Deerfield looks for strong
run in Glenbrook Cup
By Rusty Silber
Deerfield hopes it has started a turnaround to its season.
After the Warriors suffered setbacks to Central Suburban League North Division rivals Glenbrook North (4-0) and Highland Park (1-0) last week, they turned things the other way with victories over nonconference foe Grant (5-0 on Saturday) and conference opponent Maine East (8-0) Tuesday.
That means the Warriors have raised their record back to the breakeven point at 5-5-3.
"I think we've been able to focus more on the offensive part of the game recently," Deerfield coach Rich Grady said. "We've really been able to focus on executing set pieces and quick transitions from defense to attack."
Deerfield’s next test is a big one – the Glenbrook Cup. The competitive 16-team field features tourney favorite Warren, ranked eighth in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, and number 23 Glenbrook South, which Deerfield would face in the semifinals if both teams win their opening two games.
The Warriors begin play against Chicago Public League member Taft (6-2-1) at 4:30 Friday afternoon.
The Eagles wins this season include victories against Leyden, Proviso West and Ridgewood. Taft’s losses have come against Central Suburban League members Niles West and Maine West.
With a win, Deerfield’s next obstacle would be the Crystal Lake Central-Zion Benton winner in a quarterfinal Saturday morning.
Deerfield started out with a 1-0-3 mark this season, before falling into a slump. The 2-5-0 stretch included losses to ranked teams New Trier (currently no. 3) and Nazareth (no. 13).
The Warriors hope to see more good days ahead. Their ultimate goal is another successful run in the state tournament, especially after winning the program’s first state hardware last season with a second place Class 2A run.
"This is always a challenging tournament due to the nature of the competition and the number of games in a short span," Grady said. "It looks like (Taft) has had some good results, and I am expecting that they will be confident and ready to play.
"We need to come out with intensity," Grady said. 'We need to get on top early and stay there."
run in Glenbrook Cup
By Rusty Silber
Deerfield hopes it has started a turnaround to its season.
After the Warriors suffered setbacks to Central Suburban League North Division rivals Glenbrook North (4-0) and Highland Park (1-0) last week, they turned things the other way with victories over nonconference foe Grant (5-0 on Saturday) and conference opponent Maine East (8-0) Tuesday.
That means the Warriors have raised their record back to the breakeven point at 5-5-3.
"I think we've been able to focus more on the offensive part of the game recently," Deerfield coach Rich Grady said. "We've really been able to focus on executing set pieces and quick transitions from defense to attack."
Deerfield’s next test is a big one – the Glenbrook Cup. The competitive 16-team field features tourney favorite Warren, ranked eighth in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, and number 23 Glenbrook South, which Deerfield would face in the semifinals if both teams win their opening two games.
The Warriors begin play against Chicago Public League member Taft (6-2-1) at 4:30 Friday afternoon.
The Eagles wins this season include victories against Leyden, Proviso West and Ridgewood. Taft’s losses have come against Central Suburban League members Niles West and Maine West.
With a win, Deerfield’s next obstacle would be the Crystal Lake Central-Zion Benton winner in a quarterfinal Saturday morning.
Deerfield started out with a 1-0-3 mark this season, before falling into a slump. The 2-5-0 stretch included losses to ranked teams New Trier (currently no. 3) and Nazareth (no. 13).
The Warriors hope to see more good days ahead. Their ultimate goal is another successful run in the state tournament, especially after winning the program’s first state hardware last season with a second place Class 2A run.
"This is always a challenging tournament due to the nature of the competition and the number of games in a short span," Grady said. "It looks like (Taft) has had some good results, and I am expecting that they will be confident and ready to play.
"We need to come out with intensity," Grady said. 'We need to get on top early and stay there."