Notebook: Metea Valley, Wheaton North
By Alison Moran
They don't sing "Down by the old mill stream," but a quartet of sophomores are making an impact on coach Josh Robinson's Metea Valley club.
After a 1-5-0 start, the Mustangs won five of their next eight with the young talent complimenting the old. The team's losses in that stretch were one-goal defeats to DuPage Valley Conference foes Glenbard North (1-0 in OT) and Lake Park (1-0), and Huntley (2-1) .
Robinson brought up trio to join classmate Ryan Berry, and the group has made beautiful music with the varsity ever since.
The players are (with comments from Robinson):
Ryan Barry: "(He) was on varsity last year, but provides a spark when focused. He has great soccer skill and can change a game at any time like he did against Waubonsie Valley on Tuesday."
Nathan Barrett: "Goal scorer who has a knack for finding the goal and getting in the right space. Been a great boost of energy."
Luca Francisco: "Great ball skill and tenacity. He has a great work rate and desire to improve."
Ethan Williams: "Has moved into the center back without problem. He has been sensational next to Brandon (Howard) with his instincts and grit. Been a big reason why we have been so strong in the back for the past eight games."
The added improvement was needed as the team entered its DuPage Valley Conference schedule.
"The conference is the best in the state,"Robinson said. "We are 3-4 and have had three one-goal losses, including two overtime losses. We are competing, but a .500 record is respectable in the first year (in the conference after a switch from the Upstate Eight)."
The coach feels Metea Valley (6-8-0 overall) is ready to compete in the postseason.
"The sectional is always tough, and this year is no different," he said. "We are playing better at the right time and are excited to compete in October."
New-look Wheaton North starting to turn things around
In his first season at Wheaton North, coach Rob Stassen knew the Falcons would start slow, especially after getting the team right before the start of preseason.
But his squad is sending out a strong signal that its ready to compete after incredible conference results this week: a 2-2 tie Tuesday at Lake Park; and a 1-0 home upset of league-leading Glenbard North.
"Our improvement from practice to games has been huge over the last several weeks and their confidence in increasing at the right time," Stassen said. "Since starting this season, our vision has been to be the best we can be by playoffs. We are making strides to get there.
"I can see this team contending with anyone on any given day. We have played some great teams perfectly and come up short. I see this team not backing down come playoffs and am looking forward to every game we get to play."
There were other reasons besides a new system for the Falcons 1-6-1 start.
"We put together an entirely new backline. It took them some time for them to understand and rely on each other," Stassen said. "For us to have success, we will be heavily relying on their control of the game."
If Wheaton North is to continue its improvement, everyone will need to play a role.
"Our attack and middle of the field success begins with (sophomore) Joey Simon and (senior) Cooper Winkler who can spread the ball to (senior) Jon Duncan or (sophomore) Jake Dzarsowski," he said. "We will be relying on our (senior) GK Connor Reece to come up with more unbelievable saves."
The Falcons are starting to morph into a cohesive group.
"This team is as exceptional off the field as it is on the field. Their work ethic day-in and -out at practice or games is unquestionable," Stassen said. "Their desire to improve, have fun with each other, compete, and win is great to be around.
"Off the field, the team as a whole volunteers at the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton every Friday. They take this time very seriously but have a lot of fun at the same time."
By Alison Moran
They don't sing "Down by the old mill stream," but a quartet of sophomores are making an impact on coach Josh Robinson's Metea Valley club.
After a 1-5-0 start, the Mustangs won five of their next eight with the young talent complimenting the old. The team's losses in that stretch were one-goal defeats to DuPage Valley Conference foes Glenbard North (1-0 in OT) and Lake Park (1-0), and Huntley (2-1) .
Robinson brought up trio to join classmate Ryan Berry, and the group has made beautiful music with the varsity ever since.
The players are (with comments from Robinson):
Ryan Barry: "(He) was on varsity last year, but provides a spark when focused. He has great soccer skill and can change a game at any time like he did against Waubonsie Valley on Tuesday."
Nathan Barrett: "Goal scorer who has a knack for finding the goal and getting in the right space. Been a great boost of energy."
Luca Francisco: "Great ball skill and tenacity. He has a great work rate and desire to improve."
Ethan Williams: "Has moved into the center back without problem. He has been sensational next to Brandon (Howard) with his instincts and grit. Been a big reason why we have been so strong in the back for the past eight games."
The added improvement was needed as the team entered its DuPage Valley Conference schedule.
"The conference is the best in the state,"Robinson said. "We are 3-4 and have had three one-goal losses, including two overtime losses. We are competing, but a .500 record is respectable in the first year (in the conference after a switch from the Upstate Eight)."
The coach feels Metea Valley (6-8-0 overall) is ready to compete in the postseason.
"The sectional is always tough, and this year is no different," he said. "We are playing better at the right time and are excited to compete in October."
New-look Wheaton North starting to turn things around
In his first season at Wheaton North, coach Rob Stassen knew the Falcons would start slow, especially after getting the team right before the start of preseason.
But his squad is sending out a strong signal that its ready to compete after incredible conference results this week: a 2-2 tie Tuesday at Lake Park; and a 1-0 home upset of league-leading Glenbard North.
"Our improvement from practice to games has been huge over the last several weeks and their confidence in increasing at the right time," Stassen said. "Since starting this season, our vision has been to be the best we can be by playoffs. We are making strides to get there.
"I can see this team contending with anyone on any given day. We have played some great teams perfectly and come up short. I see this team not backing down come playoffs and am looking forward to every game we get to play."
There were other reasons besides a new system for the Falcons 1-6-1 start.
"We put together an entirely new backline. It took them some time for them to understand and rely on each other," Stassen said. "For us to have success, we will be heavily relying on their control of the game."
If Wheaton North is to continue its improvement, everyone will need to play a role.
"Our attack and middle of the field success begins with (sophomore) Joey Simon and (senior) Cooper Winkler who can spread the ball to (senior) Jon Duncan or (sophomore) Jake Dzarsowski," he said. "We will be relying on our (senior) GK Connor Reece to come up with more unbelievable saves."
The Falcons are starting to morph into a cohesive group.
"This team is as exceptional off the field as it is on the field. Their work ethic day-in and -out at practice or games is unquestionable," Stassen said. "Their desire to improve, have fun with each other, compete, and win is great to be around.
"Off the field, the team as a whole volunteers at the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton every Friday. They take this time very seriously but have a lot of fun at the same time."