East meets West in Lincoln-Way turf battle
By Dave Owen
After disappointing starts to the week against rivals, there are more district bragging rights on the line at 6:15 p.m. Thursday for Lincoln-Way East and host Lincoln-Way West.
The Griffins (10-8-2) come off a 1-0 loss to defending state runner-up Lincoln-Way North on Monday. The Warriors (11-7) look to bounce back from their own 2-1 setback to crosstown foe Lincoln-Way Central on Tuesday.
“We felt that we lacked discipline and organization in the Lincoln-Way Central game, which cost us in the second half,” Warriors coach Jeff Theiss said. “Overall that has been one of our strengths this season and has been a major component of our recent success, so it caught us a bit off guard when we were chasing the ball in certain situations.”
A wave of injuries has left Lincoln-Way East on its heels. The Griffins were 7-0 on April 1 and coming off a major tournament championship.
“The main thing for the playoffs is getting healthy,” Griffins coach Brian Papa said. “We started the year winning the Windy City Ram) Classic, then the injuries set in. We’re starting get our girls back on the playing field and when they are out there, we’re starting to play like the beginning of the year. Unfortunately they are playing at 70% right now.”
Regardless of levels of health Thursday, intensity should be high.
“Traditionally, these cross-district games provide a high level of competition and are often physical,” Theiss said, “so 50/50 balls and balls in the air are going to have a large impact on the outcome of the match.
“Keys to the match include maintaining our defensive shape and capitalizing on our chances in transition,” Theiss added. “With the quick turnaround (from Tuesday) our main focus will be re-instilling the fundamental principles of arriving balanced as a pressure defender, providing cover off the ball, and maintaining balance throughout the field.”
The Warriors had won four games in a row before the loss on Tuesday. That streak included a 2-0 win over Lincoln-Way North on April 28.
“Lincoln-Way West is a very dangerous team that is having good results throughout the year,” Papa said. “Jeff has them playing with good intensity and with a lot of confidence.
“My big concern is they took a tough loss against Lincoln-Way Central last night so their backs are against the wall. We have to match that intensity and step up our game.”
Jillian Kilrea had a two-goal game last Thursday in the Griffins’ win over Andrew. Sophomore goalkeeper Kimberley Seper leads the defense for a team that, if healthy, will be very dangerous come the postseason.
“Parity in our sectional is the thing I see,” Papa said. “Any team can beat anyone on any given night. We would hope we can get our players playing like we did earlier in the season and separate ourselves from the pack.”
The Warriors reached the sectional finals last year and beefed up their schedule to prepare for their impending postseason tests. Their own goalkeeper provides a strong foundation for the squad.
“Our individual standouts as of late start with Audrey Pearson in goal, who recently earned her 25th career shutout in the Lincoln-Way North victory (a program record),” Theiss said. “Our back line is anchored by Emily Wyskiel, who has played a large role in those shutouts.
“Brianna Heyer and Meghann Lange have both been a handful through the middle of the field, scoring three key goals in our wins over Lincoln-Way North and Bradley-Bourbonnais. They also connected on our lone goal against Lincoln-Way Central (Lange to Heyer).”
With both teams coming off tough losses but holding deserved optimism for the postseason, Thursday’s East vs. West battle should be interesting.
“Although we were disappointed in our performance during the second half of the Lincoln-Way Central game, we feel we can learn from it moving forward,” Theiss said.
“The common theme after the game included taking ownership in our mistakes and remaining motivated to correct them. Altogether we’re confident in our ability to achieve our goals, and are excited about the challenges that lie ahead.”
By Dave Owen
After disappointing starts to the week against rivals, there are more district bragging rights on the line at 6:15 p.m. Thursday for Lincoln-Way East and host Lincoln-Way West.
The Griffins (10-8-2) come off a 1-0 loss to defending state runner-up Lincoln-Way North on Monday. The Warriors (11-7) look to bounce back from their own 2-1 setback to crosstown foe Lincoln-Way Central on Tuesday.
“We felt that we lacked discipline and organization in the Lincoln-Way Central game, which cost us in the second half,” Warriors coach Jeff Theiss said. “Overall that has been one of our strengths this season and has been a major component of our recent success, so it caught us a bit off guard when we were chasing the ball in certain situations.”
A wave of injuries has left Lincoln-Way East on its heels. The Griffins were 7-0 on April 1 and coming off a major tournament championship.
“The main thing for the playoffs is getting healthy,” Griffins coach Brian Papa said. “We started the year winning the Windy City Ram) Classic, then the injuries set in. We’re starting get our girls back on the playing field and when they are out there, we’re starting to play like the beginning of the year. Unfortunately they are playing at 70% right now.”
Regardless of levels of health Thursday, intensity should be high.
“Traditionally, these cross-district games provide a high level of competition and are often physical,” Theiss said, “so 50/50 balls and balls in the air are going to have a large impact on the outcome of the match.
“Keys to the match include maintaining our defensive shape and capitalizing on our chances in transition,” Theiss added. “With the quick turnaround (from Tuesday) our main focus will be re-instilling the fundamental principles of arriving balanced as a pressure defender, providing cover off the ball, and maintaining balance throughout the field.”
The Warriors had won four games in a row before the loss on Tuesday. That streak included a 2-0 win over Lincoln-Way North on April 28.
“Lincoln-Way West is a very dangerous team that is having good results throughout the year,” Papa said. “Jeff has them playing with good intensity and with a lot of confidence.
“My big concern is they took a tough loss against Lincoln-Way Central last night so their backs are against the wall. We have to match that intensity and step up our game.”
Jillian Kilrea had a two-goal game last Thursday in the Griffins’ win over Andrew. Sophomore goalkeeper Kimberley Seper leads the defense for a team that, if healthy, will be very dangerous come the postseason.
“Parity in our sectional is the thing I see,” Papa said. “Any team can beat anyone on any given night. We would hope we can get our players playing like we did earlier in the season and separate ourselves from the pack.”
The Warriors reached the sectional finals last year and beefed up their schedule to prepare for their impending postseason tests. Their own goalkeeper provides a strong foundation for the squad.
“Our individual standouts as of late start with Audrey Pearson in goal, who recently earned her 25th career shutout in the Lincoln-Way North victory (a program record),” Theiss said. “Our back line is anchored by Emily Wyskiel, who has played a large role in those shutouts.
“Brianna Heyer and Meghann Lange have both been a handful through the middle of the field, scoring three key goals in our wins over Lincoln-Way North and Bradley-Bourbonnais. They also connected on our lone goal against Lincoln-Way Central (Lange to Heyer).”
With both teams coming off tough losses but holding deserved optimism for the postseason, Thursday’s East vs. West battle should be interesting.
“Although we were disappointed in our performance during the second half of the Lincoln-Way Central game, we feel we can learn from it moving forward,” Theiss said.
“The common theme after the game included taking ownership in our mistakes and remaining motivated to correct them. Altogether we’re confident in our ability to achieve our goals, and are excited about the challenges that lie ahead.”