Freshmen lead Plainfield North
over Plainfield South in 2 OT thriller
1-0 win keeps Tigers title hopes alive; Clark, Strausberger star
By Steve Nemeth
PLAINFIELD -- Since it appears every last match is needed to determine the Southwest Prairie Conference’s champion, it was fitting that every offensive attack demanded attention during Wednesday’s Plainfield South at Plainfield North showdown.
For the host Tigers, no less than keeping hope alive for a ninth-straight SPC title was at stake throughout a game that required 20 extra minutes. For the visiting Cougars, a long-sought victory was a roller coaster ride that slowed to a halt as the last seconds ticked off the scoreboard.
In an epic clash that often showcased the brightest talents from both sides, two new stars shared the spotlight at the conclusion of a second overtime period to produce Plainfield North’s climatic 1-0 victory.
Amid two rosters boasting 12 future collegiate players, North’s season-long freshman phenom Payton Strausberger, produced the most memorable of first varsity goals while the game’s literal rookie, goalie Ashley Clark, made the most dramatic of debuts. Their efforts made them co-recipients Chicagoland Soccer’s MVP of the Match honor.
The week began with no less than four genuine contenders for the conference crown. North and South, who are both listed in the honorable mention section of the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, had their most pivotal match pushed back a day due to field conditions. The delay allowed drenching rains to be absorbed and the field to undergo a long-overdue mowing.
The league's Tuesday night matches added to the game's importance. Minooka’s 8-1 thumping of Joliet West kept the Indians atop the standings with a perfect 7-0-0 record. Oswego East’s 9-1 romp against Plainfield Central kept the Wolves in the hunt at 6-1-0.
After Wednesday’s win, Plainfield North (11-5-0, 6-1-0) must stay focused on a victory for Thursday’s 4:30 p.m. visit to Plainfield East as part of a full slate of league games.
With the same kickoff time, the result of Oswego East at Minooka will be news bulletin worthy. A Oswego East triumph would potentially add incentive for Plainfield South (15-6-0, 5-2-0) in its 6:30 p.m. home finale versus Oswego. And a Minooka defeat would add intrigue to everyone’s league wrap-up on May 9.
Click here to see Southwest Prairie League standings
The curtain of intrigue for Wednesday’s battle was revealed at the opening whistle. Had the match been rescheduled for Friday or Saturday, South would have regained the services of keeper Nicole Trenholm and senior defensive tri-captain Shelby Bishop. However, the Cougars still had the plus of counting on Jami Maloney in goal. North was minus two future collegiate keepers -- Megan Donnally (Northern Illinois) and Erin Kuyawa (Grand Valley State) were confined to the sideline in walking boots.
With two days notice, freshman netminder Clark got the ultimate promotion.
The initial offensive forays belonged to Plainfield North. One ended prematurely when Tigers standout Megan Breier (Ohio Northern) uncharacteristically launched a corner kick well beyond the goal and over the opposite sideline. At just under 10 minutes gone in the game, Breier had a 16-yard go from the left wing that Maloney tipped out. Breier’s second corner ricocheted around and led to a third Tiger set play opportunity, but that ended in a wide right header.
At 29:22, Clark had her first touch in a varsity match as she made a defensive catch on a ball played into the box. Five minutes later, Clark may have been relieved to watch an Emily DeVivo long bomb go wide left. Both sides continually had promising attacks either fail via misses or breakdowns caused by solid defensive play.
Although South’s Ciare Coneset and Isabel Cerda were helped off as a result of physical play, both re-entered after a break. Early in the second half, Plainfield North’s Brittaney Kroll wasn’t as fortunate when she was sidelined.
Less than four minutes after halftime, Coneset gambled on a 43-yarder that Clark blocked, but still yielded a corner kick. Despite addition tests Clark and the Tigers defense bent but never broke. At the opposite end, South did the same. Madison Ourada continually showed the kind of timely, calm, cool and confident play that proves Millikin will gain a defensive gem. Teammate Lindsey Bond remained locked in a near one-on-one battle that kept Breier from adding to her Tigers team-high 13 goals.
But the shot that drew the loudest crowd reaction came from Victoria Thornton, who is committed to Division I Howard. With 12 seconds left in regulation, the junior midfielder launched a shot that caromed up and slightly forward off the Cougars’ crossbar. Maloney cradled the ball before the non-golden goal overtime sessions became a reality.
