Chicagoland Soccer Top 25
By Patrick Z. McGavin
At last, a week of uninterrupted soccer and what transpired proved illuminating. The results of the past seven days led to tumult in the rankings -- with movement at 24 of the 25 spots and four new teams moving into the neighborhood.
Burlington Central stunned defending state champion and top-ranked Barrington with a shootout victory as part of group play in the Naperville Invitational.
Two years ago, in the same event, Barrington won 10-3.
The loss snapped the Fillies’ 29-game unbeaten streak that spanned the last two seasons.
Burlington Central had no time to enjoy its historic win and had to follow the Fillies with no. 5 Loyola.
The Ramblers’ 1-0 victory actually gave Barrington its ticket to the semifinals by dint of the scoring system that rewards three points for a shootout win and a point to the losing side. Barrington’s 2-1 victory over Loyola proved the difference.
In a season fractured by chaotic weather and the unpredictable schedules it creates, last week was the first chance at some consistency and coherence.
The Naperville Invitational heightens everything. It’s format and top-level field added clarity to the rankings.
St. Charles North ascends to the top of the rankings. New Trier looks formidable and Naperville North is finding its voice on offense.
Neuqua Valley is staking a claim to being the best team despite a record spotted with three losses.
Looking forward to the week ahead, the bracket round of the Naperville Invitational is likely to be one for the ages -- and lead to another interesting week in the poll.
By Patrick Z. McGavin
At last, a week of uninterrupted soccer and what transpired proved illuminating. The results of the past seven days led to tumult in the rankings -- with movement at 24 of the 25 spots and four new teams moving into the neighborhood.
Burlington Central stunned defending state champion and top-ranked Barrington with a shootout victory as part of group play in the Naperville Invitational.
Two years ago, in the same event, Barrington won 10-3.
The loss snapped the Fillies’ 29-game unbeaten streak that spanned the last two seasons.
Burlington Central had no time to enjoy its historic win and had to follow the Fillies with no. 5 Loyola.
The Ramblers’ 1-0 victory actually gave Barrington its ticket to the semifinals by dint of the scoring system that rewards three points for a shootout win and a point to the losing side. Barrington’s 2-1 victory over Loyola proved the difference.
In a season fractured by chaotic weather and the unpredictable schedules it creates, last week was the first chance at some consistency and coherence.
The Naperville Invitational heightens everything. It’s format and top-level field added clarity to the rankings.
St. Charles North ascends to the top of the rankings. New Trier looks formidable and Naperville North is finding its voice on offense.
Neuqua Valley is staking a claim to being the best team despite a record spotted with three losses.
Looking forward to the week ahead, the bracket round of the Naperville Invitational is likely to be one for the ages -- and lead to another interesting week in the poll.
Rk | LW | Team | W | L | T | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | St. Charles North | 10 | 0 | 1 | Chloe Netzel part of imposing force |
2 | 4 | New Trier | 8 | 0 | 2 | Grace Walker is superb freshman |
3 | 1 | Barrington | 7 | 1 | 2 | Jen Devona is bright talent |
4 | 6 | Neuqua Valley | 6 | 3 | 0 | Paige Munar makes potent offense go |
5 | 9 | Naperville North | 8 | 2 | 3 | Paige Sylvester part of great backline |
6 | 5 | Loyola | 8 | 1 | 1 | Lauren Daffada is an elite defender |
7 | 3 | Glenbrook South | 9 | 1 | 4 | Sat. draw ended Normal’s perfect start |
8 | 10 | St. Francis | 7 | 2 | 1 | Sarah Malker is another versatile talent |
9 | 7 | Wheaton Warrenville South | 9 | 3 | 0 | Claire Kiple is creative on offensive |
10 | 15 | Batavia | 10 | 1 | 1 | Grace Salyers is excellent sophomore |
11 | 12 | Libertyville | 7 | 1 | 0 | Disputed win over Prospect |
12 | 16 | Metea Valley | 9 | 4 | 0 | Charlotte Ives controls the middle |
13 | 22 | St. Charles East | 9 | 2 | 3 | Ashley DiOro sparks Evanston win |
14 | 14 | Lemont | 11 | 0 | 0 | Erin Crispo is bright talent |
15 | 8 | Evanston | 8 | 5 | 2 | Keara Kerr is bracing talent |
16 | 11 | Wauconda | 9 | 1 | 0 | Olivia Kuch is elite defender |
17 | HM | Burlington Central | 9 | 2 | 0 | Statement win over Barrington |
18 | 17 | Deerfield | 11 | 2 | 1 | Samantha Linn comes through against GBN |
19 | HM | Prairie Ridge | 10 | 0 | 0 | Rolling in Fox Valley |
20 | 18 | Waubonsie Valley | 8 | 2 | 2 | Chance to make statement vs. Barrington Thursday |
21 | 23 | Lane | 6 | 3 | 1 | Showdown vs. Young on Monday |
22 | 25 | Plainfield North | 9 | 2 | 1 | Allie Kroll makes her name |
23 | 13 | Wheaton Academy | 7 | 3 | 1 | Amy Alexander is talent to watch |
24 | HM | Latin | 12 | 0 | 0 | Jade Edwards leads Romans |
25 | HM | Stagg | 12 | 2 | 0 | Sydney Downs is an elite stopper |
Look out for: Fenwick, Geneva, Benet, Downers Grove North, Glenbrook North, Carmel, Lake Zurich, Sycamore, Minooka, Lyons, Naperville Central, Glenbard East, Andrew, Fremd, Jacobs