Girls soccer: Scouting Northwest
Mid-Suburban East
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Pat Dudle (third year, 14-24-6)
Last year: 7-11-4 (3-7-1)
Graduation losses: Kaitlin Hillner (D, All-Area, 2-time, all-MSL, sectional, Iowa), Jordan Lucas (GK, all-MSL), Alyssa Andreasik, Megan Cherney, Ashley Foster, Maddie Gerling, Katie Quill, Hillary Reynolds, Julie Shamo
Top returnees: Seniors Jackie Concialdi (F), Kim Gerling (MF), Jeanette McNichols (D); juniors Lindsay Puppolo (D), Kelly Mahoney (MF); sophomore Carolynn Wieland (F, all-MSL, 10 goals).
New faces to watch: Juniors Sierra Bruno (D), Alecia Eschenbrenner (D), Lauren Zickert (F); sophomores Kristen Akialis (MF), Katie Okamoto (GK), Lidia Rich (MF); sophomores Paige Smith (MF); freshmen Carly Brown (MF), Kelly VanderMerkt (D)
Outlook: Bison will look to replace its irreplacable four-year lockdown defender (Hillner) and two-year starting GK (Lucas) in addition to 7 others with the youngest club ever under Dudle, who despite the big-time graduation hit remains optimistic. "Half our roster is composed of freshmen and sophomores, but it's a talented group, that when it comes together along with our returning players just might surprise some clubs along the way."
Elk Grove
Coach: Dan Klaus (ninth year, 73-89-6)
Last year: 6-10-2 (3-8-0)
Graduation losses: Jessica Hubly (MF, All-Area, 2-time all-MSL, playing at Loyola), Emily Stanke (MF, playing at UW-Stout)
Top returnees: Juniors Carin Fearing (F/MF), Michelle Calmeyn (F/MF); sophomores Katie Naughton (D, all-MSL), Kelli Hubly (F/MF)
Outlook: The Grens appear to be even younger than last season with 9 of their 16 either a freshman or sophomore, including the dynamic sophomore duo of Naughton-Hubly, who are all-stars away from the prep scene as well. "The role players (that) graduated brought experience and knowledge to the game, but we're fortunate to be replacing them with young, enthusiastic and athletic players," said Klaus, who will build around Naughton, a national team pool player, and Hubly, a regional team pool player.
Hersey
Coach: Brad Abel (sixth year, 63-36-20)
Last year: 12-7-3 (7-2-2), lost to Fremd 2-0 in MSL Soccer Cup.
Graduation losses: Kristen Gierman (D, two-time all-area, MSL, sectional, Illinois), Kristen Corley, Claire Poelking.
Top returnees: Seniors Julia Fredian (GK, all-area, MSL), Annie Perkins (MF, all-MSL, sectional), Kathryn Korff (MF, two-time all-area, MSL), Katie Drees (MF); juniors Maeva Waterman (F), Eileen Zydek (D), Alexa Ruzkowski (F), Jenny Corley (MF), Stephan Mueller (MF), Erin Kinsella (MF); sophomores Nicole Pietro (F), Megan Boyle (MF).
New faces to watch: Junior Erin Reiff (MF/F).
Outlook: The key ingredient to the Huskies stranglehold on the MSL East championship trophy has been their dominance along the backline, led by four-year star Gierman, who easily discouraged nearly every attacking player that ventured in and around the 18, and close to its superb GK Fredian. "What we'll miss most with (Kristen) is her leadership and attitude, which embodied what a Hersey soccer player is all about, but now her moving on allows those seniors who have been with us since freshmen to step in and up for us this year," said Abel. The core group of seniors which includes Fredian, Korff and Perkins, along with top-notch striker Waterman, are strong to give the defending champs favorite status among the rest in its division. Zydek, Perkins and Korff are three-sport athletes who played on Mary Fendley's basketball team which took fourth in the Class 4A state tourney this winter. Fredian was the point guard for that team.
Prospect
Coach: Tom Froats (eighth year, 77-51-23).
Last year: 12-9-1 (5-0-0).
Graduation losses: Rachel Lenke (F, all-area, MSL East POY, 16 goals, Augustana), Alyssa Glennon (D, all-MSL, Indiana), Becky Santiago (MF, all-MSL, sectional, Colorado), Bridget McDermott (Augustana), Julie Schmoldt (Carthage), Nikki Risolute (Millikin), Lauren Leipprandt (DePauw), Danielle Brucci, Allison Ives, Fay Krewer, Heidi Nafis.
