Girls soccer: Scouting Northwest

MID-SUBURBAN EAST

Buffalo Grove

Coach: Pat Dudle (fifth year, 32-48-9).

Last year: 10-9-3 (lost to Palatine 1-0 in regional final)

Graduation losses: Kelly Mahoney (D, all-MSL, Butler, playing soccer), Sierra Bugno, Alicia Escenbrenner, Lindsay Puppolo, Lauren Zickert.

Top returnees: Seniors Carolyn Wieland (F, all-area, 10 goals), Courtney Carlton (D), Nicole Gardner (MF), Katie Okamoto (GK), Paige Smith (MF); junior Kelly VandeMerkt (MF); sophomores Sara Brawley (D), Skylar Groth (D), Kim Herzog (MF), Colleen Zickert (MF), Kelli Zickert (F).

New faces to watch: Junior Shannon Guercio (D); sophomore Elizabeth Chan (D); freshmen Jessica Ahumada (F), Sara Busse (F), Jessica Kovach (MF), Alexa Landsberger (MF), Sarah O'Connor (F).

Outlook: The final overall record of the Bison was not indicative of how far this club had come from the start to the very end when it stunned Glenbrook South in its regional opener, and if it can carry its late-season push from 2011, the Bison will clearly be one of the favorites in the MSL East this spring over the others. “We lost three of our (four) starters from the backline, and we'll miss Kelli (Mahoney) a lot because of her talent and experience, but if we can sort things out there, we can make a play for the top half of the table,” says Dudle. The presence of four-year star striker Wieland up top gives the Bison a true finisher and leader that most do not have, and with plenty of speed, quickness and technique skill from the likes of the Zickert twins Colleen and Kelli — among others, the Bison can and will play an atttractive brand of soccer which will be fun to watch, but not to compete against.

Elk Grove

Coach: Dan Klaus (11th year, 95-103-14)

Last year: 10-7-5 (4-4-3)

Graduation losses: Michelle Calmeyn (F, two-time all-area, 54 career goals, University of South Carolina-Upstate), Annie Klancik (Elmhurst College), Carin Fearing (University of Illinois-Springfield).

Top returnees: Seniors Katie Naughton (D, two-time all-area, all-state), Kelli Hubly (F, two-time all-MSL), Rachel Prium (MF), Lindsey Vaccarino (D), Jill Zelek (F); juniors Sarah Stram (MF), Kelly Naughton (MF), Emily Wary (D); sophomores Nikki Zaino (F), Kelly Regan (MF), Melissa Solorio (GK).

New faces to watch: Junior Stephanie Solis (F); freshman Alexis Olague (MF).

Outlook: The Grens were one of the clubs chasing a division crown late into the season, but without a healthy Hubly (ACL) to provide some much needed firepower, they were unable to earn valuable points down the stretch against Prospect and Palatine in OT. With the superb duo of Hubly, a real handful thanks to speed, skill, and sheer unpredictability, and Notre-Dame bound (Naughton) more technically and tactically advanced than any backline defender around, the Grens boast two of the best at their trade in the state, and will ride them as far as the two will go. “Katie and Kelli are the two to watch, and will lead this team by example, on and off the field, but we'll need a few others to step up this season in order for us to compete for a division title, and more,” says Klaus, who has plenty of young talent to help spark the attack, and a nice blend of experience (Wary, Vaccarino) to help along the back with Naughton to keep things air tight.

Hersey

Coach: Brad Abel (eighth year, 90-47-25)

Last year: 14-6-1 (6-4-1), MSL champions.

Graduation losses: Eileen Zydek (D, all-MSL, all-area, Indiana), Erin Reiff (GK, all-sectional, Marquette), Jennifer Corley (Iowa), Stephanie Mueller (Iowa), Erin Kinsella (USC), Maeva Waterman, Claire Korleske.

Top returnees: Seniors Megan Boyle (MF, all-MSL, sectional, all-area), Olivia Stasiuk (D, MSL POY, all-sectional, all-area), Nicole Pietro (MF, all-MSL), Nicole Gierman (MF); juniors Casey Weyrich (MF), Kaitlin Smetana (MF), Erin Moody (MF); sophomores Lauren Gierman (MF, 8 goals), Megan Brant (D); freshmen Sara Magnuson (D).

New faces to watch: Sophomore Morgan Harris (GK).

