Metea Valley tackles ultimate DVC test -- Naperville North
By Dave Owen
Naperville North comes off an unusual off-the-field week with a more typical on-field challenge: a talented DuPage Valley Conference foe aiming at the seven-time defending league champions.
The Huskies (10-3-2, 3-0-0 in the DVC), ranked sixth in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, host honorable mention member Metea Valley at 6:30 p.m. The Mustangs (7-4-1, 2-1-0) hope to parlay a two-game winning streak into a share of the conference lead.
Metea Valley coach Josh Robinson knows the magnitude of the test.
“I will be honest,” Robinson said, “we always struggle against (Naperville North head coach) Jim (Konrad) and (assistant) Steve (Goletz). They are so disciplined and patient, and their success has allowed their teams to buy into that.”
Naperville North topped Metea 2-1 last spring and 3-0 in 2019. But the Mustangs’ relative problems against the juggernaut at the corner of Mill and Ogden are far from unusual.
The Huskies won three-consecutive state titles from 2016 to 2018 and have claimed DVC crowns in 12 of the last 13 years.
Naperville North comes off a bizarre week. Last Wednesday, a bomb threat called into the school forced cancellation of classes and after-school practices.
Having posted an emotional league win over Naperville Central on Tuesday, the Huskies followed the Wednesday interruption with an up-and-down weekend.
Naperville North edged Romeoville 2-1 on Friday behind goals by Cam Redeke and Ryan Konrad, then fell 3-2 Saturday to Plainfield Central despite putaways by Alex Barger and Tyson Amoo-Mensah.
Metea Valley comes off a 2-1 win over Marmion on Sept. 25, when Bartosz Chmielewski and Henry Moreno scored goals. The Mustangs also defeated East Aurora 4-2 on Sept. 23.
“We started playing the style we had to start the year,” said Robinson, whose squad got off to a 4-1-0 start that included a win over St. Charles North.
“We are much better when we compose and look to maintain possession. We don't always do that, but when we look to play that way we are much more effective.
“We preached working hard this year,” Robinson added, “and the few games prior to East Aurora and Marmion we got outworked. We challenged the boys in training to bring back that culture to our team, and they responded so very well the past two games.”
Two Metea Valley players have been particularly impressive.
“Colin Bastianoni has been the goal scorer we asked for with 10 goals this year,” Robinson said. “He is playing to the all-state caliber that he has in him.
“And Erick Mena has stepped up to become a leader this year. He has scored 5 goals and 4 assists and has gone from a quiet, key role player to a standout leader on the field.”
While a 2-1 loss to Neuqua Valley a week ago spoiled their perfect DVC record, the Mustangs can get right back on solid footing by somehow reeling in the conference’s biggest shark Tuesday.
“We need to focus on our own success and our own play,” Robinson said, “and not get caught up in who our opponent is.
“Our kids know the importance and gravity of the game, but they need to keep their own discipline and optimism that has allowed us to compete all year against top teams.”
The Mustangs definitely haven't shied away from competition. Metea Valley has played a tough schedule; the team has gone 3-3-1 against teams that have been ranked or held honorable mention status in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25.
Both teams have one DVC game left after tonight: the Huskies vs Waubonsie Valley, and the Mustangs against Naperville Central.
By Dave Owen
Naperville North comes off an unusual off-the-field week with a more typical on-field challenge: a talented DuPage Valley Conference foe aiming at the seven-time defending league champions.
The Huskies (10-3-2, 3-0-0 in the DVC), ranked sixth in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, host honorable mention member Metea Valley at 6:30 p.m. The Mustangs (7-4-1, 2-1-0) hope to parlay a two-game winning streak into a share of the conference lead.
Metea Valley coach Josh Robinson knows the magnitude of the test.
“I will be honest,” Robinson said, “we always struggle against (Naperville North head coach) Jim (Konrad) and (assistant) Steve (Goletz). They are so disciplined and patient, and their success has allowed their teams to buy into that.”
Naperville North topped Metea 2-1 last spring and 3-0 in 2019. But the Mustangs’ relative problems against the juggernaut at the corner of Mill and Ogden are far from unusual.
The Huskies won three-consecutive state titles from 2016 to 2018 and have claimed DVC crowns in 12 of the last 13 years.
Naperville North comes off a bizarre week. Last Wednesday, a bomb threat called into the school forced cancellation of classes and after-school practices.
Having posted an emotional league win over Naperville Central on Tuesday, the Huskies followed the Wednesday interruption with an up-and-down weekend.
Naperville North edged Romeoville 2-1 on Friday behind goals by Cam Redeke and Ryan Konrad, then fell 3-2 Saturday to Plainfield Central despite putaways by Alex Barger and Tyson Amoo-Mensah.
Metea Valley comes off a 2-1 win over Marmion on Sept. 25, when Bartosz Chmielewski and Henry Moreno scored goals. The Mustangs also defeated East Aurora 4-2 on Sept. 23.
“We started playing the style we had to start the year,” said Robinson, whose squad got off to a 4-1-0 start that included a win over St. Charles North.
“We are much better when we compose and look to maintain possession. We don't always do that, but when we look to play that way we are much more effective.
“We preached working hard this year,” Robinson added, “and the few games prior to East Aurora and Marmion we got outworked. We challenged the boys in training to bring back that culture to our team, and they responded so very well the past two games.”
Two Metea Valley players have been particularly impressive.
“Colin Bastianoni has been the goal scorer we asked for with 10 goals this year,” Robinson said. “He is playing to the all-state caliber that he has in him.
“And Erick Mena has stepped up to become a leader this year. He has scored 5 goals and 4 assists and has gone from a quiet, key role player to a standout leader on the field.”
While a 2-1 loss to Neuqua Valley a week ago spoiled their perfect DVC record, the Mustangs can get right back on solid footing by somehow reeling in the conference’s biggest shark Tuesday.
“We need to focus on our own success and our own play,” Robinson said, “and not get caught up in who our opponent is.
“Our kids know the importance and gravity of the game, but they need to keep their own discipline and optimism that has allowed us to compete all year against top teams.”
The Mustangs definitely haven't shied away from competition. Metea Valley has played a tough schedule; the team has gone 3-3-1 against teams that have been ranked or held honorable mention status in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25.
Both teams have one DVC game left after tonight: the Huskies vs Waubonsie Valley, and the Mustangs against Naperville Central.