Girls soccer: Scouting the Fox Valley

Aurora Central Catholic

Coach: Kristy Kane (4th year, 46-32-4)

Conference: Metro Suburban

2017 record: 14-5-2, lost in sectional final

Top returning players: Alex Montalbano (Sr., GK), Anna Dudziak (Sr., MF/D), Shannon LoPresti (Sr., F).

Top newcomers: Amy Flores (So., MF), Alex Orozco (Fr., MF).

Outlook: Last year's regional champs were on the cusp of their second sectional win in 4 years and the Chargers could find themselves that deep into the IHSA postseason, again. ACC lost just two seniors, welcome in a talented freshman class and have Montalbano back to protect the pipes in her senior season. Montalbano posted 11 shutouts and 213 saves, good for a 1.1 GAA and a save percentage that held at a 90 percent clip. "We have an outstanding goalkeeper in Montalbano and a lot of experience on defense, especially junior Victoria Opperman," coach Kane said. "We have definitely added depth on the offensive end, and we have some freshmen who will most likely be great contributors this season. We are a very similar team to what we were last year, but we have added depth in speed and offensive skill." LoPresti provided 14 goals last year as the team leader and Dudziak led ACC in assists with 6. The key is health. "Staying healthy for the entire season is going to be our priority," Kane added. "We let injuries hurt us both on the field and off (mentally) in the postseason last year, and with the depth that this freshman class adds, I'm hoping we can avoid this same issue this season."

Batavia

Coach: Mark Gianfrancesco (7th year)

Conference: Upstate Eight Valley

2017 record: 14-4, 3-2-1, lost 1-0 in sectionals to St. Charles North

Top returning players: Anna Bross (Sr., D), Gracey DiBiase (Sr., D), Katelyn Turnquist (Sr., GK), Anna Rakos (Sr., MF) Amy Ten Haken (Sr., D), Jenna Nichols (Jr., D), Anna Holcombe (Jr., F) Abby Zipse (So., MF).

Top newcomers: Taylor Fleury (Jr., D), Ce Ce Hamann (Jr., F), Kassie Hupach (Jr., D), Rachel Polignone (Jr., D), Zaira Solis (Jr., F), Clarie Stack (Jr., D), Grace Salyers (So., F), Bella Zink (So., MF), Ashley Whelpley (FR., F).

Outlook: Lots of positives are on the Bulldogs' side in 2018 despite losing two of their top three goal scorers from last season. But what they lost on offense (Keegan Maris' 12 goals and 12 assists), Batavia gained on defense. The Bulldogs return a ton of depth from a 14-win team that won a regional crown and pushed St. Charles North to the limit in a 1-0 loss in sectionals. "We have several returners with a ton of minutes at the varsity level," Gianfrancesco said. "(Our) strength will be on the back line and the midfield. The new additions should bring depth to the group with the returners laying the foundation for the start of the season." Bross (Augustana), DiBiase (St. Ambrose) and Turnquist, all playing collegiately, will bring senior savvy to back line while Holcombe, who verbally committed to Indiana State, provides stability up top. But the need for new players to contribute right away will be important. "Several new players that we are going to need to step in right away and make an impact," Gianfrancesco added. "I think the returning players are vital to the transition from last year to this year. How quickly we can incorporate the new players will be instrumental to our success this season."

Burlington Central

Coach: Jess Arneson (4th year, 69-13-2)

Conference: Kishwaukee River

2017 record: 25-3-1, finished third in Class 2A

Top returning players: Jordan King (Sr., MF), Megan Majewski (Sr., F), Erin Rafferty (Sr., GK), Jessica Clouser (Sr., D), Sydney Pryor (Sr., D/MF), Alexis Rosa (Sr., D/MF), McKenzie Freeman (Jr., MF), Taylor Abbott (Jr., D), Adriana Rodriguez (Jr., D/MF), Deilea Evans (Jr., M), Zoey Kolhoff (So., MF), Kristen Wyse (So., D), Madelyn Menke (So., MF/F).

