SC North tops Neuqua V. in ranked battle
North Stars post 2-0 win in early season tune-up
By Steve Nemeth
NAPERVILLE --- Drawing conclusions from early season meetings between top 5 programs isn’t too logical and depends largely on one’s point of view.
In Chicagoland Soccer’s state-wide First 50 preseason poll, St. Charles North was ranked no. 2 and Neuqua Valley no. 5, and both teams began the year with a tie.
So the only certainty from Saturday’s match is that the North Stars (1-0-1) got their initial victory thanks to a 2-0 shutout that continued a recent edge over the Wildcats.
Yes Neuqua Valley (0-1-1) remains winless, but how many teams begin their year facing numbers 1 and 2? The Wildcats scratched out a 1-1 draw in the season opener at top-ranked Barrington, and the two-time defending Class 3A state champion Fillies are the team that gave North its one-and-only loss in a 2018 supersectional.
With the Wildcats’ home grass pitch in spongy condition thanks to recent rains, the match was moved to the turf field at Commissioners Park in Naperville. However, simply being outdoors is an adjustment virtually every girls soccer program is still making.
Veteran Neuqua Valley boss Joe Moreau isn’t one for excuses and prefaced his remarks with a “not taking anything away from North” caveat.
“They controlled the ball in the first half and stretched us out a little too much,” Moreau said. “We had too far of a gap between our backs and forwards, and they took advantage running right down the middle for that first goal.”
It was the 17th minute of the match when North’s Sarah Andrey earned an assist with a stellar cross from the wing that Cece Wahlberg buried from 20 yards.
“I knew if I made my run she’d get me the ball,” Wahlberg explained. “So as soon as I left my defender all I had to do was follow through on the shot.”
Scoring first in such a high-level showdown was a significant enough advantage and mental boost for her squad that it earned Wahlberg the Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match honor. It was yet another addition to the resume that includes being named to the 2018 CS All-State unit.
“Cece plays with such consistent energy and effort that it’s contagious for our team,” North coach Brian Harks said. “She’s not afraid to make tackles defensively, go on timely attacks and like today, finish chances, which was really big.”
Immediately after the restart, fellow North standout Sami Rydberg nearly doubled the score with an up-field run. It ended with a 19-yard rocket that Neuqua goalie Tara Tesmond snared.
The Wildcats’ Piper Biziorek followed with a strong challenge from distance for St. Charles North keeper Sara Maleski, but the senior calmly caught the attempt.
Tesmond answered the call again shortly before halftime when North’s Maddie Rossi put a cross into space for an Andrey shot. Andrey had one of the two North Star goals in their season-opening 2-2 draw at no. 43 Conant.
The second half began with Wahlberg rocketing a 35-yard free kick on frame that Tesmond tipped over the crossbar for a huge save. Unfortunately she wasn’t as fortunate on an ensuing corner kick. Rydberg, a member of the CS 2018 All-State Watch List along with teammate Claudia Najera, expertly booted an in-swinger that found it’s way in for a 2-0 lead at the 48th minute.
“I think the wind really helped a lot taking it under and in,” Rydberg said with humility. “That was a good start to the second half.
“Coming off our tie on Thursday, we wanted to take it to them,” Rydberg said in acknowledging the significance of gaining a two-goal advantage. When reminded that it was she and Cece’s older sisters who powered the North Stars’ win over Neuqua the year before, she was respectful but humble.
“This is a different year, but our focus is to get back to where we were last year,” Rydberg said referencing a conference title and a long postseason run.
Neuqua Valley may be a little pleased to see Cece listed as a senior since she’s the latest in the Wahlberg family to frustrate the Wildcats.
In 2016, it was Eli Wahlberg and sister Gia Wahlberg sandwiching goals around a Hailey Rydberg strike in a 3-1 win. In 2017, an unassisted Gia strike led to a 1-1 draw while last year, Hailey Rydberg had two goals and Gia two assists in a 3-0 victory in St. Charles. The North Stars also own a 1-0 triumph from 2014.
The Wildcats’ last win over SCN came in 2013 when current Neuqua assistant Zoey Goralski was a senior standout. Also on the sidelines Saturday was another player mentored by Moreau, new North Stars assistant Steph Dodd.
