Triad tops Joliet Catholic for 3rd place
Knights roar back from 1-goal deficit for 3-1 win
By Mike Garofola
NAPERVILLE -- It's been said often enough that the third place match in soccer is billed as the game that no team wants to play.
Why?
Because after suffering the heartache and disappointment of defeat in the state semifinals the day before, the championship quest has ended. And tired psyches and sore bodies can find it difficult to find motivation.
During the first quarter hour between Joilet Catholic and Triad on Saturday morning, it appeared both soccer clubs were stuck in that rut.
But after both sides awoke from the malaise brought on from their Friday defeats, these two fine clubs made a mockery of any suggestion for not playing one more game in their high school kits with an entertaining contest.
This game was eventually decided in the second half with two goals: Katie Rogers converted her spotkick in composed fashion; and Lydia Smith's second of the day 10 minutes from time to deliver the 3-1 Triad result.
Long after the customary trophy presentations and photo opportunities, the various comments given by players and their managers would further highlight what was a memorable journey to this final weekend of the season.
"I'd be the first to admit we did not want to make a long, 4 1/2 hour bus ride homer with a second-straight defeat hanging over our head," began Triad manager Matt Bettlach.
"But I can also say with all honesty, even if we did, right now, I am so proud of my girls and with the way they played today, yesterday and all season long."
"I cannot speak for our opponent, but we didn't exactly come out like we really wanted to be here, and, again, nobody wants to," continued Bettlach with a wry smile.
"There was no life in us. Our dreams were broken after that loss to Benet yesterday."
Bettlach guided Triad to the 2017 championship in just his fourth year in charge after taking over for Mike Villa, the coach who helped the Knights win their first title in 2011 after an overtime win in the semifinals, followed by a victory in kicks one day later.
Sydney Beach, who wears the captains' armband for Bettlach along with teammates Eryn Fanning and Molly Suess, agreed with her manager about the abysmal start to this game, but figured it was only a matter of time before her club would get into it.
"That loss in the semifinals took a lot out of all of us, and it showed when we came out for warmups, and into the first part of today's game," said Beach, who will play next fall and study nursing at St. Louis University.
"But I know in the back of our minds was not leaving here with two-straight losses, and having to deal with that on the ride back home. So after it took us awhile to play, once we did we looked more like the team that worked and played so hard to get here."
Hard, though they tried, Beach and her mates from Triad (20-4-2) were unable to get on their proverbial front foot in the early stages against a Joliet Catholic side who themselves were suffering from its own case of the semifinal blahs.
"Our bus ride home last night, and even coming in this morning was not a happy one," said senior Sydney Pucel. "I think we all had to really push ourselves to get ready to play in the game we'd rather not have to."
"We were all down on ourselves after last night," added Nina D'Andrea, who shared the role of captain along with Pucel, Bella and Nina D'Andrea. "But the thing for us to remember is where this program was, and where it is now, and how exciting a time it is for JCA soccer."
It was Joliet Catholic (18-3-0) which had the better of the early play in this Saturday morning brunch special. The Angels (18-3-0) played with more purpose than their opponent. Few passes went astray thanks to the quartet of Kendall McLeod, Alaina Wildenradt, Morgan Furmaniak and Emma Gruber, who were at the heart of the attack.
Gruber latched onto a nice early ball from Wildenradt, and if not for the quick decision to come off her line by Triad keeper Abbie Counts, the Angels freshman might have been in.
Gruber went close moments later, then watched teammate Makenzie Kaput have her attempt deflected at the top of the box by Sydney Thomas before it found its way on frame.
Kaput shared Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match honors with Triad's scoring star, Lydia Smith.
While nothing much was happening for Triad, this wasn't so for the Angels, who began to look increasingly likely to score the opener before the intermission.
Their best, and one with more quality than the other 4-5 attempts and half-chances, came from a wonderful solo effort by Furmaniak, whose sharp strike forced Abbey Counts into her most difficult save of the first period.
"Our midfield did well to control the ball especially in the first half, and that's been the key for us all season long because everything goes through our midfield," said Joliet Catholic manager Oscar Valdez.
Freshmen Emy Diaz enjoyed the thrill of scoring in her first state tournament appearance in the 36th minute when she won a 50-50 battle inside the box, then cooly finished from 10 yards with her left-footer.
