Fremd falls to
Glenbrook North's 2nd half attack
Vikings' season ends with 3-0 loss in sectional semifinal
By Mike Garofola
GURNEE – Fremd’s dream of a second-straight postseason upset came to an end Tuesday night when the sixth-seeded Vikings were felled by three second half goals from top-seed Glenbrook North on Friday night at Warren High School’s O'Plaine Campus stadium.
"We battled, and played with our hearts tonight,” said senior Anna Schmitt after a brave effort from the Vikings. “We held them off as long as we could, but that first goal really seemed to take a lot out of us. And to honest, the best team won tonight."
"(Fremd) is such a hard team to play because they play so direct," said Glenbrook North senior star Margy Porta, who saw several different defensive looks in the first half. “They challenge every first and second ball in the air. On the ground, with the type of physical play that can take you away from playing the way you normally play, it took us a while to finally find our rhythm."
"Coming into this game we focused on how to create a strong defensive presence knowing how strong their attack (is) and the talent of their forwards,” began Fremd assistant Kelsey Havell, who was in charge of the club. Manager Steve Keller was forced to sit out the game after taking two yellow cards in the Vikings regional championship upset win over Warren last week.
"Gemma (Gillespie) and Bella (Scesniak) both had their best defensive games of the season. They held Glenbrook North’s offense to minimal chances in the first 60 minutes. I could not be more proud of the way the girls came together and defended as a team."
Glenbrook North had a few chances in the first half hour from Porta, American University-commit Morissa Lambert and Ella Panek, who later became a pesky and dangerous player on the wing and was responsible for plenty of opportunities for her club.
Annie Philbin started what was be the best chance of the first half for the Spartans when she set Panek free up the right side. From there, the sophomore played a lovely ball to an unmarked Lily Denk who skimmed the post with a header at 15 minutes.
This same duo just missed at the back post moments later. Then it was the speedy Porta, who burst up the left side before providing an inch-perfect cross to Keira Lydon. Fremd keeper Sam Gary saved the close-range attempt.
The flurry of attacking football was it for the Spartans, who saw Gillepsie, Scesniak and their backline mates Maddie McMillian and Shannon Moran really tighten things up to keep Fremd level at the break.
"We had some good opportunities to score during the first half," began Spartans manager Tony Valsamis. “We just did not capitalize.
"Fremd was constantly battling the entire first half and into the second half. Because of their hard work, they were able to stay in the game."
"Our plan all night was to make them work for everything they got," said Fremd senior Lily Spotak, who along with Schmitt proudly wore the captains’ armbands for the Vikings. “We put so much into keeping them under control, and out of our net, we just were not able to get much going in our attack.”
The Vikings (12-7-3) first chance of the evening came against the run of play early in the second half. Spotak played a nice ball to sophomore Sammie Findysz, who was caught wrong-footed and put the attempt wide.
A long 45-yard enterprising run from Schmitt resulted in a corner for the Vikings moments later. That forced Glenbrook North to parry the ball out of the area, but Spotak kept the attack alive to create a second corner.
The following Findysz effort at Spartans keeper Maddy Noll was easily saved.
"Our attack was very inconsistent tonight,” said Havell. “We were not able to connect with Spotak, Schmitt or Findysz on the outside, like we work on. Their defense did a nice job holding their line and pressuring our attack."
Gillespie bent a 35-yard free kick straight on frame in the 52nd minute, one of three shots on the night for the co-Chicagoland MVP of the Match.
Then Glenbrook North struck. With a moment of brilliance, Porta notched the opener and eventual game-winner. She slipped free of a pair of defenders to collect a superb ball from out of the back from Lambert.
The Boston University-bound Porta allowed the ball to run alongside her right side as she shielded her marks, then raced clear of both which forced Gary off her line to challenge.
Porta took full advantage of the opportunity to steer in her 21st goal of the season.
"We knew we had (one) coming, it just took a long time for it to happen," said Porta of her 54th-minute goal.
