After plenty of action,
nothing splits Warren, Loyola
2 of Chicagoland’s best play to scoreless, 70-minute draw
By Mike Garofola
GLENVIEW -- Will Loyola and Warren be title contenders in their respective league this season?
If their 0-0 draw on Friday afternoon at the Glenbrook South Quad is any indication, then the answer is a resounding: Yes!
Seventy minutes could not separate these two fine clubs who played on a mild, sunny day in the opening round of the first edition of this mini tournament.
Loyola (5-1-2 after Saturday) went on to win the event with 2-0 victories over Mid-Suburban League power Buffalo Grove and host Glenbrook South one day later.
"This two-day invite was a nice test for the girls on the end of a very busy week for us, which, in the end, we'll be just fine," said confident Loyola manager Shannon Hartinger, whose club earlier in the week opened conference play with a 4-0 victory over St. Ignatius.
"The idea behind playing here this weekend would be to give a young, and inexperience roster plenty of tests against quality opponents, to problem solve after each one beginning with Warren today.
“I thought the girls did just about everything we asked but finish our chances," added Hartinger with a smile.
It certainly wasn't for a lack of effort or trying that the Ramblers were unable to find the back of the net, particularly when you talk about junior Grace Ehlert, who enjoyed a marvelous afternoon on and off of the ball to earn Chicagoland Soccer's MVP of the Match honor.
"No doubt Grace is our leader,” Hartinger said. “Her energy, ability to make big plays and to lead by example are just a few of the terrific things she does for this team. She is just fun to watch play."
"No. 7 (Ehlert) is a very good player, who presented several problems for us today,” said Warren manager Ryan McCabe. “She was a challenge for us all throughout, but I thought Kylie (Mahoney) turned in a nice job today against one of the better players we'll see this season.”
"Nos. 7 and 23 (Kendall Beil) were a real handful for us today,” added Mahoney, whom McCabe deployed just in front of his backline of Melissa Cole, Liv Ehlers, Page Hogberg and Emma Paraskos. “For me, I had to work hard to keep (Ehlert) close, because she was so quick and dangerous,"
Warren (5-0-3 after Saturday) and its backline quartet versus their counterparts have contrasting styles of sorts.
The Blue Devils are sturdy, strong and organized bunch. Loyola’s Maya Basan, Eva Pattison, Emily Pikarski and Molly Sipe are organized and quick as well but also technically confident enough to distribute and get forward to join the attack.
"Eva and I are just sophomores, and together we're playing for the first time as a unit defensively," said Pikarski, who was in the center of the Ramblers backline alongside Pattison. “Fortunately, we have a good keeper (Ellie Bradley) behind us, and great players in front of us to help us play with confidence.”
These two super sophs were cool and calm on the ball and under duress when the likes of Blue Devils forward Ella Skelton came into the final third with the ball or just floated around the area to pester and poach.
"Emily is one of several first-time varsity players, so her experience at this level is obviously been limited to the first 5-6 games we've played thus far, but you saw how calm she is back there, which helps us stay organized and under control," said Hartinger.
After an edgy start to this contest, the Ramblers had two quick half chances within three minutes: Pikarski went wide with her 30-yard free kick; and Beil unable to get on the end of a wonderful early ball from Pattison from out of the back.
The aforementioned Skelton was the first to produce something threatening for both sides in the 23rd minute, but her effort went just over the bar.
When the Loyola attack was in need of a little extra octane, it found Ehlert, whose enterprising runs and quality distribution kept the Blue Devils on high alert whenever the junior was on the ball.
Pattison would deliver a handful of meaningful balls out of the back with the hope of connecting with her front-runners, but the Warren defense did well to either tackle their onrushing opponents or clear with a nice touch.
Towards the end of the first period, Katelyn Crowson and Mahoney saw more of the ball to help balance the Blue Devils attack. The change led to a solid chance from Samantha Pullins, whose 30-yard snap-shot three minutes from intermission grazed the bar.
Warren keeper Trish Georgiou was called into action for the first time as the half ended when she turned away an Ehlert attempt after the Ramblers captain tricked her way in-close.
"I thought we played a pretty good first half of soccer," said McCabe. “(It) took us awhile to match the physical play that Loyola brought, (which) put us on our back foot in the early part of the game.”
While this was the type of game that needed a goal to open things up, the second half was nonetheless an entertaining free-flowing game with noted momentum swings. Those started with Loyola, which came out of the break clearly on a mission to break the ice.
Ehlert sent Kathryn Diblik through just after the intermission, and if not for a brave point-blank save from Georgiou it would have been a 1-0 game.
Elhert broke free up the left side, thanks in part to terrific combination play that started with Kaitlyn Kurtz, who watched Basan, then Diblik connect before finding Ehlert.
However, as it had done all game long, the Blue Devils midfield tracked back into its own area to converge on Ehlert and parry away the attempt of the troublesome Loyola star.
The one-way traffic continued when Loyola created a chance at the back post for Beil, whose one-timer went wide.
Isabella Guzman had a chance for Loyola, but her attempt went over the bar midway through the second half.