But the one-goal advantage would not last into the break to the delight of the Triad fans.
Smith equalized in the 40th minute on a header which appeared that Joliet Catholic's Pasternak blocked with her body. As the teams played on, the center offical stopped play and checked with an assistant referee who judged the ball had crossed the goal line.
The unusual ending of the first period gave Triad more spring in its step after the break.
"That goal energized us," said Bettlach, who then watched a complete effort in his team's attack during the final 40 minutes of the Knights season.
A 40-yard free kick blast from Beach was redirected just wide. That was followed by an attempt by Kylie Mazur which also went wide of the target.
There were two-consecutive Triad corners before a 25-yard cracker from Gracie Giacoletto was handled nicely by Pasternak, who stayed with the dipping shot from the Knights sophomore.
Afterward Triad fans erupted when Giacolleto was brought down in the box and then celebrated on Katie Rogers spot kick conversion in the 57th minute.
After Lydia Smith claimed her double 10 minutes from time with her bending corner that hit off a defender and the back post, both managers began to bring their reserves off the bench to get some state tournament time.
"We started an all-senior lineup in our season opener, and again today the same way,," said a proud Bettlach. "We felt it was the way to honor a great group of seniors who have been tremendous leaders to their teammates and the Triad program."
Bettlach and his staff will say goodbye to 10 seniors, including Beach.
"You're always happy when you end a season with a win, but there's so much more that I'll take from playing here," began Beach.
"It's meant so much to me to come out everyday and to train and play with who I considered my sisters, and to be a part of team that works together so hard wth one common goal."
Joliet Catholic came out of the shadows this season after being a bottom-half dweller of the East Suburban Catholic Conference soccer table.
The Angels, who played in the finals for the first time in school history, took home hardware in what could be the first of several potential trips back to the last four.
Joliet Catholic is known for its nationally recognized baseball, football and girls volleyball teams. Now, suggested Pucel, Valdez and others, girls soccer is on the rise to join those programs.
"It's exciting to be a part of what I feel is going to be a great future in soccer at JCA," said Pucel, who looks to become a speech pathologist after finishing her undergrad studies at Grand Valley State.
"The seniors went through a couple of tough seasons together," added Nina D'Andrea. "But with a great group of freshmen players coming in, combined with a nice core of players back, (this) year turned into one that we can all be proud of."
Valdez will lose just four seniors from his young and talented state tournament club. He returns 89 of the 92 goals scored during its 21-game season.
With an enrollment of 626, Joliet Catholic was the only small school to beat Benet this season. That victory came in the ESCC, where the Angels also beat perennial favorites Carmel and Saint Viator, and claimed a share of the league title with the state-champion Redwings.
Freshman Abby Paternak will return between the sticks after conceding just 11 on the year. Joliet Catholic fans, Valdez and his staff have plenty to look forward to in 2020.
"What a great experience for all of us," said Valdez. "Hopefully we'll get back next year, and things will go differently for us. That's the plan. Overall, I can't say enough about these girls."
The players are on board.
"This season and the state tournament gives us a bunch of motivation to come back and win it all next year," said McLeod, a sophomore who led her club in assists with 11.
Starting lineups
Triad (4-4-2)
G- Abbey Counts
D- Jordan Wilson
D- Sydney Beach
D- Eryn Fanning
D- Chelsea Riden
M- Katie Rogers
M- Molly Suess
M- Jordyn Besserman
M- Rebecca Byrd
F- Sam Simpson
F- Sydney Thomas
Joilet Catholic (4-3-3)
G- Abby Pasternak
D- Natalie D'Andrea
D- Makenzie Kaput
D- Nine D'Andrea
D- Bella D'Andrea
M- Alaina Wildenradt
M- Kendall McLeod
M- Morgan Furmaniak
F- Breanna Ciemny
F- Emma Gruber
F- Brynn Higgins
Chicagoland Soccer MVPs of the Match: Makenzie Kaput, jr., D/MF, Joilet Catholic
Lydia Smith, jr., MF/F, Triad
Officials: Jose Rende (referee); Doug Neufeldt (AR1); Dan Trost (AR2); Boris Vukovic (fourth).
