New Trier impresses in lightning-shortened win over Libertyville

Taking on the two-time defending Class 3A girls soccer state champions was going to be a true test, one that would reveal what level this year's Libertyville girls soccer team is playing at early in the season.

The Wildcats hadn't played a match in over two weeks because they were coming off of spring break, after starting the season with a 3-1 victory over St. Viator.

The outcome wasn't what Libertyville wanted in a in a 3-0 defeat to host New Trier in a match shortened by lightning in the 52nd minute on Wednesday night. But there's a little bit more to the story than that.

"The score didn't indicate how well we played," Libertyville coach Andy Bitta said. "(New Trier) got two goals on defensive mistakes, and it cost us. I thought we had some great situations (against the wind) in the first half, building well and playing well. I thought we could come out in the second half, maybe tie it up and give them a game. But we gave up an early goal. It was frustrating."

At least the Wildcats (1-1) learned quite a bit about what they can do against one of the best teams in the state and possibly the country in New Trier (5-0). The Trevians have outscored their opponents 21-0 so far.

"We know our weaknesses and stuff we have to work in practice," Bitta said. "We know that we have to play the ball quicker, we've got to head the ball more. We're letting the ball come to us, and their first step for the 50/50 balls are just amazing. It's all the stuff to work on, and we will get better."

New Trier had the wind behind it in the first half. The Trevians found their first goal in the 18th minute off a lofted cross from Hope Baisley; Celia Frei finished it with a header to make it 1-0.

The Trevians took advantage of a Wildcats foul in the final seconds before the half. Frei laced a 40-yard shot that skipped its way into the goal for a 2-0 lead.

New Trier added another goal in the 45th minute, when the ball was bouncing inside the Libertyville penalty area until Bina Saipi finished by putting the spinning ball inside the far post.

"Those were tough conditions and both teams battled, battled and battled," New Trier coach Jim Burnside said. "We were able to stick a couple in.

"(Libertyville) is well coached. They were coming out of spring break like us and might have been rusty. They're athletic and their backs are tough. Across the field, they're athletic and move the ball very well. We were the ones that got some of the luck today. But they're a good team and definitely challenged us. Our girls were ready coming in were ready for that type of battle today."

Seven minutes after the final goal the match was over due to the threat of lightning.

"(New Trier) was just that quick," Libertyville defender Julia Neiweem said. "They come out of nowhere, they are strong and physical. They come out and pound you and pound you to get there first for the ball. As a defender, you have to stick with your girl, and we have to have better communication going forward."