Top newcomers: Ivette Pacheco (So., D/MF), Kara Drummond (FR., D/MF), Renee Becker (FR., D/MF), Reagan Oller (FR., MF), Kyra Petsche (FR., D/MF), Kyla Butler (FR., D/MF), Isabella Hartmann (FR., MF), Makenna Cobb (FR., D/MF).

Outlook: Standards are even higher now on Rocket Hill after Central made school history last year with its third place showing during the Class 2A state finals. With a good chunk of the team back, the Rockets' goal of going back to state is quite obvious. This time however, they have an distinct advantage of knowing what the path is like. "Going to state taught the girls that we can set goals and follow through with them," Arneson said. "The actual execution of the goals we talk about is much more difficult than setting them. However, last year we proved that we have the talent, drive and perseverance to accomplish whatever we set before us." And the Rockets have it again. All-KRC and Daily Herald all-area standouts King and Majewski, a pair of dynamic juniors last year, return to lead the way. King notched 21 goals and 15 assists while Majewski led BC with 21 goals and 18 assists. "The leadership from Megan and Jordan really will help us keep focused on our goal," Arneson said. "With them being seniors, I think there's a little more urgency. However, they always handle that very well." One loss was keeper Abbi Ciganek, but Rafferty (68 saves) takes over in goal while Kolhoff, who brought 16 goals and 4 assists as a freshman, will look to help offset the graduation loss of Anna McMahon, who posted a team-high 24 assists as well as 19 goals. Pellikan also dished out 15 goals. Except for McMahon, all of BC's double digit scorers are back including a defense that posted 19 shutouts. There's also hope a big freshman class will contribute as well and a stacked nonconference schedule that includes Naperville Central, Barrington, Geneva, Sycamore and a the Naperville North tournament should do the trick. "The non-cons are going to be difficult but that's what will get us ready," Arneson added.

Cary-Grove

Coach: Ray Krystal (12th year)

Conference: Fox Valley

2017 record: 12-4, lost in sectionals to Huntley

Top returning players: Kelly Stayart (Sr., MF), Maddie Jannusch (Jr., D), Katie Glowinski (Jr., MF), Megan Harbeck (Jr., D).

Top newcomers: Kailyn Sheehan (Jr., MF), Jenna Stayart, (FR., MF).

Outlook: The Trojans graduated a lot of power up front and in the midfield from a 2017 team that notched a regional title. But even with Purdue-bound Teagan Jones going back to club, all-area honorable mention and all-FVC standout Kelly Stayart will be in the midfield for her fourth and final year and C-G seems to always offset losses with an influx of talent and a constant recipe of what it knows best - chemistry. "The team this year truly has a strong sense of family and an ability to work together," said Krystal, who noted his team's hard work, effort and togetherness. "Chemistry is developing within a supportive and positive culture. There is a strong sense of community and pride to represent Cary-Grove."

Crystal Lake South

Coach: Jay Mueller (4th year, 61-19-8)

Conference: Fox Valley

2017 record: 19-2-1, 8-0, lost in sectionals

Top returning players: Lily Bahnfleth, (Sr., D), Raquel Hess, (Sr, D), Sofia Liszka, (Sr, D), Cam Sengstock (Sr., F/MF), Taylor Bittenbender, (Jr., F), Jillian Brokhof, (Jr. MF/F), Abby Wiegand (Jr., MF).

Top newcomers: Marissa Fetters (Sr., GK).

Outlook: Last year's FVC champs only return seven players and four starters from a historical Gators squad that reached sectionals so this year the youth may not have the savvy coach Mueller has been used to seeing. "(It'll) be our biggest challenge this year and the key will be finding a new identity as a team that has had so much consistency the last couple years," said Mueller. Gone are all-area standouts Jenna Ross, Jess Schoenfeldt's 25 goals and 13 assists and potent scorer Courtney Sengstock. Six-foot goalkeeper Annika Sevcik also graduated but all-FVC defender Hess will anchor a defensive group that will be relied upon, as well as Cam Sengstock in the final two-thirds. But new roles and depth will be developed throughout the season. They will have to spread it around and the supporting cast will have to step up. "The key will be consistency from our returning players, especially on D and finding a way to incorporate the new players in roles that they can be successful in," Mueller added. "We've lost about 75 percent of our scoring from a year ago, so we'll need to find a way to build through the midfield and be creative in the attacking third to create chances."