Top returnees: Seniors Lexi Glennon (MF, all-MSL), Susie Lello (F), Mo O'Keefe (F), Andrea Wehrle (D), Jordan Bruce (MF/D); junior Caroline Aubry (MF); sophomores Megan McCabe (GK), Taylor Smith (D), Jessie Petrovski (F/MF).
New faces to watch: Junior Lizzie Robinson (F); sophomore Kelli Iovino (MF).
Outlook: Here's yet another East club which suffered heavy graduation losses, including the POY in the division (Lenke) and duo of Santiago-Alyssa Glennon, who were the heart and soul for Froats when his club needed an extra shove. "We've been right (there) in the title hunt behind Hersey the past couple of years because of the play of our veterans, but this (year) we lack the experience needed on the varsity level, and will look forward to our younger, talented players to mature, with the help of a great core of seniors and others," said Froats. The speedy senior Lello could be the answer up top, while Lexi Glennon will likely run the show in the MF.
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Jeff Adkins (11th year, 105-99-20).
Last year: 9-9-4 (3-6-2).
Graduation losses: Taylor Fritz (F, all-area, MSL, Iowa), Kelly Zahorski (GK, all-MSL, Eckerd College), Casey Ryan, Sara Sompoloski (Illinois), Anna Thomas.
Top returnees: Seniors Kelly Adair (D), Sarah Dolan (MF), Collen Moran (D), Rene Poellinetz (MF), Bree McGuire (MF); juniors Alex Partipillo (F), Maddie Conlin (D); sophomores Amanda Gunn (D), Annie Lynch (MF), Maggie Moran (F)
Outlook: Dean of MSL East coaches (Adkins) claimed his 100th career victory midway through the 2009 season, and did so with a young roster, which did well to finish at .500, while learning on the job in an always highly competitive league. "It will be hard to replace our all-area striker (Fritz) and all-conference (GK) Zahorski, however we are returning 9 starters, including our entire backline, which allowed only two opponents (Bartlett and Buffalo Grove) to score 3 goals on us," said a proud Adkins, who feels his junior sweeper (Conlin) is among the best, and that both Partipilo and Lynch are poised to have breakout seasons.
Wheeling
Coach: Darren Llewellyn (third year, 13-22-2).
Last year: 6-12-1.
Graduation losses: Valerie Lelle (F, all-MSL, Wheaton College, playing soccer), Sam Gorzelany (D, all-sectional, Illinois).
Top returnees: Seniors Chloe Majkowski (GK, all-area, MSL, sectional), Jessica Peterson (MF/D), Anna McQuees (D); juniors Ellie Grinter (F), Kelsey Mazcko (D).
New faces to watch: Freshman Cindy Castillo (MF).
Outlook: With all-state GK candidate Majkowski, a trio of backline vets back this spring, and its head coach known to be able to coach up the most untried of rosters with tactical wizardry, the 2010 Wildcats will be a dangerous side to play on most nights. "Our numbers are a little thin right now, so we'll need to stay free from injury, but despite our youth, we do have enough varsity experience where we could pull an upset or two and throw off some of the favorites, if we gain discipline and play smart," said Llewellyn.
Mid-Suburban West
Barrington
Coach: Ryan Stengren (third year, 33-10-5).
Last year: 20-4-3 (8-2-1), lost to Conant 2-0 in supersectional.
Graduation losses: Mary Kubiak (F, Daily Herald co-captain, all-state, 83 goals, Yale), Kate Hasse (MF, all-area, all-MSL), Christina Hirdes (D/MF), Natalie Robertaccio, Claire McGillem, Hillary Slingo.
Top returnees: Seniors Amy Johnson (D, all-area, all-sectional, 11 assists), Caroline Conden (MF, all-MSL), Liz Bauer (D), Alexa Rowe (MF), Charlotte Hamilton (F); juniors Kelly Pedersen (GK, 8.5 shutouts), Emmelie Hirdes (D), Emily Hyde (F, 13goals), Catie Curran (MF), Dana Kopp (D); sophomore Sara Condon (MF).
New faces to watch: Seniors Liz Burzynski (GK); juniors Morgan Stachura (D), Sarah Fox (MF), Dana Nelson (F); sophomores Abby Taplett (MF), Anna Burnidge (MF), Kathryn Avedon (MF); freshmen Emily Moran (D), Molly Pfeiffer (F), Aimee Pierce (MF).
