Girls soccer: Lake County all-area team

Nikki Allen, Mundelein

There are times when goalkeepers get overlooked. Allen certainly wasn't for the Mustangs this season. She led her team to the sectional final. "She's a leader," Mundelein coach Dave Ekstrom said. "Technically very good and sees the game very well. She directs the team from the back like a natural leader. It's almost like having another coach on the field." Allen had a standout year, giving up 8 goals in 24 games for a .33 goals-against average with 19 shutouts. Allen has been a three-year starter, but this was the first year she stayed healthy. Through 60 career games, Allen has a .72 career goals-against average with 39 shutouts. "She just positions herself very well and anticipates to make the save. She has a way to make it a routine save and can make the good one too." Her biggest game of the year was a shutout over Carmel 1-0 in early April.

Jamie Babetch, Libertyville

Babetch distinguished herself as one of the area's top outside back defenders. Babetch, a junior was a big part of Libertyville's defense and stood out on a team that posted 11 shutouts this year and just 17 goals in 18 games with a 12-4-2 record. "She was a big part of the defense," Libertyville coach Scott Schinto said. "She knew where to be and shut down other team's best players. She was tough physically and strong in the back." Babetch also moved forward from time to time and got involved in the attack. "She had a nose for the goal which added a lot into the game." Schinto said.

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Courtney Bestler, Mundelein

Bestler, a senior made things look easy at times in the midfield for the Mustangs. "She really did have a high work rate," Mundelein coach Dave Ekstrom said. "She was a fearless competitor and elevated the entire team." Bestler scored 7 goals and racked up 15 assists, which was a one quarter of the team's goals this season. She's an All-Area team pick for a second straight year. "She took a lot of our corner kicks and deadballs," Ekstrom said. "She showed how valuable she was for us this season." Bestler picked up 4 assists against McHenry in the sectional semifinal and had three of them in three minutes. Two of them off corners.

Nikki Boland, Carmel Catholic

Not really known for its defense, the Corsairs still had some credible defenders, and that group was led by Boland. "She was the heart of the defense," Carmel coach John Halloran said. "Not only for this year but for the last two years." Boland, a senior, is an All-Area selection for the second straight year. "She was a vocal leader in back and kept everything organized," Halloran said. "She's consistently one of the top players out there. We wouldn't be the team we are without her. Other players look up to her." Boland had a goal and an 5 assists this spring with her best showing in the regional final against Warren, a game-winning free kick set for Kiersten Trillhaase header late in the second half. "Her service against Warren made the difference," Halloran said. "We wouldn't be where we're at without her." There were other things Boland did besides taking free kicks. "She's a great defender against one-v-ones, reads the game well and is physically strong," Halloran said. "She's also good in the air and fast."

Kassidy Brown, Carmel Catholic

One of the many offensive weapons for the Corsairs, Brown was a big part of Carmel's goal-scoring success. "She's a physically strong player," Carmel coach John Halloran said. "She creates many opportunities for other players. She matured to be a complete player this year." Brown had 17 goals and 18 assists going into the state quarterfinals. She has delivered plenty of highlights over the last couple of months and was a big part of recent victories. Against Mundelein in the sectional final at Libertyviille, she blasted a 25-yarder off the post for a goal. Then Brown set up 2 of the 3 goals for Sara Petermann in the supersectional against Hersey at Buffalo Grove on Monday night. "She sees the field so well," Halloran said. "She's one of our primary targets on dead balls. She's taken on a lot of responsibility with this year's team."

Leigha Bystol, Libertyville

This experienced player was a big part for the Wildcats' success this season. Bystol is a three-year starter who keeps getting better. "She scored big goals in big games this season," Libertyville coach Scott Schinto said. "She can play in multiple positions." Bystol, a senior, scored 5 important goals this season. Bystol also took on tough defensive assignment like marking Carmel's Maddie Ogrinc in the sectional semifinal. 'She's a solid player," Schinto said. "She's willing to do what it takes making the team better and is very unselfish."

