
2011 record: 18-8-2
Top returning players: Seniors Christina Szocka (F), Emily Hamrick (D), Lauren Perrine (MF), Ashley Tyllia (D), Cella Albuqerque (MF), juniors Macky Taldone (MF), Emily Schoenfeldt (D), Audrey Collard
Key newcomers: Sophomore Bianca Miceli (F)
Outlook: Santucci returns to the sidelines after a three-year hiatus. She was the varsity coach from 2005-2008. The Gators return starters Taldone, Szocka, Hamrick and Perrine. “We are a team with a lot of returning experience in every position,” said Santucci. The Gators will play in the South Elgin and Prospect tournaments this year.
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Sebastian Falinski
Conference: Fox Valley Conference Valley
2011 record: 7-14-1 (1-5 FVC Valley)
Top returning players: Seniors Allie Beck (D), Ali Sanders (MF), juniors Jordan Fryer (D), Cori Schrade (D), Jill Wiechmann (MF), Emi Conejo (MF), Brittney Gantz (MF), Carolyn Schneider (F), Hannah Larsen (F)
Key newcomers: Sophomores Francesca Scarpelli (F), Shannon Feld (MF), freshman Payton De Luga (D)
Outlook: Fryer and Beck bring experience and quickness to the D-C back line. Falinski returns all four midfielders, while Larsen scored a career-high 7 goals last year. Schneider will add to the pressure up top for the Chargers. “I have a very positive outlook for our team this season,” said Falinski. “Many of the girls returning are entering either their second or third year with the varsity program. We have a lot of experience returning and a core group of girls that have great chemistry with each other. We should be able to compete with most teams in the area. I am looking forward to seeing our program continue in the right direction.”
Elgin Maroons
Coach: Alicia Andrade
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2011 record: 0-14
Top returning players: Seniors Fabiola Ramirez (sweeper), Amani Salinas (MF), sophomore Jennifer Lopez (MF)
Key newcomers: Junior Marisela Mascote (GK)
Outlook: The Maroons, under new coach Andrade, will look to put last season's rough win-loss record behind them. “As a team, our goal is to be more successful than the previous season by using a hard work ethic and commitment to growing in soccer,” said Andrade. “An obstacle that stands in the way is the fact of not winning last year, so we will work hard to overcome what they have experienced in the past.”
Elgin Academy Hilltoppers
Coach: Shannon Walter
Conference: Independent School League
2011 record: 6-8-1 (3-4 ISL)
Top returning players: Senior Ashley Barnes, junior Sedona Georgescu, sophomore Veronica Clements
Key newcomers: Freshmen Annabelle Heisley (F-MF), Kaitlyn Pearson (F-MF)
Outlook: Walter, a former standout player at Larkin, takes over a Hilltoppers team that returns 8 starters. Besides Barnes, Clements and Georgescu, Mary Snell (GK), Isabella Romano (D), Angie Martinez (D), Shayna Oriold (MF) and Molly Willman (MF) also started last year. “The players we lost made up our offense last year,” said Walter. “This year, we are relying on two freshmen forwards to step into this very demanding position and give us something going forward. So far, they have exceeded our expectations and have an incredible work rate to improve. As in the past, we are relying on Ashley Barnes to carry a lot of the offense on her shoulders. She has the ability to take on players with speed and tear through the defense to get in behind for services to the middle or shots on goal.” Clements and Georgescu will be two key players on defense, while Walter likes goalie Snell's no-fear attitude and work ethic. The Hilltoppers opened the season with losses to St. Edward and Morgan Park. “We have a lot of young players who are eager to grow and develop and we have a group of solid returning players with some experience under their belts,” said Walter. “I believe we will have a more-rounded team this year, which will make for a more successful season.”
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Patrick O'Brien
Conference: Fox Valley Conference Fox Division
2011 record: 13-6-4 (7-3 Big Northern Conference East Division)
Top returning players: Seniors Jori Anderson (MF), Natalie Starrenburg (MF), Helena VanEck (F)
Key newcomers: Sophomore Lexi Maze (MF)
Outlook: This is Hampshire's first year competing in the Fox Valley Conference. It will do so with a trio of veterans in Anderson, Starrenburg and VanEck. Anderson scored 6 goals and had 3 assists last year. Starrenburg scored 9 goals and had 12 assists, while VanEck had 11 goals and 8 assists. “We have very good senior leadership on our team,” said O'Brien. “Depth will serve us well. We have a number of girls that are overall ‘soccer' players that can be used interchangeably on the field.” Hampshire faces a new challenge in the FVC starting this season. “We need to stay healthy and play hard every night,” said O'Brien. “Our schedule is difficult and our best effort is going to be essential if we are to have any success.”
