Focus for Fremd, Hersey is
winning soccer, playoff prep
By Bobby Narang
Hersey and Fremd hit the final stretch of the regular-season with similar agendas.
Both teams are trying to play consistent soccer to build toward a playoff run later this month.MSL gstandings 2022
The two Mid-Suburban League teams meet Friday night at Fremd on Friday night. Neither will win their division.
The Huskies (8-7-2, 5-3-1 and second in the East Division) look to avenge a 1-0 loss to Fremd last season. The Vikings (8-6-2, 7-1-2 for third in the West Division) aim to gain momentum following a 3-0 win over Rolling Meadows on Wednesday.
Click here to see the Mid-Suburban League standings
Hersey coach Mike Rusniak knows what his opponent brings to the pitch.
“Fremd is always a strong side,” Rusniak said.
“They’re fast and technically strong as a team and are well-coached and always make very productive adjustments in their tactics to be dangerous toward goal. We need to focus on the details in all aspects of the game and finish our scoring opportunities.
“(Our) team is reaching its full potential at a good point in the season. Every player has been working incredibly hard at training to not only improve their individual play but how they can be the most effective team on the field.”
Meanwhile, Fremd coach Steve Keller said he’s anticipating another solid match against Hersey on Friday night.
“I haven’t seen them play this year, but we need to focus on doing what we do well to win the game,” Keller said. “Playing to our potential will put us in a position to have a positive result. I’m hoping we continue to get healthy and post more positive results.
“We’ve been in a rut recently and need to work our way out of it, but gearing up for the playoffs is our goal right now.”
Hersey keeper Alli Paulson will attempt to add to her impressive resume of seven shutouts this season. Sophomore Abi Beck has been a consistent scorer for the Huskies with six goals. Rusniak said several players have stepped up in recent weeks for the Huskies.
“Our defense has been tough all season especially our center backs sophomore Natalie Suto and senior Ali Beck, as well as outside back senior Cassie Caruso,” Rusniak said. “They’ve kept us in many games and have been tremendous in creating out of the back. “Abi Beck has also been doing extremely well. Her speed and strength with the ball at her foot has really been taken to the next level.
“Junior Ava Cismoski was out last year with an ACL injury but her hard work in the off season to get back on the field has paid off and makes an impact in any position she plays. Becca Caliendo and Faith Sena have been the heart and soul in the middle of the field. They work hard, play physical and have been essential as a part of our attack but our defense as well.”
On the other side, Keller mentioned the play leading scorer Lily Spotak for sparking the team with her aggressive play.
“Lily is playing well and is dangerous with the ball at her feet,” he said. “Bella Scesniak and Gemma Gillespie are anchoring our backline. They’re a tough tandem to get past. Kaitlyn Rodi has been a steady defensive midfielder holding down the middle of the field for us.
Shannon Moran has been a steadying presence for us on the backline. She has filled in at numerous positions due to injuries. She has played a crucial role in our success.”
winning soccer, playoff prep
By Bobby Narang
Hersey and Fremd hit the final stretch of the regular-season with similar agendas.
Both teams are trying to play consistent soccer to build toward a playoff run later this month.MSL gstandings 2022
The two Mid-Suburban League teams meet Friday night at Fremd on Friday night. Neither will win their division.
The Huskies (8-7-2, 5-3-1 and second in the East Division) look to avenge a 1-0 loss to Fremd last season. The Vikings (8-6-2, 7-1-2 for third in the West Division) aim to gain momentum following a 3-0 win over Rolling Meadows on Wednesday.
Click here to see the Mid-Suburban League standings
Hersey coach Mike Rusniak knows what his opponent brings to the pitch.
“Fremd is always a strong side,” Rusniak said.
“They’re fast and technically strong as a team and are well-coached and always make very productive adjustments in their tactics to be dangerous toward goal. We need to focus on the details in all aspects of the game and finish our scoring opportunities.
“(Our) team is reaching its full potential at a good point in the season. Every player has been working incredibly hard at training to not only improve their individual play but how they can be the most effective team on the field.”
Meanwhile, Fremd coach Steve Keller said he’s anticipating another solid match against Hersey on Friday night.
“I haven’t seen them play this year, but we need to focus on doing what we do well to win the game,” Keller said. “Playing to our potential will put us in a position to have a positive result. I’m hoping we continue to get healthy and post more positive results.
“We’ve been in a rut recently and need to work our way out of it, but gearing up for the playoffs is our goal right now.”
Hersey keeper Alli Paulson will attempt to add to her impressive resume of seven shutouts this season. Sophomore Abi Beck has been a consistent scorer for the Huskies with six goals. Rusniak said several players have stepped up in recent weeks for the Huskies.
“Our defense has been tough all season especially our center backs sophomore Natalie Suto and senior Ali Beck, as well as outside back senior Cassie Caruso,” Rusniak said. “They’ve kept us in many games and have been tremendous in creating out of the back. “Abi Beck has also been doing extremely well. Her speed and strength with the ball at her foot has really been taken to the next level.
“Junior Ava Cismoski was out last year with an ACL injury but her hard work in the off season to get back on the field has paid off and makes an impact in any position she plays. Becca Caliendo and Faith Sena have been the heart and soul in the middle of the field. They work hard, play physical and have been essential as a part of our attack but our defense as well.”
On the other side, Keller mentioned the play leading scorer Lily Spotak for sparking the team with her aggressive play.
“Lily is playing well and is dangerous with the ball at her feet,” he said. “Bella Scesniak and Gemma Gillespie are anchoring our backline. They’re a tough tandem to get past. Kaitlyn Rodi has been a steady defensive midfielder holding down the middle of the field for us.
Shannon Moran has been a steadying presence for us on the backline. She has filled in at numerous positions due to injuries. She has played a crucial role in our success.”