Expect offense from Wheaton N., Lake Park
By Bill McLean
Look for fireworks.
That’s Wheaton North coach Rob Stassen’s projection when his Falcons host Lake Park at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Lake Park finished first in the conference in 2018.
Wheaton North captured the DuKane title in 2019.
“Lots of attacking, from both teams … that’s what I see,” said Stassen, whose Falcons (2-1-0 overall and in the DuKane) delivered a strong 4-0 win against visiting Glenbard North on Thursday. “[Lake Park coach] Sean Crosby is a fantastic coach. He puts his teams together well.”
And a typical Crosby club, Stassen noted, bounces back after a tough loss or a shaky first half. Lake Park fell behind 2-0 to host St. Charles East after 40 minutes in both teams’ opener on March 9, but the Lancers drew oohs and aahs by netting three unanswered goals in approximately 10 minutes in the second half.
The Lancers, alas, lost 4-3. Two days later they traveled to Batavia and edged the Bulldogs 3-2.
Bounce back II, coming Saturday? Crosby certainly hopes so, after his crew absorbed a 4-1 loss to host St. Charles North and slipped to 1-2-0 (overall and in the DuKane) Thursday night.
“That was a playoff atmosphere, even with the limited number of people in the stands,” Crosby said of the aura amid the action in the season opener. “The kids were excited to be back and playing; so were St. Charles East’s kids. We did not start the way we wanted, but I was encouraged by the adjustments we made and how well we recovered.”
Crosby deploys stout defenders in front of sturdy sophomore keeper Andrew Swacha. His back men are seniors Max Panek, Anthony Magner and Logan Pobloske.
“A huge core returned for us on defense,” Crosby said. “Big, smart, physical -- we're going to need them to be ready against Wheaton North, which is traditionally organized and highly active in its attack. Its players break you down with passing and movement. Wheaton North moves the ball very quickly and stays active off the ball.”
Wheaton North’s standouts include backs Kyle Schauer and Tim Dulzer and midfielders Graham Stephenson and Erik Rozanski. All are seniors except for Dulzer, who is a sophomore.
Wheaton North opened the 2021 season decisively, skipping past Batavia 6-0 on March 9. Five Falcons scored. Stassen’s side then bowed 2-1 to host St. Charles North 48 hours later.
Eighteen booters made Stassen’s varsity. Good luck finding two that are alike, personality-wise.
“I have 18 different boys,” Stassen said. “Characters, all of them. All are a ton of fun. All love to have fun.”
By Bill McLean
Look for fireworks.
That’s Wheaton North coach Rob Stassen’s projection when his Falcons host Lake Park at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Lake Park finished first in the conference in 2018.
Wheaton North captured the DuKane title in 2019.
“Lots of attacking, from both teams … that’s what I see,” said Stassen, whose Falcons (2-1-0 overall and in the DuKane) delivered a strong 4-0 win against visiting Glenbard North on Thursday. “[Lake Park coach] Sean Crosby is a fantastic coach. He puts his teams together well.”
And a typical Crosby club, Stassen noted, bounces back after a tough loss or a shaky first half. Lake Park fell behind 2-0 to host St. Charles East after 40 minutes in both teams’ opener on March 9, but the Lancers drew oohs and aahs by netting three unanswered goals in approximately 10 minutes in the second half.
The Lancers, alas, lost 4-3. Two days later they traveled to Batavia and edged the Bulldogs 3-2.
Bounce back II, coming Saturday? Crosby certainly hopes so, after his crew absorbed a 4-1 loss to host St. Charles North and slipped to 1-2-0 (overall and in the DuKane) Thursday night.
“That was a playoff atmosphere, even with the limited number of people in the stands,” Crosby said of the aura amid the action in the season opener. “The kids were excited to be back and playing; so were St. Charles East’s kids. We did not start the way we wanted, but I was encouraged by the adjustments we made and how well we recovered.”
Crosby deploys stout defenders in front of sturdy sophomore keeper Andrew Swacha. His back men are seniors Max Panek, Anthony Magner and Logan Pobloske.
“A huge core returned for us on defense,” Crosby said. “Big, smart, physical -- we're going to need them to be ready against Wheaton North, which is traditionally organized and highly active in its attack. Its players break you down with passing and movement. Wheaton North moves the ball very quickly and stays active off the ball.”
Wheaton North’s standouts include backs Kyle Schauer and Tim Dulzer and midfielders Graham Stephenson and Erik Rozanski. All are seniors except for Dulzer, who is a sophomore.
Wheaton North opened the 2021 season decisively, skipping past Batavia 6-0 on March 9. Five Falcons scored. Stassen’s side then bowed 2-1 to host St. Charles North 48 hours later.
Eighteen booters made Stassen’s varsity. Good luck finding two that are alike, personality-wise.
“I have 18 different boys,” Stassen said. “Characters, all of them. All are a ton of fun. All love to have fun.”