“Neuqua is always a strong program, and we know we’ll see a high-quality opponent, but it’s part of our aim to challenge ourselves early and often,” North coach Harks said. “I’m pleased with how we adapted to the game. They’re capable of going on dangerous runs, but I thought our girls adjusted well.
“Our center backs (Makenna Collins and Grace Barresi) did a nice job keeping our backline organized. The midfield worked their tails off while Sarah (Andrey) was a workhorse up-top.”
Neither program shies away from competition. Based on Chicagoland Soccer's First 50, Neuqua follows up its meetings with the number one and two teams with seven others ranked foes and potentially a 10th team from that list depending upon how the Naperville Invitational plays out.
For St. Charles North, its schedule includes 10 of the 50 and possibly 12, also depending on results from Naperville Invitational group play.
The second half was a little more even, and Neuqua made a concerted effort to narrow the gap. In the 54th minute, Shannon Tagler played a pass from the left wing only to find teammate Danielle Hopkins a half-step from a tap-in. In the 60th minute, North’s Maleski made a save amid the traffic congestion in front of her net. A minute later, the Wildcats’ Brooke Miller had a chance sail too high.
In the process of trying to clear a ball upfield, a Norths Star boot ricocheted high into the air forcing Maleski to make a jump catch. Neuqua Valley's Tagler had a pair of shots from the left wing that required Maleski saves. The North netminder made six stops and corralled five more potentially dangerous balls for her shutout.
Neuqua Valley trailed 19-14 in overall attempts and 14-6 for shots on goal, plus 5-0 for corner kicks.
“We definitely need to get more used to each other so that the new girls can contribute,” Hopkins noted. “Last week we got out on the grass once, so there were times it showed we need to create better passes. Some of our freshmen were a little shaky, but as they get more playing time they’ll gain more confidence.”
“Not knowing when or what kind of practice we can have has been tough,” Moreau said. “Yesterday we had a classroom session followed by a little light kicking in a hallway. We couldn’t get (fieldhouse) time until 6:45 p.m., and with a noon start that wasn’t ideal. St. Charles North has pretty good speed, especially in midfield.
“Aside from the freshmen, we’ve got others needing time outside for adjustments,” Moreau said. “Shannon (Tagler) has never played forward before at any level. Piper’s (Biziorek) experience in midfield is none, and I know (freshman starter) Brooke (Miller) was more than a little tired at the end. If she didn’t play all 80, I know she played the whole second half. I thought Leah (Senese) and Megan (Olah) played well as center backs.”
Both teams are scheduled to be back in action Tuesday. St. Charles North has a 7 p.m. home opener against deending Class AA champ St. Francis, which is rated sixth in the preseason list. Neuqua Valley welcomes Plainfield North for a 4:30 p.m. match.
Starting lineups
St. Charles North
GK: Sara Maleski
D Alyssa Kraft
D Makenna Collins
D Grace Barresi
D Ali Wessel
M Kellie Callaghan
M Cece Wahlberg
M Sami Rydberg
F Maddie Rossi
F Claudia Najera
F Sarah Andrey
Neuqua Valley
GK: Tara Tesmond
D Leah Senese
D Paige Munar
D Megan Olah
D Erin McCarthy
M Piper Biziorek
M Danielle Hopkins
M Katelyn Nardulli
M Brooke Miller
F Shannon Tagler
F Alison Dovalovsky
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Cece Wahlberg, Sr. MF, St. Charles North
Referees: Brett Richter (center), Guy Ross, Jose Gonzalez
Game summary
St. Charles North 2, Neuqua Valley 0
SCN 1 1 -- 2 (1-0-1)
NV 0 0 -- 0 (0-1-1)
Scoring
First half
SCN --- Wahlberg 20-yard blast from middle off cross (Andrey assist), 17th minute
Second half
SCN --- Rydberg left of goal corner kick curved in (unassisted), 48th minute
Overall shots
SCN 9 – 10 -- 19
NV 6 – 5 -- 14
Shots on goal
SCN 5 – 5 -- 10
NV 3 – 3 -- 6
Saves (goalie)
SCN (Maleski) 3 - 3 -- 6
NV (Tesmond) 4 – 3 (defender, 1) 4 -- 8
Corner kicks
SCN 2 – 3 -- 5
NV 0 – 0 -- 0
Offsides
SCN 0 – 1 -- 1
NV 0 – 0 -- 0
SC North tops Neuqua V. in ranked battle
North Stars post 2-0 win in early season tune-up
By Steve Nemeth
NAPERVILLE --- Drawing conclusions from early season meetings between top 5 programs isn’t too logical and depends largely on one’s point of view.
