Girls soccer notes: Naperville Central, Elgin start the season in impressive fashion
Naperville Central’s talent is also versatile.
“It’s been a good start to the season,” Redhawks coach Troy Adams said. “We’ve got obviously a lot of talented kids and a decent number of kids are playing in positions they typically didn’t play or not in high school, so to grow, learn and kind of develop and expand on their skill base has been fun to see.”
Playing without six starters, the Redhawks (6-0-1) most recently tied Edwardsville 1-1 on March 29. The Tigers took fourth in the state last year. The Redhawks opened DVC play on Tuesday, hosting Neuqua Valley.
Call it the X Factor
Elgin really didn’t know what it was getting with the arrival of Leyden transfer, Ximena Magana.
“She’s made a big difference and really brought the energy to the team,” Elgin coach Alicia Knoll said. “Her and (sophomore) Michelle (Ayala) work so great together in the middle. She’s just involved the whole team and what they’re doing right now. It’s been exciting to watch.”
Elgin (6-0-1) labored through a 1-0 victory over Willowbrook on Apr. 3 to remain undefeated. The Maroons were scheduled to begin Upstate Eight West play on Tuesday against Larkin (0-9).
“We didn’t play very well and came through, but that one kind of got us a little bit,” Knoll said. “A little bit of a wake-up call. I don’t know if that’s the right word. The message I’ve given is it’s only going to get harder and harder. I was just telling them as we start conference it’s a whole new level and we just need to be prepared to take it up to the next level to keep doing good things.”
Soccer is thriving in Elgin right now. The boys have won three straight sectional titles, compiling a 51-9-8 record during that stretch.
“The guys have been awesome so I’m just excited for our program to do well,” Knoll said. “It’s nice to see that amount of energy and excitement and just that willingness to work hard.”
Eleven is heaven in Aurora
The number 11 has gone wild in Aurora. The Blackhawks have gotten goals from 11 players and assists from 11 players to help the team get off to a 4-0 start.
“They’ve obviously done well and carried over some concepts from last year,” Blackhawks coach Jorge España said. “They’ve defended well and most importantly, possessed the ball and are being patient. That’s a big thing for us having different people score and assist.”
Giselle Perez leads the Blackhawks with 6 goals and 13 points. McKenzie Pearch and Lizbeth Salinas have each scored 4 goals.
Huntley prepares for FVC
Maizie Nickle is healthy and Brooke Maxedon is faster than most of her peers.
That means good things for Huntley which remains undefeated (5-0-2) after traveling to Rockford Boylan on Saturday and battling to a scoreless draw while playing on a natural surface for the first time.
“We got ties against Evanston and Boylan who are pretty good,” Red Raiders coach Matt Lewandowski said. “It’s the first time Maizie has been healthy to start the season and she looks really good right now. And Brooke ran track this winter and that made her realize she’s faster than most girls and can use that to her advantage to get into spaces.”
Nickle leads the team with 9 goals while Maxedon has scored 5 goals and contributed a team-best 5 assists. Maddie Rumachik has 4 assists and Maddie Cummings, Emma Emricson and Hailey Brandlin have each scored 3 goals.
“Fifteen of 21 players have some kind of points which is awesome to see as well,” Lewandowski said. “One of our greatest strengths is truly having 21 players and the depth to stay fresh. It’s finding the right combination on a particular day to get things done.”