Barrington's firepower jolts Hersey
Fillies wait out lightning delay, then light up scoreboard
By Mike Garofola
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS -- Barrington produced a ruthless second half of finishing, hammering home five after the break, to go past Hersey 6-0 at Roland Goins Stadium on Monday night.
The Fillies, ranked no. 1 in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, reemphazied their title credentials with the win and stayed two points clear of Conant (24-22) at the top of the MSL table after the Cougars beat Elk Grove 5-0 Tuesday night.
"We really wanted to play this game tonight," said Fillies manager Ryan Stengren, who along with his counterpart Mike Rusniak, watched turbulent weather hold off the start of this contest for nearly 90 minutes before the 'all-clear' brought both sides into the Huskies park just before 8 p.m.
"Tonight was the start of a really busy week for us, so not only did we want to get this game in, but we also wanted to win to help us get our week off to a good beginning," said Jen Devona, who set the tone on the evening when she hit the opener in the 23rd minute.
Stengren added: "We came out with a lot of pace, played quick, moved the ball all around the park, and had our best game of finishing this season."
Rusniak's club had gone out to a 4-0-0 record to take a formidable advantage over its MSL East rivals but then did a 180 when its third-straight conference loss in eight days (4-0 to Conant, 4-0 to Buffalo Grove and Barrington) to help bring the rest of the division back within striking distance.
"We've struggled to find our rhythm after conceding the first goal of late," said Rusniak. "Coupled with a handful of injuries we're dealing with. (it) has also caused us to ask the girls to play in different positions, which has had an impact on their confidence and abilities
"It's been a harsh learning experience of late on how to overcome adversity, but this is a team with such incredible players and personalities. So I know we'll work our way through this slump."
Rusniak moved senior midfielder Laura Burckhardt, one of his best attacking players, into the center of the Huskies backlinee and asked sophomore defender Jane Stefaniak to handle things in the middle of the park with junior defenders Genna Hill (concussion) and Sydney Pape (toe) on the sidelines.
Hersey (8-5-1, 4-3-0) also deployed what has become the tactical norm that Barrington (11-0-1, 8-0-0) has seen in its last three games -- an opponent that sat in and dropped plenty of numbers behind the ball with an eye on springing a counterattacking surprise.
"Burlington Central and Bartlett did that to us last week during our first two games of the Naperville Invitational, then we saw it again tonight (even) with Hersey having a strong wind at its back in the first half," began Ashley Rocco, who along with Devona shared the Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match honor.
"The main thing for all us to remember when we're playing a team that's sitting in is to be patient, play with composure and move the ball quickly. And that's what we did tonight."
An impressive first quarter hour by the Fillies was a harbinger of things to come. Tina Teik went wide in the 5th minute, and Shomaker did the same after a lovely build-up from Teik and Ashley Armando.
Hersey was at its most dangerous in first period when deep service from Burckhardt, given a boost with the strong winds, kept the Fillies backline of Kate McGreevy, Madi Rosen, Christine Batliner and Juliana Moreno careful before joining the attack.
However, as the visitors slowly began to enjoy most of the play, it was then both Batliner and Rosen could be seen far up the field on the flanks. That gave the Huskies more to watch than they wanted.
"Barrington moved the ball with such efficiency and speed, it was hard for us to settle into our game," said Rusniak. "And when they switched the point of attack and pushed their outside back forward, we struggled with adjusting and challenging their possession."
Devona steered in her close-range attempt at 23 minutes through a crowd after Shomaker and Caroline Kilayko, just after she was brought on, conspired to put their teammate in position to score.
Barrington, now playing with more confidence, poured into the Huskies end. The Fillies created several deep throws and corners, and a couple of quality chances at Hersey keeper Emma Hager right up until the break.
The worst was yet to come for the hosts.
"Jane (Stefaniak) plays at such an incredibly high level, she is the same way in training, and is an incredible competitor who simply doesn't quit, and has a teammate that plays like her in McKenna Kopeny," said Rusniak. "But we still were not able to stop Barrington in that second half."
Hersey was opened up nearly each time the visitors ventured forward. The second goal arrived at 53 minutes after a gritty tackle by Teik kept the ball alive in the area.
Once under complete control of the ball, the junior Shomaker who scored her ninth on the season.
Goals no. 3 and 4 came shortly thereafter, and just under sixty seconds apart.
Teik ran clear up the right side, stopped, and then found the back of the net with an exquisite, low snap-shot which Hager had little chance to stop.
Kilayko made it 4-0 when she ran onto an inch-perfect, left-footed cross from Rosen at the back post. The timing to reach the Rosen serve made this goal one of beauty.