Lauren Clatch, Vernon Hills

Vernon Hills needed a player to step up and become the leader for a rebuilding young team. Clatch took on that role and helped turn the team around as Vernon Hills finished with a successful run at season's end. "She was dedicated, with enthusiasm," Vernon Hills coach Vince DeLuca said. "She took it upon herself to be a team player and made us a better team than expected. She was a model player and others would look up to her and tried to be like her." Clatch provided goal production with 19 goals and 7 assists, and the junior forward also delivered off the field. "Clatch was very positive and took on leadership qualities," DeLuca said. "She even put together team meetings for the team. She was one who got the team going."

Rachel Culp, Grayslake Central

Finding consistency was a big factor for Grayslake Central. The Rams improved a great deal this spring and needed a senior like Culp to take on a big role at sweeper. "She was our most consistent performer all year," Grayslake Central coach Mike McCaulou said. "She helped out by leading the team to 6 shutouts. The best thing for her was not to dive but stay composed and slow the attack down." Culp was a four-year varsity starter and grew to be a better player each year. "She really was a solid player," McCaulou said. "She was a smart and quiet player for us. She did everything we asked of her." Culp scored a goal against Johnsburg in a Fox Valley Fox Division game on a penalty kick. But the highlight for Culp was leading the defense of a young team and stopping the other team's offense.

Maggie Eisenhuth, Lake Zurich

The Bears relied a great deal on Eisenhuth all season as the last line of defense. Eisenhuth, a sophomore, played with composure beyond her years. "She kept us in every game, along with the defense," Lake Zurich coach Pete Ternes said. "She was calm, cool, collected and always on target with the shots she saw." Eisenhuth allowed 12 goals in 20 games for a .6 goals-against with 11 shutouts. "She never lost sight of the ball for a second," Ternes said. "She had a lot of awareness to what other teams were doing." If someone hit a 30-yard shot, Eisenhuth would move for it and make the save. "Everything looked smooth for her," Ternes said. "It always looked like a given, and she was there for it." Eisenhuth had several outstanding games but came up especially huge against Barrington in the Bears' regional semifinal victory.

Lindsay Goad, Warren

When you've got a young team, you need someone to be a leader. Goad was it for the Blue Devils in the midfield. "She gave us the extra edge with her level of play," said Warren coach Jeff Knouse. "She had an outstanding attitude with other players all the time." Goad, a junior tallied 4 goals and 6 assists, but took on an important role of distribution in the Blue Devils offense. "She was just a solid ball-winner in the midfield," Knouse said. "She was the one who set up the offense, a playmaker who can use both feet, and she was good in the air. She had enough control to get the ball wide or send it up front."

Ali Hall, Stevenson

For the second straight year, Hall is an All-Area choice and also picked up honors as an All-State pick this spring. "She's one of the finest players to play for Stevenson and in the state," Stevenson coach Mark Schartner said. "She did so many things for us and did everything she could for our offense and defense." Hall was a team leader in scoring, with 15 goals and 12 assists, including a couple of hat tricks. Hall did many other things for the Patriots. "She took all of our deadballs and was a specialist that was totally gifted," Schartner said. "She can also defend in the air, has speed and can do a lot with the ball "

Megan LeBaron, Grayslake Central

Working hard is just a part of what LeBaron did on the field for the Rams in every single game. LeBaron, a junior midfielder, made the All-Area team for the second straight year because of her overall ability. "She's a student of the game and an athlete," Grayslake Central coach Mike McCaulou said. "She's got great size, great in the air, big and strong." LeBaron led the Rams with 10 goals and 6 assists. "She really knows how to put the ball in the back of the net," McCaulou said. "She also knows how to score the big goals." LeBaron netted a 25-yard game-winning goal which broke FVC Fox Division champion Huntley's 18-game winning streak for their first loss.

