Lemont, Reavis kick off conference slate
By Dave Owen
While the early season results have produced somewhat divergent paths for Lemont and Reavis, the goals merge when the two teams meet at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in Burbank.
That goal: to start strong in South Suburban Conference play. The cross-over match counts in the league standings.
Lemont (4-2-0) had reeled off four wins in a row while allowing just one goal in that span until a 2-0 loss at Andrew on Friday.
“The four-game win streak was due to a bit better organization and more time playing together,” Lemont coach Rick Prangen said. “The girls also were adaptable, which allowed for us to change formations as we needed from game to game.
“The Andrew game was a good test to show what we need to work on. In large part we need to be faster and more organized transitioning from defense to offense.
“I thought that Andrew did a very good job of putting us under pressure,” Prangen added, “which forced us to concede possession too frequently.”
Reavis (1-5-0) had its signature early season day March 19 in a 3-0 win over Addison Trail, but otherwise has struggled to find its footing. The Rams’ last result was a 2-0 setback to cross-town rival St. Laurence last Tuesday.
“As a team,” said new Reavis coach Konrad Dziedzic, “we’re still learning our system, which focuses on how to build offensively and be more comfortable keeping possession of the ball for longer periods of the game.”
But Dziedzic has seen plenty of strong performances from his roster in the early going.
“We had a few individuals who have stepped up this season and put an impact on the field,” he said. “These players include Jasmin Pascual (midfielder), Jade Guzman (defender), and Olivia Smycz (forward). All three players have been crucial in our team’s (play) so far this season.”
On the Lemont side, Prangen named a quartet of players who have had notable starts to 2022.
“So far this season,” he said, “players that have consistently performed have been junior mid Paige Bingen, freshman mid Ella Simpson, sophomore defender Casey Kittridge and junior forward Suzie Knutte.”
Lemont has created fits for conference foes over the years, and Reavis has been no exception: the last two matchups in the series have produced 7-0 and 6-0 Lemont wins.
“A key to the match is to ensure that we prevent Lemont from having a quick start and getting on the board early,” Dziedzic said. “The longer we keep the game close, the more it benefits us. Another key point is making sure we utilize our wingers more when on the attack.”
On his side, Prangen sees several key factors to his team returning to the form that has produced three shutouts and four goals allowed in six games. Both of Lemont’s losses have come to Class 3A teams.
“How quickly we are able to transition from attacking to defender,” he said, “our ability to press them high up the field, how clinical we are when we create scoring opportunities, and how well organized we are defensively.
“And it’s another road game for us, so we will have to make sure that we able to concentrate and execute what we want to do for 80 minutes.”
With Lemont’s six appearances in the state semifinals or better over the past dozen seasons, including a Class AA runnerup finish in 2009, opponents know a high-level performance will be essential.
“Being able to face such a historically successful team is a key motivator for our program,” Dziedzic said, “because depending on the result, it will show where we stand amongst the best in the state of Illinois.”
By Dave Owen
While the early season results have produced somewhat divergent paths for Lemont and Reavis, the goals merge when the two teams meet at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in Burbank.
That goal: to start strong in South Suburban Conference play. The cross-over match counts in the league standings.
Lemont (4-2-0) had reeled off four wins in a row while allowing just one goal in that span until a 2-0 loss at Andrew on Friday.
“The four-game win streak was due to a bit better organization and more time playing together,” Lemont coach Rick Prangen said. “The girls also were adaptable, which allowed for us to change formations as we needed from game to game.
“The Andrew game was a good test to show what we need to work on. In large part we need to be faster and more organized transitioning from defense to offense.
“I thought that Andrew did a very good job of putting us under pressure,” Prangen added, “which forced us to concede possession too frequently.”
Reavis (1-5-0) had its signature early season day March 19 in a 3-0 win over Addison Trail, but otherwise has struggled to find its footing. The Rams’ last result was a 2-0 setback to cross-town rival St. Laurence last Tuesday.
“As a team,” said new Reavis coach Konrad Dziedzic, “we’re still learning our system, which focuses on how to build offensively and be more comfortable keeping possession of the ball for longer periods of the game.”
But Dziedzic has seen plenty of strong performances from his roster in the early going.
“We had a few individuals who have stepped up this season and put an impact on the field,” he said. “These players include Jasmin Pascual (midfielder), Jade Guzman (defender), and Olivia Smycz (forward). All three players have been crucial in our team’s (play) so far this season.”
On the Lemont side, Prangen named a quartet of players who have had notable starts to 2022.
“So far this season,” he said, “players that have consistently performed have been junior mid Paige Bingen, freshman mid Ella Simpson, sophomore defender Casey Kittridge and junior forward Suzie Knutte.”
Lemont has created fits for conference foes over the years, and Reavis has been no exception: the last two matchups in the series have produced 7-0 and 6-0 Lemont wins.
“A key to the match is to ensure that we prevent Lemont from having a quick start and getting on the board early,” Dziedzic said. “The longer we keep the game close, the more it benefits us. Another key point is making sure we utilize our wingers more when on the attack.”
On his side, Prangen sees several key factors to his team returning to the form that has produced three shutouts and four goals allowed in six games. Both of Lemont’s losses have come to Class 3A teams.
“How quickly we are able to transition from attacking to defender,” he said, “our ability to press them high up the field, how clinical we are when we create scoring opportunities, and how well organized we are defensively.
“And it’s another road game for us, so we will have to make sure that we able to concentrate and execute what we want to do for 80 minutes.”
With Lemont’s six appearances in the state semifinals or better over the past dozen seasons, including a Class AA runnerup finish in 2009, opponents know a high-level performance will be essential.
“Being able to face such a historically successful team is a key motivator for our program,” Dziedzic said, “because depending on the result, it will show where we stand amongst the best in the state of Illinois.”