State preview: Libertyville
By Curt Herron
It wasn't that long ago that Libertyville was a soccer force to be reckoned with, winning two titles, playing in four finals and earning five trophies during a 13-year span from 1989-2001 under coaches Andy Bitta and Scott Schinto.
But none of today's players were alive when those events occurred, so those facts may not be important to them.
However, the fact that the Wildcats are back at the state finals for the first time since that special time demonstrates what coach Daniel DePaz and his staff are doing at the school to build a program that again can make an impact at the state tournament.
The route that the 17-1-1 Wildcats had to take to make their first state in 20 years suggests that there are more good things on the horizon for the program.
Libertyville needed to beat perennial power New Trier for a second time in order to advance to state and did just that with a 1-0 supersectional win over the Trevians. The win earned a spot in a Class 3A semifinal against 18-2 O'Fallon at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Hoffman Estates High School.
After beating Naperville North in overtime, semifinal foe O'Fallon will be a tough out.
Libertyville will rely on a rock-solid defense that allowed only four goals this season. Just one tally came after the Wildcats suffered their lone loss -- a 1-0 defeate to Stevenson on May 13.
Libertyville got revenge over the Patriots in the sectional finals when it prevailed by the same score.
Another big moment for the program came on April 21 when the Wildcats handed Barrington its only defeat. The Fillies remain in the championship chase and will attempt to reach another title match with a win over unbeaten Lyons.
Libertyville has had a successful season on and off the field.
"We are absolutely proud of the accomplishments of this team," DePaz said. "Success is not defined by winning records, results or individual talent. Success is a group of 24 girls coming together, building positive relationships and creating memories that will last long after our season is over."
Senior goalkeeper Hannah Veith has only had to make 51 saves this season and has recorded 14 shutouts. Junior forward Avery Gleason leads the Wildcats in scoring with 15 goals and three assists,
The Wildcats offensive threats include: junior midfielders Abby Gordon (7 goals, 10 assists) and Paige Gleason (6 goals); senior forward Payton Nolan (6, 6); and senior midfielder Lanie Szatmary (5, 5).
Szatmary, senior Faith Roberts and junior Sally Grace Rogers serve as team captains.
By Curt Herron
It wasn't that long ago that Libertyville was a soccer force to be reckoned with, winning two titles, playing in four finals and earning five trophies during a 13-year span from 1989-2001 under coaches Andy Bitta and Scott Schinto.
But none of today's players were alive when those events occurred, so those facts may not be important to them.
However, the fact that the Wildcats are back at the state finals for the first time since that special time demonstrates what coach Daniel DePaz and his staff are doing at the school to build a program that again can make an impact at the state tournament.
The route that the 17-1-1 Wildcats had to take to make their first state in 20 years suggests that there are more good things on the horizon for the program.
Libertyville needed to beat perennial power New Trier for a second time in order to advance to state and did just that with a 1-0 supersectional win over the Trevians. The win earned a spot in a Class 3A semifinal against 18-2 O'Fallon at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Hoffman Estates High School.
After beating Naperville North in overtime, semifinal foe O'Fallon will be a tough out.
Libertyville will rely on a rock-solid defense that allowed only four goals this season. Just one tally came after the Wildcats suffered their lone loss -- a 1-0 defeate to Stevenson on May 13.
Libertyville got revenge over the Patriots in the sectional finals when it prevailed by the same score.
Another big moment for the program came on April 21 when the Wildcats handed Barrington its only defeat. The Fillies remain in the championship chase and will attempt to reach another title match with a win over unbeaten Lyons.
Libertyville has had a successful season on and off the field.
"We are absolutely proud of the accomplishments of this team," DePaz said. "Success is not defined by winning records, results or individual talent. Success is a group of 24 girls coming together, building positive relationships and creating memories that will last long after our season is over."
Senior goalkeeper Hannah Veith has only had to make 51 saves this season and has recorded 14 shutouts. Junior forward Avery Gleason leads the Wildcats in scoring with 15 goals and three assists,
The Wildcats offensive threats include: junior midfielders Abby Gordon (7 goals, 10 assists) and Paige Gleason (6 goals); senior forward Payton Nolan (6, 6); and senior midfielder Lanie Szatmary (5, 5).
Szatmary, senior Faith Roberts and junior Sally Grace Rogers serve as team captains.