Stars, Vikes aim to extend season

Two soccer teams are still alive in the Tri-Cities Area, hoping for a Class AA sectional title -- St. Charles North and Geneva. Both compete in sectional semifinal play today at Wheaton Academy.

If both local teams win, they will play one another in the sectional final round.

The North Stars won their fourth consecutive regional title Friday, when they beat rival St. Charles East 3-2 in overtime.

The Vikings won their regional Saturday in the 3-0 win against Glenbard West.

The No. 2-seeded North Stars (17-4-3) play No. 6 Wheaton Academy (14-3-5) in Wheaton tonight at 7 p.m.

The No. 5 seed Vikings (17-5-2) take on Wheaton Warrenville South at Wheaton Academy at 5 p.m. The teams faced off earlier in the year with Geneva winning 3-1.

St. Charles North began its postseason with a 5-0 shutout over Addison Trail in a game where 5 different players scored.

In the St. Charles East game, Austin Andrekus scored twice, Mike Picinich had both assists and Vladamir Schlageter scored the game-winner in an outing where the North Stars found themselves in a hole early and came back.

"We made some key adjustments," St. Charles North coach Eric Willson said. "I think the key is to believe in yourself and the capabilities this team has."

Last year, the North Stars qualified for state, but fell short. They were projected to be a top team again this year, and didn't let anyone down.

"We feel great about winning (a fourth regional) but as one of the guys told me as he was (handing the regional plaque) over to me, we aren't done," Willson said. "We want to keep it going."

As for the Vikings, who are unbeaten in 14 matches, they began the postseason with a 3-0 win against Bartlett. Max Cary and Adam Cornwell scored 2 goals apiece in the playoffs with Dan Miller and Brian Holbrook adding the other two.

"It took us a while to find our chemistry, but now there's a good camaraderie with the guys," Geneva coach Ryan Estabrook said.

Earlier this year when Geneva and St. Charles North played, the North Stars beat them the first time and then tied the second time.

"Eric Willson and I talked, even before the playoffs and we both wished each other luck," Estabrook said. "It will be an interesting third game."