In Chicagoland Soccer’s state-wide First 50 preseason poll, St. Charles North was ranked no. 2 and Neuqua Valley no. 5, and both teams began the year with a tie.
So the only certainty from Saturday’s match is that the North Stars (1-0-1) got their initial victory thanks to a 2-0 shutout that continued a recent edge over the Wildcats.
Yes Neuqua Valley (0-1-1) remains winless, but how many teams begin their year facing numbers 1 and 2? The Wildcats scratched out a 1-1 draw in the season opener at top-ranked Barrington, and the two-time defending Class 3A state champion Fillies are the team that gave North its one-and-only loss in a 2018 supersectional.
With the Wildcats’ home grass pitch in spongy condition thanks to recent rains, the match was moved to the turf field at Commissioners Park in Naperville. However, simply being outdoors is an adjustment virtually every girls soccer program is still making.
Veteran Neuqua Valley boss Joe Moreau isn’t one for excuses and prefaced his remarks with a “not taking anything away from North” caveat.
“They controlled the ball in the first half and stretched us out a little too much,” Moreau said. “We had too far of a gap between our backs and forwards, and they took advantage running right down the middle for that first goal.”
It was the 17th minute of the match when North’s Sarah Andrey earned an assist with a stellar cross from the wing that Cece Wahlberg buried from 20 yards.
“I knew if I made my run she’d get me the ball,” Wahlberg explained. “So as soon as I left my defender all I had to do was follow through on the shot.”
Scoring first in such a high-level showdown was a significant enough advantage and mental boost for her squad that it earned Wahlberg the Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match honor. It was yet another addition to the resume that includes being named to the 2018 CS All-State unit.
“Cece plays with such consistent energy and effort that it’s contagious for our team,” North coach Brian Harks said. “She’s not afraid to make tackles defensively, go on timely attacks and like today, finish chances, which was really big.”
Immediately after the restart, fellow North standout Sami Rydberg nearly doubled the score with an up-field run. It ended with a 19-yard rocket that Neuqua goalie Tara Tesmond snared.
The Wildcats’ Piper Biziorek followed with a strong challenge from distance for St. Charles North keeper Sara Maleski, but the senior calmly caught the attempt.
Tesmond answered the call again shortly before halftime when North’s Maddie Rossi put a cross into space for an Andrey shot. Andrey had one of the two North Star goals in their season-opening 2-2 draw at no. 43 Conant.
The second half began with Wahlberg rocketing a 35-yard free kick on frame that Tesmond tipped over the crossbar for a huge save. Unfortunately she wasn’t as fortunate on an ensuing corner kick. Rydberg, a member of the CS 2018 All-State Watch List along with teammate Claudia Najera, expertly booted an in-swinger that found it’s way in for a 2-0 lead at the 48th minute.
“I think the wind really helped a lot taking it under and in,” Rydberg said with humility. “That was a good start to the second half.
“Coming off our tie on Thursday, we wanted to take it to them,” Rydberg said in acknowledging the significance of gaining a two-goal advantage. When reminded that it was she and Cece’s older sisters who powered the North Stars’ win over Neuqua the year before, she was respectful but humble.
“This is a different year, but our focus is to get back to where we were last year,” Rydberg said referencing a conference title and a long postseason run.
Neuqua Valley may be a little pleased to see Cece listed as a senior since she’s the latest in the Wahlberg family to frustrate the Wildcats.
In 2016, it was Eli Wahlberg and sister Gia Wahlberg sandwiching goals around a Hailey Rydberg strike in a 3-1 win. In 2017, an unassisted Gia strike led to a 1-1 draw while last year, Hailey Rydberg had two goals and Gia two assists in a 3-0 victory in St. Charles. The North Stars also own a 1-0 triumph from 2014.
The Wildcats’ last win over SCN came in 2013 when current Neuqua assistant Zoey Goralski was a senior standout. Also on the sidelines Saturday was another player mentored by Moreau, new North Stars assistant Steph Dodd.