The initial extra 10 minutes surprisingly had zero Plainfield North shots on goal while the visiting Cougars suddenly became a fixture in the offensive third. Isabel Cerda had a 31-yarder that required a Clark stop. South’s Gianna Dodaro had a textbook through-ball to Miranda Nirchi for a 1-v.-1 against an outrushing Clark. The South scoring machine (14 goals) undoubtedly would like a do-over on a shot that soared over the cage.
At 86:28, Dodaro had a huge blast caught by Clark. The rookie goalie would certainly have heard a Pat Foley-esque “big save” proclamation on a Nirchi laser with 22 seconds left in the first overtime.
In the 92nd minute, Plaifield North’s fans got to erupt in cheers. Breier tallied her team-high 12th assist on a corner kick after Strausberger moved from her defensive slot to help clog up the box. The freshman was by the near post and directed the ball into the back of the net.
“Seeing the corner coming in I just lunged for it, and thankfully it was a solid enough touch that I was able to aim it toward open space,” Strausberger said. “Being my first goal, being a game-winner in such an important match, it’s all a big thrill.
“It hasn’t been difficult learning how intense these conference games are. Coming off such a tough loss at Minooka, this game was absolutely a necessary win for us to be able to further our streak of conference titles. So I’m happy to keep that opportunity going,” Strausberger added.
That was a reference to the Tigers’ 1-0 loss to Minooka, which ended Plainfield North's string of 60-consecutive SPC victories that dated back to the 2008 season finale. Granted, the quest for a ninth league banner still hinges on several game outcomes, but avoiding the potential elimination made the win sweeter.
“It’s definitely my best assist of the year,” Breier noted before adding a “so far. There’s no question South wanted this game, but we wanted it just as much. We take a lot of corner kicks in practice from right and left, so I know where my teammates generally want the ball. The very first one in this game I overkicked so much because we haven’t had a home game in awhile. But throughout the game, I was convinced we could get one.”
Plainfield North coach Jane Crowe had praise for Strausberger’s offense and defense.
“Her first goal of the year obviously came at a great time. She was doing a great job on defense tonight, really like she’s done all season,” Crowe said. “But then to step up in such a big game with a header is outstanding.”
Plainfield South increased its offensive efforts in a bid to draw even,which did left the Cougars susceptible to counterattacks. Tigers sophomore Molly Grant, an early commit to Division I Lipscomb, had a breakaway with 4:34 remaining but the shot sailed high.
Plainfield South's Coneset booted a 40-yarder that Clark caught. Having long since lost a wide-eyed look from the start of the match, Clark stopped all seven of the Cougars’ shots on goal. Over the 100 minutes, the Cougars compiled a 14-13 edge for overall attempts, but North had an 8-7 edge for shots on goal.
Adding to her tally of 11 defensive catches or covers, Clark raced out to gather a Nirchi effort with 1:59 remaining to preserve only the third Tigers’ shutout triumph.
“I definitely had some nerves going into the match,” Clark admitted. “It might have been the start of the second half before I really settled in. At that point I could see we were breaking down their defense and believed we’d get a goal.
“Varsity soccer is obviously very intense and a lot quicker,” Clark added. “On every save I just tried to make sure to keep control of the ball.”
Color coach Crowe impressed.
“For any freshman to step up like she did, it’s such a big deal,” Crowe said. “She made some great saves as the game progressed and came out of the net with good timing. I also think it helped that some of her first touches early in the game were easy ones.
“Two other keys, both Megan and Erin were really helping her prepare, and I think the confidence they expressed in her was a boost. We also haven’t many shutouts, so I’d say our back four -- Kylee (Colwell), Sielle (Bartz), Payton, and Makenna (Woodill) -- really elevated their play to help Ashley. Those four played all 100 minutes.”
Naturally the emotions for Plainfield South were 180 degrees from those on the other bench.
“Really I couldn’t ask for anything more from my team. They left everything on the field,” first-year Cougar coach Alfonso Lopez said. “All credit to North because their effort is what you expect from a great team. But other than 20 seconds off a corner kick, this was our best game of the year defensively.
“We talked about the effort we’d need all week, and there’s no other way to say it than they gave it their all.”
