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Naperville Invitational quarterfinals
By Patrick Z. McGavin
Naperville North coach Steve Goletz directed the Huskies to a memorable and dramatic Class 3A state championship in his first season as head coach in 2012.
Hunter Drendel smashed home a laser shot in the 120th-minute to beat St. Charles North 1-0.
You know what the Huskies didn’t win that year?
The Naperville Invitational.
In a game of the ages, Naperville Central outlasted Naperville North in a penalty shootout.
That was not an isolated case.
New Trier won three consecutive state titles from 2014-2016 without ever winning the Naperville Invitational.
The state tournament has a less daunting format than what teams must conquer to win the Naperville Invitational. Starting with a remarkable quarterfinal bracket Thursday, the winner is going to have to beat three, elite teams in about 60 hours.
“Playing three games in a row is always a tough task,” Goletz said. “Playing three teams back-to-back-to-back really pushes any group both physically and mentally.
“I think in the state tournament you have a bit more time to prepare and recover.”
According to the tournament history, 27 of the 32 corresponding state champions played in the Naperville Invitational.
Now the stage is set with eight-ranked teams battling for what tournament organizers hope is the first fully completed event since 2018.
In 2019, Barrington and St. Charles North were declared co-winners after inclement weather and scheduling worries scuttled the championship.
We all remember what happened in 2020 and 2021.
This year’s championship bracket is literally years in the making, and that has amplified the interest and larger consequences.
In bracket order, here is the knockout lineup:
At Naperville Central
No. 22 New Trier (8-4-3) at no. 2 Naperville Central (11-0-1), 5 p.m.
How they got here:
New Trier captured Group G with a 1-0 win over Bartlett and a 4-1 score over Downers Grove South. Naperville Central took Group A by two points over Geneva with a 1-1, 5-4 penalty kick win against the Vikings and a 5-1 victory over Oswego.
What to watch: A young and improving Trevians’ team, guided by elite junior midfielder Lida Dodge, a Purdue recruit, against a fast, athletic and disruptive Redhawks’ backline featuring multiple Division I recruits.
New Trier is coming off one of its best games of the year. The Trevians took a 2-1 first half lead against unbeaten no. 4 Glenbrook North before settling for the 2-2 tie.
Dodge is an elite shot creator and playmaker, and Annie Padden is a superb free kick specialist. The defense is also coming around.
The Redhawks are steeled by their electric showdown with Naperville North on Monday that resulted in a scoreless tie. Star keeper Abby O’Connor posted her 10th shutout of the year. The team has conceded just one goal in the run of play, the other came via a penalty kick.
Megan Norkett and Molly O’Rear spark the attack. New Trier must find a way to slow them down.
At Barrington
No. 13 St. Charles East (13-3-0) at no. 6 Barrington (12-1-0), 5 p.m.
How they got here: St. Charles East took Group F with wins over Neuqua Valley (3-1) and Hinsdale Central (3-0). Barrington collected the Group E berth against York (5-0) and no. 9 Loyola (0-0, 6-5/6).
What to watch: Barrington is on fire. The Fillies are winners of 12 straight since a season-opening 2-0 loss at Naperville North.
“I think that when we played Naperville North in the beginning of the season, our team was still figuring everything out. We didn’t have a lot of our players healthy, and we still were trying to find what works well with this new team,” forward Riley Raynor said.
“I think we have a lot of depth among our team that can provide a lot on the field that will help us be more confident in our play.”
The Fillies’ athleticism and shot-making prowess have been their calling card. Their defense has just annihilated opposing offenses, closing down air space and just not permitting many clean looks.
Barrington has posted nine-consecutive shutouts, and conceded just four goals.
Riley’s younger sister Abby Raynor has been fantastic in net. Ellie Sanchez and Kathleen Baker are the defensive standouts. Brooke Brown and Nicole Gwiasda shape the middle, with Riley Raynor and the next Barrington star, freshman forward Piper Lucier, get the job done at the top.
St. Charles East returns to the scene of its heartbreaking close to a brilliant year when the unbeaten and top-ranked Saints lost 1-0 to the Fillies in the Class 3A Barrington Supersectional.
“I think the girls on our team all remember that game that ended our season,” St. Charles East coach Vince DiNuzzo said. “We are a much different team this year than last.
“Anytime you play Barrington at their field it’s going to be a challenge. We will do our best to make things difficult for them.”
The Saints are recovering from the loss of standout McKenna Gahagan, who suffered a torn ACL. The team does return the services of midfielder Yazmin Martinez, who played in the supersectional last year.
She had been in concussion protocol and missed the last two weeks.
At Naperville Central
No. 1 Lyons (12-0-0) vs. no. 7 Oswego East (11-1-0), 7 p.m.
