Carmel continues ESCC surge
with shutout at Marist
Corsairs prevail 2-0 on the road
By Dave Owen
CHICAGO -- Carmel is beginning to turn early April pain into late-season gain.
While still stung by the loss of elite midfielder Abby Potter to a torn ACL three weeks ago, the Corsairs (5-4-1, 3-0-0 in the ESCC) continued their recent surge Saturday with a 2-0 win at Marist (5-10-0, 0-3-0).
The victory ran Carmel’s winning streak to three, and marked the fourth shutout of the year for an experienced and effective defense.
“I feel like our communication has been really good lately,” said Carmel goalkeeper Sophia Sarkis. “We’ve been able to hold the line and draw teams offsides a couple of times, and we were really solid (against Marist) about keeping the through-balls out so that nothing could roll through on the turf. We were really solid keeping our line together the whole time.”
Sarkis made five saves en route to earning Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match accolades, an honor which could be equally distributed among the Carmel defensive line of Haley Miller, Ally Cepon, Ciara Thomas and Grace Nolan.
“Our defense played well today -- they just locked it down,” Carmel coach Ray Krawzak said. “We didn’t make too many mistakes – maybe the first 10 minutes we were letting the ball get through our backline a few times, but once we figured out their game plan, from then on there was nothing that dangerous.
“Sophia and our center backs Haley (Miller) and Ally (Cepon) did a nice job organizing. Sophia had five saves and didn’t have to be too involved, but her organization was key to our success I would say.”
Experience is a big part of the Carmel defense – Miller started at defender on the Corsairs’ 2015 Class 2A state championship squad, Cepon and Nolan were top reserves, and Sarkis started two games in goal as a freshman that spring.
“On the corner kicks we’re doing a really good job of clearing the ball,” Sarkis said, “and communication is a key thing this year, especially with Haley in front of me. I think it’s going really well.
“I’ve been up since I was a freshman and was kind of part of the state team,” Sarkis added. “I’d always been behind (2015 and 2016 goalkeeper) Tina (O’Block), but this year I’ve had to step up into a bigger role.
“I feel I’m able to work well with the defense, and we’re getting the job done most of the time. I’m really happy and excited about the rest of this year.”
The chance for late season excitement seemed unlikely after the devastating injury to Potter in early April. But a senior has stepped up to help fill the huge void at midfield.
“Shanon Murphy at center mid ... lately she’s just been controlling things,” Krawzak said. “Everybody is really confident with Shanon playing that position.
“One of our best players Abby Potter tore her ACL, and that’s made Shanon step up into that role. We’re very pleased with Shanon’s play.”
At the offensive end Saturday, respective goals off a fortunate officials’ ruling and a fantastic pass and finish produced the win.
The first strike came in the 10th minute on a play at the edge of the box. Officials ruled Skyler Thomas was fouled inside the penalty area. Angie Salvi (another holdover starter from 2015) punched home the ensuing penalty kick to put Carmel up 1-0, and seized Marist’s early momentum.
“Within three minutes there’s a great chance for us, and then the PK was ‘Aww, you’re killing me,’” Marist coach Chris Roe said.
While getting the benefit of that call, Krawzak also noted his team’s strong offensive play all day.
“It was just inside the box, the kind of call you don’t always expect to get,” Krawzak said. “But it happened. And we would have scored another way – we did well today.
“Our forwards did a nice job stretching the field, getting the ball, holding it and making them play defense. We played our game, did it well and got the job done.”
RedHawks standout sophomore defender Anne Callaghan noted both the deflating effect of the PK call, and its controversy.
“When they scored their first goal it’s kind of demoralizing, thinking that we have to get it back,” Callaghan said. “It wasn’t a foul, and they called a foul. But it’s like ‘What are you supposed to do after that?’
“You just have to learn how to get it back and keep going. The call can’t be overturned or anything, so ... ”
If the origins of that first goal were murky, Carmel’s second finish was straight out of a textbook.
With 3:38 left in the first half, junior Gianna Sarallo threaded a great pass up the left side to sophomore Thomas for a breakaway chance on Marist goalkeeper Cassandra Eraci. Thomas dribbled around a charging Eraci and tucked a low 12-yard drive inside the right post for a 2-0 Corsairs lead.
“The goal Gianna set up was all just a really good pass,” Krawzak said, “then Skyler working around her (Eraci) – it was a great goal.”
