Preview story: Class 3A Final Four
By Steve Nemeth
Don’t be surprised if the IHSA Class 3A Girls Soccer State Championship evokes that déjà vu feeling.
There are many familiar storylines because there are four teams who are no strangers to the elite stage.
Friday’s initial 5 p.m. semifinal at North Central College’s Benedetti-Wherli Stadium includes the coaching match-up of a younger version of the old guard against the old guard.
There’s Lyons boss Bill Lanspeary who boasts double-figure victories in each of his 13 years directing the Lions. In his eighth year at Naperville North, Steve Goletz is a relative young pup, yet is seeking his third state crown and the Huskies’ fourth as a program.
The 7 p.m. second semi is a rematch of the state championship competitors from 2017 and 2018 in Barrington and New Trier. Back in 2017, the Trevians were in position to claim a fourth-straight 3A title that would have moving closer to an elite club with St. Charles. Prior to the split into East and North versions, Joe Moreau guided the Saints to five-consecutive crowns.
With Barrington having denied New Trier that year, the spoiler cleats are now on the Trevians’ feet. If the Fillies are to match New Trier’s run of three-straight championships, they’ll have to first get past the Trevians.
As a result, the team-by-team that follows is essentially some updated versions of storylines from the last few years.
Lyons
Despite the massive victory count in Lanspeary’s career (201-73-22), the Lions’ trophy case lacks a state crown and the previous three versions -- second in 1997 plus fourth in both 2003 and 2006 -- require reminiscing and dusting.
“Being in the top four this year is a huge accomplishment, however, as close as we’ve been a number of times, with good teams year in and year out, we’ve been more than capable,” Lanspeary insists. “But being a little short sometimes comes down to just needing a break.
“Between the schedule we played that included what we believe are the two toughest tournaments around (Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Classic and the Naperville Invitational) and our conference games, we’ve gained a sense of confidence in our ability to compete,” Lanspeary said.
The Lions (18-2-1) also gained chips on their shoulders for two of the other three finalists. Lyons lost 2-1 matches to New Trier and Naperville North in those two respective tourneys. Obviously knowing you’re able to score on those two teams is a positive.
Better yet, since a season-opening 0-0 deadlock with Waubonsie Valley, Lyons has not been kept off the scoreboard. The Lions have scored 62 goals in 21 matches and allowed just 10. Combine that with 13 clean-sheets and there is reason for optimism.
Lanspeary’s squad comes into the weekend riding a 10-match victory streak, same as Barrington. Defensively, they also match Barrington in goals allowed.
Lyons boasts a definitive go-to player in midfielder Eileen Murphy, an Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Assocaition All-State player who is the leading scorer among the 3A finalists. The Illinois-bound senior boasts 46 points from 22 goals and two assists. The next Lions in point production are Ava Dallavo (8 goals/7 assists/23 points), Kenyon College signee Georgia Dougherty (6g/3a/15p), Olivia Wirtz (4g/3a/11p) and Tess Grzegorek (3g/2a/8p).
“Perhaps people see us as underdogs because we haven’t gotten the opportunity to go to state since 2007, however, that’s why this season is so rewarding,” Murphy said. “While we haven’t always made big runs in the playoffs, the reason we have such good records is because we work so hard. That’s why this opportunity is so special to us, because it also represents that commitment from past seasons when we didn’t win a trophy. The 2019 Lions are so good because everyone has put the team before themselves. Everyone contributes whether it’s at practice, on the bench or in games.”
IHSSCA All-Section 2 honorees Sophie Grabis, a junior goalie, and Grace Truax, a senior defender signed by DePauw, are among the Lions who have been dealing with injuries. Grabis and senior Cara Perez account for the Lions’ 13 clean-sheets.
“Being labeled an underdog puts a chip on our shoulder and has motivated us for every single game,” Truax said. “People are putting in the extra work, staying after practice to take a few more shots on work on PKs. We’ve heard it’s been 12 years since our last state appearance so it feels good to put LT back on the map and be bringing home a trophy is an indescribable feeling of pride.
