Moreno comes to Barrington's defense
By Mike Garofola
Barrington has been a master of defensive futbol. The recent three-run run saw Ryan Stengren's club win back-to-back state titles in 2017 and 2018 and nearly add a third straight if not for its heartbreaking loss in kicks last spring to Naperville North.
Whether its through physicality, reading of the game, pace, air, tactical awareness, technical skill or all of the above, the Fillies back-four were simply a nightmare to come up against.
The statistics prove this point.
There were 14 goals conceded, 16 clean-sheets in 2017. Last season the numbers were even better: 11 conceded, 17 clean-sheets.
In 2019 three of the four defenders (Christine Batliner, Juliana Moreno and Madi Rosen) were Chicagoland Soccer All-State selections, and junior Kate McGreevy held a spot on the All-State Watch List.
Batliner and Rosen, easily the best outside-back combination last year, are now in college. Rosen plays at Loyola Chicago; Batliner plays club soccer at Marquette.
Moreno and McGreevy are back to form a top-flight central-defending partnership in front of keeper, Leah Eisenbarth, who came into the first 11 midway through the year and shined between the sticks for the MSL champions.
"Moreno and (midfielder) Tina Teik are the only four-year varsity players remaining on my roster," Stengren said. Juliana, she has gotten better and better with each season and in my opinion just might be the best center-back in the state.
"She was looking already in midseason form before the season was put on hold, but there's so much else about (Juliana), who is a terrific young lady on and off the field, and one who has been a real joy to get to know."
"Being a part of the Barrington soccer program for me has been amazing, but to have someone like (Stengren) to play for is something I'll always appreciate," said Moreno whose PK conversion between those from Ellie McAuley and Teik insured victory against New Trier in the 2017 3A state championship match.
"With coach Stengren, it's person then player, and he treats all of us the same and always looks out for each and everyone of us," continued Moreno.
"He's been a person that I've gone to with some personal struggles I was dealing with, and I consider him to be like a second parent to me, which I'll never forget."
When the referee's whistle begins play, Moreno is an athletic, bruising defender, who is almost always perfectly positioned and ready to deliver crisp and sharply timed tackles when needed.
The three-year starter can target teammates with accurate service or join the attack with pace and purpose to give the Fillies yet another option going forward.
"McGreevy and I reallty trusted each other, as well as Madi and Batty (Batliner) who were unbelievable players on the outside," Moreno said. "Because we were so comfortable (together), it allowed both of us to do so much more than most center backs."
Moreno has thrown a wide net around a handful of potential landing spots next fall: Loyola; Santa Clara; and Boston University.
"I guess I am all over the place with college," laughed Moreno. "(They) would all be good choices in the end."
She got a tour of Loyola from Rosen and has applied to its Honors Program. Wherever the affable Fillies star ends up, she will likely pursue a degree in either psychology, neuroscience or both with the end result in research of some capacity.
Moreno, who began her club soccer career at age eight at FCX, as have many of her former and current teammates, feels setting a good example for those younger than her is important. Thus her staunch support of the Snowflake Program at the high school.
"In December we go into all of the Barrington middle schools, and talk to the kids about staying away from alcohol and drugs, making healthy (everyday) choices and relationships, and just trying to set a good example for kids of that age," says Moreno.
"It's important to take a leadership role in this event. It means a lot to me, and hopefully all of us involved are making a strong and positive impression on those kids."
The chemistry, and longtime friendships built with her teammates has kept all of them close during COVID-19, and the hope for Moreno is the season can still be salvaged in the coming weeks.
"There's a lot of pride in our program," Moreno said. "So we've all been working hard to stay ready while keeping things positive if and when we get out there and play again."
By Mike Garofola
Barrington has been a master of defensive futbol. The recent three-run run saw Ryan Stengren's club win back-to-back state titles in 2017 and 2018 and nearly add a third straight if not for its heartbreaking loss in kicks last spring to Naperville North.
Whether its through physicality, reading of the game, pace, air, tactical awareness, technical skill or all of the above, the Fillies back-four were simply a nightmare to come up against.
The statistics prove this point.
There were 14 goals conceded, 16 clean-sheets in 2017. Last season the numbers were even better: 11 conceded, 17 clean-sheets.
In 2019 three of the four defenders (Christine Batliner, Juliana Moreno and Madi Rosen) were Chicagoland Soccer All-State selections, and junior Kate McGreevy held a spot on the All-State Watch List.
Batliner and Rosen, easily the best outside-back combination last year, are now in college. Rosen plays at Loyola Chicago; Batliner plays club soccer at Marquette.
Moreno and McGreevy are back to form a top-flight central-defending partnership in front of keeper, Leah Eisenbarth, who came into the first 11 midway through the year and shined between the sticks for the MSL champions.
"Moreno and (midfielder) Tina Teik are the only four-year varsity players remaining on my roster," Stengren said. Juliana, she has gotten better and better with each season and in my opinion just might be the best center-back in the state.
"She was looking already in midseason form before the season was put on hold, but there's so much else about (Juliana), who is a terrific young lady on and off the field, and one who has been a real joy to get to know."
"Being a part of the Barrington soccer program for me has been amazing, but to have someone like (Stengren) to play for is something I'll always appreciate," said Moreno whose PK conversion between those from Ellie McAuley and Teik insured victory against New Trier in the 2017 3A state championship match.
"With coach Stengren, it's person then player, and he treats all of us the same and always looks out for each and everyone of us," continued Moreno.
"He's been a person that I've gone to with some personal struggles I was dealing with, and I consider him to be like a second parent to me, which I'll never forget."
When the referee's whistle begins play, Moreno is an athletic, bruising defender, who is almost always perfectly positioned and ready to deliver crisp and sharply timed tackles when needed.
The three-year starter can target teammates with accurate service or join the attack with pace and purpose to give the Fillies yet another option going forward.
"McGreevy and I reallty trusted each other, as well as Madi and Batty (Batliner) who were unbelievable players on the outside," Moreno said. "Because we were so comfortable (together), it allowed both of us to do so much more than most center backs."
Moreno has thrown a wide net around a handful of potential landing spots next fall: Loyola; Santa Clara; and Boston University.
"I guess I am all over the place with college," laughed Moreno. "(They) would all be good choices in the end."
She got a tour of Loyola from Rosen and has applied to its Honors Program. Wherever the affable Fillies star ends up, she will likely pursue a degree in either psychology, neuroscience or both with the end result in research of some capacity.
Moreno, who began her club soccer career at age eight at FCX, as have many of her former and current teammates, feels setting a good example for those younger than her is important. Thus her staunch support of the Snowflake Program at the high school.
"In December we go into all of the Barrington middle schools, and talk to the kids about staying away from alcohol and drugs, making healthy (everyday) choices and relationships, and just trying to set a good example for kids of that age," says Moreno.
"It's important to take a leadership role in this event. It means a lot to me, and hopefully all of us involved are making a strong and positive impression on those kids."
The chemistry, and longtime friendships built with her teammates has kept all of them close during COVID-19, and the hope for Moreno is the season can still be salvaged in the coming weeks.
"There's a lot of pride in our program," Moreno said. "So we've all been working hard to stay ready while keeping things positive if and when we get out there and play again."