New no. 1 Lyons takes
rivalry game against Hinsdale Central
Undefeated Lions improve to 9-0-0 with 3-0 win
By Curt Herron
LA GRANGE -- After taking over the top spot in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 following its win in penalties over Naperville North on Saturday in the semifinals of the Lou Malnati's Deep Dish Classic, Lyons looked to continue its winning ways when it hosted rival Hinsdale Central on Tuesday at its West Field complex.
Following a script that has worked well for it during the past few seasons, the Lions got a goal in the opening half and added two more scores in the second half to capture a 3-0 West Suburban Conference Silver Division victory over the Red Devils to improve to 9-0-0 overall and 2-0-x in league play.
It was the 28th-consecutive regular-season victory for coach Bill Lanspeary's program dating back to 2019. The Lions have allowed just five goals and recorded 24 shutouts during that time. All 14 regular-season wins in 2021 were shutouts.
Seven-of-the-nine matches this year were clean-sheets. The exceptions were the 3-2 opener against Young and Saturday's 1-1 match. Lyons has gone 39-3 since losing its last regular-season match on April 20, 2019, at Naperville North in the Naperville Invitational. Each loss since then has come on the final weekend of the IHSA tournament.
Senior Rielly Chesna started the scoring in the 29th minute when she put in a header following a cross from junior Katie O'Malley. Lyons went up 2-0 in the 47th minute when sophomore Brennan Israel sent a pass to freshman Caroline Mortonson, who made a nice run downfield before connecting from close range.
Senior Eleanor Musgrove capped the scoring in the 66th minute when she fired in a liner from about 20 yards.
With 11 players back from last season's 20-1-x squad that only suffered a 1-0 loss in the Class 3A championship to O'Fallon, the Lions hope that their continued strong defensive play, in addition to having an experienced and talented lineup throughout the field, helps keep their amazing regular-season win-streak rolling.
They will practice up to their Naperville Invitational opener on Friday, take on Loyola for the Malnati’s title at a date to be determined, finish West Suburban Conference Silver Division competition and play in a match that benefits cancer research against Lincoln-Way East before the playoffs.
"We have a nice mix of a lot of returning players with some great experience, and our program has a lot of depth," Lanspeary said. "We knew that we had a lot of quality kids coming in. And they're putting things together and playing well together, so it's been a lot of fun.
“I think it (the past few seasons) definitely has set a standard of play and the younger players in the program and in the community have seen it and want to be a part of it. We have a good thing going right now with a lot of competitive kids that play a lot of soccer in our area, and it makes us awfully competitive.
"We have some new pieces back there this year with some holes to fill at center back and some question marks. We have kids who've stepped in, and they're working real well.
“Brennan Israel and Kate Fulscher are playing center back for us and are really doing a nice job, and their communication together has been good. They play off of each other very well.
“And at the outside backs, we have a lot of kids who contribute out there: Rielly Chesna, Caroline McKenna, Ava Pike, Sarah Sedlacek, Ella Napoli and Maggie Brejcha."
Lanspeary started coaching the program in 2007, when he brought the first of three teams to the IHSA finals. The Lions also finished fourth in 2019.
He was happy to pick up the league victory over a quality Hinsdale Central squad Tuesday.
"Hinsdale Central is clearly well-coached. They moved the ball well, and they defended well," Lanspeary said. "They do a nice job. A lot of the kids kind of know each other, and it's become a big rivalry and you want some bragging rights. So yes, it's a big game. There's a lot of good teams in the conference, so each conference game is a big one.
Lyons’ chemistry is a powerful part of its winning formula.
"The best thing for us is how well they get along off the field,” Lanspeary said. “It makes for a great season since the kids enjoy being around each other and playing for each other and with each other, and that makes all of the difference."
Hinsdale Central (3-5-2, 0-2-x) opened its season with three wins and seven goals scored. But since then, the Red Devils have gone 0-5-2 against tough competition, including loses to ranked Oswego East, Oak Park and River Forest, and Maine South. In that span they've collected just two goals, and they haven't scored in their last four matches, which includes a 0-0 tie with Wheaton Warrenville South.
But coach Tony Madonia saw encouraging signs from his squad and believes that once the team finds the net again, that they can move past this recent tough stretch.
"I think that we had a lot of opportunities," Madonia said. "We're in a goal-drought right now. We had similar opportunities, but we just didn't bury it.
