Barrington tops Hersey for 8th-straight Cup
McAuley goal gives Fillies 1-0 win, continues MSL dominance
By Mike Garofola
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS -- Barrington continued to rewrite the Mid-Suburban League record books by recording its eighth-consecutive league title Wednesday evening.
The Fillies (16-1-1) were crowned champs following their 1-0 thriller over Hersey, who was attempting to end a long streak from Ryan Stengren's club, which began against the Huskies with a 1-0 victory in 2012.
"It wasn't easy tonight," said Stengren. "(Hersey) as we expected, gave us all we could handle, but this group has proven to be a resilient bunch, and one that finds a way to grind out a victory with an 80-minute effort.
"There's a lot of pride in our program, witnessed by the dozens of text messages and calls I received leading up to this game from former players.
"(That) says a lot about those girls, who still hold a lot of interest in Barrington soccer and have been a part in the success we've had for such a long time."
"I am proud to be a part of a soccer program that has the history that it's had and to be able to continue the legacy that players before me started is something I take a lot of pride in," added Christine Batliner.
The Fillies terrific right outside back, who will attend Marquette University next fall and study Biomedical Sciences, has taken over quite nicely for her sister Jackie who nows plays at DePaul. She's played the same position with the same passion and ferocity.
"Even though we returned all of our backline and a few players from last year's state championship team, we had several new players and some injuries we had to deal with. To win another title says a lot about the team this year."
The Fillies could have sealed the MSL West Division two weeks before the 30th Soccer Cup if not for an inspired Fremd, whose deserved 2-1 victory sent Conant to the top of table by one point (25-24).
But when Barrington freshmen Riley Raynor fired in the game-winner in overtime to defeat Conant one week later, and Ellie McAuley did the same to secure a 3-2 away win at Buffalo Grove, the Fillies were on their way to a league-high 14th MSL Soccer Cup appearance.
For MSL East champion Hersey, the road to its ninth trip to the final was paved with several bumps along the way, including a stretch in which Mike Rusniaks' club took several steps backward. But it found its front foot in the nick of time.
"We learned a lot about ourselves when we lost three straight to Conant, Buffalo Grove, then Barrington on a night when they did everything so well and overwhelmed us with a big second half explosion," said the first year manager.
"The thing that impressed me so much about this group is how they were able to put those losses behind them, and just not dwell on the results and pick each other up in order to move forward."
The Huskies did just that in dramatic fashion on the final night of the regular season after a 100-minute, goal-less draw with Prospect that sent Chloe Sena and her club through.
"I never lost faith in this team, because we get along so well and we play for each other, not ourselves," began the Huskies terrific junior forward, who led the club with 12 goals.
"That 6-0 loss to Barrington was like ancient history to us prior to tonight's game. There wasn't any talk about getting revenge, or anything like that.
"The focus was about going out and playing the way we all knew we could. We did, and it was a great game."
As has been the case in the last few games for Barrington, its opening quarter hours of play have been highlighted with impressive passing, quick switches, plenty of possession and an ability to create more than its share of quality chances.
The MSL West champions dominated the early exchanges and forced Hersey keeper Emma Hager into a save on an Ashley Armando effort and watch Batliner skim the bar with her free kick in the 16th minute.
"We could have taken some pressure off ourselves and put some on Hersey if we put one of those chances away," said Stengren. "When you don't, you give your opponent the opportunity to gain some confidence and get into their game."
The strategy Rusniak and his assistant Brad Abel devised was to take on pressure, concede possession, and trust their strong center back partnership of McKenna Kopeny and Jane Stefaniak and goalkeeper Hager. The Huskies looked to spring Sena and any other target Rusniak brought on alongside his top scorer.
"We knew from that first game with Barrington that we allowed too much space and time, and that's when they literally tore us apart. Then we were without a couple of key players, so to have everyone back and healthy tonight made it a lot easier for us to stay-in the gae with our tactical approach," said Rusniak.
Stengren and his staff had to deal with an injury of its own and it was an important one. Chicagoland Soccer all-state left outside-back Madi Rosen took herself out in the 10th minute when she felt an upper left leg tweak.
The four-year starter came back on at 29 minutes after some attention by the Fillies medical staff, but quickly signaled for her removal after a short try. She spent the remainder of the match on the Fillies bench.
"It was all about what was best for the team when Madi chose to come off," said Stengren.
"If we're playing to go to state, she would have played through whatever was bothering her. But in this instance, it was the mature thing to do, and she never hesitated for a minute to come off.