Unfortunately for the Cougars' core group of six seniors, a win over North and conference title may be the only items left unchecked on what has been a landmark for the Cougars. Despite the setback, another victory moves the 2017 crew from a tie to owning the school single season record for triumphs. That would go with a record 12 shutouts and producing the school’s first-ever trophies as winner of the Rosary Invitational and runner-up in the PepsiCo Showdown’s “I Grow Chicago” bracket.
“It’s very frustrating,” Ourada flatly stated. “But we can’t hang our heads over just this game. We have to come together and get ready for the next one. We’ve got to come back stronger with the same confidence we’ve shown all year.”
In its remaining games, the Cougars host Oswego before filling the spoiler’s role in their regular season closer at Minooka.
Starting lineups
Plainfield South
GK Jami Maloney
D Ciara Coneset
D Emily Sauder
D Madison Ourada
D Lindsey Bond
M Isabel Cerda
M Gianna Dodaro
M Miranda Nirchi
M Emily DeVivo
F Giana Derka
F Taylor Metcalf
Plainfield North
GK Ashley Clark
D Kylee Colwell
D Payton Stausberger
D Sielle Bartz
D Makenna Woodill
M Melissa Juarez
M Victoria Thornton
M Brittaney Kroll
M Jessica Christmas
F Molly Grant
F Megan Breier
Chicagoland Soccer MVPs of the Match: Payton Strausberger, fr., D, Plainfield North
Ashley Clark, fr., GK, Plainfield North
Game summary
Plainfield North 1, Plainfield South 0 (2 OT)
1st 2nd 1ot 2ot --- F Records
Plainfield South 0 0 0 0 --- 0 15-6-0 5-2-0
Plainfield North 0 0 0 1 --- 1 11-5-0 6-1-0
Scoring
PN --- Stausberger six-yard header near left post to the right (Breier corner kick assist), 2nd OT, 93:29 gone
Shots
PS 3 – 5 – 4 – 2 --- 14
PN 5 – 5 – 0 – 3 --- 13
Shots on goal
PS 1 – 1 – 3 – 2 --- 7
PN 3 – 3 – 0 – 2 --- 8
Saves (goalie)
PS (Maloney) 3 – 3 – 0 – 1 --- 7
PN (Clark) 1 – 1 – 3 – 2 --- 7
Officials: Frank Rago, Melvin Sinnock, Ryan Sullivan
over Plainfield South in 2 OT thriller
1-0 win keeps Tigers title hopes alive; Clark, Strausberger star
By Steve Nemeth
PLAINFIELD -- Since it appears every last match is needed to determine the Southwest Prairie Conference’s champion, it was fitting that every offensive attack demanded attention during Wednesday’s Plainfield South at Plainfield North showdown.
For the host Tigers, no less than keeping hope alive for a ninth-straight SPC title was at stake throughout a game that required 20 extra minutes. For the visiting Cougars, a long-sought victory was a roller coaster ride that slowed to a halt as the last seconds ticked off the scoreboard.
In an epic clash that often showcased the brightest talents from both sides, two new stars shared the spotlight at the conclusion of a second overtime period to produce Plainfield North’s climatic 1-0 victory.
Amid two rosters boasting 12 future collegiate players, North’s season-long freshman phenom Payton Strausberger, produced the most memorable of first varsity goals while the game’s literal rookie, goalie Ashley Clark, made the most dramatic of debuts. Their efforts made them co-recipients Chicagoland Soccer’s MVP of the Match honor.
The week began with no less than four genuine contenders for the conference crown. North and South, who are both listed in the honorable mention section of the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, had their most pivotal match pushed back a day due to field conditions. The delay allowed drenching rains to be absorbed and the field to undergo a long-overdue mowing.
The league's Tuesday night matches added to the game's importance. Minooka’s 8-1 thumping of Joliet West kept the Indians atop the standings with a perfect 7-0-0 record. Oswego East’s 9-1 romp against Plainfield Central kept the Wolves in the hunt at 6-1-0.
After Wednesday’s win, Plainfield North (11-5-0, 6-1-0) must stay focused on a victory for Thursday’s 4:30 p.m. visit to Plainfield East as part of a full slate of league games.
With the same kickoff time, the result of Oswego East at Minooka will be news bulletin worthy. A Oswego East triumph would potentially add incentive for Plainfield South (15-6-0, 5-2-0) in its 6:30 p.m. home finale versus Oswego. And a Minooka defeat would add intrigue to everyone’s league wrap-up on May 9.