Outlook: Fillies may be hard-pressed to match terrific 2009 season which saw them just a victory away from a final four appearance - but maybe not as far off as its opponents may hope. With a wonderful returning cast, including standouts all along the backline, Stengren feels his club will be ready when the postseason rolls around. "We lost a lot (with) graduation, and we'll begin the season with a few injuries, but the chemistry all throughout is great, and the work rate and focus has been just as good," he said. With starting GK (Pedersen) recovering from an ACL tear, the Fillies will rely heavily on the trio of Johnson and Bauer in front of rookie keeper (Burzynski) and Hirdes, who is close to returning after ACL surgery. The speedy Hyde is on the cusp of being the next big-time striker after Kubiak left for Yale, while the senior Conden provides the energy, high-octane engine and leadership the midfield needs.
Conant
Coach: Jason Franco (fifth year, 66-30-13).
Last year: 19-3-4 (10-1-0), fourth place 3A state tourney
Graduation losses: Alyssa Stylski (F, all-area, 2-time, all-MSL, Iowa), Lauren Jason (F, 13 goals, Illinois), Becky Knoll (Georgia State), Emma Loos (Iowa), Jackie Piasecki (UW-Parkside), Jessie Rosales (Dominican University).
Top returnees: Senior Brenna Fitzpatrick (MF, all-area, two-time all-sectional); juniors Kelly Lomas (D), Kaitlin Chiero (F), Hailey Andress (D); sophomores Courtney Raetzman (F/MF, all-state, all-area, MSL, 11 goals), Kelsey Foss (D), Chrissy Rosales (MF), Sammi van de Linde (D/F).
New faces to watch: Junior Linsday Fillingim (GK); sophomore Kim Trinco (D); freshmen Alyssa Altosino (MF).
Outook: Cougars meteoric ride into the last four of the 3A tournament was a thing of beauty, and most deserving for a club which seemed to have all the pieces necessary to succeed, including plenty of leadership and an unselfish attitude which was admired by its peers. To repeat its historic 2009 season, Franco must find a way to replace an unsung strike force up top (Stylski-Jason) as well as the gritty (Knoll) in the middle, among others. "With the loss of some seniors who were two- and three-year starters, we've suddenly become very young, and without the leadership which comes from having those type of veteran players," says Franco. "With that said, we're athletic and skillful, and will find ways to score, but in order to reach the success of last season, we'll have to tighten (up) defensively." Foss, Lomas and Andress should be able to do so, while four-year starter Fitzpatrick is a natural in the MF. However, the Cougars have one of the best in the state in Raetzman, who will begin the season alongside teammate (Chiero) to form a dangerous duo, each capable of finding the back of the net far more than their opponents would like.
Fremd
Coach: Steve Keller (10th year, 166-59-18).
Last year: 20-5-1 (10-1-0, MSL West champ), d. Hersey 2-0 in Soccer Cup, lost to Hinsdale Central 2-1 in 3A state title match.
Graduation losses: Laura Mayer (MF, Daily Herald co-captain, All-State, MSL West POY, Illinois State), Kaitlyn Kinsella (MF, all-area, all-MSL, Augustana), Lisa Christ, Chloe Takala.
Top returnees: Seniors Danielle Romano (D, all-area, all-sectional, MSL), Crystal Rohan (F), Allison Norenberg (GK, 9.5 shutouts), Kathleen Holmberg (D), Kristin Kupstys (MF); juniors Elise Kotsakis (F, 11 goals), Alexis Tice (MF), Nicole Leginski (MF).
New faces to watch: Senior Jen Merlitti (D); sophomore Emily Basten (D); freshmen Michelle Mottonen (MF), Jessa Rizzo (MF).
Outlook: Veteran head coach (Keller) certainly knows how to produce MSL championship-winning clubs, having done 3 times in his 9 years, including last season when the Vikings won for the second time in three years, before nearly upending Hinsdale Central for the state 3A title. Many of Keller's compatriots around the league pick the reigning conference champ to do so again, and with the exceptional duo of sweeper (Romano) and her mate between the sticks (Norenberg) and a talented group in the middle (Tice, Leginski, Kupstys) the Vikings' could very well book their spot in an 11th Soccer Cup match. "This is a strong team with many returning players and some newcomers which should bring depth and talent to a team with the potential to make a serious run in the MSL and state playoffs," said Keller, who will miss the sensational MF/F (Mayer), who shined brighter than all others with and without the ball, but appears ready to hand the keys to the junior (Kotsakis) up top, a potential goal-scoring threat herself.
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Rob Schmidt (seventh year).
Last year: 2-5-4 (MSL).
