DeKalb upsets WWS in regional opener
Host Barbs score 2 goals with the wind in 2nd half in 2-1 victory
By Steve Nemeth
DE KALB -- Coin tosses, wind gusts, tourney seeds, experience, shots on goal, and strength of schedule simply matter less than the scoreboard.
Or as veteran Wheaton Warrenville South coach Guy Callipari simply put it: “The game can be unfriendly.”
Despite the various metrics in favor of the Tigers -- seeded seventh among 17 schools within the Class 3A Huntley Sectional -- the visitors saw their season come to an abrupt end Tuesday as no. 10 seed and regional host DeKalb overcame a one-goal halftime deficit for a 2-1 victory.
Given the choice of field or ball from the coin toss, Wheaton Warrenville South opted to have the wind at its back for the opening half. In theory, that was another check mark favoring the higher seed.
Despite what was considered a rebuilding year for the Tigers with just three seniors in the starting lineup, the experience factor was still in their favor. Wheaton Warrenville South had won Class 3A regional openers for the previous three years. Their sixth-place finish in the ultra-tough DuPage Valley Conference accounted for four of the seven opponents the Tigers faced who had places in the latest Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 and honorable mention lists. Wheaton Warrenville South ended a five-game losing skid prior to the postseason.
DeKalb, elevated to Class 3A this season, exited in the first round of Class 2A regionals the previous two years, but did reach a 2A sectional final in 2014. The Barbs – with only two seniors on the entire roster -- entered trying to erase the disappointment of a 0-0 draw against Kaneland in their Senior Night home finale that capped a runner-up finish in the Northern Illinois Big XII Conference’s five-school East Division. Their only Chicagoland Soccer-rated opponent was loop champ Sycamore -- the no. 24 Spartans took two-goal victories in both meetings.
However, all of that background info was as secondary to the outcome as South’s statistical advantages.
DeKalb’s Siobhan Gallagher scored a 22-yard direct kick prior to the mid-point of the second half and Bella Bettner pounced on an opportunity with 15:11 left in regulation for a lead the hosts wouldn’t relinquish. It added to the win column for the Barbs who have double-digit victories for the eighth-straight year.
Surprisingly, Wheaton Warrenville South failed to reach twin figures in wins for the first time in Callipari’s illustrious 23-year career that includes second and third place state finishes in 2002 and 2003. The bulk of the Tigers’ 20 regional titles belong to his tenure.
The majority of the early opportunities came from a number of South players, but DeKalb’s Litzy Murrieta aimed for the upper 90 and Tigers goalie Abbie Brennan deflected it just in case. That led to one of only two corner kicks in the game for the Barbs while the visitors had eight of their nine in the first half alone.
On the very next surge up field, South’s Paige Miller brought the ball down the left sideline and cut back toward the middle momentarily before finding enough space to blast an 18-yarder that sailed inside the right post. That strike at 20:12 became her seventh goal of the year.
“After cutting back, I could feel a defender on my left, so I used my right foot and tried to add a little spin to help it curl inside the far post,” Miller explained. “Both teams were playing with a lot of heart, so it never felt like one goal would be enough. For those of us returning, we need to remember this frustration and come back stronger next year.”
The sophomore forward-midfielder continued to be the Tigers’ top threat as well as the focal point of DeKalb’s defense in order to earn Chicagoland Soccer’s MVP of the Match honor.
“She uses a combination of hard work and instincts to make a difference,” Callipari noted. “She’s developing a greater sense for the tactical side of the game, better first touches, not running too far or too fast. Between last year’s success and this year, more and more defenses are geared toward her. Now she needs to continue her own development and combine that with others to be more effective.”
DeKalb looked for the equalizer and played a service high enough that Brennan had to make like an outfielder battling the wind at Wrigley Field. The keeper finally repositioned herself for a catch that ended that threat. Then came a whole series of South scoring efforts. Audrey Siebert’s corner kick landed on top of the goal, Miller’s textbook cross was shot wide left by Jennifer Aalbue, Miller was wide on an Emily Calloway corner kick, Morgan Schwerin’s rocket from the right was fumbled but covered by DeKalb goalie Meghan Hanson, and an Evelyn Demsher attempt from the left wing was saved as well.
With three-plus minutes left before intermission, the Barbs’ Maddie Hill had a try soar high over the goal while a corner kick was tapped wide right by Murrieta. Those efforts gave South another sense of urgency to capitalize on the wind. Schwerin and Demsher worked a give-and-go but Schwerin got rejected enough by keeper Hanson before Demsher’s putback went wide left.