Click here to see Southwest Prairie League standings
The curtain of intrigue for Wednesday’s battle was revealed at the opening whistle. Had the match been rescheduled for Friday or Saturday, South would have regained the services of keeper Nicole Trenholm and senior defensive tri-captain Shelby Bishop. However, the Cougars still had the plus of counting on Jami Maloney in goal. North was minus two future collegiate keepers -- Megan Donnally (Northern Illinois) and Erin Kuyawa (Grand Valley State) were confined to the sideline in walking boots.
With two days notice, freshman netminder Clark got the ultimate promotion.
The initial offensive forays belonged to Plainfield North. One ended prematurely when Tigers standout Megan Breier (Ohio Northern) uncharacteristically launched a corner kick well beyond the goal and over the opposite sideline. At just under 10 minutes gone in the game, Breier had a 16-yard go from the left wing that Maloney tipped out. Breier’s second corner ricocheted around and led to a third Tiger set play opportunity, but that ended in a wide right header.
At 29:22, Clark had her first touch in a varsity match as she made a defensive catch on a ball played into the box. Five minutes later, Clark may have been relieved to watch an Emily DeVivo long bomb go wide left. Both sides continually had promising attacks either fail via misses or breakdowns caused by solid defensive play.
Although South’s Ciare Coneset and Isabel Cerda were helped off as a result of physical play, both re-entered after a break. Early in the second half, Plainfield North’s Brittaney Kroll wasn’t as fortunate when she was sidelined.
Less than four minutes after halftime, Coneset gambled on a 43-yarder that Clark blocked, but still yielded a corner kick. Despite addition tests Clark and the Tigers defense bent but never broke. At the opposite end, South did the same. Madison Ourada continually showed the kind of timely, calm, cool and confident play that proves Millikin will gain a defensive gem. Teammate Lindsey Bond remained locked in a near one-on-one battle that kept Breier from adding to her Tigers team-high 13 goals.
But the shot that drew the loudest crowd reaction came from Victoria Thornton, who is committed to Division I Howard. With 12 seconds left in regulation, the junior midfielder launched a shot that caromed up and slightly forward off the Cougars’ crossbar. Maloney cradled the ball before the non-golden goal overtime sessions became a reality.
The initial extra 10 minutes surprisingly had zero Plainfield North shots on goal while the visiting Cougars suddenly became a fixture in the offensive third. Isabel Cerda had a 31-yarder that required a Clark stop. South’s Gianna Dodaro had a textbook through-ball to Miranda Nirchi for a 1-v.-1 against an outrushing Clark. The South scoring machine (14 goals) undoubtedly would like a do-over on a shot that soared over the cage.
At 86:28, Dodaro had a huge blast caught by Clark. The rookie goalie would certainly have heard a Pat Foley-esque “big save” proclamation on a Nirchi laser with 22 seconds left in the first overtime.
In the 92nd minute, Plaifield North’s fans got to erupt in cheers. Breier tallied her team-high 12th assist on a corner kick after Strausberger moved from her defensive slot to help clog up the box. The freshman was by the near post and directed the ball into the back of the net.
“Seeing the corner coming in I just lunged for it, and thankfully it was a solid enough touch that I was able to aim it toward open space,” Strausberger said. “Being my first goal, being a game-winner in such an important match, it’s all a big thrill.
“It hasn’t been difficult learning how intense these conference games are. Coming off such a tough loss at Minooka, this game was absolutely a necessary win for us to be able to further our streak of conference titles. So I’m happy to keep that opportunity going,” Strausberger added.
That was a reference to the Tigers’ 1-0 loss to Minooka, which ended Plainfield North's string of 60-consecutive SPC victories that dated back to the 2008 season finale. Granted, the quest for a ninth league banner still hinges on several game outcomes, but avoiding the potential elimination made the win sweeter.
“It’s definitely my best assist of the year,” Breier noted before adding a “so far. There’s no question South wanted this game, but we wanted it just as much. We take a lot of corner kicks in practice from right and left, so I know where my teammates generally want the ball. The very first one in this game I overkicked so much because we haven’t had a home game in awhile. But throughout the game, I was convinced we could get one.”
Plainfield North coach Jane Crowe had praise for Strausberger’s offense and defense.
“Her first goal of the year obviously came at a great time. She was doing a great job on defense tonight, really like she’s done all season,” Crowe said. “But then to step up in such a big game with a header is outstanding.”