Outlook: The Huskies finest moment in league competition came when they lifted the 2011 MSL Cup for the second time in four seasons last May, a deserving achievement considering Abel and his staff had to replace a record-setting GK, and 2-time all-area sweeper, the bedrock of what the Hersey coach has built this club's four-year hold on his MSL East rivals. “Once again, our focus will begin on our backline, where we've lost another keeper (Reiff) and sweeper (Zydek) — both all-sectional players, and if our new players back there can be disciplined and organized, we have the skilled players in front of them to be in the position to fight for another spot in the MSL Cup,” says Abel. The center-back, MF partnership of Stastiuk and Boyle are among the best around, true box-to-box leaders and players, while the all-action sophomore Gierman runs the attack in the middle of the park like a four-year veteran. With this trio, along with the hard-working four-year star Pietro up top, the reigning champs can once again claim to be legitimate title contenders.

Prospect

Coach: Tom Froats (10th year, 98-69-28).

Last year: 9-10-3 (3-6-2).

Graduation losses: Agnes Stankiewicz (MF, Illinois), Caroline Aubry (Dayton), Lizzie Robinson (Harper), Kelly McBride (Wheaton College).

Top returnees: Seniors Megan McCabe (GK, all-MSL, sectional, all-area, 10 shutouts), Taylor Smith (D, all-sectional honorable mention), Kelly Ziegenfuss (D), Jesse Petrovski (F, 5 goals), Kelli Iovino (MF), Sara Helwink (F), Lauren MacNab (MF); junior Allison Falagario (D); sophomore Elena Cukors (MF, 5 goals).

New faces to watch: Sophomores Trisha Benson (D), Sarah LaCost (F), Emily Novak (F), Danielle Hamzeloo (D), Jenny Novak (MF); freshman Mary Rose Pettenuzzo (MF, D).

Outlook: The Knights appear to be one of those clubs you'll not want to go to sleep on, thanks in part to having the best GK in the area (McCabe), who is athletic, quick off her line to snuff out danger, and so full of confidence she seems to fill up the goal, making her and backline mates Smith and Ziegenfuss a tough bunch to score on. “There's a lot of experience (11 seniors) on our roster this season, especially in the back, beginning with (Megan) along with Smtih, Ziegenfuss and Adrianne (Falagario) — so defensively we'll be strong and solid,” said Froats. “But our season will hinge on our ability to be successful on the other end, generating chances and outworking our opponents, in order to compete in a wide-open divisional race, as well as with the best in the MSL.” Pettenuzzo should make a big splash in her rookie season.

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Mike Drenth (first year)

Last year: 12-9-2 (5-6-0)

Graduation losses: Alex Partipilo (D, two-time all-area, MSL, 20 career goals, Illinois Wesleyan, playing soccer), Maddie Conlin (D, all-MSL), Jackie Kemph (MF).

Top returnees: Ann Marie Lynch (MF, two-time all-area, MSL, all-sectional, 14 goals, 8 assists), Maggie Moran (F, all-area, MSL, 14 goals), Amanda Gunn (D); sophomore Mary Collins (MF), Vanessa Sanchez (D).

New faces to watch: Juniors Evelyn Lopez (F), Monika Cinch (MF), Allie Kemph (D); sophomores Hannah Busse (MF), Ashley Ingolia (GK).

Outlook: Last season everyone in the MSL East was chasing the Mustangs, who were at the top of the table in the division for most of the way, until mounting injuries took a toll on the first 11, while breaking down the depth which had provided a solid rotation for then head coach Jeff Adkins. The graduation of the versatile two-time all-area defender Partipilo, who wore the captains armband for three seasons, along with her backline mate Conlin, will be tough to replace. So will the departure of Jackie Kemph, who would have been one of the best 1-2 combos along with MF star Lynch, who has already signed on the dotted line to attend Marquette next fall. “We're going to lean heavily on Ann Marie and Maggie (Purdue signee Moran) for leadership, scoring and running the attack, while we wait for others who are new to the varsity game to catch up in the early going,” says Drenth, who was a long-time assistant to Adkins.

Wheeling

Coach: Darren Llewellyn (fifth year, 21-51-4)

Last year: 2-15-1 (0-12-0)

Graduation losses: Kelsey Maczko (Illinois, all-MSL, playing club soccer), Ellie Grinter.