“Neuqua is always a strong program, and we know we’ll see a high-quality opponent, but it’s part of our aim to challenge ourselves early and often,” North coach Harks said. “I’m pleased with how we adapted to the game. They’re capable of going on dangerous runs, but I thought our girls adjusted well.
“Our center backs (Makenna Collins and Grace Barresi) did a nice job keeping our backline organized. The midfield worked their tails off while Sarah (Andrey) was a workhorse up-top.”
Neither program shies away from competition. Based on Chicagoland Soccer's First 50, Neuqua follows up its meetings with the number one and two teams with seven others ranked foes and potentially a 10th team from that list depending upon how the Naperville Invitational plays out.
For St. Charles North, its schedule includes 10 of the 50 and possibly 12, also depending on results from Naperville Invitational group play.
The second half was a little more even, and Neuqua made a concerted effort to narrow the gap. In the 54th minute, Shannon Tagler played a pass from the left wing only to find teammate Danielle Hopkins a half-step from a tap-in. In the 60th minute, North’s Maleski made a save amid the traffic congestion in front of her net. A minute later, the Wildcats’ Brooke Miller had a chance sail too high.
In the process of trying to clear a ball upfield, a Norths Star boot ricocheted high into the air forcing Maleski to make a jump catch. Neuqua Valley's Tagler had a pair of shots from the left wing that required Maleski saves. The North netminder made six stops and corralled five more potentially dangerous balls for her shutout.
Neuqua Valley trailed 19-14 in overall attempts and 14-6 for shots on goal, plus 5-0 for corner kicks.
“We definitely need to get more used to each other so that the new girls can contribute,” Hopkins noted. “Last week we got out on the grass once, so there were times it showed we need to create better passes. Some of our freshmen were a little shaky, but as they get more playing time they’ll gain more confidence.”
“Not knowing when or what kind of practice we can have has been tough,” Moreau said. “Yesterday we had a classroom session followed by a little light kicking in a hallway. We couldn’t get (fieldhouse) time until 6:45 p.m., and with a noon start that wasn’t ideal. St. Charles North has pretty good speed, especially in midfield.
“Aside from the freshmen, we’ve got others needing time outside for adjustments,” Moreau said. “Shannon (Tagler) has never played forward before at any level. Piper’s (Biziorek) experience in midfield is none, and I know (freshman starter) Brooke (Miller) was more than a little tired at the end. If she didn’t play all 80, I know she played the whole second half. I thought Leah (Senese) and Megan (Olah) played well as center backs.”
Both teams are scheduled to be back in action Tuesday. St. Charles North has a 7 p.m. home opener against deending Class AA champ St. Francis, which is rated sixth in the preseason list. Neuqua Valley welcomes Plainfield North for a 4:30 p.m. match.
Starting lineups
St. Charles North
GK: Sara Maleski
D Alyssa Kraft
D Makenna Collins
D Grace Barresi
D Ali Wessel
M Kellie Callaghan
M Cece Wahlberg
M Sami Rydberg
F Maddie Rossi
F Claudia Najera
F Sarah Andrey
Neuqua Valley
GK: Tara Tesmond
D Leah Senese
D Paige Munar
D Megan Olah
D Erin McCarthy
M Piper Biziorek
M Danielle Hopkins
M Katelyn Nardulli
M Brooke Miller
F Shannon Tagler
F Alison Dovalovsky
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Cece Wahlberg, Sr. MF, St. Charles North
Referees: Brett Richter (center), Guy Ross, Jose Gonzalez
Game summary
St. Charles North 2, Neuqua Valley 0
SCN 1 1 -- 2 (1-0-1)
NV 0 0 -- 0 (0-1-1)
Scoring
First half
SCN --- Wahlberg 20-yard blast from middle off cross (Andrey assist), 17th minute
Second half
SCN --- Rydberg left of goal corner kick curved in (unassisted), 48th minute
Overall shots
SCN 9 – 10 -- 19
NV 6 – 5 -- 14
Shots on goal
SCN 5 – 5 -- 10
NV 3 – 3 -- 6
Saves (goalie)
SCN (Maleski) 3 - 3 -- 6
NV (Tesmond) 4 – 3 (defender, 1) 4 -- 8
Corner kicks
SCN 2 – 3 -- 5
NV 0 – 0 -- 0
Offsides
SCN 0 – 1 -- 1
NV 0 – 0 -- 0
North Stars post 2-0 win in early season tune-up
By Steve Nemeth
NAPERVILLE --- Drawing conclusions from early season meetings between top 5 programs isn’t too logical and depends largely on one’s point of view.