Dundee-Crown

Coach: Sebastian Falinski (11th year, 51-139-12)

Conference: Fox Valley

2017 record: 9-10, 4-4 (lost in regional semis)

Top returning players: Anna Kieltyka (Sr., F), Braylin Mensik (Sr., F), Claire Pape (Sr., MF), Sam Christensen (Sr., F), Diana Santillan (Jr., GK), Kaitlyn Skibinski (So., MF), Rylee Quillen (So., MF).

Top newcomers: Genevieve Rendle (FR., MF), Della Griffin (FR., D/MF).

Outlook: From a 6-11-1 season in 2016 to 9-10 overall 2017, the Chargers saw a 3-game improvement in both overall record and FVC play. Trending up and building on last year's success should bode well for a team that returns a large number from last year. D-C's top four scorers are all back, which includes Christensen (7 goals, 1 assist), Kieltyka (3 goals, 4 assists, all-FVC), Mensik (9 goals, all-FVC, all-sectional) and sophomore midfielder Skibinski, who netted 10 goals, 5 assists to go with all-FVC, all-sectional and Daily Herald all-area honorable mention honors. "We hope to build off that success from last year, and be more of a threat," Falinski said. "I hope the ladies can pick up from last year and be more effective putting the ball in the back of net." Mensik, Pape and Kendall Kieltyka will be taking on new responsibilities on the defensive end but mainstay Santillan is back in goal and brings D-C a presence behind the defense it hasn't had in quite some time. All these elements are giving hope for a big year in Charger Country. "I have high expectations for all my players. There is no doubt we will have to work for and earn every result. But I believe this group of girls are willing to meet my expectations and are ready to get results," Falinski said.

Elgin

Coach: Alicia Knoll (7th year)

Conference: Upstate Eight River

2017 record: 12-8-4

Top returning players: Kylie Graves (Sr., D), Brittany Dazzo (Sr., MF), Makenna Downing (Sr., MF), Guadalupe Sanchez (Jr., MF).

Top newcomers: Morelia Gonzalez (Fr., F), Andrea Escamilla (Fr., MF).

Outlook: Off a regional final loss to CL South last season, the Maroons will look to build on another positive season. Since the end of the 2015 season, Elgin's increased its win total by 2 each year but one obstacle in Elgin's way is adding new players to the mix. "We have a large group of newcomers so communication will be key," said Knoll. "Hayly, Andrea and Morelia will be stepping up into the lost positions to bring more of an offensive aspect to our game this year." While Gonzalez and Escamillia are freshmen new to the varsity game, Graves, an all-area, all-UEC selection last season, is not. She led the Maroons in scoring last season in a defensive role while Dazzo, an all-area standout as well, provided 9 assists and 2 goals. These two are going to be highly depended on all season. "Kylie and Brit have really taking the leadership role and are captains," Knoll said. "They are putting in a lot of extra work and helping their team out a lot with instruction." Gonzalez has looked strong in practice and Elgin's expecting offense to come from her, Sanchez and Downing, who each provided 5 goals last season.

Geneva

Coach: Megan Owens (10th year, 128-60-24)

Conference: Upstate Eight River

2017 record: 21-2-1, lost to St. Charles North in sectional final

Top returning players: Lauren Albrecht (Sr., MF), Jaden Ciesielski (Sr, D), Mackenzie Bennett, (Sr., D), Kelly Konicek (Sr., D), Anneliese Lockner (Sr., D), Liv Tegge (Sr., D), Sydney Gratz (Jr, MF), Stephanie Howe (Jr, F), Jenna Dominguez, (Jr., F), Caitlin Farrell (Jr., F), Katie Montgomery (So, GK).

Top newcomers: Gillian Moncrieff (Sr., MF), Izzy Magpantay (Sr., D), Rachel Lawrence (Jr, D), Amanda Rose (Jr., MF), Katie Niermann (Jr., MF), Katie Cannon Jr., (MF), Anna Spindle (So., MF), Ava Geen (So., F), Annie Brolly (Fr., D), Kelly Anderson (Fr., MF).