“With so many different club backgrounds, at the start of the season we really focused on team building, and it’s helped us a lot to the point our camaraderie is now a power. We’re able to anticipate each other’s movement and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Truax added. “Our ability to trust each other is another plus. Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s reassuring knowing you can trust your teammates will work 10 times harder if you do.”
In the final regular-season Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, Lyons was ranked seventh, one slot higher than where the Lions could be found in the First 50 preseason state-wice poll.
Naperville North
Unlike Lyons, Naperville North’s final regular-season ranking of 10th is a drop from the Huskies’ preseason no. 3 rating.
This year’s 13-5-4 record doesn’t appear as notable as seasons past, a fact that Goletz said amuses him yet doesn’t bother him.
“Losing six kids to Division I programs from last year’s (21-4-4 third-place finishing) squad pretty much meant this would not be as heralded a group on paper. And yet, here we are,” Goletz noted. “Between how hard the schedule was and either needing players to elevate their game, fill some big shoes, or take on a new role we battled and competed with everyone.
“That ability to grind through things strengthened us. At North our expectation is always to win every game, but our seniors have done a fantastic job of managing emotions so that the sky was never falling when we fell short,” added Goletz, who recently hit the 150-career win milestone (151-21-19).
North is the only team that faced each of the other finalists, which remains to be seen if it becomes an advantage or a hindrance. As part of the Naperville Invitational, the Huskies defeated Lyons 2-1 but then lost a 1-0 nail-biter to New Trier. Probably less significant because of the lapse in time, Naperville North lost a 2-0 decision to Barrington in the March 12 season-opener for both teams.
In this what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world, the Huskies being unbeaten in their last seven outings (6-0-1) may carry more weight. Just like the season record, the other numbers reflect the roller-coaster of a season. The Huskies only have six clean-sheets and were kept off the scoreboard five times. Their 44 goals might be shrugged off when compared to yielding 23 goals.
However, North remains a program with a rich history and tradition for postseason play. From a historical standpoint, from 1998 through 2001, the Huskies finished first, second, fourth and third in those one-class days. Current girls assistant Jay Konrad directed North to fourth place in the 2004 AA event and Brent Terada oversaw a runner-up finish in the 2011 3A tourney.
Enter Goletz in 2012 with a state championship. Then came an encore effort in 2013 followed by some disappointments until last year’s third place finish. North rebounded from the frustration of a 1-0 semifinal loss to Barrington with a 3-0 triumph over Andrew for the program's ninth state tourney trophy.
Whatever this year’s hardware becomes, a 10th addition to the trophy case is still quite welcome.
Although North wasn’t represented on the 2019 IHSSCA All-State unit, three Huskies -- senior and Wisconsin-signee Maddie Schlecht plus juniors Hannah Martin and Leah Shumate -- earned All-Sectional 10 accolades.
Both Shumate and senior defender Reilly Riggs are back after having missed action due to injuries. Riggs is a Northwestern recruit.
Martin tops the North point production chart with 35 points based on 16 goals and three assists. She’s followed in order by Shumate (8g/6a/22p), Schlecht (4g/4a/12p), and Kaitlyn Castillo (3g/3a/9p).
“Compared to some of our teams in the past maybe some folks think we don’t have a huge star, but we make up for that with a team mentality,” Martin explained. “We’ve had a super-hard schedule but didn’t whine about it; we’ve had more than a few injuries, but we stayed positive. Basically we play our hearts out. It’s developed some great energy which has grown throughout the playoffs.”
Barrington
Back in 2017 when the Fillies surprised many by becoming the team that denied New Trier a fourth-consecutive state championship, there was doubt they could produce an encore considering they were graduating numerous players like Chicagoland Soccer Player of the Year Sophia Spinell.