In Chicagoland Soccer’s state-wide First 50 preseason poll, St. Charles North was ranked no. 2 and Neuqua Valley no. 5, and both teams began the year with a tie.
So the only certainty from Saturday’s match is that the North Stars (1-0-1) got their initial victory thanks to a 2-0 shutout that continued a recent edge over the Wildcats.
Yes Neuqua Valley (0-1-1) remains winless, but how many teams begin their year facing numbers 1 and 2? The Wildcats scratched out a 1-1 draw in the season opener at top-ranked Barrington, and the two-time defending Class 3A state champion Fillies are the team that gave North its one-and-only loss in a 2018 supersectional.
With the Wildcats’ home grass pitch in spongy condition thanks to recent rains, the match was moved to the turf field at Commissioners Park in Naperville. However, simply being outdoors is an adjustment virtually every girls soccer program is still making.
Veteran Neuqua Valley boss Joe Moreau isn’t one for excuses and prefaced his remarks with a “not taking anything away from North” caveat.
“They controlled the ball in the first half and stretched us out a little too much,” Moreau said. “We had too far of a gap between our backs and forwards, and they took advantage running right down the middle for that first goal.”
It was the 17th minute of the match when North’s Sarah Andrey earned an assist with a stellar cross from the wing that Cece Wahlberg buried from 20 yards.
“I knew if I made my run she’d get me the ball,” Wahlberg explained. “So as soon as I left my defender all I had to do was follow through on the shot.”
Scoring first in such a high-level showdown was a significant enough advantage and mental boost for her squad that it earned Wahlberg the Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match honor. It was yet another addition to the resume that includes being named to the 2018 CS All-State unit.
“Cece plays with such consistent energy and effort that it’s contagious for our team,” North coach Brian Harks said. “She’s not afraid to make tackles defensively, go on timely attacks and like today, finish chances, which was really big.”
Immediately after the restart, fellow North standout Sami Rydberg nearly doubled the score with an up-field run. It ended with a 19-yard rocket that Neuqua goalie Tara Tesmond snared.
The Wildcats’ Piper Biziorek followed with a strong challenge from distance for St. Charles North keeper Sara Maleski, but the senior calmly caught the attempt.
Tesmond answered the call again shortly before halftime when North’s Maddie Rossi put a cross into space for an Andrey shot. Andrey had one of the two North Star goals in their season-opening 2-2 draw at no. 43 Conant.
The second half began with Wahlberg rocketing a 35-yard free kick on frame that Tesmond tipped over the crossbar for a huge save. Unfortunately she wasn’t as fortunate on an ensuing corner kick. Rydberg, a member of the CS 2018 All-State Watch List along with teammate Claudia Najera, expertly booted an in-swinger that found it’s way in for a 2-0 lead at the 48th minute.
“I think the wind really helped a lot taking it under and in,” Rydberg said with humility. “That was a good start to the second half.
“Coming off our tie on Thursday, we wanted to take it to them,” Rydberg said in acknowledging the significance of gaining a two-goal advantage. When reminded that it was she and Cece’s older sisters who powered the North Stars’ win over Neuqua the year before, she was respectful but humble.
“This is a different year, but our focus is to get back to where we were last year,” Rydberg said referencing a conference title and a long postseason run.
Neuqua Valley may be a little pleased to see Cece listed as a senior since she’s the latest in the Wahlberg family to frustrate the Wildcats.
In 2016, it was Eli Wahlberg and sister Gia Wahlberg sandwiching goals around a Hailey Rydberg strike in a 3-1 win. In 2017, an unassisted Gia strike led to a 1-1 draw while last year, Hailey Rydberg had two goals and Gia two assists in a 3-0 victory in St. Charles. The North Stars also own a 1-0 triumph from 2014.
The Wildcats’ last win over SCN came in 2013 when current Neuqua assistant Zoey Goralski was a senior standout. Also on the sidelines Saturday was another player mentored by Moreau, new North Stars assistant Steph Dodd.
