Prospect, Hoffman Estates
look to end scoring droughts
By Mike Garofola
Both Prospect and host Hoffman Estates would love to lift the weight of goal-less matches off their shoulders this evening in their Mid-Suburban League crossover at 6 p.m. Wednesday night in Hoffman Estates.
In defense of Prospect, the Knights suffered heavy graduation losses that robbed the club of most of its firepower. Many who are gone were were two- and three-year starters in Tom Froats first 11, something even the best of sides would have trouble replacing.
"We knew we would be young in high school years, and varsity experience on this year's roster, but more so in our midfield and backline," began Froats, who is also without three-year star, Rosie Pettenuzo, a defensive midfielder who did not return for her senior season.
"I felt all along we would be pretty talented, and be able to create chances, (and) we have had several wonderful opportunities which we created in the run of play. But we just have not finished those chances, and when you have young players making mistakes in our half of the field, poor results will follow."
It didn't help Froats' young side to open the 2015 campaign with defending North Suburban Conference champion Lake Zurich, followed by defending state champ New Trier, then state-ranked Conant. That turned into a 0-3-0 start.
"Our goal is to always be playing our best soccer at the end of the season," Froats said. "Sometimes, as an inexperienced side, you have to learn on the job, what it takes to compete at this level, not only against some of the top clubs in the state, but also in one of the best soccer conferences in the state."
"We are making incremental steps in our improvement, and this is sometimes difficult for the players to see, which leads to lack of patience, but we're improving for sure."
Froats' counterpart, the affable Ralph Tooren, is going through much of the same at Hoffman Estates (1-4-1, 1-3-0). That was demonstrated by a week where his club took the lead against Bartlett, only to concede to second half goals in a 2-1 defeat, then dominated large portions of the match with MSL rival Rolling Meadows, only to be stunned 1-0 in overtime.
"I've been very happy and proud of our effort, and with the way we've attacked and created, but when we get into that final third, it's like we lose our way, and don't know how to attack our opponents goal," said Tooren, who directed the Hawks only victory of the season April 1, a 1-0 win over division rival Schaumburg.
"We have some very young players, who have the talent, but just haven't the experience at this level (yet) to be confident with their play, and especially in our opponents end. If we can reach that level, then I believe we'll see a few more wins before the season is over."
Tooren leans heavily on a solid backline in front of keeper Francesca Van. It's led by Jenny Nailor, who plays with the same energy, pace and desire for the entire 80 minutes. The trio of Natalie Nagrant, Vanessa Bonilla and Ale Alonso are the keys to the Hawks attack, and they have proven they can get forward on their own, or connect with others when all are in sync.
Bonilla was injured in last week's loss to Palatine, and is not expected to play according to Tooren.
"We've been most pleased with the overall work of our backline, which I feel is strong enough to hold most to just one, two goals, so it's important that we stay within our game plan, and keep creating opportunities, which sooner or later will lead to a few balls into the back of the net," said Tooren
Despite the early season struggles, Froats feels the fortunes of his club are about to turn, thanks in part to the continued hard work, and the tight bond the club has formed. It could be led by a trio of players whom the manager has seen step forward during the first few weeks of the campaign.
"Maggie Sullivan has shown a great work rate, and such a big heart, and she has demonstrated terrific leadership on the field in midfield, and most recently along our backline," Froats said of the senior.
The Knights leading goal scorer (15) from a year ago, Martina Kowalczuk, has impressed with her tremendous work ethic according to Froats, along with being a strong role model to her teammates with her preparation, whether at training or on match day.
Junior Andi Marfilius has embraced her role in the center of the park, and she is beginning to make her mark in the Knights attack of late.
"We've asked a lot of her in becoming our quarterback in the middle of the field, and I believe she's beginning to hit her stride," Froats said. "She has the ability to provide for us the type of play on both sides of the ball to be an integral part of our success from here on out."
look to end scoring droughts
By Mike Garofola
Both Prospect and host Hoffman Estates would love to lift the weight of goal-less matches off their shoulders this evening in their Mid-Suburban League crossover at 6 p.m. Wednesday night in Hoffman Estates.
In defense of Prospect, the Knights suffered heavy graduation losses that robbed the club of most of its firepower. Many who are gone were were two- and three-year starters in Tom Froats first 11, something even the best of sides would have trouble replacing.
"We knew we would be young in high school years, and varsity experience on this year's roster, but more so in our midfield and backline," began Froats, who is also without three-year star, Rosie Pettenuzo, a defensive midfielder who did not return for her senior season.
"I felt all along we would be pretty talented, and be able to create chances, (and) we have had several wonderful opportunities which we created in the run of play. But we just have not finished those chances, and when you have young players making mistakes in our half of the field, poor results will follow."
It didn't help Froats' young side to open the 2015 campaign with defending North Suburban Conference champion Lake Zurich, followed by defending state champ New Trier, then state-ranked Conant. That turned into a 0-3-0 start.
"Our goal is to always be playing our best soccer at the end of the season," Froats said. "Sometimes, as an inexperienced side, you have to learn on the job, what it takes to compete at this level, not only against some of the top clubs in the state, but also in one of the best soccer conferences in the state."
"We are making incremental steps in our improvement, and this is sometimes difficult for the players to see, which leads to lack of patience, but we're improving for sure."
Froats' counterpart, the affable Ralph Tooren, is going through much of the same at Hoffman Estates (1-4-1, 1-3-0). That was demonstrated by a week where his club took the lead against Bartlett, only to concede to second half goals in a 2-1 defeat, then dominated large portions of the match with MSL rival Rolling Meadows, only to be stunned 1-0 in overtime.
"I've been very happy and proud of our effort, and with the way we've attacked and created, but when we get into that final third, it's like we lose our way, and don't know how to attack our opponents goal," said Tooren, who directed the Hawks only victory of the season April 1, a 1-0 win over division rival Schaumburg.
"We have some very young players, who have the talent, but just haven't the experience at this level (yet) to be confident with their play, and especially in our opponents end. If we can reach that level, then I believe we'll see a few more wins before the season is over."
Tooren leans heavily on a solid backline in front of keeper Francesca Van. It's led by Jenny Nailor, who plays with the same energy, pace and desire for the entire 80 minutes. The trio of Natalie Nagrant, Vanessa Bonilla and Ale Alonso are the keys to the Hawks attack, and they have proven they can get forward on their own, or connect with others when all are in sync.
Bonilla was injured in last week's loss to Palatine, and is not expected to play according to Tooren.
"We've been most pleased with the overall work of our backline, which I feel is strong enough to hold most to just one, two goals, so it's important that we stay within our game plan, and keep creating opportunities, which sooner or later will lead to a few balls into the back of the net," said Tooren
Despite the early season struggles, Froats feels the fortunes of his club are about to turn, thanks in part to the continued hard work, and the tight bond the club has formed. It could be led by a trio of players whom the manager has seen step forward during the first few weeks of the campaign.
"Maggie Sullivan has shown a great work rate, and such a big heart, and she has demonstrated terrific leadership on the field in midfield, and most recently along our backline," Froats said of the senior.
The Knights leading goal scorer (15) from a year ago, Martina Kowalczuk, has impressed with her tremendous work ethic according to Froats, along with being a strong role model to her teammates with her preparation, whether at training or on match day.
Junior Andi Marfilius has embraced her role in the center of the park, and she is beginning to make her mark in the Knights attack of late.
"We've asked a lot of her in becoming our quarterback in the middle of the field, and I believe she's beginning to hit her stride," Froats said. "She has the ability to provide for us the type of play on both sides of the ball to be an integral part of our success from here on out."