With 56 seconds left in the half, Allie Anderson’s attempt glanced off the top of the crossbar, another Schwerin shot was stopped, and a final cross by Schwerin went begging for a redirect prior to the horn.
“I told our defenders to come out down one was okay, that is okay if we keep it that way,” DeKalb coach P.J. Hamilton said. “With the way South continually pressed us, the wind making it difficult, they still believed they could get it done. That’s what I’m most proud of.”
Statistically South owned a 15-4 advantage for overall attempts including an 8-2 edge for shots on goal in the first half. For the game, those tallies finished at 23-7 and 12-5 respectively.
Wheaton Warrenville South kept pressing early in the second half, Ellery Fahey had a 14-yarder saved, Schwerin had a carom off the field goal crossbar and Jennifer Aalbue had an effort sail too high.
There was 23:28 remaining in regulation when DeKalb's Gallagher lined up for her direct kick that became the equalizer. The sophomore used her six-foot frame to her advantage in tallying her fourth goal of the season to go with three assists.
“We gave away a free kick and then needed to prevent a shot from 20 becoming a second goal, but unfortunately we didn’t,” Callipari said. “We had a plethora of opportunities from inside the 18 and near the six, but we either failed to find the net or their goalie made a decent save.
“They had good counter threats in no. 10 (Hanna Hickey – a Truman State signee) and 14 (Bella Bettner), but we didn’t give them too much. But again it doesn’t matter what’s on the table, but what you do with it.”
In an effort to get a counterattack started, South had an errant pass picked off and a gamble by Bettner paid off in the form of her fifth goal to go along with four assists.
“It seemed like 20 (Miller) was killing it (in terms of getting shots), so coach said to mark her tighter,” Bettner said. “I got enough of a touch to get the ball away from her and just took a shot. After that point, we all switched to more of a defensive mindset. (With the last seven minutes featuring numerous South shots) adrenaline kicked in. We really wanted it and just ran and worked more. I’m sure I’ll feel it tomorrow.”
There was 7:29 left when Seibert appeared to be on target for an equalizer, however, the DeKalb goalie extended every inch of her 5-foot-4 frame and whatever vertical she could muster to miraculously tip the ball straight up and then catch it.
At 6:37, a South corner kick found Calloway but her try went wide of the left post. With 3:53, Hanson raced out to smother the ball seconds before Schwerin’s arrival. The Tigers’ Julia Martz had a 38-yard cannon shot that was also saved.
Hamilton once again credited Hanson and the Barbs’ back four of Lindsy Franzene, Emma Rourke, Haley Brown, and Grace Bauling. It was the third time DeKalb posted a victory while giving up at least a goal. The regular season-ending scoreless draw is one of 11 shutouts.
As is always the case, the ultimate season-ending loss drew tears from South’s seniors, who also expressed their pride.
“For South this was an exceptionally young team, but we kept everyone together regardless of any age difference,” Martz said. “We became a very close group, and we’ll miss everyone.”
“Soccer isn’t only about wins and losses,” fellow co-captain Julia Hildebrand added. “We’re proud of the relationships we built this year. I feel lucky to get to know everyone and take pride in the special relationships I’ve gained from the coaches and the program.”
DeKalb (13-5-1), which started the season with a 2-4-0 stretch, has now gone 13-2-1 in its last 16 matches. It is ready for the mighty challenge ahead.
The Barbs return to their home turf Friday for the 5 p.m. regional championship against Chicagoland Soccer’s no. 2-ranked team St. Charles North. Earlier in the day, the second-seeded North Stars remained unbeaten at 16-0-3 and cruised to an 8-0 conquest of 15-seed Glenbard North (2-14-1). The Carol Stream school was equally unsuccessful moving the ball against wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour when the Panthers were on defense and trailed 7-0 at intermission.
“Bring it on, we couldn’t be happier,” Hamilton insisted. “Moving up to 3A we want to see where we are at and how we measure up. In this case it’s not just a higher level, but one of the state’s very best.”
Claudia Najera began producing a hat trick versus Glenbard North in the fourth minute off an assist from Amanda Czerniak. Hailey Rydberg had the first of two unassisted strikes in the 10th minutes, then set up Gia Wahlberg in the 12th minute followed a minute later by Wahlberg assisting Najera.