"Kilayko and (Riley) Raynor have provided us with some terrific work off the bench this season," said Stengen. "Caroline had a strong night for us, scoring
twice, and assisting on another.
"While Riley, who's just a freshmen, leads all goal scorers with 10."
Kilayko's brace gave the junior six goals.
With the Fillies now in control, Stengren brought on most of his reserves including keeper Leah Eisenbarth, who shared in the Fillies seventh clean-sheet of the year with starter Coast Liapis.
"It was a tough night to get going," said Rocco. "We sat around for such a long time and had only a 10-minute warmup, but everyone was ready to go at the start, and it showed in the way we came out so strong."
Sophomore Lara Lubinsky added another to the scoreline, Kilayko tallied second eight minutes from time closed things out.
Hersey has its focus on regrouping.
"I think it's during this tough time of the season that has made the girls become closer than I've seen before," said Rusniak. "And ultimately, I know it will help us move into the last half of the season ready for anything that comes our way."
Hersey is away at Wheeling on Wednesday, while Barrington host division rival Fremd on the same night in what promises to be yet another big test for the reigning MSL champions.
"We expect Fremd to come out and play hard, and make us work for everything we get," said Devona. "So we'll have to be ready for them on Wednesday
Starting lineups
Barrington (4-4-2)
G- Coast Liapis
D- Madi Rosen
D- Juliana Moreno
D- Kate McGreevy
D- Christine Batliner
M- Rebecca Shomaker
M- Ashley Rocco
M- Tina Teik
M- Jen Devona
F- Ellie McAuley
F- Ashley Armando
Hersey (4-4-2)
G- Emma Hager
D- Sydney Pape
D- Laura Burckhardt
D- McKenna Kopeny
D- Allison Beck
M- Hannah Grawe
M- Jane Stefaniak
M- Morgan Palmer
M- Maddy Kim
F- Chloe Sena
F- Olivia Mrowicki
Chicagoland Soccer MVPs of the Match: Jen Devona, so., F/MF, Barrington
Ashley Rocco, sr., MF, Barrington
Referee: Mariusz Folta
Scoring summary
First half
Barrington: Devona (Shomaker) 23'
Second half
Barrington: Shomaker (Armando) 53'
Barrington: Teik (Devona) 58'
Barrington: Kilayko (Rosen) 59'
Barrington: Lubinsky (Kilayko) 71'
Barrington: Kilayko (Lubinsky) 72'
Fillies wait out lightning delay, then light up scoreboard
By Mike Garofola
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS -- Barrington produced a ruthless second half of finishing, hammering home five after the break, to go past Hersey 6-0 at Roland Goins Stadium on Monday night.
The Fillies, ranked no. 1 in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, reemphazied their title credentials with the win and stayed two points clear of Conant (24-22) at the top of the MSL table after the Cougars beat Elk Grove 5-0 Tuesday night.
"We really wanted to play this game tonight," said Fillies manager Ryan Stengren, who along with his counterpart Mike Rusniak, watched turbulent weather hold off the start of this contest for nearly 90 minutes before the 'all-clear' brought both sides into the Huskies park just before 8 p.m.
"Tonight was the start of a really busy week for us, so not only did we want to get this game in, but we also wanted to win to help us get our week off to a good beginning," said Jen Devona, who set the tone on the evening when she hit the opener in the 23rd minute.
Stengren added: "We came out with a lot of pace, played quick, moved the ball all around the park, and had our best game of finishing this season."
Rusniak's club had gone out to a 4-0-0 record to take a formidable advantage over its MSL East rivals but then did a 180 when its third-straight conference loss in eight days (4-0 to Conant, 4-0 to Buffalo Grove and Barrington) to help bring the rest of the division back within striking distance.
"We've struggled to find our rhythm after conceding the first goal of late," said Rusniak. "Coupled with a handful of injuries we're dealing with. (it) has also caused us to ask the girls to play in different positions, which has had an impact on their confidence and abilities
"It's been a harsh learning experience of late on how to overcome adversity, but this is a team with such incredible players and personalities. So I know we'll work our way through this slump."
Rusniak moved senior midfielder Laura Burckhardt, one of his best attacking players, into the center of the Huskies backlinee and asked sophomore defender Jane Stefaniak to handle things in the middle of the park with junior defenders Genna Hill (concussion) and Sydney Pape (toe) on the sidelines.
Hersey (8-5-1, 4-3-0) also deployed what has become the tactical norm that Barrington (11-0-1, 8-0-0) has seen in its last three games -- an opponent that sat in and dropped plenty of numbers behind the ball with an eye on springing a counterattacking surprise.
"Burlington Central and Bartlett did that to us last week during our first two games of the Naperville Invitational, then we saw it again tonight (even) with Hersey having a strong wind at its back in the first half," began Ashley Rocco, who along with Devona shared the Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match honor.