Outlook: Look out. Geneva's second-straight Sweet 16 team that posted its second best record in school history with its least number of losses returns mainly intact, still young and ready to roll. The UEC River champs return midfield standouts Gratz and Albrecht (committed to University of Miami), including a lot power up front in Howe and Dominguez. "We hope to pick up where we left off last year and have another successful season," Owens said. "We have a lot of competition for all our starting spots and return our key scorers from last year." Gratz impressed as a sophomore, making her first all-area, UEC and sectional list with 12 goals and 9 assists with extremely good field vision and finding the seams. Dominguez led the Vikings with 19 goals to with 8 assists. Up front and in the midfield Geneva shows strength and it also returns a slew of defenders in Bennett, Konicek, Lockner and Tegge to pair up with all-UEC defender Ciesleski. In back, Montgomery, already committed to Missouri State, takes over in goal for all-area keeper Emma Harkleroad and should provide good protection for the Vikings, who posted 17 shutouts and 9 goals last season. The blend of talent and experience can take Geneva far again. "Our upperclassmen this year are vital - especially our seniors and our keeper," Owens added. "We return 11 players from last year's team that lost in the sectional championship. We also added several new players to the team that I expect to compete for starting spots. The sooner we can gel as a team the better off we will be."

Hampshire

Coach: Colin Brice (2nd year, 4-16-2)

Conference: Fox Valley

2017 record: 4-16-2

Top returning players: Mattea Huerta (Sr., MF), Sydney James (Sr., D/MF), Alyssa Dimaano (Jr., MF), Alana Hatanaka (Jr., MF), Veronica Walker (So., D/MF).

Top newcomers: Lara Dulaca (So., MF), Mikaela Huerta (So., MF), Kylie Brodkorb (Fr., MF).

Outlook: Second-year coach Brice has a lot of optimism for the Whip-Purs and he insists the Whips will be more competitive this season since the core of the team is intact and an influx of newcomers have plenty of soccer experience. Senior mid Huerta earned all-sectional and FVC honors last year and she'll get a boost from Dulaca, who played club last year. Mikaela Huerta and Brodkorb look to bolster a midfield with Dimaano and Hatanaka, who got playing time as sophomores. "With the incoming class we have coming in and the returning players who have been playing a lot during the offseason, we will be a surprise for a lot of teams," Brice said. "The girls soccer in the FVC is extremely competitive and we are finally looking to start to compete with those teams. Our goal for this season is to provide a more competitive side and keep improving along the way."

Huntley

Coach: Matt Lewandowski (1st year)

Conference: Fox Valley

2017 record: 10-8-2, lost in sectional final

Top returning players: Brenna Keegan (Sr., F), Zoe Zuzzio (Sr., D), Alyssa Xanos (Jr., MF), Braidy Ceh (Jr., MF).

Top newcomers: Yetzemany Solis (Jr., D).

Outlook: The Red Raiders have a not-so new face leading the girls program for the first time in 14 years. Lewandowski, a Huntley and Western Illinois alum, steps out of the assistant role he's had the previous 6 years to take over for Kris Grabner, Huntley's first coach who left the girls program last year. Lewandowski, who still assists Grabner on the boys team and was a part of Grabner's first incoming freshman class at Huntley, knows these players well and hopes if anything the youthful Red Raiders can adapt to some change. "We return 16 players this year," Lewandowski said. "We will still be a young team with only three seniors this year but we have the players to replace the big roles lost to graduation." Previous all-area defensive selection Sam Heustis, as well as Tayah Owens and Madison Doty are those whose roles will be replaced, as well as Abbey Brown in goal, but if the Raiders "can adapt to change quickly enough we should fare well in the end," Lewandowski said. "We look to Brenna and Zoe to provide us leadership and cohesiveness. Jenna Franklin will fill into our goalkeeper role and we have a lot of potential. Only time will tell if we can unlock that potential."