Top returnees: Seniors Cindy Castillo (MF), Amanda Peterson (MF), Gina Mazetta (D, F), Nia Evans (D).

New faces to watch: Sophomore Alex Fister (D/MF); freshmen Emily Peterson (MF, D), Alexa Laureano (F), Angela Jordan (MF, F).

Outlook: Another season of youth and inexperience awaits the Wildcats' faithful, and its always patient, and ever-teaching coach Darren Llewellyn, who will need to build confidence in his young side, while they go through a crash course in learning the tactical ways of Llewellyn, who will slowly bring them to a level where they can compete, and surprise unlikely opponents who take his club lightly. “There's a lot for them to learn, but the great thing about this group is they soak everything up that we throw at them, and they feel good about themselves, and each other,” Llewellyn said, “and I know in a couple of weeks, we're going to be in a good place in our play, and as a team.” The Wildcats have some good players, many very athletic, including a terrific duo in the middle in seniors Castillo and Peterson, who is back after taking the year off last spring.

MID-SUBURBAN WEST

Barrington

Coach: Ryan Stengren (5th year, 74-20-9).

Last year: 17-7-1 (7-3-1; lost to Fremd 2-1 in supersectional)

Graduation losses: Emily Hyde (two-time all-area, all-MSL, Miami of Ohio, playing soccer), Kelly Pedersen (GK, all-area, 40 career shutouts, Boston College), Katie Curran (MF, ISU), Sarah Fox (Marquette), Emelie Herdes (D, all-MSL, Miami of Ohio) Dana Kopp (D, ISU), Dana Nelsen, Morgan Stachura, Kathryn Deacon, Grace Reich.

Top returnees: Seniors Sarah Condon (MF), Anna Burnidge (MF), Kathryn Avedon (D), Abby Taplett (D), Sam Frank (D); juniors Molly Pfeiffer (F, all-area, all-MSL, sectional, 14 goals, 6 assists), Aimee Pierce (MF, 4 goals), Emily Morin (D); sophomores Mia Calamari (MF, 4 goals, 10 assists), Elli Ackerman (F, 7 goals), Gabby McLaurin (D).

New faces to watch: Seniors Nicole Collins (GK), Ally Peterson (D); junior Meredith Slott (D); sophomores Emily Decraene (D), Alex Avers (MF); freshmen Hannah Luedtke (GK), Megan Fox (MF), Jenna Szczesny (F).

Outlook: Expectations are always high for the Fillies, and why not? Three straight trips to the supersectionals, an MSL title in 2010, and always some of the brightest stars in the area to keep an eye on. Last year, the Fillies looked to be in position to win its second straight division crown, only to fall in the final furlongs — but responded magnificently in the postseason — until MSL West rival Fremd ended its hopes in a thrilling supersectional final. “We have a lot of question marks to answer in the early going, including rebuilding our entire backline, a new keeper, and with plenty of new faces after losing (10) to graduation,” said Stengren. “But this a hungry, close-knit group, and we have a lot of great leaders on our roster, which should help this team come together as time goes on.” The Fillies have one of the premier strikers in the area in Pfeiffer, a four-year veteran in the MF (Condon), speed to burn on the outside with Pierce and a talented two-sport star (Calamari) who earned high marks in her rookie season as a starter on the backline, but the loss of his three-year starting GK (Pedersen) and her exceptional leadership, will take time to replace.

Conant

Coach: Jason Franco (seventh year, 80-40-12)

Last year: 20-4-0 (MSL West champs; lost to Hersey 2-1 in MSL Cup; third place Class 3A)

Graduation losses: Kaitlin Chiero (F, two-time all-area, MSL, 56 career goals, Purdue), Kelly Lomas (D, all-MSL), Hailey Andress (MF), Lindsay Fillingim (GK, 15 shutouts, Loyola), Paige Wentzel (MF), Alyssa Rawleigh, Jenna Hennegham.

Top returnees: Seniors Courtney Raetzman (F, two-time all-state, Daily Herald all-area co-captain, MSL co-POY, three-time all-MSL, 23 goals, 15 assists), Kelsey Foss (D, two-time all-area, all-MSL), Sammi van de Linde (MF, 13 goals, 9 assists), Chrissy Rosales (MF, all-area, all-MSL), Kim Trinco (D); junior Alyssa Altosino (MF, 5 goals); sophomore Drew Wentzel (D).

