Geneva takes step forward against Wheaton Academy
So much for a 0-0 tie leaving both teams walking off the field in frustration.
That was the result Wednesday night in Geneva between the Vikings and Wheaton Academy, and it produced the opposite emotion.
"For us coming to Geneva, this is a great result," Wheaton Academy coach Scott Marksberry said. "They are very athletic, very fast. They caused us a lot of fits trying to adjust. It's great to come to a school like this and come out with a draw is a great result for us."
Geneva first-year coach Megan Owens echoed those sentiments, especially after the Vikings (0-1-1) improved their play from Monday's 2-0 loss to Plainfield Central.
"Wheaton Academy is an amazing team and they are very strong in the back so the fact we created so many (opportunities) was a positive," Owens said.
Wheaton Academy (1-0-1) could have put a couple goals on the board in the second half if not for the play of Geneva sophomore keeper Katelyn Allen.
Allen, who is playing keeper this year for the first time since seventh grade, made two diving saves in a five-second span with 19 minutes left in the game that were the highlights of the match.
"The one I hit outside and came back and got it, I was really proud of myself for doing that because I didn't think I could," Allen said. "Going against the Warriors, a lot of people say they are a really good team, but I was proud of my entire team for doing well tonight. I felt every goal I had to save."
Early in the first half, Geneva had the better opportunities. Senior Emily Hinchman served a couple balls that just missed connecting with teammates for goals.
The Warriors picked up the play midway through the half and tested Allen a couple times late in the half, but the new keeper always made the stop.
"We just couldn't beat the keeper," Marksberry said. "She made a couple great saves, great diving saves."
Allen played center midfield the last few years. Coaches asked her to move to goalie last year before she agreed to do it this year.
"She (coach Owens) had to push me because I knew I'd miss the field," Allen said. "But it's not bad back there once you get used to it."
Wheaton Academy, which beat St. Edward in its first game of the season, has a dangerous offense led by Leah Fortune and Lexi Sharkey.
Fortune did have her share of chances, but Geneva freshman stopper Catherine Allon, plus right wing Jen Konrad and defenders Stephanie Davison and Gina Peri were equal to the task.
"For my defense to shut them out, I'm very proud of them," Owens said. "The first game (against Plainfield Central) we were rusty. I think we showed our true colors tonight.
"We had a real solid game, created a lot of offensive opportunities, and they played tough. Wheaton is a very good team. Everyone calls Geneva the unknown and we are just going to take it game by game and prove what we are made of this year."
Emily Mulder notched the shutout for Wheaton Academy, with sweeper Christi Dithrich leading the effort in front of her. Marksberry also was pleased with senior midfielder Becca Long.
Sophomore defender Kerrin Clancy made her first start filling in for a teammate out with the flu.
"She stepped it up and played a great game tonight," Marksberry said.