Even a little more Bitta

The last name is synonymous with Libertyville soccer - and winning.

Hall-of-fame coach Andy Bitta begins his 25th season with - surprise - a team that has high expectations and even a bit more Bitta.

While senior Andrew Bitta is back to tend goal for the Wildcats, his kid brother Austin, a sophomore forward, is new to the varsity this season. So, Coach Bitta is coaching both of his sons this fall.

"We brought a lot of the younger kids up last year," Andy Bitta said. "We figured it would help us out for the next couple of years. ... We just wanted to give the younger kids some experience."

Counting Tuesday's 2-0 shutout of Glenbrook North, the Wildcats are 4-0 after going 7-8-2 last season. They boast 12 returning players, including five starters.

They have some big goals this season.

Besides Andrew Bitta, the veterans include forward Miles McNeir, junior midfielder Marshall Hollingsworth, junior defender Sam Kaplan and junior forward Joey Ruppert. All of them provide leadership.

"We're very quick offensively and defensively," Andy Bitta said. "It shows that they can play all over the field. We're hoping for the best this season."

The Wildcats would like to accomplish what Lake Zurich has in recent years.

The Bears reached the Class 3A championship game last fall, before losing to Lyons 2-1 in overtime.

"We may be a surprise to some coaches," Andy Bitta said. "We're not expected to go all the way to state. But coming in, you never know what to expect - those being injuries and other things. We just want to take things one game at a time."