Sarallo’s offensive skills were evident on a pinpoint send, which turned an unlikely threat into a breakaway finish.
“Last year was my first year on varsity, and I was kind of timid being an underclassman (sophomore) on the team,” Sarallo said. “But this year I think I have a lot more confidence and know the girls better. It’s nice being out there.”
Three wins in a row (including a 5-2 win over defending ESCC champion Benet) is the sign of the surging confidence and camaraderie among all the Corsairs.
“I think we’ve had really good attitudes recently and have been really building each other up,” Sarallo said. “We’ve been working as a team and connecting passes, and everything kind of worked out there today.”
After Sarkis made the save on a high 22-yard shot by Marist’s Cara Donegan 3:05 before the half, the Sarallo-to-Thomas connection nearly struck again. Thomas’ shot was deflected wide, and the ensuing Thomas corner kick with 35 seconds left was caught by Eraci.
Success in the classroom for one Marist defender forced some adjustments for the Carmel match.
“Michelle Lenz was out today at the (IHSA) journalism sectional,” Roe said. “We’re rooting for her, but we definitely missed her.
“She plays 80 (minutes) defensively. We had a couple ideas offensively, but we couldn’t move on them today with her and a couple of other people out.”
But down 2-0 at halftime, Marist regrouped with a strong showing after the break.
“The second half we just got back to how we have to play,” Callaghan said. “We forgot about the first half, and realized we have to score and bring up the team. We just talked more (defensively) and made sure no one got through and no one let their man go.”
Marist’s stiff defense included Sheila O’Keeffe’s block of a 30-yard shot by Riley Harmon five minutes into the second half. The RedHawks then had the first quality chance of the half.
After Serenity Rosa’s shot was deflected for a corner kick, Callaghan’s ensuing set piece send with 33:35 left led to Sarkis’ save on a Jillian Zwierz 26-yard shot.
While Marist put on added second half heat, the Carmel defense limited chances inside the box.
Sarkis stopped a 25-yard Cara Donegan try with 22:20 left, and Emma Brennan’s 1-on-1 drive against Cepon with 17:55 to go resulted in a Sarkis one-hop save on another 25-yard shot.
Carmel’s offense threatened with 18:25 to play. Off a Kathleen Graham corner kick, Murphy’s 20-yard shot was stopped by Eraci. A Jennifer Cutro low 20-yarder with six minutes left was also grabbed by a kneeling Eraci, and Graham’s redirect of a Cutro cross was later also stopped by the Marist keeper.
At the defensive end, Carmel remained a brick wall. Olivia Salvi blocked and cleared a 30-yard chance off a throw-in with 8:05 left, and Madelyn Cusack nicely intercepted a right side send at 5:10.
An offsides call quieted Marist’s biggest threat with 2:05 left. A Serenity Rosa steal and drive set up a corner kick. Then on Callaghan’s ensuing corner towards the top of the box, Donegan’s send to Brennan racing to the open far post was ruled offside.
“Emma Brennan and Cara Donegan are starting to pick it up a notch,” Roe said. “Cara’s our center mid, and we had Emma in the middle a little bit today. They seem to be connecting a little bit more, and I think that’s opening up more possibilities for us offensively.
“They’re senior captains, and it’s that time of year for them to start to take control and take it to the next level.”
Breaking through against Carmel proved too big a challenge. With 55 seconds to go, the shutout was sealed with a Riley Harmon block of a Callaghan try, which led to a Sarallo chance at the other end as time ticked away.
Emerging from a sub-.500 record against rugged nonconference play, Carmel is hitting its stride with ESCC matches underway.
“We have a big name going for us (from the 2015 state title), so we have a lot to live up to,” Sarallo said. “We have to prove ourselves every time.
“These are great teammates that we have – everyone is so nice. We’ve been doing really well the last few games, so it’s really exciting. We didn’t start off quite as well as we wanted to, but we’re turning things around.”
Team chemistry has helped fuel the mid-April rise.
“The biggest thing is probably our attitudes,” Sarallo said. “We really weren’t communicating well early, and we were kind of getting down on each other when we messed up. We’re a Catholic school so we do chapel and things that kind of help us with team bonding. Now we’re all happy and playing well.”
While the win-loss column doesn’t show it, Marist is also feeling a rise in confidence.