And yet they managed. Last season’s title-winning group also had standouts completing their careers; the versatile Michayla Herr and a goal-keeping Goliath in Samantha Schmitz, who also took Player of the Year honors. So what’s the major lesson according to coach Ryan Stengren?
“We learned not to think about the past, period. This is a new year and a new team. Our maximum effort and focus has to be for this year’s team to become the best we can be,” Stengren explained. “Whoever did something for us last year is no longer in a position to contribute that again. Someone else has to take it upon themselves to replace that void or step up in a different way for the same result.
“After the last few years it’s obvious everyone at this stage is confident, everyone is good, and everyone is organized. We can’t allow ourselves to even think championship as long as New Trier is in front of us,” Stengren continued. “We know what they bring. That’s a very classy program, and our previous dealings with them have all been highly-contested games.”
Nevertheless, Barrington was again atop the 2019 CS preseason poll and held the spot for all but one week. The Fillies finished in the top spot position for the last poll for the regular season.
Check the IHSA-provided info on Barrington (21-1-1) and the game scores add up to an impressive 90 goals scored. There are a dozen players that have three or more goals. There are an equal number that have registered two or more assists.
“We like to believe that stopping us is a question of pick your poison,” Stengren said. “We have different people step up on different nights. To us, that’s the best kind of offense.”
There are four players with at least 30 points. Junior Tina Teik, who has been named to an All-America team, is tops with nine goals and 15 assists for 33 points. Right behind are junior Ellie McAuley (12g/7a/31p) and freshman Riley Raynor (11g/9a/31p), plus junior Rebecca Shomaker (13/-4a/30p).
Then comes a quartet in the 20s: junior Caroline Kilayko (10g/6a/26p), sophomore Jen Devona (8g/8a/24p), junior Ashley Armando (8g/8a/24p) and senior Christine Batliner (5g/11a/21p).
“We have such great chemistry as a team,” Batliner insisted. “No matter what, we are there for each other. Every single player plays a role and does it to their greatest ability. We have a strong connection both on and off the field. That has allowed us to have good communication and that translates to the ability to help or cover for each other.”
How many programs are there whose ninth- and 10th-best offensive players have numbers like sophomore Lara Lubisky (6g/3a/15p) and senior Madi Rosen (3g/7a/13p)?
And that 10th-best offensive contributor is a defender who earned IHSSCA All-State distinction. Joining Rosen in being honored by the IHSSCA are Batliner (All-Section 6) and Ashley Rocco (Honorable Mention Section 6). Rosen is a Loyola signee, while Illinois inked Ashley Prell, who has missed all season with an injury.
Rosen is obviously an anchor on defense, and it should be noted Barrington has allowed a mere 10 goals this season with 16 shutouts including each of the last six matches. In other words, the Fillies have yet to give up a goal in the postseason.
For history buffs, Barrington hopes to add a third championship to a souvenir case that contains a third place run from the all-one-class days in 2000, a AA second place finish from 2006, plus a pair of third place 3A showings in 2013 and 2015.
The ever-positive and effervescent Stengren took over the program in 2008 when the Fillies didn’t advance in the postseason yet collected 13 victories. It’s been double-figure wins every year since and 11-consecutive sectional trophies to create an IHSSCA Hall of Fame worthy resume for the 12th-year head man (244-44-20).
New Trier
Every conversation with coach Jim Burnside further illustrates all the aspects that make him the John Wooden of Prairie State soccer and his New Trier team both a juggernaut and a dynasty.
This is the sixth-consecutive year New Trier is in the Final Four which in itself provides evidence of the program’s success even without knowing that includes state championships for 2014-16 with second-place finishes in 2017-18.
Expand the search back to 2009 when the three-class system became a reality and in three of the years between 2009 and 2013, the Trevians were one win shy of Final Four status. Include the AA titles from the two-class days and it’s no surprise there are six championships within Burnside’s stellar 23-year career (528-75-37).
And yet, each group is unique and special in Burnside’s view.
