U8 bigwigs Bartlett, Glenbard East settle
for 1-1 draw in key conference matchup
70th-minute goal lets Hawks leave Lombard with big league point
By Curt Herron
LOMBARD -- For much of Wednesday's Upstate Eight Conference clash between two of the league's top three front-runners, Glenbard East had the upper hand over Bartlett.
But after the host Rams connected midway through the first half to establish early control, Bartlett continued to battle and was finally able to get the equalizer late in the match. After both sides did their best to find the winning combination during the limited remaining time, the sides settled for a 1-1 draw on a frigid night.
Elgin is 5-0-0, Bartlett is 4-0-1 and Glenbard East is 3-0-1 in the league.
Wednesday’s game was a rematch between the top two teams in the Upstate Eight Conference last season. In 2021, eventual champion Bartlett jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead but saw runnerup Glenbard East score two late goals in a 3-3 draw. With 26 of the players who were on the roster for that match also on this season's teams, another tight battle was anticipated, and that's just what unfolded.
"This is a big week for us," Glenbard East coach Kent Overbey said. "The biggest thing with Bartlett is they're always so strong, and (coach) Vince (Revak) does a great job. They play physical; they possess the ball well; and they get vertical.
“I thought we did a great job in the back containing them. With no. 22 (Gianna Imperatrice) up-top, she possesses the ball really well, and they threaten with 10 (Tessa Evans) running out of the middle and 28 (Brooke Baumann) out of the side.
“In the back, they have no. 12 (Sabrina Fowler), who wins everything in the air. And they did a very good job of containing us. I thought that Bartlett did a great job.
"I thought that Maia Zatarski did her thing. The ball dropped to Jamie Quirk, then she found Maia, who made a nice turn and then she just hit a bomb from long range, which is what she does. All of 12's (Fowler's) services were so dangerous, but Zoe (Romano) did a great job. She put a couple over the bar and had good hands, and that was good.
“We've been banged up, and we had a lot of games last week. We played well today.
“The biggest thing for us was last year we went over to Bartlett and we tied 3-3, but we were down 2-0 in the first five minutes. So, it was important for us to come out strong, and I thought that we did.
"Maddie Kiefer did a good job after we moved her up-top just for today, because we had some kids who were out sick. She did a good job of pressuring. And we just got Julia Bereta back, our freshman in the center of the back. Her and Ciara (Johnson) and Brielle DeForest, who plays every minute for us in the back, they did a great job for us tonight."
Senior Zatarski scored from 35 yards in the 20th minute following the assist from sophomore Quirk to give the Rams (7-5-1, 3-0-1) the early advantage. But in the 70th minute, senior Balene Kroeger connected following a corner kick from senior Fowler to pull the Hawks (6-6-2, 4-0-1) even and that's how it concluded.
"It was an unnaturally cold game for us, and it was one of those things where it took a little bit for us to loosen up, especially off the bus," Bartlett coach Vince Revak said. "Glenbard East came out hard out of the gates, and I don't know if we were all that prepared for it. The wind and cold played a little factor.
“But the good news is that after they had so many chances that we were able to battle back and sneak one through them and get a point out of the game. Sabrina took the corner and Balene put the ball on net, and that's what we ask them to do at the top of the box.
“Sure enough, it got through all of those bodies. I don't think the keeper saw it, and we snuck one in.
"Glenbard East is always one of the top teams in our conference and every year we always know that we have to bring our top game to compete with them. I think especially after last year when we were able to take the conference.
“They remembered that game where they almost came back in the last 10 minutes or so and pulled off a nice comeback on us. So, we were both hoping that we could be the team that would take the full three points out of this one, but it didn't work out that way.
“Overall, I'm happy that the girls fought back. We kept them to only one goal; that's always a decent game defensively. You always rue the missed chances and the mistakes, so we'll work on those."
Glenbard East started its attack early. The Rams received a long free kick from junior DeForest, then a corner kick and a good shot attempt from senior Sarah Liljestrand. Freshman goalie Megan Kron defended the Hawks goal and then watched her teammates junior Imperatrice and senior Madison Neer create dangerous attempts.
Glenbard East was happy with its effort.
"We both battled strong," Quirk said. "No. 10 (Evans) and no. 28 (Baumann) were fast and strong players, but Ciara (Johnson), Brielle (DeForest), Julia (Bereta), Hope (McKenna) and me all did a good job defensively in trying to keep the ball in front of us and stepping.