"We needed a goal," added Valsamis. “When it did come, it was because we were persistent and patient, and didn't panic
"I felt a lot of our energy escape after that first goal," said Spotak. “We continued to fight and pushed numbers to try to get back even, but they we still dangerous.”
Valsamis dropped Porta back into the middle to form a tactically and technically first-class partnership alongside Lambert.
On the Fremd side, Havell pushed Gillespie into the middle of the park to inspire the Vikings attack.
Ava Catherall joined fellow sophomore McMillian, senior Moran and junior Kaitlyn Rodi in the Vikings backline.
"There will be a great core of players back next year and maybe a couple of club players coming in as well,” said Spotak. “So, 2023 looks like it could be a great year for Vikings soccer."
In search of the equalizer, Gillespie forced Noll into action twice before Catherall put a header wide on a Gillespie free kick in the 67th minute.
However, throughout this sequence, Glenbrook North’s attack began to create chances as the Vikings pushed numbers in search of more late heroics like Kylie Williams' late equalizer against Warren.
"We all knew we were capable of scoring another late one," said Spotak. “That's what we were after, but two, quick (late) goals did us in for good.”
Just minutes after Valsamis brought on Kate Leverenz, the junior made an impact.
Leverenz bagged the all-important second goal in the 75th minute courtesy of some wonderful combination play from Rachel Leiter and Denk. Their work allowed Leverenz to get the ball at the tail-end of her center channel run and hammer home the insurance goal.
Panek, who shared the Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match accolade, nabbed her fifth of the year two minutes later after she linked up with Leverenz to complete the Spartans three-goal victory.
"With the way Fremd battles and came back to force overtime and kicks against Warren, it was always in the back of my mind that anything can happen in the playoffs," said Valsamis. “So getting a big lift from Kate, who was able to leave her mark on the game thanks to her phenomenal attitude, strength and great work-rate up-top, was key to our victory."
Fremd held its head high in defeat.
"Once again we left everything we had out there," said Schmitt. “Tonight it wasn't enough, but that's okay. We played hard, lost to a very good team. But I am very proud of this team, that has so many of my longtime friends on it.”
"I feel so fortunate to have played with all of my friends that have been together for years in school and with soccer," added Spotak, who will play next fall at Eastern Michigan. “It's been a great experience, and something that I will never forget."
"This group of girls are a very tight knit bunch,” said Havell. “They all wanted to win and play their best for each other.
"The senior class this year brought camaraderie, competition, fun and energy with each day. They took a leadership role and involved all the players, both on and off the field together, to become one.
"The younger players here had great role models to look up to, and they will all be truly missed next season."
Glenbrook North advanced for a bid to win the first sectional title in school history but fell to third-seeded Libertyville 1-0 on May 27. The Spartans finished the season 20-2-1.
Starting lineups
Fremd (4-4-2)
G- Sam Gary
D- Shannon Moran
D- Gemma Gillespie
D- Bella Scesniak
D- Maddie McMillan
M- Lily Spotak
M- Kaitlyn Rodi
M- Anna Schmitt
M- Kylie Williams
F- Sammie Findysz
F- Ania Ciborowski
Glenbrook North (4-3-3)
G- Maddy Noll
D- Nayia Sellas
D- Dani Gichner
D- Annie Philbin
D- Kat Sellas
M- Rachel Leiter
M- Morissa Lambert
M- Emily Masinter
F- Lily Denk
F- Margy Porta
F- Ella Panek
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match:
Gemma Gillespie, so., D/MF, Fremd;
Ella Panek, so., F/MF, Glenbrook North
Scoring summary
First half
No scoring
Second half
GBN: Porta (Lambert) 54'
GBN: Leverenz (L. Denk, Leiter) 75'
GBN: Panek (Leverenz) 77'
Statistics
Shots on
Fremd: 4
Glenbrook North: 7
Shots off
Fremd: 5
Glenbrook North: 5
Fouls
Fremd: 10
Glenbrook North: 5
Corner kicks
Fremd: 2
Glenbrook North: 5
Offsides
Fremd: 1
Glenbrook North: 1
Glenbrook North's 2nd half attack
Vikings' season ends with 3-0 loss in sectional semifinal
By Mike Garofola
GURNEE – Fremd’s dream of a second-straight postseason upset came to an end Tuesday night when the sixth-seeded Vikings were felled by three second half goals from top-seed Glenbrook North on Friday night at Warren High School’s O'Plaine Campus stadium.