“This team has zero seniors going on to play at the next level, they’re all going places for academics. Which is why extending their season and careers is the reason it’s all about this year and the chance to play for each other,” Burnside noted. “Those are some special personalities who are driven by attitude and work ethic, and yet not one has checked out. And when it comes to the underclass kids, they may have bright futures ahead of them, but right now they’re playing for these seniors.”
Most schools would be thrilled to say they were unbeaten through the first 10 games of the season, but at New Trier the 5-0-5 record was interpreted as only winning half of their matches. So the 21-2-5 ledger isn’t viewed for its improvement, but instead for having room to improve. Of course the Trevians were ranked fourth in the final regular-season Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 -- the same slot they had in the preseason First 50 listing.
“This year’s team is unlike any other. After our first two games I wasn’t sure how we would come together, but after our supersectional, I can confidently say we’ve exceeded expectations,” insisted senior Fallon Warshauer. “We’ve become extremely dominant out of the air, and we’ve mastered working together to move the ball. Maybe we’re not the most skilled team New Trier has ever had, but we definitely believe we’re one of the hardest working and most improved.”
Statistically the Trevians were shut out offensively three times, of course that includes a pair of 0-0 ties. The two setbacks naturally came at the hands of quality foes (2-0 vs. Stevenson and 4-1 vs. St. Charles North). Subtract those matches and New Trier allowed only nine goals in 26 outings.
“We learned from that experience,” Burnside noted of that atypical performance against the North Stars. “Don’t get me wrong, North had a real chip on its shoulder, and they came out flying, really took it to us.”
Leading the scoring is junior standout Emma Weaver with a whiplash-inducing 30 goals and 13 assists for 73 points. She’s followed by Josie Crumley (6g/13a/25p), Alex Wirth (6g/3a/15p), Mia Sedgwick (4g/2a/10p), Caroline Finnigan (4g/1a/9p) and Fallon Warshauer (2g/4a/8).
“These kids say ‘I’m a member of a team, no better or worse. If it’s not my day, maybe it’s yours, or maybe it’s hers.’ As long as it’s a win,” Burnside said.
Weaver was quick to agree.
“This team has spent hours working to get better and better, and we have,” Weaver noted. “Even coach said the other day that this team has improved so much, and I’d say it’s true that our motivation as a whole is unmeasureable.”
Added Burnside: “Our celebrations of goals or shutouts is never about me, it’s we. There really is a purity of spirit with this group.”
There’s also some tenacious defense since the Trevians have had 16 clean-sheets with 11 coming from the last 14 matches. While Burnside admits “we’ve been blessed with great goalies,” he considers defense another collective effort.
If it’s not senior Meghan Dwyer, then it’s junior Courtney Charchut in net, but they are partners in the defensive law firm that works ahead of them -- senior Crumley, junior Heidi Bianucci, sophomore Jenna Birdsell, and freshman Ava Shah.
In typical Burnside fashion, this is where the veteran coach puts the credit on assistant Molly Lombardi, calling her “a defensive genius” who has a particular ability to connect with the players.
Dwyer and teammates Banucci and Lily Conley earned IHSSCA All-Section 4 distinction while Weaver -- already committed to Villanova -- gained All-State acclaim. She has also been named to one All-America team already.
So if St. Charles North played with a score to settle, do the Trevians have a chip on their shoulders?
“I think we should,” Burnside allowed. “Those who’ve been here and looked up to their upperclass teammates should find motivation, and we’ll take every bit of that possible.”
“It definitely motivates us because we want to come out on top this year,” Weaver said. “We know what it feels like to lose, especially in PKs, so we are very eager to win. No team likes losing two years in a row, so three would be even worse.”
“Facing Barrington for the third time adds some pressure, but it also makes the game even more exciting,” Warshauer said. “We know they’re a great team, but we’ve learned from the past two years and are ready for the challenge. Revenge is definitely something we’ve thought about, but it’s not the only thing. Our goal is to always fight hard and play with a lot of heart."
