Surging Naperville North, sputtering
Fremd have similar goals in mind
By Derek Wolff
Two teams heading in opposite directions will both look for the same result on Thursday as the Best of the West Tournament presses on.
Naperville North (3-1-0) will battle Fremd (1-3-0) at 5 p.m. at Naperville North in a match that pits longtime friends and head coaches Jim Konrad and Steve Keller against each other.
Despite the fact that Keller’s side has lost three in a row, Konrad said his squad is in for a test.
“This won't be a game that we can win by being the better-organized team, because Fremd will be every bit as organized as we are,” Konrad said. “I think that the two programs are similar in terms of past successes and commitment to being the hardest-working team on the field. I am looking forward to seeing how my boys respond to playing a game every other day the first two weeks of the season against excellent competition.”
Keller echoed his counterpart’s sentiments and said he was able to view some of Naperville North’s 1-0 victory on Tuesday over Neuqua Valley.
“Neuqua created some opportunities, but North was able to counter and sustain some attack against the pressure Neuqua was putting on them,” Keller said. “North will be physical and hard working. We have our work cut out for us.”
The Vikings have been held goalless in their last three matches, all losses. Keller said the issues have been in the offensive end of the pitch. He hopes they can change it around against the Huskies, who have only allowed two goals in their first four games.
“We need to be a bit more composed in the final third,” Keller said. “The good news is we have created opportunities, but lack the final touch. When we get into the final third, we seem to be rushing or out of control. Hopefully when we get a goal the players will settle down a bit and find some success.”
Naperville North also hasn’t allowed a goal in their three victories this season. The Huskies lone loss came against Morton 2-1 on Saturday.
When asked to determine what has helped the Huskies get off to a good start, Konrad spread the praise around.
“Our early success has come from a couple places. The boys understand that they have to play as a unit to have success this year,” Konrad said. “That understanding coupled with some excellent senior leaders has provided an excellent team spirit that seems to be helping. We also have been very good so far on restarts scoring four of our six goals off of dead balls.”
The Huskies are captained by Brandon Hipp, Christian Robert, Wesley Wong and Chris Ensign. Their counterparts at Fremd are Tomas Peleckas, Ben Borst and Zach Schoffstall.
When: 5 p.m. Thursday
Where: Naperville North (899 Mill Street, Naperville)
Fremd have similar goals in mind
By Derek Wolff
Two teams heading in opposite directions will both look for the same result on Thursday as the Best of the West Tournament presses on.
Naperville North (3-1-0) will battle Fremd (1-3-0) at 5 p.m. at Naperville North in a match that pits longtime friends and head coaches Jim Konrad and Steve Keller against each other.
Despite the fact that Keller’s side has lost three in a row, Konrad said his squad is in for a test.
“This won't be a game that we can win by being the better-organized team, because Fremd will be every bit as organized as we are,” Konrad said. “I think that the two programs are similar in terms of past successes and commitment to being the hardest-working team on the field. I am looking forward to seeing how my boys respond to playing a game every other day the first two weeks of the season against excellent competition.”
Keller echoed his counterpart’s sentiments and said he was able to view some of Naperville North’s 1-0 victory on Tuesday over Neuqua Valley.
“Neuqua created some opportunities, but North was able to counter and sustain some attack against the pressure Neuqua was putting on them,” Keller said. “North will be physical and hard working. We have our work cut out for us.”
The Vikings have been held goalless in their last three matches, all losses. Keller said the issues have been in the offensive end of the pitch. He hopes they can change it around against the Huskies, who have only allowed two goals in their first four games.
“We need to be a bit more composed in the final third,” Keller said. “The good news is we have created opportunities, but lack the final touch. When we get into the final third, we seem to be rushing or out of control. Hopefully when we get a goal the players will settle down a bit and find some success.”
Naperville North also hasn’t allowed a goal in their three victories this season. The Huskies lone loss came against Morton 2-1 on Saturday.
When asked to determine what has helped the Huskies get off to a good start, Konrad spread the praise around.
“Our early success has come from a couple places. The boys understand that they have to play as a unit to have success this year,” Konrad said. “That understanding coupled with some excellent senior leaders has provided an excellent team spirit that seems to be helping. We also have been very good so far on restarts scoring four of our six goals off of dead balls.”
The Huskies are captained by Brandon Hipp, Christian Robert, Wesley Wong and Chris Ensign. Their counterparts at Fremd are Tomas Peleckas, Ben Borst and Zach Schoffstall.
When: 5 p.m. Thursday
Where: Naperville North (899 Mill Street, Naperville)