Notebook: Fremd and Elk Grove
illustrate random nature of game
Vikings dominate action but barely escape with win
By Patrick Z. McGavin
PALATINE — Some of the best soccer games are composed in pictures, images that say something about how a game was won, what decided the match and the nature of the play between the two sides.
It is not always black and white. Even in a sport where draws are fairly common, soccer often divines a clear winner and loser. In a direct way, Fremd beat Elk Grove 1-0 here Monday night on a goal in the 36th minute by junior midfielder Kellie Halloran.
Yet the game also illustrated the intensely random nature of the game, how chance and sometimes a quick reaction or lucky bounce influences a game. By any reliable statistical measure, Fremd dominated the game — in possession time, in the amount of time play took place in Elk Grove's half and in shot attempts, a 21-2 edge for the Vikings.
All of that was nearly for naught except for a brilliant save by Kelsie Stone in the 43rd minute on a point-blank ball by Elk Grove midfielder Liz McDaniel. For all its superior play, Fremd was living on the edge, coach Steve Keller said.
"I thought defensively we were a little too risky toward the end," he said. "At times we were trying to possess the ball too much or make the great pass, or just trying to do too much out there."
Fremd improved to a 3-3 mark (2-1 in Mid-Suburban League play). Coaches tend to be process oriented.
"We are learning what we have to do in order to keep improving as a group," Keller said. Midfielder Katie Zara impressed with her all-around game, showing explosive skill in the middle in creating separation.
Forward Jessica Kopec also demonstrated excellent skills, as a kicking specialist on corners and free kicks and somebody who is dangerous in the field of play. Keller wanted to see greater finishing by his players. Still, Elk Grove keeper Cassie Slattery was fantastic and repeatedly thwarted the Vikings.
That's the nature of the game, and part of what makes the game so elemental and beautiful, the direct confrontation between opposing players, shooters on one side and a great and skilled keeper at the other. A less capable keeper than Slattery would surely have allowed two or three of those balls to slip past her.
Elk Grove coach Dan Klaus saw enough to remain enthusiastic. The season is still young, and anything is possible, he said. He has only two senior starters, one of whom was out with an illness. Elk Grove is 2-6 overall (1-3 in conference play).
"In our league, Barrington and Conant are really good, and after that, we should be able to compete with everyone," he said. "Buffalo Grove is another team that played well against us, but things are starting to come together for us."
What Klaus craves more than anything is game experience for the eight freshmen in his rotation. "Five of them played a lot of minutes, and a sixth also got in there, and the other two are banged up right now," he said.
On the Halloran goal the team allowed, Klaus was far from critical. "Any time you give up a goal it's a team responsibility," he said. "One of my players who was directly involved in that situation, she's been out a while, and fitness definitely came into play. It was late in the half, she was tired and your mental decision-making, especially on a first touch, is lacking a little bit.
"Give Fremd credit; they were there to finish it."
The Fremd game was the first of three Mid-Suburban League games for the Grenadiers this week. "We're going to be tested," Klaus said.
With the first month of the season now complete, Fremd left elated, while recognizing that it must tighten up aspects of its game. Meanwhile, Elk Grove came away encouraged that brighter days are within sight. Both teams are eager to make another impression.
illustrate random nature of game
Vikings dominate action but barely escape with win
By Patrick Z. McGavin
PALATINE — Some of the best soccer games are composed in pictures, images that say something about how a game was won, what decided the match and the nature of the play between the two sides.
It is not always black and white. Even in a sport where draws are fairly common, soccer often divines a clear winner and loser. In a direct way, Fremd beat Elk Grove 1-0 here Monday night on a goal in the 36th minute by junior midfielder Kellie Halloran.
Yet the game also illustrated the intensely random nature of the game, how chance and sometimes a quick reaction or lucky bounce influences a game. By any reliable statistical measure, Fremd dominated the game — in possession time, in the amount of time play took place in Elk Grove's half and in shot attempts, a 21-2 edge for the Vikings.
All of that was nearly for naught except for a brilliant save by Kelsie Stone in the 43rd minute on a point-blank ball by Elk Grove midfielder Liz McDaniel. For all its superior play, Fremd was living on the edge, coach Steve Keller said.
"I thought defensively we were a little too risky toward the end," he said. "At times we were trying to possess the ball too much or make the great pass, or just trying to do too much out there."
Fremd improved to a 3-3 mark (2-1 in Mid-Suburban League play). Coaches tend to be process oriented.
"We are learning what we have to do in order to keep improving as a group," Keller said. Midfielder Katie Zara impressed with her all-around game, showing explosive skill in the middle in creating separation.
Forward Jessica Kopec also demonstrated excellent skills, as a kicking specialist on corners and free kicks and somebody who is dangerous in the field of play. Keller wanted to see greater finishing by his players. Still, Elk Grove keeper Cassie Slattery was fantastic and repeatedly thwarted the Vikings.
That's the nature of the game, and part of what makes the game so elemental and beautiful, the direct confrontation between opposing players, shooters on one side and a great and skilled keeper at the other. A less capable keeper than Slattery would surely have allowed two or three of those balls to slip past her.
Elk Grove coach Dan Klaus saw enough to remain enthusiastic. The season is still young, and anything is possible, he said. He has only two senior starters, one of whom was out with an illness. Elk Grove is 2-6 overall (1-3 in conference play).
"In our league, Barrington and Conant are really good, and after that, we should be able to compete with everyone," he said. "Buffalo Grove is another team that played well against us, but things are starting to come together for us."
What Klaus craves more than anything is game experience for the eight freshmen in his rotation. "Five of them played a lot of minutes, and a sixth also got in there, and the other two are banged up right now," he said.
On the Halloran goal the team allowed, Klaus was far from critical. "Any time you give up a goal it's a team responsibility," he said. "One of my players who was directly involved in that situation, she's been out a while, and fitness definitely came into play. It was late in the half, she was tired and your mental decision-making, especially on a first touch, is lacking a little bit.
"Give Fremd credit; they were there to finish it."
The Fremd game was the first of three Mid-Suburban League games for the Grenadiers this week. "We're going to be tested," Klaus said.
With the first month of the season now complete, Fremd left elated, while recognizing that it must tighten up aspects of its game. Meanwhile, Elk Grove came away encouraged that brighter days are within sight. Both teams are eager to make another impression.