“I think if we take advantage of one or two of those, that it's clearly a different game. We had some pretty solid interchanges happening up-top, and I think we're working. We just have to continue to go back to the training pitch and even if we only have a few training sessions in between games, we're going to try to get better.
"We've obviously got a tough schedule, and it's always great to have a great conference like this. Playing against Bill and (assistant) Andy (Newcomb), they're both great coaches, and you can expect an extremely talented team every time that you play them.
“I think this was a much more-evenly matched game than the scoreboard shows.
"The girls are progressing and working hard, and they're not losing faith. I think that all of those girls on the bus will run through a brick wall for each other.
“They're not hanging their heads after this one. They understand that we have a really tough schedule, and they're just committed to the process. What else can you ask for as a coach?"
During the early part of the opening half, Lyons got two good scoring opportunities from sophomore Josie Pochocki and another one from Mortonson, but all were hauled in by Red Devils senior keeper Sydney Pjesky, who earned her first start of the season.
As the first half was winding down, Hinsdale Central nearly connected for the first time after junior Carter Knotts created a corner kick situation and then sent a liner from the corner, but it was deflected away by senior goalie Izzy Lee.
Lyons moved in front for good in the 29th minute when O'Malley sent a perfect pass in front of the net and Chesna was there to head it in. A few minutes later, Musgrove tried to add to the lead with a short try but was thwarted by Pjesky.
"We've played some really good teams in the (Malnati's) tournament that we were in, and we're supposed to play Loyola in the championship," Chesna said. "We've definitely stepped it up and we know that we can play against really good teams.
“I think that we can get almost as far as we did last year, if not possibly win the (state) championship. We have a really solid backline, and we know that we have an amazing keeper behind us if anything happens.
"We have a lot of good, younger players up-top. I think they took on the role of being calm on the ball, understanding where people are and finishing all of the chances that they get.
“We have a lot of fun with each other, and I think we all like each other. We're all really inclusive, which makes us even tighter. Being on the field and then having friendships off of the field helps us as well."
There were many more good scoring chances for both teams during the final 40 minutes of play. Not long after junior Riley Wengerd was stopped on a liner by the Red Devils goalie, Mortonson made a long run downfield after receiving a pass from Israel. The freshman gave her team a little insurance after putting in a close-range attempt in the 47th minute for a 2-0 advantage.
"It was really intimidating at first, because they were just so good," Mortonson said of playing for the Lions as a freshman. "But all of the girls are really nice and inclusive, and they've helped me to become better.
“Our players are really enthusiastic whenever you get the ball, and they support everybody. And they play really good passes and balls up to the forwards. It's really fun to play with good people who play well so that makes the game a lot better."
Midway through the second half, Hinsdale Central senior Sidney Turnbull came up big with a couple blocked shots. The first came after Pjesky left her line, and the next stopped a shot attempt from O'Malley. Not long after that, Pjesky turned away Lyons senior Bella Schierl on a short shot.
Lyons closed out the scoring in the 66th minute when Musgrove got free from about 20 yards and fired in an attempt from the side.
Hinsdale Central had two more opportunities in the late going when freshman Avery Edgewater got free down the side and got off a close-range try that was thwarted by Lee, who then hauled in a long free kick from Turnbull shortly before the final whistle blew.
Both teams play in the Naperville Invitational this weekend.
The Red Devils have the tougher pool with no. 10 St. Charles East on Friday and Neuqua Valley on Saturday. Both games are at Barrington High School.
Lyons travels to Naperville North to face Waubonsie Valley on Friday and Bolingbrook on Saturday.
Starting lineups
Hinsdale Central
G Sydney Pjesky
D Claire Kumskis
D Ava Elliott
D Julia Marinaccio
D Sidney Turnbull
M Carter Knotts
M Delaney Marringa
M Madelyn Panveno
M Nina Sarros
F Hanna Florence
F Hannah Pjesky
Lyons
G Izzy Lee
D Rielly Chesna
D Ava Pike
D Kate Fulscher
D Brennan Israel
M Josie Pochocki
M Eleanor Musgrove
M Izzi Wirtz
F Caroline Mortonson
F Katie O'Malley
F Riley Wengerd
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match
Rielly Chesna, sr., D, Lyons
Scoring summary
First half
L: Rielly Chesna (Katie O'Malley), 29th
Second half
L: Caroline Mortonson (Brennan Israel), 47th
L: Eleanor Musgrove, 66th
rivalry game against Hinsdale Central
Undefeated Lions improve to 9-0-0 with 3-0 win
By Curt Herron
LA GRANGE -- After taking over the top spot in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 following its win in penalties over Naperville North on Saturday in the semifinals of the Lou Malnati's Deep Dish Classic, Lyons looked to continue its winning ways when it hosted rival Hinsdale Central on Tuesday at its West Field complex.