Kaitlyn Llewelyn, Wauconda

The Bulldogs always had someone to count on when it came to scoring, and Llewellyn was a big part of Wauconda's scoring attack. "I knew something would happen when she got the ball," Wauconda coach Terry Stevig said. "She got the ball forward. She's not the attacking midfielder, but she could take it forward, find a seam." Llewellyn managed getting 10 goals and 3 assists in leading Wauconda. "She's so quick and can run down the ball. She would also take the ball away from many players. She's got great vision and can shot with either her left or right foot." Llewellyn will be playing soccer in the fall at Wagner College in New York.

Jenny Mason, Lakes

Mason was a senior defensive midfielder who would take on the role of defensive stopper for an Eagles team that needed exactly that. "She just plugged the holes on defense," Lakes coach Kevin Kullby said. "She's one that doesn't show up in the stats but carried team leadership on and off the field and always tried to play her best." Mason had 1 goal and contributed 3 assists. She was called upon to do other things like handling the hard work. "She did all the intangibles," Kullby said. "She did a big part of helping out the defense and got the offense going."

Kia Miller, Antioch

There was no horsin' around for this Sequoits senior midfielder/forward. Miller spent her first three years being home-schooled but showed up as a dominant force for North Suburban Prairie division champion Antioch. Miller is headed for Murray State in the fall, but not for soccer. She will compete in Equestrian (horse riding). In the past Miller was defender playing for club but Antioch coach Charlie Trout had her play more up front. "She had a good nose for following the ball," Trout said. "She got the goals that way. Always willing to work and always listened to suggestions." Miller was the Sequoits top scorer with 14 goals and 4 assists. "One of the things last year was that we didn't attack the goal," Trout said. "With Miller back there we would see her back in and attack from the pack. She just had a great year." Miller scored a rebound goal against district rival Lakes in leading Antioch to a 3-1 victory in the NSC Prairie Division title game.

Alex Neal, Lakes

When the Eagles got on a roll after a slow start, Neal was a big reason for it. "She had more goals and assists than a good number of midfielders in the area," Lakes coach Kevin Kullby said. "She held her own against some of the tough teams and the other teams' best defenders. She was just effective against the other teams." Neal had 16 goals and 12 assists. But either had a goal or an assist in the last 17 games. "I think it's pretty remarkable and pretty impressive," Kullby said. "She puts herself in position to make the big plays." Lakes started the year 0-5 and went on to a 13-4-1 record in its last 18 games. Neal also had one of her biggest goals in the Lakes regional final, scoring the game-tying goal against Mundelein, before the Eagles lost to the Mustangs on a late goal.

Susie O'Connor, Antioch

After take a couple of years to play only club ball, O'Connor returned to the team at Antioch for her senior year, scoring 7 goals and getting 9 assists. Her next step will be playing soccer in the fall at DePaul. O'Connor meant a great deal for Antioch. "Definitely, our target player," said coach Charlie Trout. "She always put pressure on other teams and got through their defenses. She created a lot of space, which helped her get her goals." Antioch needed a player like O'Connor. She helped them to an 11-5-2 record and an NSC Prairie Division title. O'Connor's ability stood out to many and helped the rest of the team get to the next level. "She was definitely our best player," Trout said. "She had great vision for the ball and always played at a higher level. In the big games, she wouldn't get nervous. "

Sara Petermann, Carmel Catholic

More than a prolific scorer for the Corsairs, Petermann led the team with 37 goals and 20 assists and helped them reach state for the first time. Also, Petermann returned to the team for another year and was named our Daily Herald All-Area captain. "She's the best at finishing, " Carmel coach John Halloran said. "A lot of teams have girls with problems putting the ball away. She creates the chances and finds the back of the net." Petermann doesn't let the goal-scoring get in the way of what the team is trying to achieve. "She cares more about the team's success," Halloran said. "She just wants the team to win and keep going."

