L-W West cruises in regional opener
Warriors topple Yorkville 7-1
By Dave Owen
NEW LENOX -- Lincoln-Way West has a new focus on how to take its rising girls soccer program to the next level.
The 2014 Class 2A sectional finalists looked strong in their 2015 playoff debut Wednesday, a 7-1 win over Yorkville in the Lincoln-Way West Regional semifinals.
“Our focus this year has been us,” Warriors coach Jeff Theiss said. “In years past we’ve overthought things, over-scouted games and over-coached. We’ve focused on ourselves this year.”
The Warriors (15-7-0) endured temperatures in the low 40s and cold rains to roll to victory Wednesday.
A second-effort rebound goal with 26:40 left in the first half began a barrage that put West up 5-1 at halftime.
On a play initiated by Emily Wyskiel’s 38-yard free kick, Natalie Tannura had her point-blank shot blocked by sliding Yorkville defender Stacey Packer. Bembenek gathered the rebound and sent a 6-yarder home to start the Warriors rolling.
“To see Bembenek step up and get that first goal...we were struggling to find the net early,” Theiss said. “Her composure on that touch was excellent. The concentration was there, and she picked the side netting.”
Two minutes later, a perfect Meghann Lange cross in front was put away by Natalie Tannura for a 2-0 lead. Lange later set up two Brianna Heyer goals within a two-minute span to put the Warriors up 4-0 with 12:56 left in the first half.
Tannura burst in on left wing for her second goal just 3.6 seconds before halftime for a 5-1 lead. Brianna Darlage (15 seconds into the second half) and Lange (an own goal off a Yorkville defender on a cross) added second half goals.
“Between Nat and Darlage up top and Lange on the left side, they were having a lot of success playing off each other,” Theiss said. “And then Heyer was finding the net on balls coming across.”
Before her two finishes, Heyer lined a 15-yarder off the right post six minutes into the match. Her chip over the net along with quality near-misses by Tannura, Darlage, Meredith Buldak and Sydney Valiska were also part of a barrage in the scoreless first 12 minutes.
“I was struggling at first,” said Heyer, the Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match. “I missed two shots right away, one over and one wide. But eventually we got in the swing of things and everyone was connecting well.”
As always, Lange’s pinpoint passes were a big reason.
“She’s definitely putting out the assists this year,” said Heyer. “I know she’s tied the (school) assist record after this game. She’s helped us big time by beating people on the side and crossing them in.”
Heyer’s team-high 17 goals this year just scratch the surface of her value to the team.
“Talk about a fun kid to coach,” Theiss said. “She’s the backbone. She scraps for everything. Her wheels never stop moving. She really has all the tools. She’s strong in the air, and she’s mentally tough. She’s a happy-go-lucky kid who really raises the energy of everybody around her, coaching staff included.”
Wednesday’s weather did little to deter Heyer and the Warriors.
“It was actually kind of fun,” she said. “I love playing in the rain. It was a faster surface, but we adjusted well.”
The Warriors have had a deluge of success since mid-April. And the stars have been many.
“Audrey Pearson in goal - we’re 8-1 in our last nine games, and a lot of that goes through her,” Theiss said. “And Emily Wyskiel has been great, making that transition early in the season from attacking mid to center back. She’s grown into that position. She’s an absolute leader out there. We saw that today when we subbed players in who sometimes don’t see a lot of time. and we didn’t miss a beat. That’s Emily and her leadership and organization in the back.”
Improvement and ability to adapt has been evident with many players.
“Brittany Stover is the most improved player that we’ve seen throughout this program,” Theiss said. “She played JV freshman year, and the last two years she’s been an absolute lock-down defender. That’s a role we used to have to put (Brianna) Heyer in, and now that frees up Heyer to get involved in the attack. That really opens things up for us.
“And to have the luxury of a Meghann Lange as an outside mid. She’s an absolute handful, and that comes from Meredith Buldak stepping up. Another three-year JV player playing a holding mid role and allows us the dynamic of moving Meghann wide.