Harvest Christian Academy Lions
Coach: Basilio Salazar
Conference: Independent
2011 record: 10-2 (5-1 in varsity games)
Top returning players: Senior Callie Arosen (MF), junior Brittany Salazar (F), sophomores Carole Kauffmann (D), Sydney Doby
Key newcomers: Freshmen Morgan Lockwood (F-MF), Lilli Abbatacola.
Outlook: This is Harvest Christian's first season of IHSA competition. “While our girls have experienced a high level of success in the past, we are excited to see how we do this year in full varsity competition,” said Salazar. “Our numbers are on the low side, however the girls we have are a talented group. I'm excited to see the girls grow and progress.” Salazar noted the team's schedule is filled with competitive play against the likes of Willows Academy, Rockford Christian and Timothy Christian. The Lions also will play in the St. Edward and Rosary tournaments. “We are playing a pretty strong schedule,” said Salazar. “The girls will be tested.” Harvest Christian joins the Northeastern Athletic Conference next year.
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Kris Grabner
Conference: Fox Valley Valley Division
2011 record: 19-2-1 (FVC Valley champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Kelly Manczko (MF), Ashely Schorr (MF), sophomores Delaney Loprieno (MF), Abigail Nordeen (D), Rachel Zobott (D)
Key newcomers: Sophomore Sam Murin (D), Deanna Hecht (F)
Outlook: The Red Raiders lost numerous key players from last year's team that won conference and regional titles. However, the Red Raiders still return key talent and cannot be counted out as an area difference-maker. “We are a very young team,” said Grabner. “We will be technically sound. We will need to get early experience to be able to compete for a conference or regional title.” Grabner feels Jacobs and Cary-Grove will be two top-tier contenders on the Valley side of the FVC. “Jacobs will be experienced and looking to make a name for itself,” he said. “Cary should also be at the top of the conference.”
Jacobs Golden Eagles
Coach: AJ Cappello
Conference: Fox Valley Conference Valley Division
2011 record: 20-7 (10-2 FVC Valley)
Top returning players: Seniors Erin Flores (D), Cassidy Sherman (MF), Lauren Grady (F), juniors Margaret Rivera (D), Catie Sherman (MF)
Key newcomers: Seniors Alyssa Koeppler (GK), Nicole Leuzzi (D), junior Kylie Dennison (MF-F)
Outlook: Jacobs, which made a regional final last year and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Pepsi Showdown, returns 15 players from last year's roster, including a number who have committed to colleges. Sherman, an all-sectional and all-conference pick last year (14 goals, 11 assists) is headed to SIU-Edwardsville, while Grady (12 goals, 8 assists) is going to Lewis. Flores, an all-conference defender, is headed to Nichols State and Sherman (7 goals, 4 assists) has verbally committed to Oral Roberts. Dennison, a junior, played her freshman year and then played club last year. She has verbally committed to Iowa and is back with the high school team this year. She had 4 goals and 4 assists her freshman year. “We are looking to claim our first FVC title for this group of girls,” said Cappello. “Most of this group has spent three years on varsity and have no hardware to show for it. They are a hardworking, dedicated group that has set their goals very high this season. We also want to make sure we are ready for a long postseason run. Jacobs plays in the Pepsi Showdown and the St. Francis tournament this season.
Larkin Royals
Coach: Ken Hall
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2011 record: 2-15-2 (1-4-1 UEC River)
Top returning players: Seniors Amanda Lane (MF), Diana Hernandez (GK), Abby Alvarez (MF), junior Stephanie Leon (D)
Key newcomers: Freshmen Mia Gil (D), Quixmia Washington (F)
Outlook: Larkin returns 10 starters from last year's team. “We have a little more experience than we did last year,” said Hall. “Most of the girls that are seniors on the varsity have been her four years. They have the experience and they know what we want them to do. The effort I get is tremendous, no doubt about it. They never stop trying. This is a very coachable group. The wins may not always be there but the effort is there and that is all you can ask for as a coach.” Larkin dropped its first two games to Maine West and Harlem. “We definitely want to improve on our record from last year and win a few more games,” said Hall. An interesting game on Larkin's schedule occurs in May against Elgin Academy, which now is coached by former Larkin standout and 2006 Daily Herald girls' soccer honorary co-captain Shannon Walter. “That will be fun,” said Hall. “It makes you feel old when you are coaching against your former players. There is no doubt Shannon will do a great job over there.”