While the Barbs have allowed only 12 goals while scoring 47, the North Stars boast 65 goals-scored opposite a yield of 10 allowed with 12 shutouts.
The North Stars were rated no. 5 in the Chicagoland Soccer’s preseason poll and never dipped lower. They have held the no. 2 position for the past two weeks behind no. 1 Barrington.
Wahlberg (17 goals, 11 assists and 45 points) and Hailey Rydberg (15 goals, 11 assists and 41 points) are unparalleled scoring machines while Najera is tops in game-winners (5-of-11 goals to go with six assists for 28 points).
Back-up Leanne Stahulak owned the clean sheet Tuesday night, her third solo effort while sharing two shutouts with Sami Sample, who has seven solo whitewashes.
Starting lineups
DeKalb
GK Meghan Hanson
D Grace Bauling
D Emma Rourke
D Lindsy Franzene
D Haley Brown
M McKenna Wallin
M Christina Ryzhov
M Maddie Hill
M Siobhan Gallagher
F Bella Bettner
F Hanna Hickey
Wheaton Warrenville South
GK Abbie Brennan
D Julia Hildebrand
D Maria Dohse
D Emily Calloway
M Ellery fahey
M Allie Anderson
M Audrey Siebert
M Julia Martz
M Evelyn Demsher
F Paige Miller
F Morgan Schwerin
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Paige Miller, so., F, Wheaton Warrenville South
Officials: Trey McClure, Curt Wegner, John Elenbaas
Game summary
DeKalb 2, Wheaton Warrenville South 1
1st 2nd --- F Records
DeKalb 0 2 --- 2 13-5-1
WW South 1 0 --- 1 9-10-1
Scoring
WWS --- Miller 18-yarder from left side inside far right post (unassisted), 20:12 gone
DeK --- Gallagher 22-yard direct free kick from right inside left post (unassisted), 56:32 gone
DeK --- Bettner 17-yarder left of center off scramble (unassisted), 64:49 gone
Shots
DeK 4 – 3 --- 7
WWS 15 – 8 --- 23
Shots on goal
DeK 2 – 3 --- 5
WWS 8 – 4 --- 12
Saves (goalie)
DeK (Hanson) 7 – 4 --- 11
WWS (Brennan) 2 – 1 --- 3
Host Barbs score 2 goals with the wind in 2nd half in 2-1 victory
By Steve Nemeth
DE KALB -- Coin tosses, wind gusts, tourney seeds, experience, shots on goal, and strength of schedule simply matter less than the scoreboard.
Or as veteran Wheaton Warrenville South coach Guy Callipari simply put it: “The game can be unfriendly.”
Despite the various metrics in favor of the Tigers -- seeded seventh among 17 schools within the Class 3A Huntley Sectional -- the visitors saw their season come to an abrupt end Tuesday as no. 10 seed and regional host DeKalb overcame a one-goal halftime deficit for a 2-1 victory.
Given the choice of field or ball from the coin toss, Wheaton Warrenville South opted to have the wind at its back for the opening half. In theory, that was another check mark favoring the higher seed.
Despite what was considered a rebuilding year for the Tigers with just three seniors in the starting lineup, the experience factor was still in their favor. Wheaton Warrenville South had won Class 3A regional openers for the previous three years. Their sixth-place finish in the ultra-tough DuPage Valley Conference accounted for four of the seven opponents the Tigers faced who had places in the latest Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 and honorable mention lists. Wheaton Warrenville South ended a five-game losing skid prior to the postseason.
DeKalb, elevated to Class 3A this season, exited in the first round of Class 2A regionals the previous two years, but did reach a 2A sectional final in 2014. The Barbs – with only two seniors on the entire roster -- entered trying to erase the disappointment of a 0-0 draw against Kaneland in their Senior Night home finale that capped a runner-up finish in the Northern Illinois Big XII Conference’s five-school East Division. Their only Chicagoland Soccer-rated opponent was loop champ Sycamore -- the no. 24 Spartans took two-goal victories in both meetings.
However, all of that background info was as secondary to the outcome as South’s statistical advantages.
DeKalb’s Siobhan Gallagher scored a 22-yard direct kick prior to the mid-point of the second half and Bella Bettner pounced on an opportunity with 15:11 left in regulation for a lead the hosts wouldn’t relinquish. It added to the win column for the Barbs who have double-digit victories for the eighth-straight year.