Jacobs

Coach: Stephanie Schuck (5th year, 23-46-1)

Conference: Fox Valley

2017 record: 9-7, lost to Cary-Grove in regional final

Top returning players: Maddie Belo (Sr., MF), Caitlin Strong (Sr., MF), Emily Pasetes (Sr., GK), Cassie Kowalski (Jr., MF).

Outlook: The Golden Eagles flipped their overall record from 2016 and the 2-game swing showed in 2017. Jacobs played in its first regional championship since 2012 and Daily Herald all-area selection Belo, as well as Pasetes, garnered two-time all-FVC selections. Belo posted 5 goals and 7 assists despite missing 3 games and Pasetes made a reputation between the pipes. Both are back and so too is Schuck from maternity leave. "The team has a lot of trust in her ability and leadership in the back," Schuck said of Pasetes. "We have strong offensive players with good movement off the ball and I am excited to see what we can put together throughout the season." While Jacobs graduated the majority of its backliners, there seems to be a good foundation back there again this season as the girls owned up on responsibility and show lots of leadership. "They are hardworking and positive girls that are passionate about the game," Schuck added. "They all have leadership qualities that blend so well together. They know when it's time to work hard but also enjoy the experience."

Kaneland

Coach: Scott Parillo (14th year)

Conference: Northern Illinois Big XII East

2017 record: 11-8-2

Top returning players: Gabrielle Faleto (Sr., MF), Abby Taylor (Sr., F), Sophie Ottoson (Sr., MF), Lindsay Penkala (Sr., D/MF), Rachael Lutter (Jr, D/F), Emma Ball (Jr., GK), Abbie Lomahan (Jr., MF/F).

Top newcomers: Mallory Burgin (Sr., MF), Taylor Carlson (FR., MF/F), Sasha Clinnin (Fr., MF), Emma Hedlund (Fr,., D), Rachel Franck (Fr., MF).

Season outlook: One thing for the Knights will be their health going in. A prime example of that was Lutter, who missed all but 3 games due to injury. But the Cincinnati recruit and her soccer IQ are back and playing up top instead of in the back, where the Knights saw key losses of Taylor Zitkus and Kylie Kurz. "Losing Zitkus and Kurz to graduation will leave us a little inexperienced in the back," Parillo said. "But we have the players to fill those spots and they will need to step up. It's their time to shine." Ottoson, Ball and Penkala will seize opportunity while Lutter leads a group that includes Taylor, Lomahan, Carlson and younger players that includes eight freshmen and sophomores. "We are relatively young but it should be a fun season," Parillo added.

Larkin

Coach: Ken Hall (22nd season)

Conference: Upstate Eight River

2017 record: 12-8-2, lost to Jacobs in regionals

Top returning players: Angela Smith (Sr., MF), Osiris Leon (Sr., MF), Ariana King (So., D), Amy Leon (So., S).

Top newcomers: Kelly Leon (Fr., F), Rosemary Arvidsu (Fr., F), Genesis Trujillo (Fr., MF).

Outlook: In 2018, the Royals will have to figure out who will carry the scoring load after all-area selection Stephanie Nunez graduated her all-area leading 28 goals. Larkin's second all-time leading scorer will be missed but coach Hall hopes a mix of 13 freshmen and sophomores can offset the loss. "We have a young team with seven freshmen and six sophomores," Hall said. "We are losing our leading scorer but have great hope in the scoring ability of our freshmen. I feel we have as deep a team as out 2006 team that went to supersectionals. Our main goal now is to win a regional championship." While the freshmen will have a great varsity task ahead of them, seniors Smith and Leon combined for 16 assists and provide experience in the midfield while sophomores Leon and King also played significant time in the back. But longtime keeper Haley Casebeer has also graduated and that's put a premium on the pipes. "We need to get good goaltending from our two new keepers," Hall said. "Both are very athletic but inexperienced."

Rosary

Coach: James Heidorn (first year)

Conference: none (independent)

2017 record: 5-10-4

Top returning players: Sophia Kramer (Sr., D/MF), Ella Havertape (So., MF), Erika Martin (So., MF), Rachel Chason (So., MF).