"Becca Rodriguez is putting in quality minutes off the bench, Madison Mikalauski almost has a double-double (in goals and assists) this year,” Theiss added. “The balance on this team is special. This is definitely the most complete team we’ve seen. They move as a unit, they stay connected and they play off of each other. So it’s been fun.”
Joining in the fun Wednesday were seniors Kaitlyn Souder and Kelsey Knodel.
Playing backup roles for the talented Warriors, they earned extended second half playing time on Wednesday.
Their combined efforts created a good chance with 5:50 left, when Souder twice blocked Yorkville attempts to clear the box. Those blocks set up a Knodel 15-yard shot on goal.
Being part of a successful season has been a great experience for them.
“It’s meant a lot to me because this is my first year on varsity,” Souder said. “We were all really excited to come out here and make it happen.”
The rain couldn’t dampen the good times.
“It was not the best (weather),” Knodel said, “but still right off the bat (in warm-ups) it was raining and we were like ‘the rain’s not going to stop us.’
Fellow seniors Pearson, Wyskiel, Buldak, Tannura and Lange have starting spots, but Souder and Knodel also play vital roles.
“Those two were leaders at the JV level,” Theiss said. “Their kind of attitude is contagious throughout the program. Those two are absolute class acts, they’re fun to be around and the girls love them. The attitude of this program starts with senior leaders like those two. They’ve been fun to coach and are a huge part of this thing.
“Kelsey and Kaitlyn put in quality minutes against Tinley Park (last week) when we needed them, and the same today. They get their opportunity, and they look good out there.
“They’ve maintained a positive attitude throughout,” Theiss added, “seeing limited minutes at times but still understanding that their role in this program is just as important as anybody else and being prepared when their number gets called.”
Shelby Thompson and Valiska also had shots on goal in the last 17 minutes as the Warriors were strong to the finish.
The only blemish on the day came with 4:49 left in the first half, when Yorkville freshman Peyton Willie sped in on a breakaway and lined home a 15-yard shot to cut the lead to 4-1. Willie earlier just missed the left post on a 20-yard drive in the 11th minute with the score 0-0.
“She was an absolute handful,” Theiss said, “but the girls in the back did very well with her. The possession battle was almost 100 percent in our favor, and we were very direct with the dribble running at players, drawing first defenders and slotting players through.
“We talk all day long about disciplined, organized defense. Every team is going to have weapons, so we stay organized and we know we have the dynamic to counterattack with speed. If we continue to do that and continue to play our game, I think it will bode well for us.”
The challenges get tougher, starting with Joliet Catholic Academy in Friday’s regional final. The Warriors will rely on the plan that has worked over the second half of the season.
“We’ve all grown together as a team, with a dynamic where we find each other on the field,” Knodel said. “We’ve just been focusing game by game, taking one at a time. We’re all getting out there really wanting it.”
Added Souder: “Staying confident in ourselves (is the key). You could say we struggled with that at the very beginning, but we picked up on it really fast, and we’ve been able to make this happen so far.”
A second-straight regional title is in focus as the next goal. Beyond that, the Warriors hope exceeding their 2014 sectional final trip is in the cards.
“It was definitely heartbreaking to come off the field that day (a sectional final loss to Lemont),” Heyer said, “but I think we’re ready to go further than that this year. We’ve got the motivation from last year, considering we have a ton of returning players. I think we’re just going to keep going from here.”
Starting lineups
Yorkville
GK: Kalli Allen
D: Madi Brusak
D: Stacey Packer
D: Juleah Richardson
D: Jessica Luptak
M: Sarah Megazzini
M: Catelyn Peterson
M: Sophie Bolanos
M: Alexa Medina
F: Alyssa Tirado
F: Peyton Willie
Lincoln-Way West
GK: Audrey Pearson
D: Emily Wyskiel
D: Brittany Stover
D: Breanna Bembenek
D: Teagan Lyke
M: Madison Mikalauski
M: Meredith Buldak
M: Meghann Lange
M: Brianna Heyer
F: Brianna Darlage
F: Natalie Tannura
MVP of the Match: Brianna Heyer, M, Lincoln-Way West
Warriors topple Yorkville 7-1
By Dave Owen
NEW LENOX -- Lincoln-Way West has a new focus on how to take its rising girls soccer program to the next level.