New faces to watch: Freshmen Leah Celarek (MF), Haley Anderson (GK).

Outlook: There is little doubt the glorious run to a third-place finish at the 3A state tournament last spring was a magnificent achievement, and the high point for Franco and the Cougars program, but can the club do it again in 2012? “We've got (four) four-year starters back, three returning starters on the backline, and some new players that we feel can successfully complement (our) veterans to allow us to compete within the conference, and make a push for another run in the state tournament, despite all of our graduation losses,” says Franco, who does have, arguably, the one of the most gifted, and complete players in the state in Raetzman, they key figure in the Cougars trumphant 2011 season, and one who makes everyone around her better. The Cougars, led by Foss, may not be so watertight now, as it was last season, but Franco is secure in knowing returnees Wentzel and Trinco can tackle, chase and defend at a high level, and in front of his rookie GK Anderson, who takes over for the underated Fillingim. The head coach is also banking on his terrific duo of Rosales and van de Linde to serve as the veteran presence needed in the middle of the park, alongside a handful of other newcomers, including Celarek, who Franco is quite high on.

Fremd

Coach: Steve Keller (12th year, 181-65-22)

Last year: 18-5-3 (8-2-1; fourth place Class 3A)

Graduation losses: Elise Kotsakis (F, Daily Herald all-area co-captain, all-state, 68 career goals, Butler University, playing soccer), Alexis Tice (MF, all-area, all-MSL, sectional, Toledo, playing soccer), Kristin Abruscato (D, all-area, all-MSL, UIC), Jennifer Freeman (MF, Illinois), Michelle Mottonen (MF, all-area, all-MSL, club soccer), Ashley McConnell (MF, basketball), Nicole Leginski (MF).

Top returnees: Seniors Emily Basten (D, all-MSL), Kira Heggeland (F, MF, 4 goals), Shannon Norris (GK, 7.5 shutouts), Rebecca Freeman (MF), Kelsey Beschta (F), Bekah Bostrom (MF, 4 assists): juniors Jessa Rizzo (M/D, 4 assists), Carrie Wagner (F, 5 goals), Bri Frys (MF).

New faces to watch: Juniors Courtney Norenberg (D), Catherine Ernst (D), Christine Piasecki (GK), Jessica Corso (F), Brielle Bailey (F), Cassie Etelemaki (MF); sophomores Tracy Bourgon (MF), Karolina Cholewa (MF).

Outlook: On paper, this year's version of the Vikings will be the most inexperienced in the last four to five seasons after losing five of his six all-MSL players, including the all-state forward Kotsakis, who struck fear in her opponents with 36 goals, in addition to Tice, an 80-minute warrior who made travel through the middle of the park nearly impossible. “There's a lot of work to do, and ahead of us,” admits Keller, who despite these major losses can never be counted out, as he continues to be one fo the best managers around, witnessed by his third state trophy in five years. “There's a real good chemistry with this group this season, and there's some talent to build from, so we're hoping to become one of those teams nobody wants to play in the second (half) and in the playoffs.” The Vikings backline is where most of the experience is, begining with the Central Michigan-bound senior Basten, who is a quality defender, that can get forward, is firm in the tackle and a strong leader. Combined with Freeman they give the Vikings a terrific and reliable duo.

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Ralph Tooren (second year, 5-14-0)

Last year: 5-14-0 (2-10-0)

Graduation losses: Melanie McGinn, Tanya Skworch, Courtney Schupp, Colleen Thomas.

Top returnees: Seniors Mary Pettit (F, all-area, MSL, 10 goals, 6 assists), Megan Thomas (D), Michelle Lyons (D); juniors Jackie Nailor (F), Vivian Rios (MF); sophomores Kelly Rottman (D), Hannah Brostoff (MF).

New faces to watch: Sophomore Natalia Pena (MF); freshmen Courtney Triphahn (MF).

Outlook: Hawks fans will have to temper their enthusiasm in the early going after they were hit with a stunning number of injuries, much to the dismay of Tooren, who was excited about the chances for a talented bunch of young players blending together with a few returning starters in the hope of taking a big step forward in the his rebuilding plans. “We lost one of our promising freshmen in the very first week to an (ACL) and after that, it was a terrible run of concussions,” said Tooren, who saw eight of his players on the injured list in their final match before spring break. What the club does have is one of the best around in the three-year star striker Pettit and a quality running mate in Nailor, in addition to the return of Pena to run the attack after missing the entire 2011 season to an injury. A half-dozen freshmen, and five sophomores dominate the roster, many in the first 11, helping to paint a rosier future to be sure.