Top newcomers: Jessica Muckerheid (So., GK), Ryan Uebel (So., F), Megan Cibulskis (Fr., D/MF), Cora Cease (Fr., D).

Outlook: New coach Heidorn is hoping that the Royals can compete strongly while maintaining development and growth that will establish the foundation for the program's continued success. "I would really like to win during the playoffs and find ourselves winning consistently during playoff time," said Heidorn, who also hopes Rosary can stay healthy. Strong senior leaders like Kramer, Rosary's captain, will be depended on to send the Royals into a new direction defensively, where she and Cibulskis are expected to have a good partnership in the back. Sophomores Martin and Havertape, who saw time in the midfield and combined for 3 assists, can learn from their freshman experience and break out with hopes that newcomers Cease, Muckerheid and Uebel can contribute right away in other vital roles. "Our team will be strong in the defense and will be a tough defense to break down," Heidorn said. "The midfield will be the catalyst to our attack going forward, combined with quality in possession. Our forwards will be hungry for goals this season and will be trying to score more than 7 goals like last season. There is lots of potential and excitement around the program."

South Elgin

Coach: Laura Szwaja (2nd year, 6-13-2)

Conference: Upstate Eight Valley

2017 record: 6-13-2 (lost to CL South in regionals)

Top returning players: Corinne Figueiredo (Sr., GK), Camille Defensor (Sr., D), Fatima Bustamante (Sr., D/MF), Bridget Bondi (Jr.), Ashley Kopczyk (Jr., GK), Sarah Boghossian (Jr., D), Nicole Peeters (So., MF/F), Taylor Latsonas (So., D)

Top newcomers: Abigail Roy (Fr., MF).

Outlook: After the loss of 9 seniors and 7 starters, the Storm are looking at the opportunity to reshape the program and create a new tradition at South Elgin. "The hope is that the fresh approach can help us generate more offense this year," Szwaja said. "It's something our team struggled with last season. We have talked about taking this season one game at a time." Szwaja believes the team grew at the end of last season, but the harsh reality of it is that the Storm have 13 new names on the roster. Two who are not are Figueiredo, a senior keeper who had a broken hand last year, while Bustamante was plagued by past knee injuries and team has been feeding off the strength she's had. "I already feel like our preseason is starting off with more ambition than I saw last year," Szwaja said. "I have eager freshmen that desperately want to taste varsity competition, and ironically them fighting for a starting spot has brought the upperclassmen's pace up. I am confident in their work ethic and desire, and while we are young, I myself am eager to see what statement they will make."

St. Charles East

Coach: Vince DiNuzzo (1st year)

Conference: Upstate Eight River

2017 record: 10-6-1, lost to Geneva in sectionals

Top returning players: Chantel Carranza (Sr., MF), Rose Stackhouse (Sr., F), Madison Cady (Sr., MF), Hayley Popiel (Sr., D), Kayla Villa (Jr., MF), Alondra Carranza (So., D).

Top newcomers: Alessia D'Argento (Sr., D), Hannah Miller (Fr., D).

Season outlook: After a season with the boys program, DiNuzzo, who coached at Bartlett last year, turns his attention to the SCE girls program that has won 4 straight regional titles but no state appearance since 2014. And that's a point of focus. "If we stay healthy we're going to be dangerous," DiNuzzo said. "I know the team East put on the field last year and this team - they have some talent. I know they weren't happy with a few results, one being the Bartlett game, but I think they want to get back to those '90s glory days." One who can help is Carranza, a 2-time all-area selection who was plagued by injury last year. She still posted 15 goals and 7 assists in a limited role and looks eager to get going. "She's in the best shape since her freshman year," DiNuzzo said. "She ran like a 6:05 mile, she looks determined and my assistant said he's never seen her this determined. She has that burst back." Offensively, Stackhouse also brings back her true, hard-nosed nature and 9 goals from last year while Villa and Cady should help solidify the midfield. Traditionally East is stacked in the back and that's no different this year. D'Argento returns after taking a year off while Miller, freshman Megan Stout and sophomore Alondra Carranza provide the back a flare of youth next to vets Popiel and D'Orio, where there's confidence in keeper Grace Griffin. It's a deep roster that makes DiNuzzo's job a little easier. "I'm impressed with the depth and I'm impressed with the program's depth in general at all levels," DiNuzzo added. "It's a different dynamic and this girls group is fun. They work hard, they're committed and they're putting in the time and effort. It's going to be a fun year."