The 2014 Class 2A sectional finalists looked strong in their 2015 playoff debut Wednesday, a 7-1 win over Yorkville in the Lincoln-Way West Regional semifinals.
“Our focus this year has been us,” Warriors coach Jeff Theiss said. “In years past we’ve overthought things, over-scouted games and over-coached. We’ve focused on ourselves this year.”
The Warriors (15-7-0) endured temperatures in the low 40s and cold rains to roll to victory Wednesday.
A second-effort rebound goal with 26:40 left in the first half began a barrage that put West up 5-1 at halftime.
On a play initiated by Emily Wyskiel’s 38-yard free kick, Natalie Tannura had her point-blank shot blocked by sliding Yorkville defender Stacey Packer. Bembenek gathered the rebound and sent a 6-yarder home to start the Warriors rolling.
“To see Bembenek step up and get that first goal...we were struggling to find the net early,” Theiss said. “Her composure on that touch was excellent. The concentration was there, and she picked the side netting.”
Two minutes later, a perfect Meghann Lange cross in front was put away by Natalie Tannura for a 2-0 lead. Lange later set up two Brianna Heyer goals within a two-minute span to put the Warriors up 4-0 with 12:56 left in the first half.
Tannura burst in on left wing for her second goal just 3.6 seconds before halftime for a 5-1 lead. Brianna Darlage (15 seconds into the second half) and Lange (an own goal off a Yorkville defender on a cross) added second half goals.
“Between Nat and Darlage up top and Lange on the left side, they were having a lot of success playing off each other,” Theiss said. “And then Heyer was finding the net on balls coming across.”
Before her two finishes, Heyer lined a 15-yarder off the right post six minutes into the match. Her chip over the net along with quality near-misses by Tannura, Darlage, Meredith Buldak and Sydney Valiska were also part of a barrage in the scoreless first 12 minutes.
“I was struggling at first,” said Heyer, the Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match. “I missed two shots right away, one over and one wide. But eventually we got in the swing of things and everyone was connecting well.”
As always, Lange’s pinpoint passes were a big reason.
“She’s definitely putting out the assists this year,” said Heyer. “I know she’s tied the (school) assist record after this game. She’s helped us big time by beating people on the side and crossing them in.”
Heyer’s team-high 17 goals this year just scratch the surface of her value to the team.
“Talk about a fun kid to coach,” Theiss said. “She’s the backbone. She scraps for everything. Her wheels never stop moving. She really has all the tools. She’s strong in the air, and she’s mentally tough. She’s a happy-go-lucky kid who really raises the energy of everybody around her, coaching staff included.”
Wednesday’s weather did little to deter Heyer and the Warriors.
“It was actually kind of fun,” she said. “I love playing in the rain. It was a faster surface, but we adjusted well.”
The Warriors have had a deluge of success since mid-April. And the stars have been many.
“Audrey Pearson in goal - we’re 8-1 in our last nine games, and a lot of that goes through her,” Theiss said. “And Emily Wyskiel has been great, making that transition early in the season from attacking mid to center back. She’s grown into that position. She’s an absolute leader out there. We saw that today when we subbed players in who sometimes don’t see a lot of time. and we didn’t miss a beat. That’s Emily and her leadership and organization in the back.”
Improvement and ability to adapt has been evident with many players.
“Brittany Stover is the most improved player that we’ve seen throughout this program,” Theiss said. “She played JV freshman year, and the last two years she’s been an absolute lock-down defender. That’s a role we used to have to put (Brianna) Heyer in, and now that frees up Heyer to get involved in the attack. That really opens things up for us.
“And to have the luxury of a Meghann Lange as an outside mid. She’s an absolute handful, and that comes from Meredith Buldak stepping up. Another three-year JV player playing a holding mid role and allows us the dynamic of moving Meghann wide.