"With a couple of days of some rest and work, she will be back and ready to go for regionals."
Stengren deployed Alexis Armando into Rosen's spot along the back and heaped plenty of praise on the junior afterwards.
"Madi can go up and down the outside, cross the ball like no other left back and be such a force in our attack," he said. "But Alexis is a great stay-at-home back, and she showed just how good she is in that role. What a great job she did for us tonight."
The loss of Rosen made Batliner the focus player out of the back for the Fillies, but as time went on center backs Juliana Moreno and Kate McGreevy took turns joining the attack or providing service towards their teammates.
Hersey's Hager did well to punch out a dangerous cross by Batliner from the six-yard box in the 32nd minute.
The Huskies received a scare moments later when Sena was forced off with an apparent ankle injury, but the junior was back on before the intermission.
Sena was in the middle of the Huskies best chance of the first period, recycling a Kopeny pass towards Avery Larson, who forced Fillies keeper Leah Eisenbarth into her first save of the night.
It was clear the halftime talk from both managers included the need for more urgency and energy from their players. The message must have gotten through.
After the shrill of the referee's whistle opened the second half, the crispness of tackles and ferocity into 50-50 balls took an upturn.
Laura Burckhardt nearly found the opener for the homeside when her booming left-footed free kick went off the gloves of Eisenbarth and then the bar.
Barrington's Raynor headed over an Ellie McAuley helper in the 52nd minute. It took just five more minutes before the Fillies struck the eventual game-winner.
Barrington was clinical in its final approach to the McAuley goal at 57 minutes, using an impressive buildup of play which began deep in it own end with Moreno.
The junior pried open the Huskies defense with her enterprising center-channel run before finding Batliner. The senior put a lovely ball into the mix, where it found Tina Teik.
The junior, who had been sidelined with an injury, turned quickly and fired a wicked, low blast that Hager saved bravely, but the ball spilled freely towards the back post.
McAuley never stopped following the play. She got to the ball before anyone else, and a her sublime finish broke the hearts of the Hersey faithful.
"That game-winner from Ellie was all about being in the right place at the right time and being rewarded for doing all the dirty work you sometimes have to do to score a goal," said Batliner.
"When you're in that close and you have a chance to put something on frame, that's what you do," said Teik. "In that instance, that's all I was thinking about doing."
The McAuley goal inspired the Fillies, but they could not find a second goal to close out the Huskies, who threw more numbers forward in an attempt to find the equalizer.
"I really felt we played some of our best possession soccer of the night after Ellie scored," said Stengren. "But we were not sharp enough in the final third and had to weather a 3-4 minute storm in order to come out on the other side of it."
Hersey's Burckhardt, then Sena each had a go on free kicks conceeded from 30 yards and closer. Then a third from Burckhardt rattled the bar in the 70th minute.
But that was it for the Huskies, who were unable to put another on frame in the final minutes.
"We did everything real well tonight, but put one into the back of their net," said Rusniak. "That's something they (Barrington) rarely allow anyone to do.
"You're never happy about a loss, especially in a game you're playing for the conference championship, but I am so proud of this team right now. They played one of the best teams in the state for 80 minutes on even terms, and that says a lot about them."
After both clubs posed for pictures with their division trophies, Stengren had this to say in closing.
"The last six games for us have all been one-goal games (beginning) with that 2-1 loss to Fremd," he said. "I mentioned after that game that it was maybe time for this team to learn how to grind out victories, much like last year's team did.
"It's not an easy thing to do when everyone you face is always coming after the champion, but they have showed a lot of heart, grit and the ability to come together when its most needed to win some big games, including tonight."
Starting lineups
Barrington (4-4-2)
G- Leah Eisenbarth
D- Madi Rosen
D- Kate McGreevy
D- Juliana Moreno
D- Kristine Batliner
M- Ellie McAuley
M- Ashley Rocco
M- Tina Teik
M- Rebecca Shomaker
F- Ashley Armando
F- Jen Devona
Hersey (4-4-2)
G- Emma Hager
D- Gabby Kozurek
D- McKenna Kopeny
D- Jane Stefaniak
D- Emily Song
M- Hannah Grawe
M- Laura Burckhardt
M- Maddy Kim
M- Olivia Mrowicki
F- Chloe Sena
F- Avery Larson
Chicagoland Soccer MVPs of the Match: Ellie McAuley, jr., MF/F, Barrington
Laura Burckhardt, sr., MF, Hersey
Referee: Adrian Wrobecki
Scoring summary
First half
No scoring
Second half
Barrington: McAuley (Teik), 57'
McAuley goal gives Fillies 1-0 win, continues MSL dominance
By Mike Garofola
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS -- Barrington continued to rewrite the Mid-Suburban League record books by recording its eighth-consecutive league title Wednesday evening.