Surprisingly, Wheaton Warrenville South failed to reach twin figures in wins for the first time in Callipari’s illustrious 23-year career that includes second and third place state finishes in 2002 and 2003. The bulk of the Tigers’ 20 regional titles belong to his tenure.
The majority of the early opportunities came from a number of South players, but DeKalb’s Litzy Murrieta aimed for the upper 90 and Tigers goalie Abbie Brennan deflected it just in case. That led to one of only two corner kicks in the game for the Barbs while the visitors had eight of their nine in the first half alone.
On the very next surge up field, South’s Paige Miller brought the ball down the left sideline and cut back toward the middle momentarily before finding enough space to blast an 18-yarder that sailed inside the right post. That strike at 20:12 became her seventh goal of the year.
“After cutting back, I could feel a defender on my left, so I used my right foot and tried to add a little spin to help it curl inside the far post,” Miller explained. “Both teams were playing with a lot of heart, so it never felt like one goal would be enough. For those of us returning, we need to remember this frustration and come back stronger next year.”
The sophomore forward-midfielder continued to be the Tigers’ top threat as well as the focal point of DeKalb’s defense in order to earn Chicagoland Soccer’s MVP of the Match honor.
“She uses a combination of hard work and instincts to make a difference,” Callipari noted. “She’s developing a greater sense for the tactical side of the game, better first touches, not running too far or too fast. Between last year’s success and this year, more and more defenses are geared toward her. Now she needs to continue her own development and combine that with others to be more effective.”
DeKalb looked for the equalizer and played a service high enough that Brennan had to make like an outfielder battling the wind at Wrigley Field. The keeper finally repositioned herself for a catch that ended that threat. Then came a whole series of South scoring efforts. Audrey Siebert’s corner kick landed on top of the goal, Miller’s textbook cross was shot wide left by Jennifer Aalbue, Miller was wide on an Emily Calloway corner kick, Morgan Schwerin’s rocket from the right was fumbled but covered by DeKalb goalie Meghan Hanson, and an Evelyn Demsher attempt from the left wing was saved as well.
With three-plus minutes left before intermission, the Barbs’ Maddie Hill had a try soar high over the goal while a corner kick was tapped wide right by Murrieta. Those efforts gave South another sense of urgency to capitalize on the wind. Schwerin and Demsher worked a give-and-go but Schwerin got rejected enough by keeper Hanson before Demsher’s putback went wide left.
With 56 seconds left in the half, Allie Anderson’s attempt glanced off the top of the crossbar, another Schwerin shot was stopped, and a final cross by Schwerin went begging for a redirect prior to the horn.
“I told our defenders to come out down one was okay, that is okay if we keep it that way,” DeKalb coach P.J. Hamilton said. “With the way South continually pressed us, the wind making it difficult, they still believed they could get it done. That’s what I’m most proud of.”
Statistically South owned a 15-4 advantage for overall attempts including an 8-2 edge for shots on goal in the first half. For the game, those tallies finished at 23-7 and 12-5 respectively.
Wheaton Warrenville South kept pressing early in the second half, Ellery Fahey had a 14-yarder saved, Schwerin had a carom off the field goal crossbar and Jennifer Aalbue had an effort sail too high.
There was 23:28 remaining in regulation when DeKalb's Gallagher lined up for her direct kick that became the equalizer. The sophomore used her six-foot frame to her advantage in tallying her fourth goal of the season to go with three assists.
“We gave away a free kick and then needed to prevent a shot from 20 becoming a second goal, but unfortunately we didn’t,” Callipari said. “We had a plethora of opportunities from inside the 18 and near the six, but we either failed to find the net or their goalie made a decent save.
“They had good counter threats in no. 10 (Hanna Hickey – a Truman State signee) and 14 (Bella Bettner), but we didn’t give them too much. But again it doesn’t matter what’s on the table, but what you do with it.”
In an effort to get a counterattack started, South had an errant pass picked off and a gamble by Bettner paid off in the form of her fifth goal to go along with four assists.
“It seemed like 20 (Miller) was killing it (in terms of getting shots), so coach said to mark her tighter,” Bettner said. “I got enough of a touch to get the ball away from her and just took a shot. After that point, we all switched to more of a defensive mindset. (With the last seven minutes featuring numerous South shots) adrenaline kicked in. We really wanted it and just ran and worked more. I’m sure I’ll feel it tomorrow.”
There was 7:29 left when Seibert appeared to be on target for an equalizer, however, the DeKalb goalie extended every inch of her 5-foot-4 frame and whatever vertical she could muster to miraculously tip the ball straight up and then catch it.