"We battled, and played with our hearts tonight,” said senior Anna Schmitt after a brave effort from the Vikings. “We held them off as long as we could, but that first goal really seemed to take a lot out of us. And to honest, the best team won tonight."
"(Fremd) is such a hard team to play because they play so direct," said Glenbrook North senior star Margy Porta, who saw several different defensive looks in the first half. “They challenge every first and second ball in the air. On the ground, with the type of physical play that can take you away from playing the way you normally play, it took us a while to finally find our rhythm."
"Coming into this game we focused on how to create a strong defensive presence knowing how strong their attack (is) and the talent of their forwards,” began Fremd assistant Kelsey Havell, who was in charge of the club. Manager Steve Keller was forced to sit out the game after taking two yellow cards in the Vikings regional championship upset win over Warren last week.
"Gemma (Gillespie) and Bella (Scesniak) both had their best defensive games of the season. They held Glenbrook North’s offense to minimal chances in the first 60 minutes. I could not be more proud of the way the girls came together and defended as a team."
Glenbrook North had a few chances in the first half hour from Porta, American University-commit Morissa Lambert and Ella Panek, who later became a pesky and dangerous player on the wing and was responsible for plenty of opportunities for her club.
Annie Philbin started what was be the best chance of the first half for the Spartans when she set Panek free up the right side. From there, the sophomore played a lovely ball to an unmarked Lily Denk who skimmed the post with a header at 15 minutes.
This same duo just missed at the back post moments later. Then it was the speedy Porta, who burst up the left side before providing an inch-perfect cross to Keira Lydon. Fremd keeper Sam Gary saved the close-range attempt.
The flurry of attacking football was it for the Spartans, who saw Gillepsie, Scesniak and their backline mates Maddie McMillian and Shannon Moran really tighten things up to keep Fremd level at the break.
"We had some good opportunities to score during the first half," began Spartans manager Tony Valsamis. “We just did not capitalize.
"Fremd was constantly battling the entire first half and into the second half. Because of their hard work, they were able to stay in the game."
"Our plan all night was to make them work for everything they got," said Fremd senior Lily Spotak, who along with Schmitt proudly wore the captains’ armbands for the Vikings. “We put so much into keeping them under control, and out of our net, we just were not able to get much going in our attack.”
The Vikings (12-7-3) first chance of the evening came against the run of play early in the second half. Spotak played a nice ball to sophomore Sammie Findysz, who was caught wrong-footed and put the attempt wide.
A long 45-yard enterprising run from Schmitt resulted in a corner for the Vikings moments later. That forced Glenbrook North to parry the ball out of the area, but Spotak kept the attack alive to create a second corner.
The following Findysz effort at Spartans keeper Maddy Noll was easily saved.
"Our attack was very inconsistent tonight,” said Havell. “We were not able to connect with Spotak, Schmitt or Findysz on the outside, like we work on. Their defense did a nice job holding their line and pressuring our attack."
Gillespie bent a 35-yard free kick straight on frame in the 52nd minute, one of three shots on the night for the co-Chicagoland MVP of the Match.
Then Glenbrook North struck. With a moment of brilliance, Porta notched the opener and eventual game-winner. She slipped free of a pair of defenders to collect a superb ball from out of the back from Lambert.
The Boston University-bound Porta allowed the ball to run alongside her right side as she shielded her marks, then raced clear of both which forced Gary off her line to challenge.
Porta took full advantage of the opportunity to steer in her 21st goal of the season.
"We knew we had (one) coming, it just took a long time for it to happen," said Porta of her 54th-minute goal.
