Motivated Libertyville hosts Lake Forest
By Bobby Narang
Libertyville’s quest to win a state championship is filled with attainable goals along the way.
Though the Wildcats had their three-game winning streak snapped in a 3-1 defeat to then no. 6 Glenbrook North on Saturday, they kept on title track in the North Suburban Conference race with a 2-0 win over Mundelein on Tuesday.
Next, the no. 8 team in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 brings its 8-2-1, 3-0-0 record to an important league battle at 4:30 p.m. at home Thursday against Lake Forest.
Lake Forest coach Ty Stuckslager said his team is getting ready for a motivated Libertyville team aiming to keep their conference record undefeated.
“We are in a good place, but we have struggled to score. Since spring break we have been close in every game including teams like Lyons, Loyola, Stevenson,” Stuckslager said. “We have to try and deny the easy chances, be focused on set pieces and be in sync with the whole team playing together, both offensively and defensively.”
The Scouts (4-8-0, 1-2-0) snapped a two-game slide with a 4-0 win over Waukegan on Tuesday. The two-game skid included 1-0 losses to Stevenson and Zion-Benton.
“We’ve realized that our success is constantly striving to get better, not something that comes out in wins and losses,” Stuckslager said. “Our speed of play has improved, so has our competitive spirit along with our energy. Our goal is to keep improving individually and collectively, and to score more goals.”
Senior midfielder Emersen Waddle, also a captain, has been of the one key players for the Scouts this season, though she suffered an injury against Waukegan. Stuckslager also noted the play of senior captain Ashleigh Rupprecht, sophomore defender Hanna Sands and junior defender Riley Hoskins.
“Emersen Waddle has been getting better and better each game,” he said. “Her tactical understanding is so strong. She knows what everybody should be doing and places the pass where somebody should be. Ashleigh Rupprecht is beginning to take control up -top and be a player somebody has to worry about. She has finished and assisted a couple of times with both feet the last week or so.
“Hanna Sands is controlling the right side from the back, her speed of play, quality touches under pressure and willingness to go forward makes her hard to mark.
“Riley Hoskins has been playing center back due to a season-ending injury to Lyla Walsh. She has been very good in the middle, playing strong, denying the attack and stepping up to win balls.”
Nearly a year ago, Libertyville beat the Scouts 1-0 in a thrilling road game last season on April 29.
The Wildcats have won their three conference games – against Lake Zurich, Waukegan and Mundelein -- by a combined total of 14-0.
Senior forward Avery Gleason leads the team with 11 goals, while Dakota Lyons and Paige Gleason both have scored seven.
By Bobby Narang
Libertyville’s quest to win a state championship is filled with attainable goals along the way.
Though the Wildcats had their three-game winning streak snapped in a 3-1 defeat to then no. 6 Glenbrook North on Saturday, they kept on title track in the North Suburban Conference race with a 2-0 win over Mundelein on Tuesday.
Next, the no. 8 team in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 brings its 8-2-1, 3-0-0 record to an important league battle at 4:30 p.m. at home Thursday against Lake Forest.
Lake Forest coach Ty Stuckslager said his team is getting ready for a motivated Libertyville team aiming to keep their conference record undefeated.
“We are in a good place, but we have struggled to score. Since spring break we have been close in every game including teams like Lyons, Loyola, Stevenson,” Stuckslager said. “We have to try and deny the easy chances, be focused on set pieces and be in sync with the whole team playing together, both offensively and defensively.”
The Scouts (4-8-0, 1-2-0) snapped a two-game slide with a 4-0 win over Waukegan on Tuesday. The two-game skid included 1-0 losses to Stevenson and Zion-Benton.
“We’ve realized that our success is constantly striving to get better, not something that comes out in wins and losses,” Stuckslager said. “Our speed of play has improved, so has our competitive spirit along with our energy. Our goal is to keep improving individually and collectively, and to score more goals.”
Senior midfielder Emersen Waddle, also a captain, has been of the one key players for the Scouts this season, though she suffered an injury against Waukegan. Stuckslager also noted the play of senior captain Ashleigh Rupprecht, sophomore defender Hanna Sands and junior defender Riley Hoskins.
“Emersen Waddle has been getting better and better each game,” he said. “Her tactical understanding is so strong. She knows what everybody should be doing and places the pass where somebody should be. Ashleigh Rupprecht is beginning to take control up -top and be a player somebody has to worry about. She has finished and assisted a couple of times with both feet the last week or so.
“Hanna Sands is controlling the right side from the back, her speed of play, quality touches under pressure and willingness to go forward makes her hard to mark.
“Riley Hoskins has been playing center back due to a season-ending injury to Lyla Walsh. She has been very good in the middle, playing strong, denying the attack and stepping up to win balls.”
Nearly a year ago, Libertyville beat the Scouts 1-0 in a thrilling road game last season on April 29.
The Wildcats have won their three conference games – against Lake Zurich, Waukegan and Mundelein -- by a combined total of 14-0.
Senior forward Avery Gleason leads the team with 11 goals, while Dakota Lyons and Paige Gleason both have scored seven.