Bartlett tops W. Aurora, repeats U8 crown
Hawks top Blackhawks by 1 goal again, earn at least share of title
By Steve Nemeth
STREAMWOOD -- Saturday’s Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division showdown was a chance for history to be made or repeated.
All hail Bartlett for defending its share of last year’s co-championship.
With a 1-0 triumph over West Aurora, the host Hawks at least guaranteed themselves no worse than a tie for the top of the Valley.
Having boosted its league record to 3-0-2, Bartlett (now 10-5-3 overall) will understandably root for South Elgin (1-2-1 in Valley) to pull off either an upset win or a tie in Tuesday’s visit to Glenbard East (2-0-2). Should the favored Rams triumph, the division title would again be shared by Bartlett and Glenbard East, which is ranked as an honorable mention team in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25.
After the win, Bartlett boasts an eight-match unbeaten string (6-0-2) with an upcoming 10-day stretch to regain strength, recuperate and train for the IHSA playoffs.
Much to West Aurora’s disappointment, the Blackhawks saw a four-match victory streak snapped and for the second-consecutive year lost a shot at the school’s first conference title for girls soccer.
Last season, a second half goal by Mikayla Brown allowed Bartlett to record a 2-1 triumph.
This year it was an unassisted Brown score again providing the winning margin and earning the junior forward Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match status. Adding to the sting for the Blackhawks (6-6-2, 2-1-1) was a fourth-straight one-goal loss to Bartlett, which defeated its rival 2-1 in 2016 and 3-2 in 2015.
The sequence prior to the goal was a bit unusual, but Bartlett wasn't complaining.
“I believe one of their defenders and Serena (Salvato) tangled for the ball and somehow it deflected upfield,” Brown explained. “It was a foot race with a defender, and I got ahead just enough to take a chance placing past their keeper who was rushing out. Worst-case scenario I was thinking maybe I deflected enough to give someone another chance, but thankfully it kept rolling right on in.”
While Brown admitted scoring always feels good, there’s a little more satisfaction over a goal that makes a difference. This was the second such instance this week for the junior, who helped Bartlett earn a 1-1 tie two days before on a visit to 12th-ranked St. Charles East. Brown boosted her season total to 11, just one goal behind team-leader Jenna Dombrowski.
The opening half featured predominantly back-and-forth action with West Aurora’s Hannah Gove making a pair of easy stops. The sophomore began the year in the Blackhawks’ net, but was shifted to an alternate role with the emergence of Samara Martinez. When Martinez became sidelined for the remainder or the season, the weight of West Aurora's goal line success was put back on Gove’s shoulders.
Thirty minutes into the match, Blackhawk Olivia McPherson put a rocket shot on target from the right wing, but Bartlett goalie Teagen Noesen came up with a big save.
Six minutes later, Noesen was sure-handed for Sofia Papoutsis 50-yard free kick. Ultimately Noesen --- who has been in the net for the last three wins over West --- and Bartlett recorded their ninth shutout for the season.
In a bang-bang series of kicks 12 minutes-plus into the second half, West Aurora scoring leader Audrey Stephens wanted to celebrate an 11th goal, however, an offsides whistle negated the play that included a stellar cross from the Blackhawks’ all-around playmaker Riley O’Brien.
Just over a minute later came Brown’s game-winning strike. That goal at 53:55 was nearly negated by a West Aurora counterattack, but Noesen timed a leap perfectly and stretched to snare the ball away from a Blackhawks attacker.
Bartlett’s Alyssa Modugno had a free kick from distance go just right midway through the second half and with 13:43 left in regulation Dombrowski cranked a cannon shot that Gove knocked down and covered up the rebound. Over the remainder of the minutes, the Hawk defense kept West Aurora from generating a major threat.
“Unfortunately we just weren’t really on our toes from the beginning,” O’Brien lamented. “We definitely had troubles connecting passes and getting into the kind of sync we needed. Normally we move for each other, but it just wasn’t there. From our view, we had one instance where our defense fell apart, and they capitalized on that mistake.”