“Neuqua is always a strong program, and we know we’ll see a high-quality opponent, but it’s part of our aim to challenge ourselves early and often,” North coach Harks said. “I’m pleased with how we adapted to the game. They’re capable of going on dangerous runs, but I thought our girls adjusted well.
“Our center backs (Makenna Collins and Grace Barresi) did a nice job keeping our backline organized. The midfield worked their tails off while Sarah (Andrey) was a workhorse up-top.”
Neither program shies away from competition. Based on Chicagoland Soccer's First 50, Neuqua follows up its meetings with the number one and two teams with seven others ranked foes and potentially a 10th team from that list depending upon how the Naperville Invitational plays out.
For St. Charles North, its schedule includes 10 of the 50 and possibly 12, also depending on results from Naperville Invitational group play.
The second half was a little more even, and Neuqua made a concerted effort to narrow the gap. In the 54th minute, Shannon Tagler played a pass from the left wing only to find teammate Danielle Hopkins a half-step from a tap-in. In the 60th minute, North’s Maleski made a save amid the traffic congestion in front of her net. A minute later, the Wildcats’ Brooke Miller had a chance sail too high.
In the process of trying to clear a ball upfield, a Norths Star boot ricocheted high into the air forcing Maleski to make a jump catch. Neuqua Valley's Tagler had a pair of shots from the left wing that required Maleski saves. The North netminder made six stops and corralled five more potentially dangerous balls for her shutout.
Neuqua Valley trailed 19-14 in overall attempts and 14-6 for shots on goal, plus 5-0 for corner kicks.
“We definitely need to get more used to each other so that the new girls can contribute,” Hopkins noted. “Last week we got out on the grass once, so there were times it showed we need to create better passes. Some of our freshmen were a little shaky, but as they get more playing time they’ll gain more confidence.”
“Not knowing when or what kind of practice we can have has been tough,” Moreau said. “Yesterday we had a classroom session followed by a little light kicking in a hallway. We couldn’t get (fieldhouse) time until 6:45 p.m., and with a noon start that wasn’t ideal. St. Charles North has pretty good speed, especially in midfield.
“Aside from the freshmen, we’ve got others needing time outside for adjustments,” Moreau said. “Shannon (Tagler) has never played forward before at any level. Piper’s (Biziorek) experience in midfield is none, and I know (freshman starter) Brooke (Miller) was more than a little tired at the end. If she didn’t play all 80, I know she played the whole second half. I thought Leah (Senese) and Megan (Olah) played well as center backs.”
Both teams are scheduled to be back in action Tuesday. St. Charles North has a 7 p.m. home opener against deending Class AA champ St. Francis, which is rated sixth in the preseason list. Neuqua Valley welcomes Plainfield North for a 4:30 p.m. match.
Starting lineups
St. Charles North
GK: Sara Maleski
D Alyssa Kraft
D Makenna Collins
D Grace Barresi
D Ali Wessel
M Kellie Callaghan
M Cece Wahlberg
M Sami Rydberg
F Maddie Rossi
F Claudia Najera
F Sarah Andrey
Neuqua Valley
GK: Tara Tesmond
D Leah Senese
D Paige Munar
D Megan Olah
D Erin McCarthy
M Piper Biziorek
M Danielle Hopkins
M Katelyn Nardulli
M Brooke Miller
F Shannon Tagler
F Alison Dovalovsky
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Cece Wahlberg, Sr. MF, St. Charles North
Referees: Brett Richter (center), Guy Ross, Jose Gonzalez
Game summary
St. Charles North 2, Neuqua Valley 0
SCN 1 1 -- 2 (1-0-1)
NV 0 0 -- 0 (0-1-1)
Scoring
First half
SCN --- Wahlberg 20-yard blast from middle off cross (Andrey assist), 17th minute
Second half
SCN --- Rydberg left of goal corner kick curved in (unassisted), 48th minute
Overall shots
SCN 9 – 10 -- 19
NV 6 – 5 -- 14
Shots on goal
SCN 5 – 5 -- 10
NV 3 – 3 -- 6
Saves (goalie)
SCN (Maleski) 3 - 3 -- 6
NV (Tesmond) 4 – 3 (defender, 1) 4 -- 8
Corner kicks
SCN 2 – 3 -- 5
NV 0 – 0 -- 0
Offsides
SCN 0 – 1 -- 1
NV 0 – 0 -- 0
SC North tops Neuqua V. in ranked battle
North Stars post 2-0 win in early season tune-up
By Steve Nemeth
NAPERVILLE --- Drawing conclusions from early season meetings between top 5 programs isn’t too logical and depends largely on one’s point of view.