Following a script that has worked well for it during the past few seasons, the Lions got a goal in the opening half and added two more scores in the second half to capture a 3-0 West Suburban Conference Silver Division victory over the Red Devils to improve to 9-0-0 overall and 2-0-x in league play.
It was the 28th-consecutive regular-season victory for coach Bill Lanspeary's program dating back to 2019. The Lions have allowed just five goals and recorded 24 shutouts during that time. All 14 regular-season wins in 2021 were shutouts.
Seven-of-the-nine matches this year were clean-sheets. The exceptions were the 3-2 opener against Young and Saturday's 1-1 match. Lyons has gone 39-3 since losing its last regular-season match on April 20, 2019, at Naperville North in the Naperville Invitational. Each loss since then has come on the final weekend of the IHSA tournament.
Senior Rielly Chesna started the scoring in the 29th minute when she put in a header following a cross from junior Katie O'Malley. Lyons went up 2-0 in the 47th minute when sophomore Brennan Israel sent a pass to freshman Caroline Mortonson, who made a nice run downfield before connecting from close range.
Senior Eleanor Musgrove capped the scoring in the 66th minute when she fired in a liner from about 20 yards.
With 11 players back from last season's 20-1-x squad that only suffered a 1-0 loss in the Class 3A championship to O'Fallon, the Lions hope that their continued strong defensive play, in addition to having an experienced and talented lineup throughout the field, helps keep their amazing regular-season win-streak rolling.
They will practice up to their Naperville Invitational opener on Friday, take on Loyola for the Malnati’s title at a date to be determined, finish West Suburban Conference Silver Division competition and play in a match that benefits cancer research against Lincoln-Way East before the playoffs.
"We have a nice mix of a lot of returning players with some great experience, and our program has a lot of depth," Lanspeary said. "We knew that we had a lot of quality kids coming in. And they're putting things together and playing well together, so it's been a lot of fun.
“I think it (the past few seasons) definitely has set a standard of play and the younger players in the program and in the community have seen it and want to be a part of it. We have a good thing going right now with a lot of competitive kids that play a lot of soccer in our area, and it makes us awfully competitive.
"We have some new pieces back there this year with some holes to fill at center back and some question marks. We have kids who've stepped in, and they're working real well.
“Brennan Israel and Kate Fulscher are playing center back for us and are really doing a nice job, and their communication together has been good. They play off of each other very well.
“And at the outside backs, we have a lot of kids who contribute out there: Rielly Chesna, Caroline McKenna, Ava Pike, Sarah Sedlacek, Ella Napoli and Maggie Brejcha."
Lanspeary started coaching the program in 2007, when he brought the first of three teams to the IHSA finals. The Lions also finished fourth in 2019.
He was happy to pick up the league victory over a quality Hinsdale Central squad Tuesday.
"Hinsdale Central is clearly well-coached. They moved the ball well, and they defended well," Lanspeary said. "They do a nice job. A lot of the kids kind of know each other, and it's become a big rivalry and you want some bragging rights. So yes, it's a big game. There's a lot of good teams in the conference, so each conference game is a big one.
Lyons’ chemistry is a powerful part of its winning formula.
"The best thing for us is how well they get along off the field,” Lanspeary said. “It makes for a great season since the kids enjoy being around each other and playing for each other and with each other, and that makes all of the difference."
Hinsdale Central (3-5-2, 0-2-x) opened its season with three wins and seven goals scored. But since then, the Red Devils have gone 0-5-2 against tough competition, including loses to ranked Oswego East, Oak Park and River Forest, and Maine South. In that span they've collected just two goals, and they haven't scored in their last four matches, which includes a 0-0 tie with Wheaton Warrenville South.
But coach Tony Madonia saw encouraging signs from his squad and believes that once the team finds the net again, that they can move past this recent tough stretch.
"I think that we had a lot of opportunities," Madonia said. "We're in a goal-drought right now. We had similar opportunities, but we just didn't bury it.
