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Aurora Central Catholic makes more history

Aurora Central Catholic's girls soccer team was already in uncharted waters with this week's participation in the Class 1A Lisle Sectional. Friday, the Chargers churned deeper into the postseason unknown thanks to a 3-0 victory over Timothy Christian to win the sectional title.

The Chargers (14-7) play Chicago Latin on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in a supersectional at Concordia University in River Forest.

"I knew we could win today, but it wasn't the nail-biter I thought it would be," Aurora Central coach Kristy Kane said. "First half was nerve racking and we did not have a good start. The first five minutes were shaky, but we played a decent first half after that."

With the jitters gone, the Chargers moved to attack, though it took until the second half before they took the lead. Megan Crabbe got the opener early in the half from a Jordyn Sundberg cross. Shortly after, Sundberg sent another cross into the Timothy Christian penalty area and Sabrina Dudziak scored. Crabbe provided an assist for Sundberg to score the final goal midway through the half.

With a goal and two assists, Sundberg continued to show she is one of the best players in the area. She has 24 goals and 9 assists this season.

"I've said this before, but (Sundberg) is a player who is consistently doing wonderful things for us," Kane said. "She is a team player but she does step up in these high pressure situations. I love that she had two assists tonight because in years past, she had to do it all on her own. Now she can set up players and they will score."

Kane said she was especially pleased with senior Dudziak's play through the match in midfield.

"She had the best game I've ever seen her play," Kane said. "She doesn't always have the numbers to back up how well she's played. But she was awesome tonight and scored a goal too."

After entering the playoffs on a three-match losing streak, the Chargers have caught fire, outscoring their opponents 16-2 in four postseason victories. Having senior sweeper Natalie Bruss back from a concussion has made a huge difference in the team's defensive setup.

"She is great back there, and she gives us more confidence," Kane said. "Overall, we've hit our stride. I thought our best game of the season was the regional championship win over Lisle, but I think this may have surpassed that."

Despite being one win from a spot in the state finals, Kane said she doesn't worry about her team's approach against Latin.

"What I love about this team is that they're always positive," Kane said. "They work hard but they also want to enjoy themselves. They don't take themselves too seriously, and it is fun to coach them."

Tuesday's match takes place on artificial turf, and the Chargers have only played three times on that surface. Kane said she might try to find a field on which her team could practice.

"I think it suits some of my players, and some of them, it doesn't," Kane said of artificial turf. "I'm not that concerned, but it's always good to have more experience at something."

Overall, Kane said she enjoys the knowledge that her team is one of the final eight in Class 1A this year.

"I knew our regional would be tough to get out of, because Lisle is so tough," Kane said. "I knew in the sectional, with the teams we were playing, if we played the way we can play, we could win. I'm glad the girls stepped up and played their best soccer at this time of the year."

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