West Aurora coach Laura Wagley can now only hope her team responds to the missed opportunity by playing harder, as the 2017 squad did in acquiring the school's first regional plaque by defeating Naperville Central.
“Overall we played fairly well, but a couple mental breakdowns were really costly -- one on defense and one on offense,” Wagley said. “Hopefully this drives home the importance of finishing opportunities. That’s what we did prior to his match and what we did late last year.”
The 10th-year Blackhawks boss had plenty of compliments for the defensive effort of Izel Ochoa, who was tasked with keeping Dombrowski, a Ball State signee, in check.
“I felt like a puppy endlessly chasing,” Ochoa said in jest. “Seriously, coach said she was their best player and without her getting good chances, their frustration showed in the first half. Unfortunately in the end, they got the one goal.”
From her viewpoint, Dombrowski was satisfied with the outcome on the scoreboard.
“Getting extra attention just means I’ve got stay patient and keep calm. If I can’t score directly, then I want to make a play to a teammate or do something that opens up space for them,” Dombrowski said. “In the end we want to win. I think this is the time of the year when its best to find rhythm and have things clicking, plus we’re hungrier to have more success.”
That analysis was echoed by teammates and coaches.
“I believe we are playing better and understanding that playing more to feet, connecting passes increases our chances,” Brown noted. “I think we could’ve gotten more goals, but sometimes even one will do, and thankfully we got it.”
“Getting this win and at least sharing the title means everything to our team,” Noesen said. “We came in knowing that we controlled our own fate, and we got the victory, the shutout, and at least a co-championship, so that’s great. Once again the backline played strong, and I have to credit them for making my job easier.”
Bartlett coach Victor Marquez expressed a mix of pride and relief after a six-day span with three matches.
“We played a lot of games and were a little sore, and the legs were a little heavy; but we kept our mind focused and kept our tenacity,” Marquez said. “This was a team effort. We all enjoy victories as a group, and we suffer losses together.”
Assistant coach Vince Revak gave credit to the players.
“In one respect they realize this is the time of the year for things to click, and that’s part of our success,” Revak added. “But it’s a combination of that plus a passion throughout the lineup that has produced our teamwork. Some of the players needed some time to grasp everything, but now that they have, we can work people in and out seamlessly.”
That was a significant fact for Bartlett considering two previous defensive starters Jessica Mirsky and Kelsey Sniatynsky were on crutches and Abigail Hawes wore a knee wrap while serving as a ball shagger. Mirsky provided a boost to the Hawks’ spirits showing up for the second half after having undergone ACL surgery on Friday morning.
“Couldn’t miss this because it’s been an honor to be a part of Bartlett soccer for four years,” Mirsky said. “We’ve had three sets of coaches, and I’ve learned so much.
"Coach (Ben) Beary taught me a most important aspect of life, and that’s empathy. Being able to adapt to play with a variety of players made me a better person and a better teammate. He was passionate about making our team and the individuals better.
“Coach Vince (DiNuzzo) did a phenomenal job taking over the program and starting some new traditions,” noted the Florida Southern recruit. “My sophomore year, he and my dad (assistant coach Mark Mirsky) got us into a St. Louis tourney and playing against such a high level of competition is something I’ll never forget. That trip created a great team bond and some amazing memories.
“Vince allowing me to be a manager for the boys is also one of my greatest memories. It was my brother’s last year and going to state was an honor. There’s no greater experience in high school soccer than the state finals,” Mirsky said. “That spring our girls won a regional title and the emotions were that much higher when Jenna (Noesen) scored the winning PK and her sister Teagan had some great saves.”
“Naturally I wanted this senior year to be my best, but I never thought I’d end my high school career this way. It has been very hard not being able to play,” the four-year varsity regular said. “Coaches Marquez and Revak stepped in to keep things going and despite injuries or illness here or there, we fought in every game and pushed through to 10-5-3 record and at least a share of another conference title.