"I also think we did a good job in the midfield, especially Maia, who was able to score, and Sophia Sommesi had a great save in the first half. We have great players on our team, and I think that our team has done a good job together."
The breakthrough for Bartlett finally happened in the 70th minute when Fowler directed a corner kick toward the top of the box and Kroeger guided a grounder through traffic to even the match for the first time in more than 50 minutes.
"We were all pretty fired up coming back from halftime, and everyone knew what was at stake," Kroeger said. "We had multiple scoring opportunities, but I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. The entire team worked hard in the second half so we could have that moment. If I could relive that goal forever, I would. No other feeling compares to celebrating with these girls.
"My favorite thing about being on this team is the bonds we've created. We are always there for each other. They are all extremely supportive and talented, and I couldn't ask for a better group of girls to spend my last year with."
After Glenbard East took the early lead, Hawks junior Hailey Morhardt nearly tied things up on two different occasions. She sent in a liner that deflected off the crossbar and then booted a long free kick that was hauled in by senior goalie Zoe Romano.
The final 10 minutes of the opening half featured all sorts of drama from both sides. Neer sent in a long free kick and Kroeger threatened a bit later with a try from the side. The hosts countered with a long attempt from senior Sarah Conroy, and sophomore Hope McKenna sent in a shot that was halted by a defender.
In the final minute before the intermission, Fowler sent in a long free kick. Then Glenbard East’s Zatarski and Bartlett senior Evans were both denied on good attempts.
"I think both teams played really well," Rams sophomore Sophia Sommesi said. "Their team was big overall, but we came into this game ready to go and were fired up.
“That first goal by Maia was pretty far out, and we were hyped through the first half. The second half was a really big battle again. There was an unlucky goal scored, but I thought we really defended well. I think that our midfield has really stepped up big-time, and I think we're really good at covering. Our defense has been very solid this year."
Things were a bit different in the final half as both sides had fewer good opportunities. Conroy started things for the hosts with a line drive, and Zatarski followed with a pair of long attempts.
Around the midpoint of the final half, Fowler sent in a threatening free kick and then senior teammate Alexis DeRango launched a liner that Romano punched away. A bit later, Glenbard East senior Natalie Borcean headed away a free kick by Fowler. Not long after that, Hawks sophomore Gracie Cwik did the same on a free kick by DeForest.
After Bartlett tied things up in the 70th minute, both sides had one final challenge: Neer was denied by Romano; and a Zatarski free kick from about 30 yards out was corralled by Kron.
At that point it started to become clear that there would be no victor and both sides would have to settle for one point.
"I think it's big for us that we managed to come back at the end," Bartlett sophomore Macy Medendorp said. "Obviously, the results weren't what we wanted, but I still think we are all proud of the effort we put in after the first goal. We've been finding most of our success when we play to feet, so we're trying to really capitalize on that. We like that we can have fun and still work hard. The dynamic we have is really cool."
Bartlett wraps up play in the Naperville Invitational on Saturday when it meets no. 18 Warren at Naperville North. On Thursday, the Hawks put up a good fight before falling 1-0 to no. 12 St. Charles North in the tournament’s consolation pool.
League play resumes with a big visit from Elgin on May 2. The Hawks host South Elgin on May 4 before playing at Glenbard South on May 6. They wrap up league play May 11 with a visit from East Aurora.
Glenbard East hosts Streamwood on Friday and plays at Elgin on Saturday before hosting Glenbard South on May 4 and Larkin on May 9. The Rams finish league play at Fenton on May 11.
Starting lineups
Bartlett
G Megan Kron
D Sabrina Fowler
D Macy Medendorp
D Gracie Cwik
D Madison Neer
M Alexis DeRango
M Laney Stark
M Lizzie Dzielski
M Brooke Baumann
F Tessa Evans
F Gianna Imperatrice
Glenbard East
G Zoe Romano
D Jamie Quirk
D Ciara Johnson
D Hope McKenna
D Brielle DeForest
M Maia Zatarski
M Natalie Borcean
M Haley Tu
F Sarah Liljestrand
F Jasmine Dhamers
F Sarah Conroy
Chicagoland Soccer MVPs of the Match:
Sabrina Fowler, sr., D, Bartlett
Maia Zatarski, sr., MF, Glenbard East
Scoring summary
First half
G: Maia Zatarski (Jamie Quirk), 20th
Second half
B: Balene Kroeger (Sabrina Fowler), 70th
for 1-1 draw in key conference matchup
70th-minute goal lets Hawks leave Lombard with big league point
By Curt Herron
LOMBARD -- For much of Wednesday's Upstate Eight Conference clash between two of the league's top three front-runners, Glenbard East had the upper hand over Bartlett.