The Fillies (16-1-1) were crowned champs following their 1-0 thriller over Hersey, who was attempting to end a long streak from Ryan Stengren's club, which began against the Huskies with a 1-0 victory in 2012.
"It wasn't easy tonight," said Stengren. "(Hersey) as we expected, gave us all we could handle, but this group has proven to be a resilient bunch, and one that finds a way to grind out a victory with an 80-minute effort.
"There's a lot of pride in our program, witnessed by the dozens of text messages and calls I received leading up to this game from former players.
"(That) says a lot about those girls, who still hold a lot of interest in Barrington soccer and have been a part in the success we've had for such a long time."
"I am proud to be a part of a soccer program that has the history that it's had and to be able to continue the legacy that players before me started is something I take a lot of pride in," added Christine Batliner.
The Fillies terrific right outside back, who will attend Marquette University next fall and study Biomedical Sciences, has taken over quite nicely for her sister Jackie who nows plays at DePaul. She's played the same position with the same passion and ferocity.
"Even though we returned all of our backline and a few players from last year's state championship team, we had several new players and some injuries we had to deal with. To win another title says a lot about the team this year."
The Fillies could have sealed the MSL West Division two weeks before the 30th Soccer Cup if not for an inspired Fremd, whose deserved 2-1 victory sent Conant to the top of table by one point (25-24).
But when Barrington freshmen Riley Raynor fired in the game-winner in overtime to defeat Conant one week later, and Ellie McAuley did the same to secure a 3-2 away win at Buffalo Grove, the Fillies were on their way to a league-high 14th MSL Soccer Cup appearance.
For MSL East champion Hersey, the road to its ninth trip to the final was paved with several bumps along the way, including a stretch in which Mike Rusniaks' club took several steps backward. But it found its front foot in the nick of time.
"We learned a lot about ourselves when we lost three straight to Conant, Buffalo Grove, then Barrington on a night when they did everything so well and overwhelmed us with a big second half explosion," said the first year manager.
"The thing that impressed me so much about this group is how they were able to put those losses behind them, and just not dwell on the results and pick each other up in order to move forward."
The Huskies did just that in dramatic fashion on the final night of the regular season after a 100-minute, goal-less draw with Prospect that sent Chloe Sena and her club through.
"I never lost faith in this team, because we get along so well and we play for each other, not ourselves," began the Huskies terrific junior forward, who led the club with 12 goals.
"That 6-0 loss to Barrington was like ancient history to us prior to tonight's game. There wasn't any talk about getting revenge, or anything like that.
"The focus was about going out and playing the way we all knew we could. We did, and it was a great game."
As has been the case in the last few games for Barrington, its opening quarter hours of play have been highlighted with impressive passing, quick switches, plenty of possession and an ability to create more than its share of quality chances.
The MSL West champions dominated the early exchanges and forced Hersey keeper Emma Hager into a save on an Ashley Armando effort and watch Batliner skim the bar with her free kick in the 16th minute.
"We could have taken some pressure off ourselves and put some on Hersey if we put one of those chances away," said Stengren. "When you don't, you give your opponent the opportunity to gain some confidence and get into their game."
The strategy Rusniak and his assistant Brad Abel devised was to take on pressure, concede possession, and trust their strong center back partnership of McKenna Kopeny and Jane Stefaniak and goalkeeper Hager. The Huskies looked to spring Sena and any other target Rusniak brought on alongside his top scorer.
"We knew from that first game with Barrington that we allowed too much space and time, and that's when they literally tore us apart. Then we were without a couple of key players, so to have everyone back and healthy tonight made it a lot easier for us to stay-in the gae with our tactical approach," said Rusniak.
Stengren and his staff had to deal with an injury of its own and it was an important one. Chicagoland Soccer all-state left outside-back Madi Rosen took herself out in the 10th minute when she felt an upper left leg tweak.
The four-year starter came back on at 29 minutes after some attention by the Fillies medical staff, but quickly signaled for her removal after a short try. She spent the remainder of the match on the Fillies bench.
"It was all about what was best for the team when Madi chose to come off," said Stengren.
"If we're playing to go to state, she would have played through whatever was bothering her. But in this instance, it was the mature thing to do, and she never hesitated for a minute to come off.
"With a couple of days of some rest and work, she will be back and ready to go for regionals."