Graduation losses: Chrissy Tooren (F, 3-time all-area, All-State, 4-time all-MSL, Loyola), Leah Tednes (F, 11 goals), Maddie Harford (UW-Whitewater), Becky Gilbert, Meghan Evans, Carol King
Top returnees: Seniors Kelsey Lukowicz (D), Vanessa Daughtery (GK); juniors Mel McGinn (D), Tanya Skworch (D), Colleen Thomas (MF); sophomores Mary Pettit (MF), Megan Thomas (D).
New faces to watch: Seniors Nicole Hagen (F), Tania Sanchez (D); junior Karina Navarette (F); sophomore Michelle Lyons (D); freshmen Jackie Nailor (F).
Outlook: Who is going to score this spring? A logical question for the Hawks faithful this spring after four-time all-MSL star Tooren and Tednes moved on, leaving Schmidt to search for replacements who would always make this side dangerous because of their scoring prowess. "Good question," began Schmidt. "Tooren and Tednes were a great combo, and their 1-2 scoring punch will be sorely missed, but this team is working extremely hard all throughout spring (doubles) and anxious to get out an play." Schmidt and his staff believe both Pettit and rookie striker Nailor can pick up some of the scoring slack, while another sophomore (Megan Thomas) will be counted on strongly along the backline.
Palatine
Coach: Willie Filian (17th year)
Last year: 4-2-14 (2-8-2).
Graduation losses: Megan McNulty (Northwestern), Stephanie Frost (Illinois), Beth Jump (Illinois), Amanda Allen.
Top returnees: Seniors Rachel Houp (F, all-MSL), Sydney Wiedemann (MF), Melissa DePau (MF), Fatima Pena (MF), Kristen Strauss (MF); junior Amanda Filian (D, all-area, sectional, MSL).
New faces to watch: Freshmen McKenzie Wiedeman (D/MF), Kaitlyn Burke (MF), Kaitlyn Mayer (MF), Kellie Strauss (D).
Outlook: Pirates were far too young and inexperienced last season to offer much resistance against so many terrific sides in the MSL. However, this spring promises to see a more competitve club for 80 minutes. "We will be better prepared, more experienced, and maybe even more of a threat in our set pieces, after having many of our kids back for a another season on the varsity level," says Filian, who has a pair of state championship rings during his tenure as girls head coach. Continuity will be the key in the MF as the Pirates welcome back a quartet of seniors, however, the club has a genuine star in the back in the junior Filian, who earned all-everything awards during the postseason for her energy, defensive skill, hard tackling and leadership qualities as a sophomore.
Schaumburg
Coach: Greg Charvat (18th year, 154-121-28).
Last year: 12-9-0 (2-3-0).
Graduation losses: Sarah Seyffert (MF, all-MSL, sectional), Rachel Zolper (MF, all-MSL), Melissa Hernandez.
Top returnees: Seniors Rebekka Wittkamp (D, committed to Indiana State), Jackie Larocco (F), Kendra Sanderson (F), Sarah Christy (F, all-MSL, 9 goals), Devin Ryan (D), Rachael Kahan (MF), juniors Stephanie Pouse (D, all-area, all-sectional, MSL), Sam Halter (D), Ariel Larocco (F); sophomores Becky Sneddon (MF), Alison Schmalz (D), Teagan Eberle (MF), Brooke Schocker (GK).
New faces to watch: Juniors Brittany Washko (MF), Christyne Grabanski (D); sophomores Nicole Banach (MF), Kelsey Steenstrup (MF); freshmen Amanda Kelly (D), Tressa Palcheck (GK).
Outlook: In the MSL West sea perennially filled with MSL West big fish such as Fremd, Barrington, and most recently Conant, the Saxons may no longer be the so-called minnows this spring as Charvat returns nearly all of his first-11 from a club which was young, skilled, and sometimes extremely dangerous. "The (MSL West) is a very competitive division, with three of our teams in the final eight in state last year, so we're hoping to improve on a respectable 2009 season with 6 seniors and a solid group of young players back, who earned valuable minutes and playing time for us last season," said Charvat, who has one of the best backliners in Pouse, an all-action standout who is a fierce tackler but can go forward at a moments notice. The Saxons' leading goal scorer Christy was among the top 20 in the area, and should easily become a double-digit striker with the help of some quick and imaginative mates in the middle.
Northeastern Athletic
Christian Liberty
Coach: Eric Jaime (first year)
Last year: 13-4-0 (second, Indian Trails Conference)
Top returnees: Seniors Samantha Barthen (F), Amy Farmer (D); juniors Holly Swiderek (MF), Sara Elleson (F).