But after the host Rams connected midway through the first half to establish early control, Bartlett continued to battle and was finally able to get the equalizer late in the match. After both sides did their best to find the winning combination during the limited remaining time, the sides settled for a 1-1 draw on a frigid night.
Elgin is 5-0-0, Bartlett is 4-0-1 and Glenbard East is 3-0-1 in the league.
Wednesday’s game was a rematch between the top two teams in the Upstate Eight Conference last season. In 2021, eventual champion Bartlett jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead but saw runnerup Glenbard East score two late goals in a 3-3 draw. With 26 of the players who were on the roster for that match also on this season's teams, another tight battle was anticipated, and that's just what unfolded.
"This is a big week for us," Glenbard East coach Kent Overbey said. "The biggest thing with Bartlett is they're always so strong, and (coach) Vince (Revak) does a great job. They play physical; they possess the ball well; and they get vertical.
“I thought we did a great job in the back containing them. With no. 22 (Gianna Imperatrice) up-top, she possesses the ball really well, and they threaten with 10 (Tessa Evans) running out of the middle and 28 (Brooke Baumann) out of the side.
“In the back, they have no. 12 (Sabrina Fowler), who wins everything in the air. And they did a very good job of containing us. I thought that Bartlett did a great job.
"I thought that Maia Zatarski did her thing. The ball dropped to Jamie Quirk, then she found Maia, who made a nice turn and then she just hit a bomb from long range, which is what she does. All of 12's (Fowler's) services were so dangerous, but Zoe (Romano) did a great job. She put a couple over the bar and had good hands, and that was good.
“We've been banged up, and we had a lot of games last week. We played well today.
“The biggest thing for us was last year we went over to Bartlett and we tied 3-3, but we were down 2-0 in the first five minutes. So, it was important for us to come out strong, and I thought that we did.
"Maddie Kiefer did a good job after we moved her up-top just for today, because we had some kids who were out sick. She did a good job of pressuring. And we just got Julia Bereta back, our freshman in the center of the back. Her and Ciara (Johnson) and Brielle DeForest, who plays every minute for us in the back, they did a great job for us tonight."
Senior Zatarski scored from 35 yards in the 20th minute following the assist from sophomore Quirk to give the Rams (7-5-1, 3-0-1) the early advantage. But in the 70th minute, senior Balene Kroeger connected following a corner kick from senior Fowler to pull the Hawks (6-6-2, 4-0-1) even and that's how it concluded.
"It was an unnaturally cold game for us, and it was one of those things where it took a little bit for us to loosen up, especially off the bus," Bartlett coach Vince Revak said. "Glenbard East came out hard out of the gates, and I don't know if we were all that prepared for it. The wind and cold played a little factor.
“But the good news is that after they had so many chances that we were able to battle back and sneak one through them and get a point out of the game. Sabrina took the corner and Balene put the ball on net, and that's what we ask them to do at the top of the box.
“Sure enough, it got through all of those bodies. I don't think the keeper saw it, and we snuck one in.
"Glenbard East is always one of the top teams in our conference and every year we always know that we have to bring our top game to compete with them. I think especially after last year when we were able to take the conference.
“They remembered that game where they almost came back in the last 10 minutes or so and pulled off a nice comeback on us. So, we were both hoping that we could be the team that would take the full three points out of this one, but it didn't work out that way.
“Overall, I'm happy that the girls fought back. We kept them to only one goal; that's always a decent game defensively. You always rue the missed chances and the mistakes, so we'll work on those."
Glenbard East started its attack early. The Rams received a long free kick from junior DeForest, then a corner kick and a good shot attempt from senior Sarah Liljestrand. Freshman goalie Megan Kron defended the Hawks goal and then watched her teammates junior Imperatrice and senior Madison Neer create dangerous attempts.
Glenbard East was happy with its effort.
"We both battled strong," Quirk said. "No. 10 (Evans) and no. 28 (Baumann) were fast and strong players, but Ciara (Johnson), Brielle (DeForest), Julia (Bereta), Hope (McKenna) and me all did a good job defensively in trying to keep the ball in front of us and stepping.