"We created a lot of chances in the second half, especially in the first part of the half," began Ehlert. "Warren was very good defensively, but we still have to finish our chances."
Warren’s backline bent during the first 15 minutes of this half, but did not break. When their teammates Crowson, Pullins, Skelton and Liza Matimore began to get more touches, the game leveled off, which set up for an exciting final quarter hour of action.
"I'm sure Loyola struggled with playing on grass just like we did at times," said McCabe. “Some of those through-balls and passes never seemed to find their way. But both of us adjusted to make for some very good soccer, especially in the second half.
"For us, Sam (Samantha Pullins) had a very good day.
"She plays hard, is dangerous, quick and technically is very strong."
Loyola’s Pattison moved without hesitation to tackle Skelton, who was set free on the left side by Crowson, to end that chance for the Blue Devils. On the other end, Warren’s Liz Ehlers made a strong tackle against Diblik that likely stopped a 1-v-1 opportunity for the Ramblers junior.
Warren’s Georgiou caught a 30-yard free kick from Ehlert then saved an attempt on frame from Kurtz in the closing moments when both sides’ tanks were running on empty following a furious, nonstop second half of soccer.
"We've had a very busy week with three games already including today with another two more tomorrow," said McCabe after his club maintained its unbeaten start to the 2021 campaign as they played out this thrilling goal-less draw. “But the girls have responded well during this time, which is something we obviously are very proud of as we approach conference play.”
Loyola was satisfied with its effort.
"For as young a team that we are, we're making good progress each time we play," began Ehlert.
"Our backline and midfield are playing with confidence, and we're beginning to play like a real team."
"It was a good overall effort against a quality team," said Harbinger.
Starting lineups
Loyola (4-3-3)
G- Ellie Bradley
D- Molly Sipe
D- Eva Pattison
D- Emily Pikarski
D- Maya Basan
M- Isabella Guzman
M- Grace Ehlert
M- Emma Shaffer
F- Kendall Beil
F- Kathryn Diblik
F- Kaitlyn Kurtz
Warren (4-4-2)
G- Trish Georgiou
D- Melissa Cote
D- Liv Ehlers
D- Paige Hogberg
D- Emma Paraskos
M- Amber Langosch
M- Kylie Mahoney
M- Samantha Pullins
M- Katelyn Crowson
F- Liza Matimore
F- Ella Skelton
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: G
race Ehlert, jr., MF, Loyola
Officials: Doug Neufeldd (referee); Robert Koehler (assistant); Marek Zacios (assistant)
Scoring summary
First half
No scoring
Second half
No scoring
nothing splits Warren, Loyola
2 of Chicagoland’s best play to scoreless, 70-minute draw
By Mike Garofola
GLENVIEW -- Will Loyola and Warren be title contenders in their respective league this season?
If their 0-0 draw on Friday afternoon at the Glenbrook South Quad is any indication, then the answer is a resounding: Yes!
Seventy minutes could not separate these two fine clubs who played on a mild, sunny day in the opening round of the first edition of this mini tournament.
Loyola (5-1-2 after Saturday) went on to win the event with 2-0 victories over Mid-Suburban League power Buffalo Grove and host Glenbrook South one day later.
"This two-day invite was a nice test for the girls on the end of a very busy week for us, which, in the end, we'll be just fine," said confident Loyola manager Shannon Hartinger, whose club earlier in the week opened conference play with a 4-0 victory over St. Ignatius.
"The idea behind playing here this weekend would be to give a young, and inexperience roster plenty of tests against quality opponents, to problem solve after each one beginning with Warren today.
“I thought the girls did just about everything we asked but finish our chances," added Hartinger with a smile.
It certainly wasn't for a lack of effort or trying that the Ramblers were unable to find the back of the net, particularly when you talk about junior Grace Ehlert, who enjoyed a marvelous afternoon on and off of the ball to earn Chicagoland Soccer's MVP of the Match honor.
"No doubt Grace is our leader,” Hartinger said. “Her energy, ability to make big plays and to lead by example are just a few of the terrific things she does for this team. She is just fun to watch play."
"No. 7 (Ehlert) is a very good player, who presented several problems for us today,” said Warren manager Ryan McCabe. “She was a challenge for us all throughout, but I thought Kylie (Mahoney) turned in a nice job today against one of the better players we'll see this season.”
"Nos. 7 and 23 (Kendall Beil) were a real handful for us today,” added Mahoney, whom McCabe deployed just in front of his backline of Melissa Cole, Liv Ehlers, Page Hogberg and Emma Paraskos. “For me, I had to work hard to keep (Ehlert) close, because she was so quick and dangerous,"
Warren (5-0-3 after Saturday) and its backline quartet versus their counterparts have contrasting styles of sorts.
The Blue Devils are sturdy, strong and organized bunch. Loyola’s Maya Basan, Eva Pattison, Emily Pikarski and Molly Sipe are organized and quick as well but also technically confident enough to distribute and get forward to join the attack.