Michelle Rowley, Mundelein

Why be worried when it came to the Mustangs' defense? Rowley was the one who wouldn't let any ball get by. She was the true sweeper any team would love to have. Rowley made the All-Area team for the second straight year. "She was our most dominant player all year," Mundelein coach Dave Ekstrom said. "She did more for her team than any other single player on the team. She never got beat and would find a way to get a touch on the ball. She was a dominant force for us." Rowley was a big part the Mustangs gave up only 8 goals in 24 games. Rowley also contributed 6 goals and 3 assists and was a key part of the offense when it involved headballs and volley kicks off deadballs.

Kelly Schoen, Carmel Catholic

The last line of defense was the strongest part of the Corsairs' alignment thanks to Schoen. "She was our best one-v-one defender on the team," Carmel coach John Halloran said. "She can take the ball off an attacker's foot and have time to recover. She was just a very quick player." Schoen was a big reason for the defensive effort against Hersey in the recent supersectional victory on Monday night. Time and time again, Schoen came up with a big defensive stop against the Huskies, something she did all season long against other teams. "You've got to beat her twice," Halloran said. "She's one of the smallest and quickest but plays like 6-foot-5. She's also one of our physically strongest players. She kept the pressure off of our goalkeeper (Maria Sapienza)."

Laura Schroeder, Stevenson

Schroeder learned a great deal in her four-year varsity career and capped it with a successful senior year up front for the Patriots with 9 goals and 5 assists. "She played with so many great players," Stevenson coach Mark Schartner said. "It's been a gift to adapt to so many great players. It helped her be an outstanding forward, a great finisher, calm with the ability to hold the ball and allow others to move forward. She could also get around the corners with the best of them." Schroeder suffered a concussion against Carmel, which curtailed part of her season. She did make it back in time to help the Patriots into the Palatine sectional semifinal.

Jaclyn Schumann, Wauconda

Wauconda seems to always have good defenders. This spring Schumann was a key to that defense. "Usually, she was a blue-collar worker and was always tough in your face," said Wauconda Terry Stevig of his senior defensive midfielder. "She really doesn't have great speed but she has the tenacity." Schumann contributed 5 goals and 10 assists and specialized in delivering fine corner kicks. Her work rate and overall ability were important in stabilizing a critical part of the field for the Bulldogs. "She just kept pushing herself and would hate to leave the field," Stevig said. "Whether she was hurt or not, she was always ready and willing to play for the team."

Kate Tarquino, Lake Zurich

After taking on the role of marking back the last two years. Tarquino shifted to midfield, a position the Bears need to fill. "She's an all-around defensive player," Ternes said. "She learned how to play midfield and did it quite well. She learned the mindset and knew where to put the ball." Tarquino was never against the idea of helping the team. "It was like, 'wherever you need me,' " Ternes said. "She's not afraid of anything and actually was excited and anxious about it. She had to learn with a new team and learned to play with others." Tarquino was one who never backed down and was a hard-nosed player. "She was someone who never stopped going up and down the field," Ternes said. "She would get knocked down but would get right back up. She wasn't a vocal player on the field. She led by example and other looked at it and bought into it." Tarquino had 3 goals and 4 assists and delivered her biggest goal on a free kick in the second overtime against Barrington in the regional semifinal.

Emily Tripicchio, Carmel Catholic

After going through two tough years of injuries, Tripicchio finally stayed healthy enough to enjoy a successful season. Tripicchio, a senior, fit quite well in the defensive/midfield for the Corsairs. She tore her ACL two years ago and after four games last year broke her collarbone. Then, last fall, she tore her meniscus. "It's more of a feel-good story for her," Halloran said. "She was one of the leaders of the team and one of the most important players this season. She's always done so much to come back and the girls have been there for her through the rehab and commitment through the season." Tripicchio knew what to do when it came down to taking care of things in the Corsairs' midfield. "She kept everything organized for us," Halloran said. "She was great with the distribution and reading the game in the passing lanes."