"I also think we did a good job in the midfield, especially Maia, who was able to score, and Sophia Sommesi had a great save in the first half. We have great players on our team, and I think that our team has done a good job together."
The breakthrough for Bartlett finally happened in the 70th minute when Fowler directed a corner kick toward the top of the box and Kroeger guided a grounder through traffic to even the match for the first time in more than 50 minutes.
"We were all pretty fired up coming back from halftime, and everyone knew what was at stake," Kroeger said. "We had multiple scoring opportunities, but I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. The entire team worked hard in the second half so we could have that moment. If I could relive that goal forever, I would. No other feeling compares to celebrating with these girls.
"My favorite thing about being on this team is the bonds we've created. We are always there for each other. They are all extremely supportive and talented, and I couldn't ask for a better group of girls to spend my last year with."
After Glenbard East took the early lead, Hawks junior Hailey Morhardt nearly tied things up on two different occasions. She sent in a liner that deflected off the crossbar and then booted a long free kick that was hauled in by senior goalie Zoe Romano.
The final 10 minutes of the opening half featured all sorts of drama from both sides. Neer sent in a long free kick and Kroeger threatened a bit later with a try from the side. The hosts countered with a long attempt from senior Sarah Conroy, and sophomore Hope McKenna sent in a shot that was halted by a defender.
In the final minute before the intermission, Fowler sent in a long free kick. Then Glenbard East’s Zatarski and Bartlett senior Evans were both denied on good attempts.
"I think both teams played really well," Rams sophomore Sophia Sommesi said. "Their team was big overall, but we came into this game ready to go and were fired up.
“That first goal by Maia was pretty far out, and we were hyped through the first half. The second half was a really big battle again. There was an unlucky goal scored, but I thought we really defended well. I think that our midfield has really stepped up big-time, and I think we're really good at covering. Our defense has been very solid this year."
Things were a bit different in the final half as both sides had fewer good opportunities. Conroy started things for the hosts with a line drive, and Zatarski followed with a pair of long attempts.
Around the midpoint of the final half, Fowler sent in a threatening free kick and then senior teammate Alexis DeRango launched a liner that Romano punched away. A bit later, Glenbard East senior Natalie Borcean headed away a free kick by Fowler. Not long after that, Hawks sophomore Gracie Cwik did the same on a free kick by DeForest.
After Bartlett tied things up in the 70th minute, both sides had one final challenge: Neer was denied by Romano; and a Zatarski free kick from about 30 yards out was corralled by Kron.
At that point it started to become clear that there would be no victor and both sides would have to settle for one point.
"I think it's big for us that we managed to come back at the end," Bartlett sophomore Macy Medendorp said. "Obviously, the results weren't what we wanted, but I still think we are all proud of the effort we put in after the first goal. We've been finding most of our success when we play to feet, so we're trying to really capitalize on that. We like that we can have fun and still work hard. The dynamic we have is really cool."
Bartlett wraps up play in the Naperville Invitational on Saturday when it meets no. 18 Warren at Naperville North. On Thursday, the Hawks put up a good fight before falling 1-0 to no. 12 St. Charles North in the tournament’s consolation pool.
League play resumes with a big visit from Elgin on May 2. The Hawks host South Elgin on May 4 before playing at Glenbard South on May 6. They wrap up league play May 11 with a visit from East Aurora.
Glenbard East hosts Streamwood on Friday and plays at Elgin on Saturday before hosting Glenbard South on May 4 and Larkin on May 9. The Rams finish league play at Fenton on May 11.
Starting lineups
Bartlett
G Megan Kron
D Sabrina Fowler
D Macy Medendorp
D Gracie Cwik
D Madison Neer
M Alexis DeRango
M Laney Stark
M Lizzie Dzielski
M Brooke Baumann
F Tessa Evans
F Gianna Imperatrice
Glenbard East
G Zoe Romano
D Jamie Quirk
D Ciara Johnson
D Hope McKenna
D Brielle DeForest
M Maia Zatarski
M Natalie Borcean
M Haley Tu
F Sarah Liljestrand
F Jasmine Dhamers
F Sarah Conroy
Chicagoland Soccer MVPs of the Match:
Sabrina Fowler, sr., D, Bartlett
Maia Zatarski, sr., MF, Glenbard East
Scoring summary
First half
G: Maia Zatarski (Jamie Quirk), 20th
Second half
B: Balene Kroeger (Sabrina Fowler), 70th