“From our record our season doesn’t look like it’s gone that well,” said Callaghan, whose excellent play this season includes a goal from near the midfield stripe. “But since most of our girls are younger, this is definitely going to help for next year.
“And this still being the regular season, I think we’ll be ready for the playoffs this year and be able to make a good enough run for ourselves.”
Roe is also seeing more and more positive signs.
“I was frustrated in the middle of the year,” he said, “but there’s a more positive attitude going on now. The girls seem to be coming together better.
“We came out (in the second half Saturday), made some adjustments but not too many. They just realized they can play with these teams. I think that’s the attitude right now that they’re starting to realize.
“Wins are obviously not there,” Roe added, “but we’re gaining confidence and competing way better than we were at the beginning of the year. They’re starting to communicate better. We call it baby steps, and we’re just trying to make progress every day.”
Roe is even keeping a sense of humor about the long road trips that go with ESCC membership.
“We’re back at it at Marian Central on Monday – the flight leaves at 1,” he joked.
Coming from the far north suburbs to Chicago’s south side Saturday morning, Carmel was unfazed by the journey.
“I think we’re kind of used to it,” Sarkis said, “because we had to go to Joliet Catholic a few weeks ago and had to leave a lot earlier than usual.
“I think knowing it’s conference and knowing what’s at stake, these long rides almost get us more mentally prepared.
“Walking out of a game with a shutout is so exciting,” Sarkis added. “We just have to stay focused, keep going forward in the conference and hopefully we win it this year.”
Starting lineups
Carmel
GK- Sophia Sarkis
D- Grace Nolan
D- Alyssa Cepon
D- Haley Miller
D- Ciara Thomas
M- Angie Salvi
M- Lily Sykes
M- Shanon Murphy
M- Riley Harmon
F- Skyler Thomas
F- Kathleen Graham
Marist
GK- Cassandra Eraci
D- Sheila O’Keeffe
D- Anne Callaghan
D- Jillian Zwierz
D- Megan Kirkwood
M- Cara Donegan
M- Emma Brennan
M- Katherine Pappas
M- Delaney Mulcahy
F- Allesa Corcoran
F- Serenity Rosa
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Sophia Sarkis, jr. GK, Carmel
with shutout at Marist
Corsairs prevail 2-0 on the road
By Dave Owen
CHICAGO -- Carmel is beginning to turn early April pain into late-season gain.
While still stung by the loss of elite midfielder Abby Potter to a torn ACL three weeks ago, the Corsairs (5-4-1, 3-0-0 in the ESCC) continued their recent surge Saturday with a 2-0 win at Marist (5-10-0, 0-3-0).
The victory ran Carmel’s winning streak to three, and marked the fourth shutout of the year for an experienced and effective defense.
“I feel like our communication has been really good lately,” said Carmel goalkeeper Sophia Sarkis. “We’ve been able to hold the line and draw teams offsides a couple of times, and we were really solid (against Marist) about keeping the through-balls out so that nothing could roll through on the turf. We were really solid keeping our line together the whole time.”
Sarkis made five saves en route to earning Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match accolades, an honor which could be equally distributed among the Carmel defensive line of Haley Miller, Ally Cepon, Ciara Thomas and Grace Nolan.
“Our defense played well today -- they just locked it down,” Carmel coach Ray Krawzak said. “We didn’t make too many mistakes – maybe the first 10 minutes we were letting the ball get through our backline a few times, but once we figured out their game plan, from then on there was nothing that dangerous.
“Sophia and our center backs Haley (Miller) and Ally (Cepon) did a nice job organizing. Sophia had five saves and didn’t have to be too involved, but her organization was key to our success I would say.”
Experience is a big part of the Carmel defense – Miller started at defender on the Corsairs’ 2015 Class 2A state championship squad, Cepon and Nolan were top reserves, and Sarkis started two games in goal as a freshman that spring.
“On the corner kicks we’re doing a really good job of clearing the ball,” Sarkis said, “and communication is a key thing this year, especially with Haley in front of me. I think it’s going really well.
“I’ve been up since I was a freshman and was kind of part of the state team,” Sarkis added. “I’d always been behind (2015 and 2016 goalkeeper) Tina (O’Block), but this year I’ve had to step up into a bigger role.
“I feel I’m able to work well with the defense, and we’re getting the job done most of the time. I’m really happy and excited about the rest of this year.”