By Steve Nemeth
Don’t be surprised if the IHSA Class 3A Girls Soccer State Championship evokes that déjà vu feeling.
There are many familiar storylines because there are four teams who are no strangers to the elite stage.
Friday’s initial 5 p.m. semifinal at North Central College’s Benedetti-Wherli Stadium includes the coaching match-up of a younger version of the old guard against the old guard.
There’s Lyons boss Bill Lanspeary who boasts double-figure victories in each of his 13 years directing the Lions. In his eighth year at Naperville North, Steve Goletz is a relative young pup, yet is seeking his third state crown and the Huskies’ fourth as a program.
The 7 p.m. second semi is a rematch of the state championship competitors from 2017 and 2018 in Barrington and New Trier. Back in 2017, the Trevians were in position to claim a fourth-straight 3A title that would have moving closer to an elite club with St. Charles. Prior to the split into East and North versions, Joe Moreau guided the Saints to five-consecutive crowns.
With Barrington having denied New Trier that year, the spoiler cleats are now on the Trevians’ feet. If the Fillies are to match New Trier’s run of three-straight championships, they’ll have to first get past the Trevians.
As a result, the team-by-team that follows is essentially some updated versions of storylines from the last few years.
Lyons
Despite the massive victory count in Lanspeary’s career (201-73-22), the Lions’ trophy case lacks a state crown and the previous three versions -- second in 1997 plus fourth in both 2003 and 2006 -- require reminiscing and dusting.
“Being in the top four this year is a huge accomplishment, however, as close as we’ve been a number of times, with good teams year in and year out, we’ve been more than capable,” Lanspeary insists. “But being a little short sometimes comes down to just needing a break.
“Between the schedule we played that included what we believe are the two toughest tournaments around (Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Classic and the Naperville Invitational) and our conference games, we’ve gained a sense of confidence in our ability to compete,” Lanspeary said.
The Lions (18-2-1) also gained chips on their shoulders for two of the other three finalists. Lyons lost 2-1 matches to New Trier and Naperville North in those two respective tourneys. Obviously knowing you’re able to score on those two teams is a positive.
Better yet, since a season-opening 0-0 deadlock with Waubonsie Valley, Lyons has not been kept off the scoreboard. The Lions have scored 62 goals in 21 matches and allowed just 10. Combine that with 13 clean-sheets and there is reason for optimism.
Lanspeary’s squad comes into the weekend riding a 10-match victory streak, same as Barrington. Defensively, they also match Barrington in goals allowed.
Lyons boasts a definitive go-to player in midfielder Eileen Murphy, an Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Assocaition All-State player who is the leading scorer among the 3A finalists. The Illinois-bound senior boasts 46 points from 22 goals and two assists. The next Lions in point production are Ava Dallavo (8 goals/7 assists/23 points), Kenyon College signee Georgia Dougherty (6g/3a/15p), Olivia Wirtz (4g/3a/11p) and Tess Grzegorek (3g/2a/8p).
“Perhaps people see us as underdogs because we haven’t gotten the opportunity to go to state since 2007, however, that’s why this season is so rewarding,” Murphy said. “While we haven’t always made big runs in the playoffs, the reason we have such good records is because we work so hard. That’s why this opportunity is so special to us, because it also represents that commitment from past seasons when we didn’t win a trophy. The 2019 Lions are so good because everyone has put the team before themselves. Everyone contributes whether it’s at practice, on the bench or in games.”
IHSSCA All-Section 2 honorees Sophie Grabis, a junior goalie, and Grace Truax, a senior defender signed by DePauw, are among the Lions who have been dealing with injuries. Grabis and senior Cara Perez account for the Lions’ 13 clean-sheets.
“Being labeled an underdog puts a chip on our shoulder and has motivated us for every single game,” Truax said. “People are putting in the extra work, staying after practice to take a few more shots on work on PKs. We’ve heard it’s been 12 years since our last state appearance so it feels good to put LT back on the map and be bringing home a trophy is an indescribable feeling of pride.