Palatine

Coach: Willie Filian (20th year, 233-134-40)

Last year: 14-10-2 (7-4-0; regional champion)

Graduation losses: Amanda Filian (MF, three-time all-area, MSL, Miami Ohio, playing soccer), Gabbi McArtor (F, all-MSL, ISU, playing soccer), Taylor Harding (Marquette), Alexis Degulio (Purdue).

Top returnees: Seniors Kaitlyn Mayer (F), Kaitlyn Burke (MF), Julie Johlie (F), Meghan Ellis (GK), Keller Strauss (D); junior McKenzie Wiedemann (MF).

New faces to watch: Senior Jillian Gronwick (D); juniors Jessica Bachman (MF), Jessica Malak (MFZ); sophomores Gina Falato (MF), Morgan Radtke (D), Rachel Rhodes (GK).

Outlook: For two decades now, Willie Filian has been the mother of invention, piecing together not always the most technically-skilled group into one which stays with the tried and tested formula of solid teamwork, defensive grit, aerial and dead-ball dominance, and a work ethic to help keep the opposition off its pace for 80 minutes. Filian faces his biggest task this spring in finding a suitable replacement for his daughter Amanda, now playing at Miami, Ohio, who patrolled the MF for three years at the highest level, while wearing the captains armband with pride. “Amanda worked hard and demanded the same from her teammates, so that's hard to replace, but our strength this season is experience,” says the long-time head coach. Strauss and Wiedemann will combine in the middle to bring energy and thoughtful use of the ball, while the senior up top (Mayer) has pace, creative touch and a strong shot from distance.

Schaumburg

Coach: Greg Charvat (20th year, 187-127-33)

Last year: 18-3-2 (8-2-1; lost to Conant 2-1 in OT in supersectional)

Graduation losses: Stephanie Pouse (D, all-state, three-time all-area, MSL, Illinois, playing soccer), Sami Halter (D, Robert Morris, playing soccer), Ariel Larocco (F, Heartland Community College, playing soccer), Christyne Grabanski (Heartland Community College, playing soccer).

Top returnees: Seniors Ali Schmalz (D, all-area, all-MSL), Kelsey Steenstrup (MF, two-time all-area, 11 goals), Teagan Eberle (MF, 5 goals, 11 assists), Becky Sneddon (MF, 4 goals), Brooke Schocker (GK, 0.88), Nicole Banach (D); juniors Amanda Kelly (D, all-MSL), Riley Williams (F), Jenna Eaker (F, 8 goals), Tressa Palcheck (GK, 0.42); sophomore Alexa Ben (F, 17 goals, 7 assists).

New faces to watch: Sophomores Lexi Awdziejczyk (F), Emily Waterloo (MF); freshmen Sarah Kozlowski (MF), Jasmin Lisowski (D, MF).

Outlook: The Saxons have are 33-6-5 during the past two seasons, but have been unable to get past division rival Conant late in the playoffs ending their season in disappointment. However, if the first 10 days of the 2012 campaign are any indication, Charvat's club means business this spring, outscoring its opponents 33-2 en route to a 6-0 start, and a message to others that Schaumburg wants that long postseason ride both Conant and Fremd went on last year. “We lost a lot to graduation, but return a terrific core of players, but the MSL is a very good soccer conference, and the (West) once again will be highly competitive, so the race for the top will be fierce,” says Charvat, who is closing in on 200 career wins. The Saxons are led by Texas-bound Schmalz, who covers vast amounts of real estate with ease, and just in back of an experienced bunch in the MF (Steenstrup, Eberle, Sneddon) — each filled with exuberance, pace and attacking process which make them one of the finest around. Add to this its top-flight striker Ben, an absolute prowler in and around the box, and you have a recipe for success here.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD

Leyden

Coach: Robert Fowler (fifth year, 36-33-5).

Last year: 9-8-1 (3-3-0).

Graduation losses: Hilda Diaz (Oakton, playing soccer), Yoselin Dorado (Oakton, playing soccer), Leslie Avitia (playing soccer).