Stengren deployed Alexis Armando into Rosen's spot along the back and heaped plenty of praise on the junior afterwards.
"Madi can go up and down the outside, cross the ball like no other left back and be such a force in our attack," he said. "But Alexis is a great stay-at-home back, and she showed just how good she is in that role. What a great job she did for us tonight."
The loss of Rosen made Batliner the focus player out of the back for the Fillies, but as time went on center backs Juliana Moreno and Kate McGreevy took turns joining the attack or providing service towards their teammates.
Hersey's Hager did well to punch out a dangerous cross by Batliner from the six-yard box in the 32nd minute.
The Huskies received a scare moments later when Sena was forced off with an apparent ankle injury, but the junior was back on before the intermission.
Sena was in the middle of the Huskies best chance of the first period, recycling a Kopeny pass towards Avery Larson, who forced Fillies keeper Leah Eisenbarth into her first save of the night.
It was clear the halftime talk from both managers included the need for more urgency and energy from their players. The message must have gotten through.
After the shrill of the referee's whistle opened the second half, the crispness of tackles and ferocity into 50-50 balls took an upturn.
Laura Burckhardt nearly found the opener for the homeside when her booming left-footed free kick went off the gloves of Eisenbarth and then the bar.
Barrington's Raynor headed over an Ellie McAuley helper in the 52nd minute. It took just five more minutes before the Fillies struck the eventual game-winner.
Barrington was clinical in its final approach to the McAuley goal at 57 minutes, using an impressive buildup of play which began deep in it own end with Moreno.
The junior pried open the Huskies defense with her enterprising center-channel run before finding Batliner. The senior put a lovely ball into the mix, where it found Tina Teik.
The junior, who had been sidelined with an injury, turned quickly and fired a wicked, low blast that Hager saved bravely, but the ball spilled freely towards the back post.
McAuley never stopped following the play. She got to the ball before anyone else, and a her sublime finish broke the hearts of the Hersey faithful.
"That game-winner from Ellie was all about being in the right place at the right time and being rewarded for doing all the dirty work you sometimes have to do to score a goal," said Batliner.
"When you're in that close and you have a chance to put something on frame, that's what you do," said Teik. "In that instance, that's all I was thinking about doing."
The McAuley goal inspired the Fillies, but they could not find a second goal to close out the Huskies, who threw more numbers forward in an attempt to find the equalizer.
"I really felt we played some of our best possession soccer of the night after Ellie scored," said Stengren. "But we were not sharp enough in the final third and had to weather a 3-4 minute storm in order to come out on the other side of it."
Hersey's Burckhardt, then Sena each had a go on free kicks conceeded from 30 yards and closer. Then a third from Burckhardt rattled the bar in the 70th minute.
But that was it for the Huskies, who were unable to put another on frame in the final minutes.
"We did everything real well tonight, but put one into the back of their net," said Rusniak. "That's something they (Barrington) rarely allow anyone to do.
"You're never happy about a loss, especially in a game you're playing for the conference championship, but I am so proud of this team right now. They played one of the best teams in the state for 80 minutes on even terms, and that says a lot about them."
After both clubs posed for pictures with their division trophies, Stengren had this to say in closing.
"The last six games for us have all been one-goal games (beginning) with that 2-1 loss to Fremd," he said. "I mentioned after that game that it was maybe time for this team to learn how to grind out victories, much like last year's team did.
"It's not an easy thing to do when everyone you face is always coming after the champion, but they have showed a lot of heart, grit and the ability to come together when its most needed to win some big games, including tonight."
Starting lineups
Barrington (4-4-2)
G- Leah Eisenbarth
D- Madi Rosen
D- Kate McGreevy
D- Juliana Moreno
D- Kristine Batliner
M- Ellie McAuley
M- Ashley Rocco
M- Tina Teik
M- Rebecca Shomaker
F- Ashley Armando
F- Jen Devona
Hersey (4-4-2)
G- Emma Hager
D- Gabby Kozurek
D- McKenna Kopeny
D- Jane Stefaniak
D- Emily Song
M- Hannah Grawe
M- Laura Burckhardt
M- Maddy Kim
M- Olivia Mrowicki
F- Chloe Sena
F- Avery Larson
Chicagoland Soccer MVPs of the Match: Ellie McAuley, jr., MF/F, Barrington
Laura Burckhardt, sr., MF, Hersey
Referee: Adrian Wrobecki
Scoring summary
First half
No scoring
Second half
Barrington: McAuley (Teik), 57'