“With so many different club backgrounds, at the start of the season we really focused on team building, and it’s helped us a lot to the point our camaraderie is now a power. We’re able to anticipate each other’s movement and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Truax added. “Our ability to trust each other is another plus. Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s reassuring knowing you can trust your teammates will work 10 times harder if you do.”
In the final regular-season Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, Lyons was ranked seventh, one slot higher than where the Lions could be found in the First 50 preseason state-wice poll.
Naperville North
Unlike Lyons, Naperville North’s final regular-season ranking of 10th is a drop from the Huskies’ preseason no. 3 rating.
This year’s 13-5-4 record doesn’t appear as notable as seasons past, a fact that Goletz said amuses him yet doesn’t bother him.
“Losing six kids to Division I programs from last year’s (21-4-4 third-place finishing) squad pretty much meant this would not be as heralded a group on paper. And yet, here we are,” Goletz noted. “Between how hard the schedule was and either needing players to elevate their game, fill some big shoes, or take on a new role we battled and competed with everyone.
“That ability to grind through things strengthened us. At North our expectation is always to win every game, but our seniors have done a fantastic job of managing emotions so that the sky was never falling when we fell short,” added Goletz, who recently hit the 150-career win milestone (151-21-19).
North is the only team that faced each of the other finalists, which remains to be seen if it becomes an advantage or a hindrance. As part of the Naperville Invitational, the Huskies defeated Lyons 2-1 but then lost a 1-0 nail-biter to New Trier. Probably less significant because of the lapse in time, Naperville North lost a 2-0 decision to Barrington in the March 12 season-opener for both teams.
In this what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world, the Huskies being unbeaten in their last seven outings (6-0-1) may carry more weight. Just like the season record, the other numbers reflect the roller-coaster of a season. The Huskies only have six clean-sheets and were kept off the scoreboard five times. Their 44 goals might be shrugged off when compared to yielding 23 goals.
However, North remains a program with a rich history and tradition for postseason play. From a historical standpoint, from 1998 through 2001, the Huskies finished first, second, fourth and third in those one-class days. Current girls assistant Jay Konrad directed North to fourth place in the 2004 AA event and Brent Terada oversaw a runner-up finish in the 2011 3A tourney.
Enter Goletz in 2012 with a state championship. Then came an encore effort in 2013 followed by some disappointments until last year’s third place finish. North rebounded from the frustration of a 1-0 semifinal loss to Barrington with a 3-0 triumph over Andrew for the program's ninth state tourney trophy.
Whatever this year’s hardware becomes, a 10th addition to the trophy case is still quite welcome.
Although North wasn’t represented on the 2019 IHSSCA All-State unit, three Huskies -- senior and Wisconsin-signee Maddie Schlecht plus juniors Hannah Martin and Leah Shumate -- earned All-Sectional 10 accolades.
Both Shumate and senior defender Reilly Riggs are back after having missed action due to injuries. Riggs is a Northwestern recruit.
Martin tops the North point production chart with 35 points based on 16 goals and three assists. She’s followed in order by Shumate (8g/6a/22p), Schlecht (4g/4a/12p), and Kaitlyn Castillo (3g/3a/9p).
“Compared to some of our teams in the past maybe some folks think we don’t have a huge star, but we make up for that with a team mentality,” Martin explained. “We’ve had a super-hard schedule but didn’t whine about it; we’ve had more than a few injuries, but we stayed positive. Basically we play our hearts out. It’s developed some great energy which has grown throughout the playoffs.”
Barrington
Back in 2017 when the Fillies surprised many by becoming the team that denied New Trier a fourth-consecutive state championship, there was doubt they could produce an encore considering they were graduating numerous players like Chicagoland Soccer Player of the Year Sophia Spinell.