"Becca Rodriguez is putting in quality minutes off the bench, Madison Mikalauski almost has a double-double (in goals and assists) this year,” Theiss added. “The balance on this team is special. This is definitely the most complete team we’ve seen. They move as a unit, they stay connected and they play off of each other. So it’s been fun.”
Joining in the fun Wednesday were seniors Kaitlyn Souder and Kelsey Knodel.
Playing backup roles for the talented Warriors, they earned extended second half playing time on Wednesday.
Their combined efforts created a good chance with 5:50 left, when Souder twice blocked Yorkville attempts to clear the box. Those blocks set up a Knodel 15-yard shot on goal.
Being part of a successful season has been a great experience for them.
“It’s meant a lot to me because this is my first year on varsity,” Souder said. “We were all really excited to come out here and make it happen.”
The rain couldn’t dampen the good times.
“It was not the best (weather),” Knodel said, “but still right off the bat (in warm-ups) it was raining and we were like ‘the rain’s not going to stop us.’
Fellow seniors Pearson, Wyskiel, Buldak, Tannura and Lange have starting spots, but Souder and Knodel also play vital roles.
“Those two were leaders at the JV level,” Theiss said. “Their kind of attitude is contagious throughout the program. Those two are absolute class acts, they’re fun to be around and the girls love them. The attitude of this program starts with senior leaders like those two. They’ve been fun to coach and are a huge part of this thing.
“Kelsey and Kaitlyn put in quality minutes against Tinley Park (last week) when we needed them, and the same today. They get their opportunity, and they look good out there.
“They’ve maintained a positive attitude throughout,” Theiss added, “seeing limited minutes at times but still understanding that their role in this program is just as important as anybody else and being prepared when their number gets called.”
Shelby Thompson and Valiska also had shots on goal in the last 17 minutes as the Warriors were strong to the finish.
The only blemish on the day came with 4:49 left in the first half, when Yorkville freshman Peyton Willie sped in on a breakaway and lined home a 15-yard shot to cut the lead to 4-1. Willie earlier just missed the left post on a 20-yard drive in the 11th minute with the score 0-0.
“She was an absolute handful,” Theiss said, “but the girls in the back did very well with her. The possession battle was almost 100 percent in our favor, and we were very direct with the dribble running at players, drawing first defenders and slotting players through.
“We talk all day long about disciplined, organized defense. Every team is going to have weapons, so we stay organized and we know we have the dynamic to counterattack with speed. If we continue to do that and continue to play our game, I think it will bode well for us.”
The challenges get tougher, starting with Joliet Catholic Academy in Friday’s regional final. The Warriors will rely on the plan that has worked over the second half of the season.
“We’ve all grown together as a team, with a dynamic where we find each other on the field,” Knodel said. “We’ve just been focusing game by game, taking one at a time. We’re all getting out there really wanting it.”
Added Souder: “Staying confident in ourselves (is the key). You could say we struggled with that at the very beginning, but we picked up on it really fast, and we’ve been able to make this happen so far.”
A second-straight regional title is in focus as the next goal. Beyond that, the Warriors hope exceeding their 2014 sectional final trip is in the cards.
“It was definitely heartbreaking to come off the field that day (a sectional final loss to Lemont),” Heyer said, “but I think we’re ready to go further than that this year. We’ve got the motivation from last year, considering we have a ton of returning players. I think we’re just going to keep going from here.”
Starting lineups
Yorkville
GK: Kalli Allen
D: Madi Brusak
D: Stacey Packer
D: Juleah Richardson
D: Jessica Luptak
M: Sarah Megazzini
M: Catelyn Peterson
M: Sophie Bolanos
M: Alexa Medina
F: Alyssa Tirado
F: Peyton Willie
Lincoln-Way West
GK: Audrey Pearson
D: Emily Wyskiel
D: Brittany Stover
D: Breanna Bembenek
D: Teagan Lyke
M: Madison Mikalauski
M: Meredith Buldak
M: Meghann Lange
M: Brianna Heyer
F: Brianna Darlage
F: Natalie Tannura
MVP of the Match: Brianna Heyer, M, Lincoln-Way West