“I think if we take advantage of one or two of those, that it's clearly a different game. We had some pretty solid interchanges happening up-top, and I think we're working. We just have to continue to go back to the training pitch and even if we only have a few training sessions in between games, we're going to try to get better.
"We've obviously got a tough schedule, and it's always great to have a great conference like this. Playing against Bill and (assistant) Andy (Newcomb), they're both great coaches, and you can expect an extremely talented team every time that you play them.
“I think this was a much more-evenly matched game than the scoreboard shows.
"The girls are progressing and working hard, and they're not losing faith. I think that all of those girls on the bus will run through a brick wall for each other.
“They're not hanging their heads after this one. They understand that we have a really tough schedule, and they're just committed to the process. What else can you ask for as a coach?"
During the early part of the opening half, Lyons got two good scoring opportunities from sophomore Josie Pochocki and another one from Mortonson, but all were hauled in by Red Devils senior keeper Sydney Pjesky, who earned her first start of the season.
As the first half was winding down, Hinsdale Central nearly connected for the first time after junior Carter Knotts created a corner kick situation and then sent a liner from the corner, but it was deflected away by senior goalie Izzy Lee.
Lyons moved in front for good in the 29th minute when O'Malley sent a perfect pass in front of the net and Chesna was there to head it in. A few minutes later, Musgrove tried to add to the lead with a short try but was thwarted by Pjesky.
"We've played some really good teams in the (Malnati's) tournament that we were in, and we're supposed to play Loyola in the championship," Chesna said. "We've definitely stepped it up and we know that we can play against really good teams.
“I think that we can get almost as far as we did last year, if not possibly win the (state) championship. We have a really solid backline, and we know that we have an amazing keeper behind us if anything happens.
"We have a lot of good, younger players up-top. I think they took on the role of being calm on the ball, understanding where people are and finishing all of the chances that they get.
“We have a lot of fun with each other, and I think we all like each other. We're all really inclusive, which makes us even tighter. Being on the field and then having friendships off of the field helps us as well."
There were many more good scoring chances for both teams during the final 40 minutes of play. Not long after junior Riley Wengerd was stopped on a liner by the Red Devils goalie, Mortonson made a long run downfield after receiving a pass from Israel. The freshman gave her team a little insurance after putting in a close-range attempt in the 47th minute for a 2-0 advantage.
"It was really intimidating at first, because they were just so good," Mortonson said of playing for the Lions as a freshman. "But all of the girls are really nice and inclusive, and they've helped me to become better.
“Our players are really enthusiastic whenever you get the ball, and they support everybody. And they play really good passes and balls up to the forwards. It's really fun to play with good people who play well so that makes the game a lot better."
Midway through the second half, Hinsdale Central senior Sidney Turnbull came up big with a couple blocked shots. The first came after Pjesky left her line, and the next stopped a shot attempt from O'Malley. Not long after that, Pjesky turned away Lyons senior Bella Schierl on a short shot.
Lyons closed out the scoring in the 66th minute when Musgrove got free from about 20 yards and fired in an attempt from the side.
Hinsdale Central had two more opportunities in the late going when freshman Avery Edgewater got free down the side and got off a close-range try that was thwarted by Lee, who then hauled in a long free kick from Turnbull shortly before the final whistle blew.
Both teams play in the Naperville Invitational this weekend.
The Red Devils have the tougher pool with no. 10 St. Charles East on Friday and Neuqua Valley on Saturday. Both games are at Barrington High School.
Lyons travels to Naperville North to face Waubonsie Valley on Friday and Bolingbrook on Saturday.
Starting lineups
Hinsdale Central
G Sydney Pjesky
D Claire Kumskis
D Ava Elliott
D Julia Marinaccio
D Sidney Turnbull
M Carter Knotts
M Delaney Marringa
M Madelyn Panveno
M Nina Sarros
F Hanna Florence
F Hannah Pjesky
Lyons
G Izzy Lee
D Rielly Chesna
D Ava Pike
D Kate Fulscher
D Brennan Israel
M Josie Pochocki
M Eleanor Musgrove
M Izzi Wirtz
F Caroline Mortonson
F Katie O'Malley
F Riley Wengerd
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match
Rielly Chesna, sr., D, Lyons
Scoring summary
First half
L: Rielly Chesna (Katie O'Malley), 29th
Second half
L: Caroline Mortonson (Brennan Israel), 47th
L: Eleanor Musgrove, 66th