In Chicagoland Soccer’s state-wide First 50 preseason poll, St. Charles North was ranked no. 2 and Neuqua Valley no. 5, and both teams began the year with a tie.
So the only certainty from Saturday’s match is that the North Stars (1-0-1) got their initial victory thanks to a 2-0 shutout that continued a recent edge over the Wildcats.
Yes Neuqua Valley (0-1-1) remains winless, but how many teams begin their year facing numbers 1 and 2? The Wildcats scratched out a 1-1 draw in the season opener at top-ranked Barrington, and the two-time defending Class 3A state champion Fillies are the team that gave North its one-and-only loss in a 2018 supersectional.
With the Wildcats’ home grass pitch in spongy condition thanks to recent rains, the match was moved to the turf field at Commissioners Park in Naperville. However, simply being outdoors is an adjustment virtually every girls soccer program is still making.
Veteran Neuqua Valley boss Joe Moreau isn’t one for excuses and prefaced his remarks with a “not taking anything away from North” caveat.
“They controlled the ball in the first half and stretched us out a little too much,” Moreau said. “We had too far of a gap between our backs and forwards, and they took advantage running right down the middle for that first goal.”
It was the 17th minute of the match when North’s Sarah Andrey earned an assist with a stellar cross from the wing that Cece Wahlberg buried from 20 yards.
“I knew if I made my run she’d get me the ball,” Wahlberg explained. “So as soon as I left my defender all I had to do was follow through on the shot.”
Scoring first in such a high-level showdown was a significant enough advantage and mental boost for her squad that it earned Wahlberg the Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match honor. It was yet another addition to the resume that includes being named to the 2018 CS All-State unit.
“Cece plays with such consistent energy and effort that it’s contagious for our team,” North coach Brian Harks said. “She’s not afraid to make tackles defensively, go on timely attacks and like today, finish chances, which was really big.”
Immediately after the restart, fellow North standout Sami Rydberg nearly doubled the score with an up-field run. It ended with a 19-yard rocket that Neuqua goalie Tara Tesmond snared.
The Wildcats’ Piper Biziorek followed with a strong challenge from distance for St. Charles North keeper Sara Maleski, but the senior calmly caught the attempt.
Tesmond answered the call again shortly before halftime when North’s Maddie Rossi put a cross into space for an Andrey shot. Andrey had one of the two North Star goals in their season-opening 2-2 draw at no. 43 Conant.
The second half began with Wahlberg rocketing a 35-yard free kick on frame that Tesmond tipped over the crossbar for a huge save. Unfortunately she wasn’t as fortunate on an ensuing corner kick. Rydberg, a member of the CS 2018 All-State Watch List along with teammate Claudia Najera, expertly booted an in-swinger that found it’s way in for a 2-0 lead at the 48th minute.
“I think the wind really helped a lot taking it under and in,” Rydberg said with humility. “That was a good start to the second half.
“Coming off our tie on Thursday, we wanted to take it to them,” Rydberg said in acknowledging the significance of gaining a two-goal advantage. When reminded that it was she and Cece’s older sisters who powered the North Stars’ win over Neuqua the year before, she was respectful but humble.
“This is a different year, but our focus is to get back to where we were last year,” Rydberg said referencing a conference title and a long postseason run.
Neuqua Valley may be a little pleased to see Cece listed as a senior since she’s the latest in the Wahlberg family to frustrate the Wildcats.
In 2016, it was Eli Wahlberg and sister Gia Wahlberg sandwiching goals around a Hailey Rydberg strike in a 3-1 win. In 2017, an unassisted Gia strike led to a 1-1 draw while last year, Hailey Rydberg had two goals and Gia two assists in a 3-0 victory in St. Charles. The North Stars also own a 1-0 triumph from 2014.
The Wildcats’ last win over SCN came in 2013 when current Neuqua assistant Zoey Goralski was a senior standout. Also on the sidelines Saturday was another player mentored by Moreau, new North Stars assistant Steph Dodd.