Top returnees: Senior Jenny Ortega (MF), Caitie Donegan (MF), Avelina Bautista (D); junior Ashley Torres (F, 10 goals).

New faces to watch: Seniors Julia Colindres (GK), Ariana Carillo (MF); juniors Rachel Valdez (D), Cynthia Salgado (MF, D); sophomores Giselle Segura (D), Renee Dionisio (F); freshman Bianca Medina (D)

Outlook: Patience is the theme each and everyday at training for Fowler and his staff, who are dealing with the loss of 13 seniors, most from his first 11, and just three full-time starters back from the 2011 club, including the three-year MF veteran Ortega and leading scorer Torres, who had a new running mate up top in Dioniso after playing alongside skilled strikers during her first two seasons. “We're deeper in overall talent than last year, and we have a good blend of veterans and new players, but it's going to take some time to get the first-year players to adjust to the speed of the game at the varsity level, and to sort out the best fit for many of them as well,” says Fowler, who has some athletic players to pair with Torres in Carillo and Salgado.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH

Maine West

Coach: Mike Divincenzo (second year, 9-14-2)

Last year: 9-14-2 (1-5-0; lost to Loyola 3-0 in regional championship)

Key losses: Ailish O'Connell (D, MF, all-CSL, Illinois State), Kerry Cerri (MF, all-CSL, Penn State), Rosa Gonzalez, Carly Martin.

Top returnees: Seniors Sara Stepanovich (GK, 9 shutouts), Annaliese Walsten (MF, 6 goals), Cara Franke (MF, 6 goals), Jessica Gonzalez (F, 4 goals), Rachel Laznowski (MF), Shannon Sullivan (D), Maggie McCabe (D), Jessica Mueller (D), Sam VanWees (GK); juniors Bridget Burger (D), Alexia Prosperi (MF), Gen Vargas (D), Rita Lopez (F), Sandra Reyes (MF), Alma Felix (MF); sophomores Kelsey Webb (D), Kelly Adamek (MF).

New faces to watch: Junior Alyssa Fatigato (MF); freshmen Joanne Stanfa (MF), Alice Faraone (MF).

Outlook: It didn't take long for the Warriors long-time boys coach to make an impresssion in his first year in charge as he turned a struggling program around by getting his girls to buy into a system and style which promotes team play, defense and a work ethic which has driven his teams in the fall each and every season. “We got off to a very slow start last year, but when our system began to finally sink in, the girls realized that our way of playing, training and (the) approach needed to be successful was the way to go,” said Divincenzo, who saw his club win 4 of its last 7 matches. With 9 back from its first-11, along with a deep, experienced bench to provide depth, and a full season and (offseason) together, the Warriors appear ready to play more attractive and upbeat soccer as it looks to become a force in the CSL North.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

St. Viator

Coach: Mike Taylor (third year, 33-18-2)

Last year: 12-9-1 (6-2-1).

Graduation losses: Taylor Skala (F, two-time all-area, four-time all-ESCC, ESCC co-POY, 91 career goals, Rockhurst University (KS); Kathleen Kane (D, all-ESCC), Siobhan Klinkenberg, Keegan Griebel.

Top returnees: Seniors Katelyn Hammarlund (MF, two-time all-area, ESCC), Erin Malone (D, all-ESCC), Molly McMahon (MF), Katie Gavin (D), Morgan Hess (GK), Katherine Petrovich (D); juniors Chloe Luthershausen (F), Erin Renee Murphy (MF), Micala Lonigro (D).

New faces to watch: Junior Liz Graff (D); sophomores Maria Petrillo (F), Frankie Skinner (MF), Megan McCullom (F); freshman Molly Murphy (MF, D).

Outlook: So how do you replace 91 goals, and a cold-blooded striker who struck fear into the opposition with every touch in the area? “You don't, not maybe the best athlete I've ever coached, but I really believe we can be better (this) season, even without Taylor around,” boldly says Taylor. The Lions should compete for an ESCC title along with Benet and Carmel, thanks in part to its gifted four-year star MF (Hammarlund) a gritty centerback (Gavin) and a talented striker (Luthershausen) who, along with a handful of others who learned on the job in their first full campaign, appear ready to make their stamp on the game in and around the area. When the Lions get the veteran (Malone) and some promising newcomers back from the injured list, Taylor figures his club can make a serious postseason run as a 2A entrant in late May.