Batavia, Wheaton North hope to make winning impression in DuKane debut
By Bobby Narang
Wheaton North soccer coach Robert Stassen is ready to turn the page.
After playing five games with even results, the Falcons (2-2-1) kick off their DuKane Conference season at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday against visiting Batavia.
“We’re basically a brand-new team with a brand-new keeper and a brand-new backline, so it will take us some time to click,” Stassen said. “And definitely we have some immature ego problems we’re dealing with to get us to play together. But we’ve changed our mindset, and I have huge respect for the players, who have persevered.
“We’re excited about conference. We had a humbling loss to York (5-1 on Aug. 27 when the Dukes were ranked third in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25), so it’s great for us to reset after a nice win against (no. 25) Lake Park (Sept. 1).”
Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco believes his team is ready for the start of conference play.
“We’re improving every game and getting more comfortable playing with each other against quality competition,” he said. “We’re building off of the first seven games, and playing a full 80 minutes will assist us with being successful against Wheaton North.
“Our conference is extremely challenging every year, and this year will continue that trend. We will need to be mindful of our shape and finish the chances we hopefully will create against some quality opponents.”
The Bulldogs have run the gauntlet in a 2-4-1 start. Their losses have come against no. 23 West Aurora, Neuqua Valley, tournament host and champ Morton, Ill. (ranked fourth in the Chicagoland Soccer Illinois 10 poll) and the perennially strong Missouri-side Gateway Legacy. Batavia played to a scoreless draw against Wheaton Academy in its season opener.
Gianfrancesco noted several players are played at a high level through the first two weeks of the season.
“Our goalkeeper Ryan Horlock has been huge for us in the back and has made some wonderful saves to give us a boost,” he said. “Nathan Feller has been another player that has been strong for us in the middle of the park. His work rate has been wonderful.”
Stassen expects another battle with Batavia. Last season, the Bulldogs defeated the Vikings 2-1.
“(Batavia) is incredibly talented and well-coached,” Stassen said. “We have a ton of respect for them. Conference games are always interesting. It all depends on who shows up, but we know their formation and how they will play.
“It will be nice to see the guys put a tactical game together. We have to show up be ready to go. If both teams show up, it’s going to be a fast-paced, aggressive, hard-hitting 80 minutes of fantastic soccer.”
Stassen noted the solid play of numerous players, notably forward Josh Simon, midfielder Carson Bilut and defender Lucas Klingler.
“Josh had a hat-trick against Hoffman Estates and a couple of goals against Lake Park,” he said. “He’s finding his legs. He’s getting back in the flow, and (he’s) a weapon to look out for.
“Carson is great with his feet. Confidence is a big thing with him. He has the skill and ability but his confidence in himself was low. We’re seeing his confidence come up, and it’s been a big positive. He’s a force to be reckoned with.
“Lucas plays soccer just for the fun of it. He’s a coach’s dream. He’s a solid athlete and very coachable. His growth over the last three weeks has been astronomical.”
By Bobby Narang
Wheaton North soccer coach Robert Stassen is ready to turn the page.
After playing five games with even results, the Falcons (2-2-1) kick off their DuKane Conference season at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday against visiting Batavia.
“We’re basically a brand-new team with a brand-new keeper and a brand-new backline, so it will take us some time to click,” Stassen said. “And definitely we have some immature ego problems we’re dealing with to get us to play together. But we’ve changed our mindset, and I have huge respect for the players, who have persevered.
“We’re excited about conference. We had a humbling loss to York (5-1 on Aug. 27 when the Dukes were ranked third in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25), so it’s great for us to reset after a nice win against (no. 25) Lake Park (Sept. 1).”
Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco believes his team is ready for the start of conference play.
“We’re improving every game and getting more comfortable playing with each other against quality competition,” he said. “We’re building off of the first seven games, and playing a full 80 minutes will assist us with being successful against Wheaton North.
“Our conference is extremely challenging every year, and this year will continue that trend. We will need to be mindful of our shape and finish the chances we hopefully will create against some quality opponents.”
The Bulldogs have run the gauntlet in a 2-4-1 start. Their losses have come against no. 23 West Aurora, Neuqua Valley, tournament host and champ Morton, Ill. (ranked fourth in the Chicagoland Soccer Illinois 10 poll) and the perennially strong Missouri-side Gateway Legacy. Batavia played to a scoreless draw against Wheaton Academy in its season opener.
Gianfrancesco noted several players are played at a high level through the first two weeks of the season.
“Our goalkeeper Ryan Horlock has been huge for us in the back and has made some wonderful saves to give us a boost,” he said. “Nathan Feller has been another player that has been strong for us in the middle of the park. His work rate has been wonderful.”
Stassen expects another battle with Batavia. Last season, the Bulldogs defeated the Vikings 2-1.
“(Batavia) is incredibly talented and well-coached,” Stassen said. “We have a ton of respect for them. Conference games are always interesting. It all depends on who shows up, but we know their formation and how they will play.
“It will be nice to see the guys put a tactical game together. We have to show up be ready to go. If both teams show up, it’s going to be a fast-paced, aggressive, hard-hitting 80 minutes of fantastic soccer.”
Stassen noted the solid play of numerous players, notably forward Josh Simon, midfielder Carson Bilut and defender Lucas Klingler.
“Josh had a hat-trick against Hoffman Estates and a couple of goals against Lake Park,” he said. “He’s finding his legs. He’s getting back in the flow, and (he’s) a weapon to look out for.
“Carson is great with his feet. Confidence is a big thing with him. He has the skill and ability but his confidence in himself was low. We’re seeing his confidence come up, and it’s been a big positive. He’s a force to be reckoned with.
“Lucas plays soccer just for the fun of it. He’s a coach’s dream. He’s a solid athlete and very coachable. His growth over the last three weeks has been astronomical.”