The chance for late season excitement seemed unlikely after the devastating injury to Potter in early April. But a senior has stepped up to help fill the huge void at midfield.
“Shanon Murphy at center mid ... lately she’s just been controlling things,” Krawzak said. “Everybody is really confident with Shanon playing that position.
“One of our best players Abby Potter tore her ACL, and that’s made Shanon step up into that role. We’re very pleased with Shanon’s play.”
At the offensive end Saturday, respective goals off a fortunate officials’ ruling and a fantastic pass and finish produced the win.
The first strike came in the 10th minute on a play at the edge of the box. Officials ruled Skyler Thomas was fouled inside the penalty area. Angie Salvi (another holdover starter from 2015) punched home the ensuing penalty kick to put Carmel up 1-0, and seized Marist’s early momentum.
“Within three minutes there’s a great chance for us, and then the PK was ‘Aww, you’re killing me,’” Marist coach Chris Roe said.
While getting the benefit of that call, Krawzak also noted his team’s strong offensive play all day.
“It was just inside the box, the kind of call you don’t always expect to get,” Krawzak said. “But it happened. And we would have scored another way – we did well today.
“Our forwards did a nice job stretching the field, getting the ball, holding it and making them play defense. We played our game, did it well and got the job done.”
RedHawks standout sophomore defender Anne Callaghan noted both the deflating effect of the PK call, and its controversy.
“When they scored their first goal it’s kind of demoralizing, thinking that we have to get it back,” Callaghan said. “It wasn’t a foul, and they called a foul. But it’s like ‘What are you supposed to do after that?’
“You just have to learn how to get it back and keep going. The call can’t be overturned or anything, so ... ”
If the origins of that first goal were murky, Carmel’s second finish was straight out of a textbook.
With 3:38 left in the first half, junior Gianna Sarallo threaded a great pass up the left side to sophomore Thomas for a breakaway chance on Marist goalkeeper Cassandra Eraci. Thomas dribbled around a charging Eraci and tucked a low 12-yard drive inside the right post for a 2-0 Corsairs lead.
“The goal Gianna set up was all just a really good pass,” Krawzak said, “then Skyler working around her (Eraci) – it was a great goal.”
Sarallo’s offensive skills were evident on a pinpoint send, which turned an unlikely threat into a breakaway finish.
“Last year was my first year on varsity, and I was kind of timid being an underclassman (sophomore) on the team,” Sarallo said. “But this year I think I have a lot more confidence and know the girls better. It’s nice being out there.”
Three wins in a row (including a 5-2 win over defending ESCC champion Benet) is the sign of the surging confidence and camaraderie among all the Corsairs.
“I think we’ve had really good attitudes recently and have been really building each other up,” Sarallo said. “We’ve been working as a team and connecting passes, and everything kind of worked out there today.”
After Sarkis made the save on a high 22-yard shot by Marist’s Cara Donegan 3:05 before the half, the Sarallo-to-Thomas connection nearly struck again. Thomas’ shot was deflected wide, and the ensuing Thomas corner kick with 35 seconds left was caught by Eraci.
Success in the classroom for one Marist defender forced some adjustments for the Carmel match.
“Michelle Lenz was out today at the (IHSA) journalism sectional,” Roe said. “We’re rooting for her, but we definitely missed her.
“She plays 80 (minutes) defensively. We had a couple ideas offensively, but we couldn’t move on them today with her and a couple of other people out.”
But down 2-0 at halftime, Marist regrouped with a strong showing after the break.
“The second half we just got back to how we have to play,” Callaghan said. “We forgot about the first half, and realized we have to score and bring up the team. We just talked more (defensively) and made sure no one got through and no one let their man go.”
Marist’s stiff defense included Sheila O’Keeffe’s block of a 30-yard shot by Riley Harmon five minutes into the second half. The RedHawks then had the first quality chance of the half.
After Serenity Rosa’s shot was deflected for a corner kick, Callaghan’s ensuing set piece send with 33:35 left led to Sarkis’ save on a Jillian Zwierz 26-yard shot.
While Marist put on added second half heat, the Carmel defense limited chances inside the box.
Sarkis stopped a 25-yard Cara Donegan try with 22:20 left, and Emma Brennan’s 1-on-1 drive against Cepon with 17:55 to go resulted in a Sarkis one-hop save on another 25-yard shot.
