Spring Preview: Illinois Teams to Watch (Part 1)
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The Illinois high school girls soccer season kicks off in less than two weeks. Three St. Louis-area schools, Triad, Althoff Catholic, and Marquette, will all look to defend state titles. But other programs around the state have what it takes…
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Continue ReadingThe Illinois high school girls soccer season kicks off in less than two weeks. Three St. Louis-area schools, Triad, Althoff Catholic, and Marquette, will all look to defend state titles. But other programs around the state have what it takes to make deep runs this season. Here’s a first look at some programs to watch this season:
O’Fallon
Nowhere better to start than the defending 3A champions. Only three seniors graduated from O’Fallon’s squad last season. The defending 3A champions knocked off Libertyville and Lyons in the state series last June and are early favorites to repeat this spring. Numerous Division I commits headline the roster in Avery Christopher Avery Christopher F O'Fallon | 2022 IL (Western Kentucky), Mackenzie James Mackenzie James D O'Fallon | 2022 IL (Western Michigan), Anna Chor Anna Chor F MO (UTEP), and junior Kiley McMinn Kiley McMinn null | M O'Fallon (Ill.) | 2023 MO (Marquette). O’Fallon will face the 1A champ Althoff Catholic in an early-season contest on March 16 and again on March 31.
Naperville Central
Coach Ed Watson enters his 30th season at the Redhawks helm. The 2022 squad showed plenty of promise in 2021 with a large group returning. Lots of players plan to play DI or high DIII soccer. Naperville Central might have the best defense in Illinois led by Sophia Skoubis Sophia Skoubis D IL (Missouri), Sarah McCracken Sarah McCracken M IL (North Dakota), Ella Burke, Sam Sharp, and goalkeeper Abby O’Connor. Two leading scorers also return in Valparaiso commit Molly O’Rear (18 goals, 6 assists) and junior Megan Norkett Megan Norkett M Naperville Central (IL) | 2023 #149 Nation IL (10 goals, 17 assists), who verbally committed to Northwestern. The home game with Naperville North on April 18 will be a good one to watch.
Barrington
One of the biggest state powerhouses in recent years finished fourth in Class 3A in 2021. Junior midfielder Brooke Brown Brooke Brown M Barrington (IL) | 2023 IL is one of the state’s best playmakers. She dished 13 assists as a sophomore. Kate Lubinsky (3 goals, 5 assists), Riley Raynor (12 goals, 8 assists), and Nicole Gwiasda (5 goals, 3 assists) will contribute to another potential deep run. Junior Ellie Sanchez also flashed lots of potential. Look out for freshman forward Piper Lucier Piper Lucier null | F Barrington | 2025 State #167 Nation IL and sophomore forward Kaitlyn Taylor. A showdown with Naperville North will headline the opening day.
Althoff Catholic
Althoff Catholic is arguably the best small-school program in Illinois. The defending 1A state champs have plenty of firepower returning. Regan Moody was one of the biggest stars of the state series last spring after scoring four goals in the first half of the championship game. Seniors Kylie Petroski and Leah Crotty also add a lot of experience. Junior Emma Tell will lead a solid back line. Expect some younger players to also take part. Althoff Catholic will play 3A champs O’Fallon on March 19 and 2A champs Triad on April 16.
Warren
Won a regional title in a deep sectional last season. Five Division I commits headline the roster. F Ella Skelton Ella Skelton F Warren Township | 2022 IL (Loyola Chi.) scored 21 goals and dished 11 assists as a junior. Samantha Pullins Samantha Pullins M Warren Township | 2022 IL (Purdue) and Kylie Mahoney (E. Illinois) will lead the midfield. Athena McGinn Athena McGinn D Warren Township | 2022 IL (North Dakota) can play anywhere on defense. Goalkeeper Patricia Georgiou (UIC) is poised for a stellar senior campaign. Should be one of the favorites in another deep 3A sectional in the north suburbs.
Deerfield
Deerfield will be looking to capture a 2A sectional after coming up short against St. Viator last season. Besides the goalkeeper, no regular starters are gone. Four-year starter Riley Schimanski scored 20 goals last season while senior Holly Deutsch had 23 assists. Sophomore Emily Fox shows plenty of promise after scoring 17 goals her freshman year. All-conference defenders Ally Linn and Katie Morgan will round out a solid Warrior group. Three freshmen will play varsity and look out for sophomore Lauren Gottlieb in goal. New Trier, St. Ignatius, Payton, Fenwick, Whitney Young, and Warren are all on the schedule this season.
Metea Valley
Metea Valley won a regional championship in the loaded west suburban sectionals. A very strong junior core returns. Kaylee Bannack is a very skilled winger with excellent touch and speed. Junior forwards Tyra King Tyra King F IL and Jordan Lange brings quickness, speed, and athleticism up top. Senior GK Julia Straub provides leadership and experience on defense with all-conference defender Addison Wargo. The school’s lower-level programs were excellent last season and new players from those teams should contribute at the varsity level this spring.