And yet they managed. Last season’s title-winning group also had standouts completing their careers; the versatile Michayla Herr and a goal-keeping Goliath in Samantha Schmitz, who also took Player of the Year honors. So what’s the major lesson according to coach Ryan Stengren?
“We learned not to think about the past, period. This is a new year and a new team. Our maximum effort and focus has to be for this year’s team to become the best we can be,” Stengren explained. “Whoever did something for us last year is no longer in a position to contribute that again. Someone else has to take it upon themselves to replace that void or step up in a different way for the same result.
“After the last few years it’s obvious everyone at this stage is confident, everyone is good, and everyone is organized. We can’t allow ourselves to even think championship as long as New Trier is in front of us,” Stengren continued. “We know what they bring. That’s a very classy program, and our previous dealings with them have all been highly-contested games.”
Nevertheless, Barrington was again atop the 2019 CS preseason poll and held the spot for all but one week. The Fillies finished in the top spot position for the last poll for the regular season.
Check the IHSA-provided info on Barrington (21-1-1) and the game scores add up to an impressive 90 goals scored. There are a dozen players that have three or more goals. There are an equal number that have registered two or more assists.
“We like to believe that stopping us is a question of pick your poison,” Stengren said. “We have different people step up on different nights. To us, that’s the best kind of offense.”
There are four players with at least 30 points. Junior Tina Teik, who has been named to an All-America team, is tops with nine goals and 15 assists for 33 points. Right behind are junior Ellie McAuley (12g/7a/31p) and freshman Riley Raynor (11g/9a/31p), plus junior Rebecca Shomaker (13/-4a/30p).
Then comes a quartet in the 20s: junior Caroline Kilayko (10g/6a/26p), sophomore Jen Devona (8g/8a/24p), junior Ashley Armando (8g/8a/24p) and senior Christine Batliner (5g/11a/21p).
“We have such great chemistry as a team,” Batliner insisted. “No matter what, we are there for each other. Every single player plays a role and does it to their greatest ability. We have a strong connection both on and off the field. That has allowed us to have good communication and that translates to the ability to help or cover for each other.”
How many programs are there whose ninth- and 10th-best offensive players have numbers like sophomore Lara Lubisky (6g/3a/15p) and senior Madi Rosen (3g/7a/13p)?
And that 10th-best offensive contributor is a defender who earned IHSSCA All-State distinction. Joining Rosen in being honored by the IHSSCA are Batliner (All-Section 6) and Ashley Rocco (Honorable Mention Section 6). Rosen is a Loyola signee, while Illinois inked Ashley Prell, who has missed all season with an injury.
Rosen is obviously an anchor on defense, and it should be noted Barrington has allowed a mere 10 goals this season with 16 shutouts including each of the last six matches. In other words, the Fillies have yet to give up a goal in the postseason.
For history buffs, Barrington hopes to add a third championship to a souvenir case that contains a third place run from the all-one-class days in 2000, a AA second place finish from 2006, plus a pair of third place 3A showings in 2013 and 2015.
The ever-positive and effervescent Stengren took over the program in 2008 when the Fillies didn’t advance in the postseason yet collected 13 victories. It’s been double-figure wins every year since and 11-consecutive sectional trophies to create an IHSSCA Hall of Fame worthy resume for the 12th-year head man (244-44-20).
New Trier
Every conversation with coach Jim Burnside further illustrates all the aspects that make him the John Wooden of Prairie State soccer and his New Trier team both a juggernaut and a dynasty.
This is the sixth-consecutive year New Trier is in the Final Four which in itself provides evidence of the program’s success even without knowing that includes state championships for 2014-16 with second-place finishes in 2017-18.
Expand the search back to 2009 when the three-class system became a reality and in three of the years between 2009 and 2013, the Trevians were one win shy of Final Four status. Include the AA titles from the two-class days and it’s no surprise there are six championships within Burnside’s stellar 23-year career (528-75-37).
And yet, each group is unique and special in Burnside’s view.