"Eva and I are just sophomores, and together we're playing for the first time as a unit defensively," said Pikarski, who was in the center of the Ramblers backline alongside Pattison. “Fortunately, we have a good keeper (Ellie Bradley) behind us, and great players in front of us to help us play with confidence.”
These two super sophs were cool and calm on the ball and under duress when the likes of Blue Devils forward Ella Skelton came into the final third with the ball or just floated around the area to pester and poach.
"Emily is one of several first-time varsity players, so her experience at this level is obviously been limited to the first 5-6 games we've played thus far, but you saw how calm she is back there, which helps us stay organized and under control," said Hartinger.
After an edgy start to this contest, the Ramblers had two quick half chances within three minutes: Pikarski went wide with her 30-yard free kick; and Beil unable to get on the end of a wonderful early ball from Pattison from out of the back.
The aforementioned Skelton was the first to produce something threatening for both sides in the 23rd minute, but her effort went just over the bar.
When the Loyola attack was in need of a little extra octane, it found Ehlert, whose enterprising runs and quality distribution kept the Blue Devils on high alert whenever the junior was on the ball.
Pattison would deliver a handful of meaningful balls out of the back with the hope of connecting with her front-runners, but the Warren defense did well to either tackle their onrushing opponents or clear with a nice touch.
Towards the end of the first period, Katelyn Crowson and Mahoney saw more of the ball to help balance the Blue Devils attack. The change led to a solid chance from Samantha Pullins, whose 30-yard snap-shot three minutes from intermission grazed the bar.
Warren keeper Trish Georgiou was called into action for the first time as the half ended when she turned away an Ehlert attempt after the Ramblers captain tricked her way in-close.
"I thought we played a pretty good first half of soccer," said McCabe. “(It) took us awhile to match the physical play that Loyola brought, (which) put us on our back foot in the early part of the game.”
While this was the type of game that needed a goal to open things up, the second half was nonetheless an entertaining free-flowing game with noted momentum swings. Those started with Loyola, which came out of the break clearly on a mission to break the ice.
Ehlert sent Kathryn Diblik through just after the intermission, and if not for a brave point-blank save from Georgiou it would have been a 1-0 game.
Elhert broke free up the left side, thanks in part to terrific combination play that started with Kaitlyn Kurtz, who watched Basan, then Diblik connect before finding Ehlert.
However, as it had done all game long, the Blue Devils midfield tracked back into its own area to converge on Ehlert and parry away the attempt of the troublesome Loyola star.
The one-way traffic continued when Loyola created a chance at the back post for Beil, whose one-timer went wide.
Isabella Guzman had a chance for Loyola, but her attempt went over the bar midway through the second half.
"We created a lot of chances in the second half, especially in the first part of the half," began Ehlert. "Warren was very good defensively, but we still have to finish our chances."
Warren’s backline bent during the first 15 minutes of this half, but did not break. When their teammates Crowson, Pullins, Skelton and Liza Matimore began to get more touches, the game leveled off, which set up for an exciting final quarter hour of action.
"I'm sure Loyola struggled with playing on grass just like we did at times," said McCabe. “Some of those through-balls and passes never seemed to find their way. But both of us adjusted to make for some very good soccer, especially in the second half.
"For us, Sam (Samantha Pullins) had a very good day.
"She plays hard, is dangerous, quick and technically is very strong."
Loyola’s Pattison moved without hesitation to tackle Skelton, who was set free on the left side by Crowson, to end that chance for the Blue Devils. On the other end, Warren’s Liz Ehlers made a strong tackle against Diblik that likely stopped a 1-v-1 opportunity for the Ramblers junior.
Warren’s Georgiou caught a 30-yard free kick from Ehlert then saved an attempt on frame from Kurtz in the closing moments when both sides’ tanks were running on empty following a furious, nonstop second half of soccer.
"We've had a very busy week with three games already including today with another two more tomorrow," said McCabe after his club maintained its unbeaten start to the 2021 campaign as they played out this thrilling goal-less draw. “But the girls have responded well during this time, which is something we obviously are very proud of as we approach conference play.”
Loyola was satisfied with its effort.
"For as young a team that we are, we're making good progress each time we play," began Ehlert.
"Our backline and midfield are playing with confidence, and we're beginning to play like a real team."
"It was a good overall effort against a quality team," said Harbinger.
Starting lineups
Loyola (4-3-3)
G- Ellie Bradley
D- Molly Sipe
D- Eva Pattison
D- Emily Pikarski
D- Maya Basan
M- Isabella Guzman
M- Grace Ehlert
M- Emma Shaffer
F- Kendall Beil
F- Kathryn Diblik
F- Kaitlyn Kurtz
Warren (4-4-2)
G- Trish Georgiou
D- Melissa Cote
D- Liv Ehlers
D- Paige Hogberg
D- Emma Paraskos
M- Amber Langosch
M- Kylie Mahoney
M- Samantha Pullins
M- Katelyn Crowson
F- Liza Matimore
F- Ella Skelton
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: G
race Ehlert, jr., MF, Loyola
Officials: Doug Neufeldd (referee); Robert Koehler (assistant); Marek Zacios (assistant)
Scoring summary
First half
No scoring
Second half
No scoring