Payton hopes to derail Lane
By Patrick Z. McGavin
Any team that wants to achieve anything of consequence in the city must confront Lane.
It is the rite of passage all other teams go through. The Indians are the three-time defending city champion.
“They are always a high-quality program,” Payton coach Paul Escobar said. “They are very well coached. They are also pretty much an intact team from what they had last year.”
Payton is the latest team looking to dent the armor of the Indians when they host Lane in a critical Chicago Public League Premier Division game Wednesday afternoon at Lincoln Park South Turf Field.
Lane coach Michelle Vale has said the Indians were bracing for this part of the schedule.
This is one of the most challenging weeks of the season. The Indians are playing their third game in three days. The record of Lane (2-3-1, 2-0-0) is certainly deceiving. Each of their losses have come against ranked teams (Loyola, Deerfield, Glenbrook South). After this game, the team jumps into play at the PepsiCo Showdown on Saturday.
Lane has the depth and the versatility to play multiple formations or varied lineups to offset any short-term fatigue.
The Indians’ offense has shown every indication of breaking out. Lane has scored at least three goals in three of their last four games. The team is averaging six goals per game after two conference matches. Part of what makes Lane so formidable in Public League action is their unparalleled attack. They have multiple players who play either in the middle or take on more attacking roles.
Junior Grace Dunaway is a breakaway specialist and creative shotmaker. Another junior, Johanna Bozic, has emerged as a leading prospect. She is fast and electric in space and provides that outside run. Midfielders Jazzmin Jordan, Carlye Makuch and Alana Coffman are skilled. Kayla Dutton, who comes off the bench, provides instant offense.
Izzy Oganovich, arguably the team’s best all-around talent, solidifies a rangy and disruptive back. She is also dangerous as an offensive facilitator and shotmaker. Two other big, physical defenders, Samantha Sorich and Zehra Halilic, are also imposing talents. Maggie Grossman, a four-year varsity player, has been stellar as a keeper.
Payton looks to join the party. The Grizzlies (4-1-1, 1-1-0) are coming off a disappointing 2-0 loss against Young on Monday at Rockne Stadium. Disappointing in the sense the team had the superior level of play though failed to take advantage.
“We have to do a better job of finishing our chances, especially in the game,” Escobar said. This iteration of the Grizzlies is a transitional one. The team started five sophomores and a freshman. That only tells part of the narrative. Six of those starters played against Jones in a city semifinal. Like Lane, Payton has a lot of versatility.
Two defenders, Maddie Clerkin and Mimi Hamada, played offensive roles a year ago. Escobar has been experimenting with lineups and formations. Sophomore midfielder Hayley Owens, the most precocious of the team’s young talents, looked superb against the Dolphins, orchestrating the team’s attack. Forward Sophie Salem is also a two-year starter.
Keeper Hannah Lynn is the gatekeeper -- a savvy and experienced player who has seen all sides. She brings a poise and direction to the team. Maddie Clerkin, a converted forward, moves to the back. The team has allowed just four goals in six games and posted three shutouts.
Senior Fiona O’Brien is the veteran leader of the middle.
Payton is infused with youth led by experienced seniors. It makes for an interesting and potent combination.
“Because of our youth, we have a lot of room for growth and potential,” he said. “The thing I am really encouraged by so far from this group is they never quit. It is what any coach would ask for. They play the right way. They have the intangibles, a high soccer IQ and they are learning how to play together.
“So far this year I have really been happy with our work rate and our effort. It has been outstanding.”
Coming off the Young game, Payton is eager to show it belongs with the league’s elite programs.
“They beat us pretty badly last year (5-0) and hopefully the memory of that game is going to motivate our girls,” Escobar said.
By Patrick Z. McGavin
Any team that wants to achieve anything of consequence in the city must confront Lane.
It is the rite of passage all other teams go through. The Indians are the three-time defending city champion.
“They are always a high-quality program,” Payton coach Paul Escobar said. “They are very well coached. They are also pretty much an intact team from what they had last year.”
Payton is the latest team looking to dent the armor of the Indians when they host Lane in a critical Chicago Public League Premier Division game Wednesday afternoon at Lincoln Park South Turf Field.
Lane coach Michelle Vale has said the Indians were bracing for this part of the schedule.
This is one of the most challenging weeks of the season. The Indians are playing their third game in three days. The record of Lane (2-3-1, 2-0-0) is certainly deceiving. Each of their losses have come against ranked teams (Loyola, Deerfield, Glenbrook South). After this game, the team jumps into play at the PepsiCo Showdown on Saturday.
Lane has the depth and the versatility to play multiple formations or varied lineups to offset any short-term fatigue.
The Indians’ offense has shown every indication of breaking out. Lane has scored at least three goals in three of their last four games. The team is averaging six goals per game after two conference matches. Part of what makes Lane so formidable in Public League action is their unparalleled attack. They have multiple players who play either in the middle or take on more attacking roles.
Junior Grace Dunaway is a breakaway specialist and creative shotmaker. Another junior, Johanna Bozic, has emerged as a leading prospect. She is fast and electric in space and provides that outside run. Midfielders Jazzmin Jordan, Carlye Makuch and Alana Coffman are skilled. Kayla Dutton, who comes off the bench, provides instant offense.
Izzy Oganovich, arguably the team’s best all-around talent, solidifies a rangy and disruptive back. She is also dangerous as an offensive facilitator and shotmaker. Two other big, physical defenders, Samantha Sorich and Zehra Halilic, are also imposing talents. Maggie Grossman, a four-year varsity player, has been stellar as a keeper.
Payton looks to join the party. The Grizzlies (4-1-1, 1-1-0) are coming off a disappointing 2-0 loss against Young on Monday at Rockne Stadium. Disappointing in the sense the team had the superior level of play though failed to take advantage.
“We have to do a better job of finishing our chances, especially in the game,” Escobar said. This iteration of the Grizzlies is a transitional one. The team started five sophomores and a freshman. That only tells part of the narrative. Six of those starters played against Jones in a city semifinal. Like Lane, Payton has a lot of versatility.
Two defenders, Maddie Clerkin and Mimi Hamada, played offensive roles a year ago. Escobar has been experimenting with lineups and formations. Sophomore midfielder Hayley Owens, the most precocious of the team’s young talents, looked superb against the Dolphins, orchestrating the team’s attack. Forward Sophie Salem is also a two-year starter.
Keeper Hannah Lynn is the gatekeeper -- a savvy and experienced player who has seen all sides. She brings a poise and direction to the team. Maddie Clerkin, a converted forward, moves to the back. The team has allowed just four goals in six games and posted three shutouts.
Senior Fiona O’Brien is the veteran leader of the middle.
Payton is infused with youth led by experienced seniors. It makes for an interesting and potent combination.
“Because of our youth, we have a lot of room for growth and potential,” he said. “The thing I am really encouraged by so far from this group is they never quit. It is what any coach would ask for. They play the right way. They have the intangibles, a high soccer IQ and they are learning how to play together.
“So far this year I have really been happy with our work rate and our effort. It has been outstanding.”
Coming off the Young game, Payton is eager to show it belongs with the league’s elite programs.
“They beat us pretty badly last year (5-0) and hopefully the memory of that game is going to motivate our girls,” Escobar said.