South Elgin Storm
Coach: Tiffany Disher
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2011 record: 10-9
Top returning players: Senior Lauren Vedrine (F), sophomore Savanah Uveges (MF)
Key newcomers: Junior Kaity Santelli (MF), sophomore Caitlan Lang (MF), freshmen Veronika Noyszewski (D), Alyssa Shipon (MF), Jourdan Valkner (GK)
Outlook: The Storm, which had won 2 games the year before Disher took over six years ago, returns a pair of key scoring threats in Vedrine (24 goals, 19 assists last year) and Uveges (19 goals, 4 assists). “We are very optimistic about this soccer season,” said Disher. “We have had a significant roster change. I believe our team will be stronger than ever with the additions that have been made to the team. The depth in our team is the greatest it has ever been and we have several players that will be able to fill any gaps that are needed on the field.” The Storm features a 22-player roster. “It will be interesting to see how they develop and challenge each other for positions during the season,” said Disher. Team chemistry is among the Storm's strengths. “Early in the season we have noticed a definite unity of players on the team and a positive excitement about being together on and off the pitch. The words and actions of encouragement from each other are what are going to help us tackle the tough competition we have ahead of us.”
St. Edward Green Wave
Coach: Tim Brieger
Conference: Suburban Christian
2011 record: 14-9-3 (4th place Class 1A)
Top returning players: Seniors Katie Ayello (D), Paige Gannon (GK), Jordyn Madden (MF), juniors Rena Ranallo (D), Kimmy Smith (MF), sophomores Allison Kruk (F), Corey Lepoudre (MF), Monica Ramirez (MF), Emily Witt (D)
Key newcomers: Freshmen Kathleen Duffy (D), Chelsea Gnan (F), Megan Kearney (multiple positions), Paige Dykstra (GK), Casey Gredzieleski (D), Olivia Kochanek (MF)
Outlook: St. Edward returns all but 3 players from last year's team that finished fourth in Class 1A. “We look to pick up where we left off last year,” said Brieger, in his 17th season (178 wins, 1991 St. Edward graduate). Smith, who played major minutes last year, will step into one of those three open positions, while freshmen Gnan and Duffy will fill the other roles on the front line and in back. The team's other four freshmen will play roles as well. Gannon, Ayello and Madden are 3-year varsity starters. “We have quality veteran leadership,” said Brieger. Kruk (the team's leading scorer), Lepoudre, Ramirez and Witt started and played every game last year and will help anchor the middle of the field. Brieger feels the SCC, which qualified 3 teams for state last year, will help prepare his squad for the postseason. The Green Wave also added St. Charles East and Nazareth Academy to the schedule. “This could be on of the most talented teams to take the field on Elm Street, as well as one of the deepest.” Also back are key reserves Callie Johnson (who scored the game-winner in overtime in the sectional final) and Kelly Trippichio (game-winning goal in the sectional semifinals). Brieger calls them the “super subs.”
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: Matt Polovin
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2011 record: 5-13-3 (2-3-1 UEC Valley)
Top returning players: Seniors Steph Brown (F), Bri Roppo (GK), juniors Bri Spike (D), Sharice Ellenwood (D), sophomore Hannah McGlone (F)
Key newcomers: Freshmen Tawny Carroll (F), Gabby Juarez (MF)
Outlook: Polovin, in his 10th season in two different stints, has a young team that is short on experience. “My training sessions will focus on awareness on the field,” he said. “We have such a young and inexperienced team, we're still figuring out our strengths and weaknesses. They are a group that listens very well in our training sessions and they keep getting better each day, little by little. It will be a fun group to work with.” The Sabres started the season 0-2 with losses to Schaumburg and Glenbard East. Polovin was pleased with the Glenbard game. “The team played so much better,” he said. “We had a few days after the Schaumburg game (9-0 loss against a top-notch team) to work on some of our mistakes. Brown and McGlone were cited for strong play in the Glenbard East game. Kim Jimenez had Streamwood's goal in the 3-1 loss off an assist from McGlone.
Westminster Christian Warriors
Coach: Erik Schwartz
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
2011 record: NA
Top returning players: Senior Kelsey Richardson (D), junior Helen Berntson (D)
Key newcomers: Sophomore Mckaila Hayes (F), freshmen Whitney Woodhouse (F), Danielle Salvadori (MF), Savannah Dutcher (GK)
Outlook: Westminster did not compete last year due to lack of participation. However, the Warriors are back with a program that features 24 players. But the team is short on experience with only two of those players having any high school experience (Richardson and Berntson played 2 years ago). “We have 10 freshmen on the team, many of which will contribute immediately,” said Schwartz. “Nine out of our 11 starters will be newcomers and will be a key to our success.” Westminster dropped its opener by a 4-1 count to Immaculate Conception. “We have some promising young players that will contribute offensively,” said Schwartz. “Our returning players are defenders, which is promising. We'll see how the other girls respond to learning defense.” Freshman Savannah Dutcher is the goalie. Schwartz is impressed with the team's work ethic. “Our team bond, attitude and work ethic are our strongest assets,” he said. “As a young team learning the game of soccer, these intangibles will pay off for our team in the long run.”