Scoring summary
First half
Joilet Catholic Academy: Diaz (U/A) 36'
Triad: Smith (U/A) 40'
Second half
Triad: Rogers (PK) 57'
Triad: Smith (U/A) 70'
Knights roar back from 1-goal deficit for 3-1 win
By Mike Garofola
NAPERVILLE -- It's been said often enough that the third place match in soccer is billed as the game that no team wants to play.
Why?
Because after suffering the heartache and disappointment of defeat in the state semifinals the day before, the championship quest has ended. And tired psyches and sore bodies can find it difficult to find motivation.
During the first quarter hour between Joilet Catholic and Triad on Saturday morning, it appeared both soccer clubs were stuck in that rut.
But after both sides awoke from the malaise brought on from their Friday defeats, these two fine clubs made a mockery of any suggestion for not playing one more game in their high school kits with an entertaining contest.
This game was eventually decided in the second half with two goals: Katie Rogers converted her spotkick in composed fashion; and Lydia Smith's second of the day 10 minutes from time to deliver the 3-1 Triad result.
Long after the customary trophy presentations and photo opportunities, the various comments given by players and their managers would further highlight what was a memorable journey to this final weekend of the season.
"I'd be the first to admit we did not want to make a long, 4 1/2 hour bus ride homer with a second-straight defeat hanging over our head," began Triad manager Matt Bettlach.
"But I can also say with all honesty, even if we did, right now, I am so proud of my girls and with the way they played today, yesterday and all season long."
"I cannot speak for our opponent, but we didn't exactly come out like we really wanted to be here, and, again, nobody wants to," continued Bettlach with a wry smile.
"There was no life in us. Our dreams were broken after that loss to Benet yesterday."
Bettlach guided Triad to the 2017 championship in just his fourth year in charge after taking over for Mike Villa, the coach who helped the Knights win their first title in 2011 after an overtime win in the semifinals, followed by a victory in kicks one day later.
Sydney Beach, who wears the captains' armband for Bettlach along with teammates Eryn Fanning and Molly Suess, agreed with her manager about the abysmal start to this game, but figured it was only a matter of time before her club would get into it.
"That loss in the semifinals took a lot out of all of us, and it showed when we came out for warmups, and into the first part of today's game," said Beach, who will play next fall and study nursing at St. Louis University.
"But I know in the back of our minds was not leaving here with two-straight losses, and having to deal with that on the ride back home. So after it took us awhile to play, once we did we looked more like the team that worked and played so hard to get here."
Hard, though they tried, Beach and her mates from Triad (20-4-2) were unable to get on their proverbial front foot in the early stages against a Joliet Catholic side who themselves were suffering from its own case of the semifinal blahs.
"Our bus ride home last night, and even coming in this morning was not a happy one," said senior Sydney Pucel. "I think we all had to really push ourselves to get ready to play in the game we'd rather not have to."
"We were all down on ourselves after last night," added Nina D'Andrea, who shared the role of captain along with Pucel, Bella and Nina D'Andrea. "But the thing for us to remember is where this program was, and where it is now, and how exciting a time it is for JCA soccer."
It was Joliet Catholic (18-3-0) which had the better of the early play in this Saturday morning brunch special. The Angels (18-3-0) played with more purpose than their opponent. Few passes went astray thanks to the quartet of Kendall McLeod, Alaina Wildenradt, Morgan Furmaniak and Emma Gruber, who were at the heart of the attack.
Gruber latched onto a nice early ball from Wildenradt, and if not for the quick decision to come off her line by Triad keeper Abbie Counts, the Angels freshman might have been in.
Gruber went close moments later, then watched teammate Makenzie Kaput have her attempt deflected at the top of the box by Sydney Thomas before it found its way on frame.
Kaput shared Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match honors with Triad's scoring star, Lydia Smith.
While nothing much was happening for Triad, this wasn't so for the Angels, who began to look increasingly likely to score the opener before the intermission.
Their best, and one with more quality than the other 4-5 attempts and half-chances, came from a wonderful solo effort by Furmaniak, whose sharp strike forced Abbey Counts into her most difficult save of the first period.
"Our midfield did well to control the ball especially in the first half, and that's been the key for us all season long because everything goes through our midfield," said Joliet Catholic manager Oscar Valdez.
Freshmen Emy Diaz enjoyed the thrill of scoring in her first state tournament appearance in the 36th minute when she won a 50-50 battle inside the box, then cooly finished from 10 yards with her left-footer.
But the one-goal advantage would not last into the break to the delight of the Triad fans.