“Soccer has always been my greatest passion, and I can’t imagine being without it for six months. But thankfully my teammates have helped me so much. I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls, and I’m glad to have their help through the surgery and rehab.”
Starting lineups
West Aurora
GK: Hannah Gove
D: Mackenzie Thompson
D: Alexis Juarez
D: Sofia Papoutsis
D: Isela Chavez
M: Sarai Munoz
M: Izel Ochoa
M: Kiara McPherson
M: Olivia McPherson
F: Riley O’Brien
F: Audrey Stephens
Bartlett
GK: Teagan Noesen
D: Alyssa Modugno
D: Paige Bednarke
D: Miranda Hedeen
D: Kaley Kowal
M: Jocelyn Carlos
M: Maddie Donnelly
M: Morgan Myers
F: Mikayla Brown
F: Jenna Dombrowski
F: Serena Salvato
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Mikayla Brown, jr., F, Bartlett
Referees: Alex Bargamian (center), Harry Anestopoulos, Joel Del Tore
Game summary
Bartlett 1, West Aurora 0
West Aurora 0 0 --- 0 (6-6-2, 2-1-1)
Bartlett 0 1 --- 1 (10-5-3, 3-0-2)
Scoring
Second half
B --- Brown wins sprint to loose ball, slots 14-yard slow roller past out-rushing goalie (unassisted), 53:55 gone
Shots
WA: 5 – 2 --- 7
B: 6 – 6 --- 11
Shots on goal
WA: 2 – 1 --- 3
B: 3 – 3 --- 6
Saves (goalie)
WA (Gove) 3 – 2 --- 5
B (Noesen) 2 – 1 --- 3
Corner kicks
WA 4 – 2 --- 6
B 1 – 0 --- 1
Offsides
WA 1 – 1 --- 2
B 0 – 0 --- 0
Hawks top Blackhawks by 1 goal again, earn at least share of title
By Steve Nemeth
STREAMWOOD -- Saturday’s Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division showdown was a chance for history to be made or repeated.
All hail Bartlett for defending its share of last year’s co-championship.
With a 1-0 triumph over West Aurora, the host Hawks at least guaranteed themselves no worse than a tie for the top of the Valley.
Having boosted its league record to 3-0-2, Bartlett (now 10-5-3 overall) will understandably root for South Elgin (1-2-1 in Valley) to pull off either an upset win or a tie in Tuesday’s visit to Glenbard East (2-0-2). Should the favored Rams triumph, the division title would again be shared by Bartlett and Glenbard East, which is ranked as an honorable mention team in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25.
After the win, Bartlett boasts an eight-match unbeaten string (6-0-2) with an upcoming 10-day stretch to regain strength, recuperate and train for the IHSA playoffs.
Much to West Aurora’s disappointment, the Blackhawks saw a four-match victory streak snapped and for the second-consecutive year lost a shot at the school’s first conference title for girls soccer.
Last season, a second half goal by Mikayla Brown allowed Bartlett to record a 2-1 triumph.
This year it was an unassisted Brown score again providing the winning margin and earning the junior forward Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match status. Adding to the sting for the Blackhawks (6-6-2, 2-1-1) was a fourth-straight one-goal loss to Bartlett, which defeated its rival 2-1 in 2016 and 3-2 in 2015.
The sequence prior to the goal was a bit unusual, but Bartlett wasn't complaining.
“I believe one of their defenders and Serena (Salvato) tangled for the ball and somehow it deflected upfield,” Brown explained. “It was a foot race with a defender, and I got ahead just enough to take a chance placing past their keeper who was rushing out. Worst-case scenario I was thinking maybe I deflected enough to give someone another chance, but thankfully it kept rolling right on in.”