St. Charles North

Coach: Brian Harks (3rd year, 39-5-4)

Conference: Upstate Eight River

2017 record: 19-1-3

Top returning players: Gia Wahlberg (Sr., F), Hailey Rydberg (Sr., MF), Cassidy Joyce (Sr., MF), Dmi Petrusha (Sr., D), Bella Falco (Sr., F), Claudia Najera (Jr., F), CC Wahlberg (Jr., MF).

Outlook: While the North Stars have specific expectations to uphold program traditions, there might be nothing scarier for area teams than to come across a motivated Rydberg and Wahlberg, as well as Najera, players who were denied a trip to state by New Trier, again. "Sure, it was a little heartbreaking to lose in the supersectionals 2 years in a row to the same team, but these players stayed positive, learned from our mistakes, and regrouped for this season," Harks said. "I believe that sometimes we can grow more through our failures than our successes. While the end to last year's season hurt, it only motivates us to become better this year than we were the year before." The Iowa-bound Rydberg earned Daily Herald Fox Valley captain honors with 16 goals and 12 assists last season while Wahlberg, who heads to Michigan State, brings back 18 goals and 13 assists. Both come in with unfinished business. "They are very focused this season and ready to get started," Harks said of his two Big Ten players. "Over the past three seasons, the girls have earned the respect of their teammates through their hard work, skill, and competitive nature on the field. They continue to lead by example, however, they have also found a voice this year as well. I am excited to see how it all unfolds this year." Everywhere you look, from Petrusha (Vermont) leading the North Stars' defense, Joyce (Mankato) CC Wahlberg (Indiana State) in the midfield and Falco (UW-Whitewater) up top, there's weapons everywhere. "From top to bottom, each member of our team plays an important role to our success," Harks added. "That buy-in is a key to our success."

St. Edward

Coach: Tim Brieger (24th year, 268-200-46)

Conference: Metro Suburban East

2017 record: 8-12-2 lost to Richmond-Burton in regional final

Top returning players: Taylor Gredzieleski (Sr., D), Madison Knott (Sr., MF/F), Marial Franco (Sr., GK), Mackenzie Wilson (Sr., D), Yssa Sto. Domingo (Sr., MF), Madalynn Duffy (Jr. MF), Rachel Hicks (Jr., D), Katie Ellsworth (Jr., MF), Maddie Ellsworth (So., D), Rachel Martini (So., F).

Top newcomers: Mia Castro (Fr., MF).

Outlook: After a 5-year stretch where the Green Wave won 5 regionals, 4 sectionals, 2 supersectionals, a fourth place showing at state in 2011 and third place in 2014, the program has turned in two-straight sub-500 seasons with no regionals to show. So what's the goal on Elm Street according to the dean of Fox Valley coaches? "The goal is to be above .500 this year," Brieger said. "We see it as a realistic goal and how the seniors want to go out." Brieger also notes the senior class made the sectional championship against Richmond-Burton as freshmen and it was a game where they "kind of fell apart and they remember that." Motivated to win and with a good mix of new faces and returners, the Wave go from inexperienced in 2017 to older and tested. Injuries played a part last year, but this season a healthy Gredzieleski leads a group in the back that saw some gel between Hicks, Wilson and Ellsworth late last year. Knott up front, who had 12 goals and 5 assists, looks again to be a scoring force. At times Knott had to play center mid but the freshman Castro is expected to help solidify the midfield led by all-MSc, all-sectional junior Duffy. One player to watch is Martini, who suffered an ACL injury in the Wave's fifth game last year. She could add firepower to the Wave's offense. But a key is staying healthy, and injuries last year did move the Wave around in different spots that will benefit them this year from a flexibility and experience standpoint. "It was a hard pill to swallow knowing we were missing so many girls," Brieger said. "It helps to have so many of the girls basketball team on our squad with their recent success. Last year, every time we recovered from one injury, we got another, we never seemed to get our feet under us."