At 6:37, a South corner kick found Calloway but her try went wide of the left post. With 3:53, Hanson raced out to smother the ball seconds before Schwerin’s arrival. The Tigers’ Julia Martz had a 38-yard cannon shot that was also saved.
Hamilton once again credited Hanson and the Barbs’ back four of Lindsy Franzene, Emma Rourke, Haley Brown, and Grace Bauling. It was the third time DeKalb posted a victory while giving up at least a goal. The regular season-ending scoreless draw is one of 11 shutouts.
As is always the case, the ultimate season-ending loss drew tears from South’s seniors, who also expressed their pride.
“For South this was an exceptionally young team, but we kept everyone together regardless of any age difference,” Martz said. “We became a very close group, and we’ll miss everyone.”
“Soccer isn’t only about wins and losses,” fellow co-captain Julia Hildebrand added. “We’re proud of the relationships we built this year. I feel lucky to get to know everyone and take pride in the special relationships I’ve gained from the coaches and the program.”
DeKalb (13-5-1), which started the season with a 2-4-0 stretch, has now gone 13-2-1 in its last 16 matches. It is ready for the mighty challenge ahead.
The Barbs return to their home turf Friday for the 5 p.m. regional championship against Chicagoland Soccer’s no. 2-ranked team St. Charles North. Earlier in the day, the second-seeded North Stars remained unbeaten at 16-0-3 and cruised to an 8-0 conquest of 15-seed Glenbard North (2-14-1). The Carol Stream school was equally unsuccessful moving the ball against wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour when the Panthers were on defense and trailed 7-0 at intermission.
“Bring it on, we couldn’t be happier,” Hamilton insisted. “Moving up to 3A we want to see where we are at and how we measure up. In this case it’s not just a higher level, but one of the state’s very best.”
Claudia Najera began producing a hat trick versus Glenbard North in the fourth minute off an assist from Amanda Czerniak. Hailey Rydberg had the first of two unassisted strikes in the 10th minutes, then set up Gia Wahlberg in the 12th minute followed a minute later by Wahlberg assisting Najera.
While the Barbs have allowed only 12 goals while scoring 47, the North Stars boast 65 goals-scored opposite a yield of 10 allowed with 12 shutouts.
The North Stars were rated no. 5 in the Chicagoland Soccer’s preseason poll and never dipped lower. They have held the no. 2 position for the past two weeks behind no. 1 Barrington.
Wahlberg (17 goals, 11 assists and 45 points) and Hailey Rydberg (15 goals, 11 assists and 41 points) are unparalleled scoring machines while Najera is tops in game-winners (5-of-11 goals to go with six assists for 28 points).
Back-up Leanne Stahulak owned the clean sheet Tuesday night, her third solo effort while sharing two shutouts with Sami Sample, who has seven solo whitewashes.
Starting lineups
DeKalb
GK Meghan Hanson
D Grace Bauling
D Emma Rourke
D Lindsy Franzene
D Haley Brown
M McKenna Wallin
M Christina Ryzhov
M Maddie Hill
M Siobhan Gallagher
F Bella Bettner
F Hanna Hickey
Wheaton Warrenville South
GK Abbie Brennan
D Julia Hildebrand
D Maria Dohse
D Emily Calloway
M Ellery fahey
M Allie Anderson
M Audrey Siebert
M Julia Martz
M Evelyn Demsher
F Paige Miller
F Morgan Schwerin
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Paige Miller, so., F, Wheaton Warrenville South
Officials: Trey McClure, Curt Wegner, John Elenbaas
Game summary
DeKalb 2, Wheaton Warrenville South 1
1st 2nd --- F Records
DeKalb 0 2 --- 2 13-5-1
WW South 1 0 --- 1 9-10-1
Scoring
WWS --- Miller 18-yarder from left side inside far right post (unassisted), 20:12 gone
DeK --- Gallagher 22-yard direct free kick from right inside left post (unassisted), 56:32 gone
DeK --- Bettner 17-yarder left of center off scramble (unassisted), 64:49 gone
Shots
DeK 4 – 3 --- 7
WWS 15 – 8 --- 23
Shots on goal
DeK 2 – 3 --- 5
WWS 8 – 4 --- 12
Saves (goalie)
DeK (Hanson) 7 – 4 --- 11
WWS (Brennan) 2 – 1 --- 3