While Brown admitted scoring always feels good, there’s a little more satisfaction over a goal that makes a difference. This was the second such instance this week for the junior, who helped Bartlett earn a 1-1 tie two days before on a visit to 12th-ranked St. Charles East. Brown boosted her season total to 11, just one goal behind team-leader Jenna Dombrowski.
The opening half featured predominantly back-and-forth action with West Aurora’s Hannah Gove making a pair of easy stops. The sophomore began the year in the Blackhawks’ net, but was shifted to an alternate role with the emergence of Samara Martinez. When Martinez became sidelined for the remainder or the season, the weight of West Aurora's goal line success was put back on Gove’s shoulders.
Thirty minutes into the match, Blackhawk Olivia McPherson put a rocket shot on target from the right wing, but Bartlett goalie Teagen Noesen came up with a big save.
Six minutes later, Noesen was sure-handed for Sofia Papoutsis 50-yard free kick. Ultimately Noesen --- who has been in the net for the last three wins over West --- and Bartlett recorded their ninth shutout for the season.
In a bang-bang series of kicks 12 minutes-plus into the second half, West Aurora scoring leader Audrey Stephens wanted to celebrate an 11th goal, however, an offsides whistle negated the play that included a stellar cross from the Blackhawks’ all-around playmaker Riley O’Brien.
Just over a minute later came Brown’s game-winning strike. That goal at 53:55 was nearly negated by a West Aurora counterattack, but Noesen timed a leap perfectly and stretched to snare the ball away from a Blackhawks attacker.
Bartlett’s Alyssa Modugno had a free kick from distance go just right midway through the second half and with 13:43 left in regulation Dombrowski cranked a cannon shot that Gove knocked down and covered up the rebound. Over the remainder of the minutes, the Hawk defense kept West Aurora from generating a major threat.
“Unfortunately we just weren’t really on our toes from the beginning,” O’Brien lamented. “We definitely had troubles connecting passes and getting into the kind of sync we needed. Normally we move for each other, but it just wasn’t there. From our view, we had one instance where our defense fell apart, and they capitalized on that mistake.”
West Aurora coach Laura Wagley can now only hope her team responds to the missed opportunity by playing harder, as the 2017 squad did in acquiring the school's first regional plaque by defeating Naperville Central.
“Overall we played fairly well, but a couple mental breakdowns were really costly -- one on defense and one on offense,” Wagley said. “Hopefully this drives home the importance of finishing opportunities. That’s what we did prior to his match and what we did late last year.”
The 10th-year Blackhawks boss had plenty of compliments for the defensive effort of Izel Ochoa, who was tasked with keeping Dombrowski, a Ball State signee, in check.
“I felt like a puppy endlessly chasing,” Ochoa said in jest. “Seriously, coach said she was their best player and without her getting good chances, their frustration showed in the first half. Unfortunately in the end, they got the one goal.”
From her viewpoint, Dombrowski was satisfied with the outcome on the scoreboard.
“Getting extra attention just means I’ve got stay patient and keep calm. If I can’t score directly, then I want to make a play to a teammate or do something that opens up space for them,” Dombrowski said. “In the end we want to win. I think this is the time of the year when its best to find rhythm and have things clicking, plus we’re hungrier to have more success.”
That analysis was echoed by teammates and coaches.
“I believe we are playing better and understanding that playing more to feet, connecting passes increases our chances,” Brown noted. “I think we could’ve gotten more goals, but sometimes even one will do, and thankfully we got it.”
“Getting this win and at least sharing the title means everything to our team,” Noesen said. “We came in knowing that we controlled our own fate, and we got the victory, the shutout, and at least a co-championship, so that’s great. Once again the backline played strong, and I have to credit them for making my job easier.”
Bartlett coach Victor Marquez expressed a mix of pride and relief after a six-day span with three matches.
“We played a lot of games and were a little sore, and the legs were a little heavy; but we kept our mind focused and kept our tenacity,” Marquez said. “This was a team effort. We all enjoy victories as a group, and we suffer losses together.”