Carmel’s offense threatened with 18:25 to play. Off a Kathleen Graham corner kick, Murphy’s 20-yard shot was stopped by Eraci. A Jennifer Cutro low 20-yarder with six minutes left was also grabbed by a kneeling Eraci, and Graham’s redirect of a Cutro cross was later also stopped by the Marist keeper.
At the defensive end, Carmel remained a brick wall. Olivia Salvi blocked and cleared a 30-yard chance off a throw-in with 8:05 left, and Madelyn Cusack nicely intercepted a right side send at 5:10.
An offsides call quieted Marist’s biggest threat with 2:05 left. A Serenity Rosa steal and drive set up a corner kick. Then on Callaghan’s ensuing corner towards the top of the box, Donegan’s send to Brennan racing to the open far post was ruled offside.
“Emma Brennan and Cara Donegan are starting to pick it up a notch,” Roe said. “Cara’s our center mid, and we had Emma in the middle a little bit today. They seem to be connecting a little bit more, and I think that’s opening up more possibilities for us offensively.
“They’re senior captains, and it’s that time of year for them to start to take control and take it to the next level.”
Breaking through against Carmel proved too big a challenge. With 55 seconds to go, the shutout was sealed with a Riley Harmon block of a Callaghan try, which led to a Sarallo chance at the other end as time ticked away.
Emerging from a sub-.500 record against rugged nonconference play, Carmel is hitting its stride with ESCC matches underway.
“We have a big name going for us (from the 2015 state title), so we have a lot to live up to,” Sarallo said. “We have to prove ourselves every time.
“These are great teammates that we have – everyone is so nice. We’ve been doing really well the last few games, so it’s really exciting. We didn’t start off quite as well as we wanted to, but we’re turning things around.”
Team chemistry has helped fuel the mid-April rise.
“The biggest thing is probably our attitudes,” Sarallo said. “We really weren’t communicating well early, and we were kind of getting down on each other when we messed up. We’re a Catholic school so we do chapel and things that kind of help us with team bonding. Now we’re all happy and playing well.”
While the win-loss column doesn’t show it, Marist is also feeling a rise in confidence.
“From our record our season doesn’t look like it’s gone that well,” said Callaghan, whose excellent play this season includes a goal from near the midfield stripe. “But since most of our girls are younger, this is definitely going to help for next year.
“And this still being the regular season, I think we’ll be ready for the playoffs this year and be able to make a good enough run for ourselves.”
Roe is also seeing more and more positive signs.
“I was frustrated in the middle of the year,” he said, “but there’s a more positive attitude going on now. The girls seem to be coming together better.
“We came out (in the second half Saturday), made some adjustments but not too many. They just realized they can play with these teams. I think that’s the attitude right now that they’re starting to realize.
“Wins are obviously not there,” Roe added, “but we’re gaining confidence and competing way better than we were at the beginning of the year. They’re starting to communicate better. We call it baby steps, and we’re just trying to make progress every day.”
Roe is even keeping a sense of humor about the long road trips that go with ESCC membership.
“We’re back at it at Marian Central on Monday – the flight leaves at 1,” he joked.
Coming from the far north suburbs to Chicago’s south side Saturday morning, Carmel was unfazed by the journey.
“I think we’re kind of used to it,” Sarkis said, “because we had to go to Joliet Catholic a few weeks ago and had to leave a lot earlier than usual.
“I think knowing it’s conference and knowing what’s at stake, these long rides almost get us more mentally prepared.
“Walking out of a game with a shutout is so exciting,” Sarkis added. “We just have to stay focused, keep going forward in the conference and hopefully we win it this year.”
Starting lineups
Carmel
GK- Sophia Sarkis
D- Grace Nolan
D- Alyssa Cepon
D- Haley Miller
D- Ciara Thomas
M- Angie Salvi
M- Lily Sykes
M- Shanon Murphy
M- Riley Harmon
F- Skyler Thomas
F- Kathleen Graham
Marist
GK- Cassandra Eraci
D- Sheila O’Keeffe
D- Anne Callaghan
D- Jillian Zwierz
D- Megan Kirkwood
M- Cara Donegan
M- Emma Brennan
M- Katherine Pappas
M- Delaney Mulcahy
F- Allesa Corcoran
F- Serenity Rosa
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Sophia Sarkis, jr. GK, Carmel