"The main thing for all us to remember when we're playing a team that's sitting in is to be patient, play with composure and move the ball quickly. And that's what we did tonight."
An impressive first quarter hour by the Fillies was a harbinger of things to come. Tina Teik went wide in the 5th minute, and Shomaker did the same after a lovely build-up from Teik and Ashley Armando.
Hersey was at its most dangerous in first period when deep service from Burckhardt, given a boost with the strong winds, kept the Fillies backline of Kate McGreevy, Madi Rosen, Christine Batliner and Juliana Moreno careful before joining the attack.
However, as the visitors slowly began to enjoy most of the play, it was then both Batliner and Rosen could be seen far up the field on the flanks. That gave the Huskies more to watch than they wanted.
"Barrington moved the ball with such efficiency and speed, it was hard for us to settle into our game," said Rusniak. "And when they switched the point of attack and pushed their outside back forward, we struggled with adjusting and challenging their possession."
Devona steered in her close-range attempt at 23 minutes through a crowd after Shomaker and Caroline Kilayko, just after she was brought on, conspired to put their teammate in position to score.
Barrington, now playing with more confidence, poured into the Huskies end. The Fillies created several deep throws and corners, and a couple of quality chances at Hersey keeper Emma Hager right up until the break.
The worst was yet to come for the hosts.
"Jane (Stefaniak) plays at such an incredibly high level, she is the same way in training, and is an incredible competitor who simply doesn't quit, and has a teammate that plays like her in McKenna Kopeny," said Rusniak. "But we still were not able to stop Barrington in that second half."
Hersey was opened up nearly each time the visitors ventured forward. The second goal arrived at 53 minutes after a gritty tackle by Teik kept the ball alive in the area.
Once under complete control of the ball, the junior Shomaker who scored her ninth on the season.
Goals no. 3 and 4 came shortly thereafter, and just under sixty seconds apart.
Teik ran clear up the right side, stopped, and then found the back of the net with an exquisite, low snap-shot which Hager had little chance to stop.
Kilayko made it 4-0 when she ran onto an inch-perfect, left-footed cross from Rosen at the back post. The timing to reach the Rosen serve made this goal one of beauty.
"Kilayko and (Riley) Raynor have provided us with some terrific work off the bench this season," said Stengen. "Caroline had a strong night for us, scoring
twice, and assisting on another.
"While Riley, who's just a freshmen, leads all goal scorers with 10."
Kilayko's brace gave the junior six goals.
With the Fillies now in control, Stengren brought on most of his reserves including keeper Leah Eisenbarth, who shared in the Fillies seventh clean-sheet of the year with starter Coast Liapis.
"It was a tough night to get going," said Rocco. "We sat around for such a long time and had only a 10-minute warmup, but everyone was ready to go at the start, and it showed in the way we came out so strong."
Sophomore Lara Lubinsky added another to the scoreline, Kilayko tallied second eight minutes from time closed things out.
Hersey has its focus on regrouping.
"I think it's during this tough time of the season that has made the girls become closer than I've seen before," said Rusniak. "And ultimately, I know it will help us move into the last half of the season ready for anything that comes our way."
Hersey is away at Wheeling on Wednesday, while Barrington host division rival Fremd on the same night in what promises to be yet another big test for the reigning MSL champions.
"We expect Fremd to come out and play hard, and make us work for everything we get," said Devona. "So we'll have to be ready for them on Wednesday
Starting lineups
Barrington (4-4-2)
G- Coast Liapis
D- Madi Rosen
D- Juliana Moreno
D- Kate McGreevy
D- Christine Batliner
M- Rebecca Shomaker
M- Ashley Rocco
M- Tina Teik
M- Jen Devona
F- Ellie McAuley
F- Ashley Armando
Hersey (4-4-2)
G- Emma Hager
D- Sydney Pape
D- Laura Burckhardt
D- McKenna Kopeny
D- Allison Beck
M- Hannah Grawe
M- Jane Stefaniak
M- Morgan Palmer
M- Maddy Kim
F- Chloe Sena
F- Olivia Mrowicki
Chicagoland Soccer MVPs of the Match: Jen Devona, so., F/MF, Barrington
Ashley Rocco, sr., MF, Barrington
Referee: Mariusz Folta
Scoring summary
First half
Barrington: Devona (Shomaker) 23'
Second half
Barrington: Shomaker (Armando) 53'
Barrington: Teik (Devona) 58'
Barrington: Kilayko (Rosen) 59'
Barrington: Lubinsky (Kilayko) 71'
Barrington: Kilayko (Lubinsky) 72'