Lake Park, West Chicago
see opportunity knocking
By Bobby Narang
Two teams see a chance to turn things in the right direction on Monday afternoon in West Chicago.
Essentially, the nonconference match between Lake Park and West Chicago won’t cause many ripples in the Chicagoland soccer scene.
But don't tell that to the Wildcats and Lancers, who will be in full-on, must-win mode. Expect 80 minutes of nonstop action, as both teams are huighly motivated to grab an elusive win. The Wildcats (1-9-3, 1-4-2) and Lancers (1-12-1, 0-5-0) have both struggled to find a groove. A victory would go a long to restoring the team mojo with the playoffs looming.
“I think this could be an evenly matched game,” West Chicago coach Cesar Gomez said. “We will continue to try to bring what we do best -- possess the ball and try to put passes together. If we do that, the result will come.
“Being the lower seed is always a result of a poor winning percentage during the regular-season. We had tons of injuries and others factors got in the way. We will be facing off with the second seed, St Charles East, in a game where anyone can beat anyone in any given day. We will prepare to play and try to win that game.”
Lake Park coach Sean Crosby expects a well-played game that could go down to the final minutes as his team's focuses on ending an eight-game losing streak.
“West Chicago is always well-coached and a team that battles hard in physical play and team-defending throughout a match,” Crosby said. “I think our game will be very evenly played, with the team that’s more composed passing the ball and willing to take more risks in the attack to have a better chance to win the match.”
The two teams hooked up for a scoreless tie last season. Gomez said his team has been playing with more focus in recent games. The Wildcats ended a four-game scoreless streak when they hit the back of the net in a 5-1 defeat against no. 24 Batavia on April 16. After facing the likes of Waubonsie Valley, Geneva, Bartlett and Batavia, the Wildcats end the regular-season with four well-matched games.
They come into the game off their best stretch of the season with a win against Fenton, a tie against Glenbard South and competitive losses to solid Glenbard East and Willowbrook programs.
“I’ve seen positives signs are all over the field,” Gomez said. “The entire team is playing with composure and purpose since we scored a goal against Batavia. That goal brought confidence to each player.
“On defense we a solid player and a backline leader in Leslie Garnica. She does a great job for us with her ability to read the game. Melissa Pani, with her calm-and-collected play style, is doing a fine job in the midfield with Natalie Fernandez and Elina Velasco. Jenna Zeitoun has found the back of the next for us for our first win and that’s giving us a second wind for the last portion of the season.”
Meanwhile, Crosby said he’s noticed some good signs late in the season. However, like the Wildcats, scoring has been an big issue.
“One positive from our team over the last few weeks has been our determination in keeping matches close,” Crosby said. “We have played some of the top teams in our sectional and conference and have kept most games between a one- and two-goal margin. Our strength in defending as a full unit is a positive.
“Gianna Kubica did not play until our fourth game of the season due to returning from an ankle injury. Since she stepped on the field for us, we have had a different team make-up. We’re more aggressive in passing and starting our attack from our defensive line, and we’ve been consistent in offside traps and been able to move midfielders into more aggressive positions.
“She has helped us keep games competitive due to her leadership and play as a central defender. Peyton Sarubbi is her alternate center back. She’s been as consistent as any player on our team. She’s constantly going into physical battles on the field and dictating the way we play when in possession. Those two have been our motor in the defensive area of the field. “
see opportunity knocking
By Bobby Narang
Two teams see a chance to turn things in the right direction on Monday afternoon in West Chicago.
Essentially, the nonconference match between Lake Park and West Chicago won’t cause many ripples in the Chicagoland soccer scene.
But don't tell that to the Wildcats and Lancers, who will be in full-on, must-win mode. Expect 80 minutes of nonstop action, as both teams are huighly motivated to grab an elusive win. The Wildcats (1-9-3, 1-4-2) and Lancers (1-12-1, 0-5-0) have both struggled to find a groove. A victory would go a long to restoring the team mojo with the playoffs looming.
“I think this could be an evenly matched game,” West Chicago coach Cesar Gomez said. “We will continue to try to bring what we do best -- possess the ball and try to put passes together. If we do that, the result will come.
“Being the lower seed is always a result of a poor winning percentage during the regular-season. We had tons of injuries and others factors got in the way. We will be facing off with the second seed, St Charles East, in a game where anyone can beat anyone in any given day. We will prepare to play and try to win that game.”
Lake Park coach Sean Crosby expects a well-played game that could go down to the final minutes as his team's focuses on ending an eight-game losing streak.
“West Chicago is always well-coached and a team that battles hard in physical play and team-defending throughout a match,” Crosby said. “I think our game will be very evenly played, with the team that’s more composed passing the ball and willing to take more risks in the attack to have a better chance to win the match.”
The two teams hooked up for a scoreless tie last season. Gomez said his team has been playing with more focus in recent games. The Wildcats ended a four-game scoreless streak when they hit the back of the net in a 5-1 defeat against no. 24 Batavia on April 16. After facing the likes of Waubonsie Valley, Geneva, Bartlett and Batavia, the Wildcats end the regular-season with four well-matched games.
They come into the game off their best stretch of the season with a win against Fenton, a tie against Glenbard South and competitive losses to solid Glenbard East and Willowbrook programs.
“I’ve seen positives signs are all over the field,” Gomez said. “The entire team is playing with composure and purpose since we scored a goal against Batavia. That goal brought confidence to each player.
“On defense we a solid player and a backline leader in Leslie Garnica. She does a great job for us with her ability to read the game. Melissa Pani, with her calm-and-collected play style, is doing a fine job in the midfield with Natalie Fernandez and Elina Velasco. Jenna Zeitoun has found the back of the next for us for our first win and that’s giving us a second wind for the last portion of the season.”
Meanwhile, Crosby said he’s noticed some good signs late in the season. However, like the Wildcats, scoring has been an big issue.
“One positive from our team over the last few weeks has been our determination in keeping matches close,” Crosby said. “We have played some of the top teams in our sectional and conference and have kept most games between a one- and two-goal margin. Our strength in defending as a full unit is a positive.
“Gianna Kubica did not play until our fourth game of the season due to returning from an ankle injury. Since she stepped on the field for us, we have had a different team make-up. We’re more aggressive in passing and starting our attack from our defensive line, and we’ve been consistent in offside traps and been able to move midfielders into more aggressive positions.
“She has helped us keep games competitive due to her leadership and play as a central defender. Peyton Sarubbi is her alternate center back. She’s been as consistent as any player on our team. She’s constantly going into physical battles on the field and dictating the way we play when in possession. Those two have been our motor in the defensive area of the field. “