“Neuqua is always a strong program, and we know we’ll see a high-quality opponent, but it’s part of our aim to challenge ourselves early and often,” North coach Harks said. “I’m pleased with how we adapted to the game. They’re capable of going on dangerous runs, but I thought our girls adjusted well.
“Our center backs (Makenna Collins and Grace Barresi) did a nice job keeping our backline organized. The midfield worked their tails off while Sarah (Andrey) was a workhorse up-top.”
Neither program shies away from competition. Based on Chicagoland Soccer's First 50, Neuqua follows up its meetings with the number one and two teams with seven others ranked foes and potentially a 10th team from that list depending upon how the Naperville Invitational plays out.
For St. Charles North, its schedule includes 10 of the 50 and possibly 12, also depending on results from Naperville Invitational group play.
The second half was a little more even, and Neuqua made a concerted effort to narrow the gap. In the 54th minute, Shannon Tagler played a pass from the left wing only to find teammate Danielle Hopkins a half-step from a tap-in. In the 60th minute, North’s Maleski made a save amid the traffic congestion in front of her net. A minute later, the Wildcats’ Brooke Miller had a chance sail too high.
In the process of trying to clear a ball upfield, a Norths Star boot ricocheted high into the air forcing Maleski to make a jump catch. Neuqua Valley's Tagler had a pair of shots from the left wing that required Maleski saves. The North netminder made six stops and corralled five more potentially dangerous balls for her shutout.
Neuqua Valley trailed 19-14 in overall attempts and 14-6 for shots on goal, plus 5-0 for corner kicks.
“We definitely need to get more used to each other so that the new girls can contribute,” Hopkins noted. “Last week we got out on the grass once, so there were times it showed we need to create better passes. Some of our freshmen were a little shaky, but as they get more playing time they’ll gain more confidence.”
“Not knowing when or what kind of practice we can have has been tough,” Moreau said. “Yesterday we had a classroom session followed by a little light kicking in a hallway. We couldn’t get (fieldhouse) time until 6:45 p.m., and with a noon start that wasn’t ideal. St. Charles North has pretty good speed, especially in midfield.
“Aside from the freshmen, we’ve got others needing time outside for adjustments,” Moreau said. “Shannon (Tagler) has never played forward before at any level. Piper’s (Biziorek) experience in midfield is none, and I know (freshman starter) Brooke (Miller) was more than a little tired at the end. If she didn’t play all 80, I know she played the whole second half. I thought Leah (Senese) and Megan (Olah) played well as center backs.”
Both teams are scheduled to be back in action Tuesday. St. Charles North has a 7 p.m. home opener against deending Class AA champ St. Francis, which is rated sixth in the preseason list. Neuqua Valley welcomes Plainfield North for a 4:30 p.m. match.
Starting lineups
St. Charles North
GK: Sara Maleski
D Alyssa Kraft
D Makenna Collins
D Grace Barresi
D Ali Wessel
M Kellie Callaghan
M Cece Wahlberg
M Sami Rydberg
F Maddie Rossi
F Claudia Najera
F Sarah Andrey
Neuqua Valley
GK: Tara Tesmond
D Leah Senese
D Paige Munar
D Megan Olah
D Erin McCarthy
M Piper Biziorek
M Danielle Hopkins
M Katelyn Nardulli
M Brooke Miller
F Shannon Tagler
F Alison Dovalovsky
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Cece Wahlberg, Sr. MF, St. Charles North
Referees: Brett Richter (center), Guy Ross, Jose Gonzalez
Game summary
St. Charles North 2, Neuqua Valley 0
SCN 1 1 -- 2 (1-0-1)
NV 0 0 -- 0 (0-1-1)
Scoring
First half
SCN --- Wahlberg 20-yard blast from middle off cross (Andrey assist), 17th minute
Second half
SCN --- Rydberg left of goal corner kick curved in (unassisted), 48th minute
Overall shots
SCN 9 – 10 -- 19
NV 6 – 5 -- 14
Shots on goal
SCN 5 – 5 -- 10
NV 3 – 3 -- 6
Saves (goalie)
SCN (Maleski) 3 - 3 -- 6
NV (Tesmond) 4 – 3 (defender, 1) 4 -- 8
Corner kicks
SCN 2 – 3 -- 5
NV 0 – 0 -- 0
Offsides
SCN 0 – 1 -- 1
NV 0 – 0 -- 0