Chicagoland Soccer Top 25
By Patrick Z. McGavin
One thing about the soccer season: once it starts, it runs downhill and gathers exceptional speed and momentum.
Some order starts to assert itself with the conclusion of several high-profile tournaments: New Trier, Hinsdale Central, Glenbrook South and Best of the West.
Team of the week is St. Charles East, which makes the leap from No. 10 a week ago to a top-4 slot after the Saints captured the New Trier tournament for the second time in three years on Saturday with a convincing 2-0 victory over previously undefeated Glenbrook North. The Saints are big, fast and clearly enjoy playing together. They also have tremendous depth, two standout keepers and a lot of size, speed and quickness.
Evanston goes to the top spot after winning its own tournament for the fifth-consecutive year. Morton dominated at Hinsdale Central's Red Devil Cup, also winning for the second time in the last three years.
Another smoldering team is Warren, winners of seven in a row since a season-opening draw with Hersey.
Oak Lawn also impressed in winning the Windy City Ram Classic over defending tournament champion and previously No. 12 Bremen. This is the time, of names and teams making their claim, for legitimacy and respect.
It will only continue, adding intrigue and ultimately clarity. Until then, the sorting of things is a beautiful thing to watch.
By Patrick Z. McGavin
One thing about the soccer season: once it starts, it runs downhill and gathers exceptional speed and momentum.
Some order starts to assert itself with the conclusion of several high-profile tournaments: New Trier, Hinsdale Central, Glenbrook South and Best of the West.
Team of the week is St. Charles East, which makes the leap from No. 10 a week ago to a top-4 slot after the Saints captured the New Trier tournament for the second time in three years on Saturday with a convincing 2-0 victory over previously undefeated Glenbrook North. The Saints are big, fast and clearly enjoy playing together. They also have tremendous depth, two standout keepers and a lot of size, speed and quickness.
Evanston goes to the top spot after winning its own tournament for the fifth-consecutive year. Morton dominated at Hinsdale Central's Red Devil Cup, also winning for the second time in the last three years.
Another smoldering team is Warren, winners of seven in a row since a season-opening draw with Hersey.
Oak Lawn also impressed in winning the Windy City Ram Classic over defending tournament champion and previously No. 12 Bremen. This is the time, of names and teams making their claim, for legitimacy and respect.
It will only continue, adding intrigue and ultimately clarity. Until then, the sorting of things is a beautiful thing to watch.
Look out for: Benet, Oswego East, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale Central, Plainfield North, New Trier, Timothy Christian, Carmel, Vernon Hills, Maine South, Conant, Streamwood, St. Ignatius, Round Lake, Lane.