Plainfield South increased its offensive efforts in a bid to draw even,which did left the Cougars susceptible to counterattacks. Tigers sophomore Molly Grant, an early commit to Division I Lipscomb, had a breakaway with 4:34 remaining but the shot sailed high.
Plainfield South's Coneset booted a 40-yarder that Clark caught. Having long since lost a wide-eyed look from the start of the match, Clark stopped all seven of the Cougars’ shots on goal. Over the 100 minutes, the Cougars compiled a 14-13 edge for overall attempts, but North had an 8-7 edge for shots on goal.
Adding to her tally of 11 defensive catches or covers, Clark raced out to gather a Nirchi effort with 1:59 remaining to preserve only the third Tigers’ shutout triumph.
“I definitely had some nerves going into the match,” Clark admitted. “It might have been the start of the second half before I really settled in. At that point I could see we were breaking down their defense and believed we’d get a goal.
“Varsity soccer is obviously very intense and a lot quicker,” Clark added. “On every save I just tried to make sure to keep control of the ball.”
Color coach Crowe impressed.
“For any freshman to step up like she did, it’s such a big deal,” Crowe said. “She made some great saves as the game progressed and came out of the net with good timing. I also think it helped that some of her first touches early in the game were easy ones.
“Two other keys, both Megan and Erin were really helping her prepare, and I think the confidence they expressed in her was a boost. We also haven’t many shutouts, so I’d say our back four -- Kylee (Colwell), Sielle (Bartz), Payton, and Makenna (Woodill) -- really elevated their play to help Ashley. Those four played all 100 minutes.”
Naturally the emotions for Plainfield South were 180 degrees from those on the other bench.
“Really I couldn’t ask for anything more from my team. They left everything on the field,” first-year Cougar coach Alfonso Lopez said. “All credit to North because their effort is what you expect from a great team. But other than 20 seconds off a corner kick, this was our best game of the year defensively.
“We talked about the effort we’d need all week, and there’s no other way to say it than they gave it their all.”
Unfortunately for the Cougars' core group of six seniors, a win over North and conference title may be the only items left unchecked on what has been a landmark for the Cougars. Despite the setback, another victory moves the 2017 crew from a tie to owning the school single season record for triumphs. That would go with a record 12 shutouts and producing the school’s first-ever trophies as winner of the Rosary Invitational and runner-up in the PepsiCo Showdown’s “I Grow Chicago” bracket.
“It’s very frustrating,” Ourada flatly stated. “But we can’t hang our heads over just this game. We have to come together and get ready for the next one. We’ve got to come back stronger with the same confidence we’ve shown all year.”
In its remaining games, the Cougars host Oswego before filling the spoiler’s role in their regular season closer at Minooka.
Starting lineups
Plainfield South
GK Jami Maloney
D Ciara Coneset
D Emily Sauder
D Madison Ourada
D Lindsey Bond
M Isabel Cerda
M Gianna Dodaro
M Miranda Nirchi
M Emily DeVivo
F Giana Derka
F Taylor Metcalf
Plainfield North
GK Ashley Clark
D Kylee Colwell
D Payton Stausberger
D Sielle Bartz
D Makenna Woodill
M Melissa Juarez
M Victoria Thornton
M Brittaney Kroll
M Jessica Christmas
F Molly Grant
F Megan Breier
Chicagoland Soccer MVPs of the Match: Payton Strausberger, fr., D, Plainfield North
Ashley Clark, fr., GK, Plainfield North
Game summary
Plainfield North 1, Plainfield South 0 (2 OT)
1st 2nd 1ot 2ot --- F Records
Plainfield South 0 0 0 0 --- 0 15-6-0 5-2-0
Plainfield North 0 0 0 1 --- 1 11-5-0 6-1-0
Scoring
PN --- Stausberger six-yard header near left post to the right (Breier corner kick assist), 2nd OT, 93:29 gone
Shots
PS 3 – 5 – 4 – 2 --- 14
PN 5 – 5 – 0 – 3 --- 13
Shots on goal
PS 1 – 1 – 3 – 2 --- 7
PN 3 – 3 – 0 – 2 --- 8
Saves (goalie)
PS (Maloney) 3 – 3 – 0 – 1 --- 7
PN (Clark) 1 – 1 – 3 – 2 --- 7
Officials: Frank Rago, Melvin Sinnock, Ryan Sullivan