Smith equalized in the 40th minute on a header which appeared that Joliet Catholic's Pasternak blocked with her body. As the teams played on, the center offical stopped play and checked with an assistant referee who judged the ball had crossed the goal line.
The unusual ending of the first period gave Triad more spring in its step after the break.
"That goal energized us," said Bettlach, who then watched a complete effort in his team's attack during the final 40 minutes of the Knights season.
A 40-yard free kick blast from Beach was redirected just wide. That was followed by an attempt by Kylie Mazur which also went wide of the target.
There were two-consecutive Triad corners before a 25-yard cracker from Gracie Giacoletto was handled nicely by Pasternak, who stayed with the dipping shot from the Knights sophomore.
Afterward Triad fans erupted when Giacolleto was brought down in the box and then celebrated on Katie Rogers spot kick conversion in the 57th minute.
After Lydia Smith claimed her double 10 minutes from time with her bending corner that hit off a defender and the back post, both managers began to bring their reserves off the bench to get some state tournament time.
"We started an all-senior lineup in our season opener, and again today the same way,," said a proud Bettlach. "We felt it was the way to honor a great group of seniors who have been tremendous leaders to their teammates and the Triad program."
Bettlach and his staff will say goodbye to 10 seniors, including Beach.
"You're always happy when you end a season with a win, but there's so much more that I'll take from playing here," began Beach.
"It's meant so much to me to come out everyday and to train and play with who I considered my sisters, and to be a part of team that works together so hard wth one common goal."
Joliet Catholic came out of the shadows this season after being a bottom-half dweller of the East Suburban Catholic Conference soccer table.
The Angels, who played in the finals for the first time in school history, took home hardware in what could be the first of several potential trips back to the last four.
Joliet Catholic is known for its nationally recognized baseball, football and girls volleyball teams. Now, suggested Pucel, Valdez and others, girls soccer is on the rise to join those programs.
"It's exciting to be a part of what I feel is going to be a great future in soccer at JCA," said Pucel, who looks to become a speech pathologist after finishing her undergrad studies at Grand Valley State.
"The seniors went through a couple of tough seasons together," added Nina D'Andrea. "But with a great group of freshmen players coming in, combined with a nice core of players back, (this) year turned into one that we can all be proud of."
Valdez will lose just four seniors from his young and talented state tournament club. He returns 89 of the 92 goals scored during its 21-game season.
With an enrollment of 626, Joliet Catholic was the only small school to beat Benet this season. That victory came in the ESCC, where the Angels also beat perennial favorites Carmel and Saint Viator, and claimed a share of the league title with the state-champion Redwings.
Freshman Abby Paternak will return between the sticks after conceding just 11 on the year. Joliet Catholic fans, Valdez and his staff have plenty to look forward to in 2020.
"What a great experience for all of us," said Valdez. "Hopefully we'll get back next year, and things will go differently for us. That's the plan. Overall, I can't say enough about these girls."
The players are on board.
"This season and the state tournament gives us a bunch of motivation to come back and win it all next year," said McLeod, a sophomore who led her club in assists with 11.
Starting lineups
Triad (4-4-2)
G- Abbey Counts
D- Jordan Wilson
D- Sydney Beach
D- Eryn Fanning
D- Chelsea Riden
M- Katie Rogers
M- Molly Suess
M- Jordyn Besserman
M- Rebecca Byrd
F- Sam Simpson
F- Sydney Thomas
Joilet Catholic (4-3-3)
G- Abby Pasternak
D- Natalie D'Andrea
D- Makenzie Kaput
D- Nine D'Andrea
D- Bella D'Andrea
M- Alaina Wildenradt
M- Kendall McLeod
M- Morgan Furmaniak
F- Breanna Ciemny
F- Emma Gruber
F- Brynn Higgins
Chicagoland Soccer MVPs of the Match: Makenzie Kaput, jr., D/MF, Joilet Catholic
Lydia Smith, jr., MF/F, Triad
Officials: Jose Rende (referee); Doug Neufeldt (AR1); Dan Trost (AR2); Boris Vukovic (fourth).
Scoring summary
First half
Joilet Catholic Academy: Diaz (U/A) 36'
Triad: Smith (U/A) 40'
Second half
Triad: Rogers (PK) 57'
Triad: Smith (U/A) 70'