"We needed a goal," added Valsamis. “When it did come, it was because we were persistent and patient, and didn't panic
"I felt a lot of our energy escape after that first goal," said Spotak. “We continued to fight and pushed numbers to try to get back even, but they we still dangerous.”
Valsamis dropped Porta back into the middle to form a tactically and technically first-class partnership alongside Lambert.
On the Fremd side, Havell pushed Gillespie into the middle of the park to inspire the Vikings attack.
Ava Catherall joined fellow sophomore McMillian, senior Moran and junior Kaitlyn Rodi in the Vikings backline.
"There will be a great core of players back next year and maybe a couple of club players coming in as well,” said Spotak. “So, 2023 looks like it could be a great year for Vikings soccer."
In search of the equalizer, Gillespie forced Noll into action twice before Catherall put a header wide on a Gillespie free kick in the 67th minute.
However, throughout this sequence, Glenbrook North’s attack began to create chances as the Vikings pushed numbers in search of more late heroics like Kylie Williams' late equalizer against Warren.
"We all knew we were capable of scoring another late one," said Spotak. “That's what we were after, but two, quick (late) goals did us in for good.”
Just minutes after Valsamis brought on Kate Leverenz, the junior made an impact.
Leverenz bagged the all-important second goal in the 75th minute courtesy of some wonderful combination play from Rachel Leiter and Denk. Their work allowed Leverenz to get the ball at the tail-end of her center channel run and hammer home the insurance goal.
Panek, who shared the Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match accolade, nabbed her fifth of the year two minutes later after she linked up with Leverenz to complete the Spartans three-goal victory.
"With the way Fremd battles and came back to force overtime and kicks against Warren, it was always in the back of my mind that anything can happen in the playoffs," said Valsamis. “So getting a big lift from Kate, who was able to leave her mark on the game thanks to her phenomenal attitude, strength and great work-rate up-top, was key to our victory."
Fremd held its head high in defeat.
"Once again we left everything we had out there," said Schmitt. “Tonight it wasn't enough, but that's okay. We played hard, lost to a very good team. But I am very proud of this team, that has so many of my longtime friends on it.”
"I feel so fortunate to have played with all of my friends that have been together for years in school and with soccer," added Spotak, who will play next fall at Eastern Michigan. “It's been a great experience, and something that I will never forget."
"This group of girls are a very tight knit bunch,” said Havell. “They all wanted to win and play their best for each other.
"The senior class this year brought camaraderie, competition, fun and energy with each day. They took a leadership role and involved all the players, both on and off the field together, to become one.
"The younger players here had great role models to look up to, and they will all be truly missed next season."
Glenbrook North advanced for a bid to win the first sectional title in school history but fell to third-seeded Libertyville 1-0 on May 27. The Spartans finished the season 20-2-1.
Starting lineups
Fremd (4-4-2)
G- Sam Gary
D- Shannon Moran
D- Gemma Gillespie
D- Bella Scesniak
D- Maddie McMillan
M- Lily Spotak
M- Kaitlyn Rodi
M- Anna Schmitt
M- Kylie Williams
F- Sammie Findysz
F- Ania Ciborowski
Glenbrook North (4-3-3)
G- Maddy Noll
D- Nayia Sellas
D- Dani Gichner
D- Annie Philbin
D- Kat Sellas
M- Rachel Leiter
M- Morissa Lambert
M- Emily Masinter
F- Lily Denk
F- Margy Porta
F- Ella Panek
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match:
Gemma Gillespie, so., D/MF, Fremd;
Ella Panek, so., F/MF, Glenbrook North
Scoring summary
First half
No scoring
Second half
GBN: Porta (Lambert) 54'
GBN: Leverenz (L. Denk, Leiter) 75'
GBN: Panek (Leverenz) 77'
Statistics
Shots on
Fremd: 4
Glenbrook North: 7
Shots off
Fremd: 5
Glenbrook North: 5
Fouls
Fremd: 10
Glenbrook North: 5
Corner kicks
Fremd: 2
Glenbrook North: 5
Offsides
Fremd: 1
Glenbrook North: 1