Assistant coach Vince Revak gave credit to the players.
“In one respect they realize this is the time of the year for things to click, and that’s part of our success,” Revak added. “But it’s a combination of that plus a passion throughout the lineup that has produced our teamwork. Some of the players needed some time to grasp everything, but now that they have, we can work people in and out seamlessly.”
That was a significant fact for Bartlett considering two previous defensive starters Jessica Mirsky and Kelsey Sniatynsky were on crutches and Abigail Hawes wore a knee wrap while serving as a ball shagger. Mirsky provided a boost to the Hawks’ spirits showing up for the second half after having undergone ACL surgery on Friday morning.
“Couldn’t miss this because it’s been an honor to be a part of Bartlett soccer for four years,” Mirsky said. “We’ve had three sets of coaches, and I’ve learned so much.
"Coach (Ben) Beary taught me a most important aspect of life, and that’s empathy. Being able to adapt to play with a variety of players made me a better person and a better teammate. He was passionate about making our team and the individuals better.
“Coach Vince (DiNuzzo) did a phenomenal job taking over the program and starting some new traditions,” noted the Florida Southern recruit. “My sophomore year, he and my dad (assistant coach Mark Mirsky) got us into a St. Louis tourney and playing against such a high level of competition is something I’ll never forget. That trip created a great team bond and some amazing memories.
“Vince allowing me to be a manager for the boys is also one of my greatest memories. It was my brother’s last year and going to state was an honor. There’s no greater experience in high school soccer than the state finals,” Mirsky said. “That spring our girls won a regional title and the emotions were that much higher when Jenna (Noesen) scored the winning PK and her sister Teagan had some great saves.”
“Naturally I wanted this senior year to be my best, but I never thought I’d end my high school career this way. It has been very hard not being able to play,” the four-year varsity regular said. “Coaches Marquez and Revak stepped in to keep things going and despite injuries or illness here or there, we fought in every game and pushed through to 10-5-3 record and at least a share of another conference title.
“Soccer has always been my greatest passion, and I can’t imagine being without it for six months. But thankfully my teammates have helped me so much. I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls, and I’m glad to have their help through the surgery and rehab.”
Starting lineups
West Aurora
GK: Hannah Gove
D: Mackenzie Thompson
D: Alexis Juarez
D: Sofia Papoutsis
D: Isela Chavez
M: Sarai Munoz
M: Izel Ochoa
M: Kiara McPherson
M: Olivia McPherson
F: Riley O’Brien
F: Audrey Stephens
Bartlett
GK: Teagan Noesen
D: Alyssa Modugno
D: Paige Bednarke
D: Miranda Hedeen
D: Kaley Kowal
M: Jocelyn Carlos
M: Maddie Donnelly
M: Morgan Myers
F: Mikayla Brown
F: Jenna Dombrowski
F: Serena Salvato
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Mikayla Brown, jr., F, Bartlett
Referees: Alex Bargamian (center), Harry Anestopoulos, Joel Del Tore
Game summary
Bartlett 1, West Aurora 0
West Aurora 0 0 --- 0 (6-6-2, 2-1-1)
Bartlett 0 1 --- 1 (10-5-3, 3-0-2)
Scoring
Second half
B --- Brown wins sprint to loose ball, slots 14-yard slow roller past out-rushing goalie (unassisted), 53:55 gone
Shots
WA: 5 – 2 --- 7
B: 6 – 6 --- 11
Shots on goal
WA: 2 – 1 --- 3
B: 3 – 3 --- 6
Saves (goalie)
WA (Gove) 3 – 2 --- 5
B (Noesen) 2 – 1 --- 3
Corner kicks
WA 4 – 2 --- 6
B 1 – 0 --- 1
Offsides
WA 1 – 1 --- 2
B 0 – 0 --- 0