New faces to watch: Sophomores Stephanie Chaires (MF), Nicole Leahy (MF), Joselyn Berrios (D); freshmen Destiny Kocurek (GK).
Outlook: Lady Chargers take big step forward this spring as they officially join the IHSA as a full member with the chance to compete in the 1A state tournament series in mid-May. "We have a terrific group of players who want to get better, are motivated to learn and excited knowing they have an opportunity to play in the postseason this year," said Jaime, who takes over after handling the assistant coach chores during the program's inaugural season. Jaime will count on veterans (Barthen, Farmer, Swiderik, Elleson) to help youngsters in the early going.
West Suburban Gold
Leyden
Coach: Robert Fowler (third year, 16-19-2).
Last year: 6-10-2 (1-5-0).
Graduation losses: Mayra Garcia.
Top returnees: Seniors Melissa Aldinger (MF), Brooke Fink (MF/D); juniors Lucero Aguillar (F, 13 goals, 11 assists), Hilda Diaz (GK).
New faces to watch: Freshmen Ashly Torres (F).
Outlook: Fowler will lean heavily on a quartet of returning veterans to lead a club which hopes to to give WSG kingpin Downers Grove South and others all it can handle this season. "We will be a much improved side because we will have eight starters returning, including four sophomores who were in our first-11," offered Fowler. Three-year starters and seniors (Aldinger and Fink) along with the junior GK duo of Aguillar and Diaz, give the club starpower along the back and up top, particularly Aguillar, who with her gaudy stats finished in the top 10 in scoring in Cook with 37 points.
Central Suburban North
Maine West
Coach: Aaron Fleming (fourth year, 19-30-6)
Last year: 6-11-1 (1-7-0).
Graduation losses: Adriana Cesario, Sandy Ibarra.
Top returnees: Seniors Amanda Ollerer (MF), Dontina Walsten (F, all-area, 28 career goals); juniors Ailish O'Connell (MF); Kelly Cerri (D).
New faces to watch: Junior Rosa Gonzalez (MF); sophomores Maggie McCabe (D), Annaliese Walsten (MF).
Outlook: While the rest of the CSL seemed to improve in recent years, the same could not be said for this program during that time, which struggled on both sides of the ball. Not anymore. Off to a 2-0-1 start during the first week of the season, the Warriors outscored their opponents 7-0, thanks in part to a hard-working defense, in which Fleming takes great pride in. "Our returning players have shown the commitment to (get) and (be) better, helping making our defense perhaps our biggest strength," he said. The move of best backliner Ollerer to the middle of the park will infuse the attack and ball-winning percentage, while likely helping leading scorer Walsten find the back of the net even more as the senior looks to join the top five goal-scorers in school history.
East Suburban Catholic
St. Viator
Coach: Mike Taylor (first year)
Last year: 12-9-3 (7-3-0)
Graduation losses: Colleen Nolan (D, all-area, 2-time all-ESCC, Dayton), Lauren Cozzi (F, 2-time all-ESCC, playing soccer at Adrian College), Lauren Gallagher (MF, Dayton).
Top returnees: Seniors Megan McGrath (D), Sam Gavin (MF), Connie Kulczycki (MF), Jackie Tumberger (F), Stephanie Shanahan (GK, 8 shutouts); juniors Taylor Skala (F), Kathleen Kane (D); sophomores Katelyn Hammarlund (F), Katie Gavin (MF), Katherine Petrovich (MF).
New faces to watch: Seniors Ariana Kulinczenko (MF), Andrea DiVito (D); sophomores Molly McMahon (MF), Erin Malone (MF); freshman Erin Renee Murphy (MF).
Outlook: All of a sudden the stakes are higher, as are the expectations after long-time boys head coach Taylor agreed to bring his 425 career victories and two state titles along with him to run the girls program this spring. "We have a terrific nucleus back from last season, and its our experience, and strong non-conference schedule (that) will help us compete for a title in the ESCC and a deep run into the playoffs and hopeful trip to the 2A state tournament," said Taylor, who will watch his club play in both the Pepsi and Barrington tournaments the next three weeks. The potent striker duo of (Skala-Hammarlund) nearly combined for 30 goals a year ago, and the return of both Kulinczenko from club soccer (Eclipse) in the MF and Divito to the backline, Taylor and his staff might have the stuff to help recapture the glory years when the Lions lifted the championship trophy in 3 times in four years beginning in 2002.