“This team has zero seniors going on to play at the next level, they’re all going places for academics. Which is why extending their season and careers is the reason it’s all about this year and the chance to play for each other,” Burnside noted. “Those are some special personalities who are driven by attitude and work ethic, and yet not one has checked out. And when it comes to the underclass kids, they may have bright futures ahead of them, but right now they’re playing for these seniors.”
Most schools would be thrilled to say they were unbeaten through the first 10 games of the season, but at New Trier the 5-0-5 record was interpreted as only winning half of their matches. So the 21-2-5 ledger isn’t viewed for its improvement, but instead for having room to improve. Of course the Trevians were ranked fourth in the final regular-season Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 -- the same slot they had in the preseason First 50 listing.
“This year’s team is unlike any other. After our first two games I wasn’t sure how we would come together, but after our supersectional, I can confidently say we’ve exceeded expectations,” insisted senior Fallon Warshauer. “We’ve become extremely dominant out of the air, and we’ve mastered working together to move the ball. Maybe we’re not the most skilled team New Trier has ever had, but we definitely believe we’re one of the hardest working and most improved.”
Statistically the Trevians were shut out offensively three times, of course that includes a pair of 0-0 ties. The two setbacks naturally came at the hands of quality foes (2-0 vs. Stevenson and 4-1 vs. St. Charles North). Subtract those matches and New Trier allowed only nine goals in 26 outings.
“We learned from that experience,” Burnside noted of that atypical performance against the North Stars. “Don’t get me wrong, North had a real chip on its shoulder, and they came out flying, really took it to us.”
Leading the scoring is junior standout Emma Weaver with a whiplash-inducing 30 goals and 13 assists for 73 points. She’s followed by Josie Crumley (6g/13a/25p), Alex Wirth (6g/3a/15p), Mia Sedgwick (4g/2a/10p), Caroline Finnigan (4g/1a/9p) and Fallon Warshauer (2g/4a/8).
“These kids say ‘I’m a member of a team, no better or worse. If it’s not my day, maybe it’s yours, or maybe it’s hers.’ As long as it’s a win,” Burnside said.
Weaver was quick to agree.
“This team has spent hours working to get better and better, and we have,” Weaver noted. “Even coach said the other day that this team has improved so much, and I’d say it’s true that our motivation as a whole is unmeasureable.”
Added Burnside: “Our celebrations of goals or shutouts is never about me, it’s we. There really is a purity of spirit with this group.”
There’s also some tenacious defense since the Trevians have had 16 clean-sheets with 11 coming from the last 14 matches. While Burnside admits “we’ve been blessed with great goalies,” he considers defense another collective effort.
If it’s not senior Meghan Dwyer, then it’s junior Courtney Charchut in net, but they are partners in the defensive law firm that works ahead of them -- senior Crumley, junior Heidi Bianucci, sophomore Jenna Birdsell, and freshman Ava Shah.
In typical Burnside fashion, this is where the veteran coach puts the credit on assistant Molly Lombardi, calling her “a defensive genius” who has a particular ability to connect with the players.
Dwyer and teammates Banucci and Lily Conley earned IHSSCA All-Section 4 distinction while Weaver -- already committed to Villanova -- gained All-State acclaim. She has also been named to one All-America team already.
So if St. Charles North played with a score to settle, do the Trevians have a chip on their shoulders?
“I think we should,” Burnside allowed. “Those who’ve been here and looked up to their upperclass teammates should find motivation, and we’ll take every bit of that possible.”
“It definitely motivates us because we want to come out on top this year,” Weaver said. “We know what it feels like to lose, especially in PKs, so we are very eager to win. No team likes losing two years in a row, so three would be even worse.”
“Facing Barrington for the third time adds some pressure, but it also makes the game even more exciting,” Warshauer said. “We know they’re a great team, but we’ve learned from the past two years and are ready for the challenge. Revenge is definitely something we’ve thought about, but it’s not the only thing. Our goal is to always fight hard and play with a lot of heart."