DeMoss, Dusek team up twice in SCN's win

It's not as if Leah DeMoss single-handedly defeated Bartlett on Tuesday night, but the way the St. Charles North senior played in this Upstate Eight girls soccer match, it's impossible to argue the impact she had on the final result.

DeMoss scored once and had assists on the other two goals in the North Stars' 3-0 success, a win that keeps St. Charles North (7-0, 5-0) undefeated for the season.

"It was just one of those momentum things," DeMoss said. "Under the lights. I guess I was just kind of feeling it."

Bartlett (8-6, 2-3) more than made the North Stars work for their win. The Hawks held out until the final 4 minutes of play in the first half. In a sweeping move, DeMoss sent the ball to Paige Dusek, who scored.

The goal came with a bit of controversy. Both Bartlett coaches argued that a foul should have been called and assistant coach Sarah Marks was red-carded for her protests.

"There were two fouls," Bartlett coach Heather Thomas said. "Both linesmen waved their flags. That's why I freaked out. We didn't help ourselves, don't get me wrong."

The goal was allowed, and St. Charles North got a second before halftime - with DeMoss again feeding Dusek in the final minute of play.

"What's nice about this team is we have a lot of people who can score," DeMoss said. "It's not just me scoring or (Dusek) scoring."

Bartlett regrouped at halftime and set about trying to get back into the game. They struggled to pressure the North Stars goal, but solidified their defense. The closest the Hawks came to scoring was a Trisha Donlon shot that went wide with 6 minutes left.

"They were a very good team to play against," DeMoss said of Bartlett. "We were expecting a good game from them. They have a very good keeper and defensive line. Their midfield was strong and they had fast forwards."

One minute later, DeMoss wrapped the evening's scoring. She started the move and passed to Alyssa Peterson on the wing. Peterson sent the ball back into the penalty area and DeMoss headed into the goal.

Bartlett has played Waubonsie Valley and St. Charles North - arguably the best teams in the Upstate Eight - in back-to-back games.

"We've had three tough games in a row," Bartlett sophomore Lisa Palmer said. "We all just try to keep our heads up and push through one game at a time and try to play with our hearts. It didn't happen this game, but there's always next game."