Streamwood

Coach: Kristin Duffy (3rd year)

Conference: Upstate Eight River

2017 record: 5-11-0

Top returning players: Kaila Ford (Sr., F), Michaela Gundersen (Sr., MF), Melanie Ramirez (Jr., MF), Esmeralda Navarro (Sr., D).

Top newcomers: Alex Bonilla (Sr., MF), Candy Nava (FR., GK).

Outlook: Though young and developing, the Sabres go forward in 2018 looking to bring in a new mix to go along with Ford and Ramirez, who bring back a combined 14 goals and 4 assists. Ford scored 9 goals in 2017 and brings senior leadership along with Gundersen, a defensive veteran the last 3 years, and 4-year defender Navarro. Also back is Bonilla, who played varsity in her freshman and sophomore season. But the Sabres are young. "We had a lot of talented seniors who graduated last year," Duffy said of goalkeeper Yasmine Resendiz, talented mid Alondra Blanco and forward Shonali Pierce. "But I am excited to see what this season brings because we have a lot of younger girls who are moving up to varsity. I am confident with the talent that we have on our team that we will have a successful year."

West Aurora

Coach: Laura Wagley (10th season, 80-88-40)

Conference: Upstate Eight Valley

2017 record: 18-4-2 (lost to Naperville North in sectionals)

Top returning players: Riley O'Brien (Sr., F), Sofia Papoutsis (Sr., D), Audrey Stephens (So., F).

Top newcomers: Lexi Juarez (Jr., MF).

Outlook: While the Blackhawks had themselves quite a 2017 winning their PepsiCo bracket, their first regional and sporting the most wins in program history, West Aurora will be young in 2018. Only 3 seniors return, but of them include the Illinois State-bound O'Brien, a 2017 all-area selection who sported 12 goals and an area-leading 22 assists. Another senior is Papoutsis, a defensive leader out of the back who dished out 5 assists. But there is plenty of pop from 4 returning starters, including sophomore Stephens who displayed 15 goals and 4 assists as a freshman last year. "As a young and growing team, we look to continue the positive steps taken last year when we were led by a large and strong senior class," Wagley said. "Our biggest strength will be our offense and our goal is to win conference and win another regional. Kiara and Olivia McPherson will definitely come up huge for us this season. They had a very dominating freshman year and are only getting better."

Westminster Christian

Coach: Dave Siers (1st year)

Conference: Northeastern Athletic

2017 record: 10-6-1, lost to Johnsburg in regional final

Top returning players: Johannah Siers (Sr., MF), Keely Frens (Jr., MF), Hailey Kim, (Jr., F).

Top newcomers: Anna DeHann, (So., F), Kylee Siers (So., MF), Madison Bayer (So., D),

Outlook: Dave Siers takes over for Erik Schwartz, who notched another 10-win season for the Warriors. Siers, an All-American at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside who was drafted eighth overall by the Milwaukee Rampage in 1997, inherits a team that was without Frens last season. Frens missed her sophomore year due to injury. She should help bolster a midfield with Johannah Siers. "I am excited to have Frens back," Dave Siers said. "She brings a great game understanding and calm demeanor to our central midfield, plus a versatility to be used in a variety of position as the team needs." Westminster hopes it can build off last year's regional final appearance with its strength up the middle. But goalkeeping and defense seem to have a greater focus. Siers is especially excited about a strong sophomore class, as Katrina Grasemann will fill in at keeper and Bayer will provide coverage at the central defensive position. Kylee Siers has the craftiness, control and vision that'll benefit the wings in the number 10 role whereas DeHaan has strength, power and finishing ability as the Warriors' striker. "The challenges to overcome will be solidifying the goalkeeper position and stabilizing our defense," Siers said. "We have already been bitten by the injury bug this preseason with three starters sidelined. Hopefully we can get everyone healthy for a late season run."

Elgin Academy, Harvest Christian and Bartlett did not provide information for this preview.