How they got here: Group D champ Lyons posted impressive wins against Waubonsie Valley (4-0) and Bolingbrook (5-0). Oswego East took the toughest bunch, Group B, with wins over no. 16 Benet 2-1 and then no. 9 St. Charles North (3-1).
What to watch: This is the moment Oswego East has been waiting for. The Wolves enter the quarterfinal bracket ready to make a statement against the perfect Lions, who finished second in the Class 3A state tournament last year.
The Wolves have won 11 straight since a season-opening 1-0 loss against Naperville Central on a penalty kick.
“This season has been amazing so far, especially the team environment,” senior midfielder Taylor English said. “We are all so supportive of each other.
“We work hard to get better every single practice, and I think that is the difference.”
English is part of a dynamic and creative middle attack featuring Anya Gulbrandsen, Riley Gumm, Morgan Dick and Chloe Noon. Gulbrandsen had two goals and an assist in the 3-1 victory over St. Charles North
Sam McPhee has been brilliant in goal, allowing just five goals and recording seven shutouts.
The Wolves must find a way to solve the Lions’ equally impenetrable defense. Illinois recruit Izzy Lee is arguably the state’s best keeper. She has 10 shutouts, the only goal conceded was a penalty kick against Naperville North.
Midfielder Eleanor Musgrove leads the attack, with capable support and balance from standout freshman Caroline Mortonson and Rielly Chesna.
Dating to last year, the Lions have won 32 out of their last 33 games.
At Naperville North
No. 17 Oak Park and River Forest (10-3-0) at no. 3 Naperville North (11-1-2), 7 p.m.
How they got here: Group G heroines Oak Park and River Forest defeated Fremd (4-1) and then no. 15 Warren (2-1). Naperville North dominated Group C against Sandburg (5-0) and Burlington Central (8-1).
What to watch: Naperville North has to contain one of the state’s best players, OPRF forward and all-state candidate Julia Daun. She is electric in space and great with the ball at her feet.
“Julia is a very dynamic player who has proven she can score goals in a variety of ways,” Goletz said. “They have a very good team that is organized and had a great start to the season. We are excited to get a chance to play a team that we haven’t had much history with.”
Naperville North is coming off the emotional double overtime, scoreless tie with Naperville Central on Monday.
Naperville North has played scoreless ties with no. 8 Libertyville and now Central, and scored only a penalty kick in a shootout loss against top-ranked Lyons.
Goletz is not concerned about the attack.
“I think if we weren’t generating chances on goal I would be a bit more concerned,” he said. “Obviously, we could have put away a few chances in those games.
“We have talked a bit about how when you play great teams who are always focused and excited to try and beat you, we have to be a little more composed and focused to make those game-changing plays that result in goals.”
Naperville Invitational quarterfinals
By Patrick Z. McGavin
Naperville North coach Steve Goletz directed the Huskies to a memorable and dramatic Class 3A state championship in his first season as head coach in 2012.
Hunter Drendel smashed home a laser shot in the 120th-minute to beat St. Charles North 1-0.
You know what the Huskies didn’t win that year?
The Naperville Invitational.
In a game of the ages, Naperville Central outlasted Naperville North in a penalty shootout.
That was not an isolated case.
New Trier won three consecutive state titles from 2014-2016 without ever winning the Naperville Invitational.
The state tournament has a less daunting format than what teams must conquer to win the Naperville Invitational. Starting with a remarkable quarterfinal bracket Thursday, the winner is going to have to beat three, elite teams in about 60 hours.
“Playing three games in a row is always a tough task,” Goletz said. “Playing three teams back-to-back-to-back really pushes any group both physically and mentally.
“I think in the state tournament you have a bit more time to prepare and recover.”
According to the tournament history, 27 of the 32 corresponding state champions played in the Naperville Invitational.
Now the stage is set with eight-ranked teams battling for what tournament organizers hope is the first fully completed event since 2018.
In 2019, Barrington and St. Charles North were declared co-winners after inclement weather and scheduling worries scuttled the championship.
We all remember what happened in 2020 and 2021.
This year’s championship bracket is literally years in the making, and that has amplified the interest and larger consequences.
In bracket order, here is the knockout lineup:
At Naperville Central
No. 22 New Trier (8-4-3) at no. 2 Naperville Central (11-0-1), 5 p.m.
How they got here:
New Trier captured Group G with a 1-0 win over Bartlett and a 4-1 score over Downers Grove South. Naperville Central took Group A by two points over Geneva with a 1-1, 5-4 penalty kick win against the Vikings and a 5-1 victory over Oswego.
What to watch: A young and improving Trevians’ team, guided by elite junior midfielder Lida Dodge, a Purdue recruit, against a fast, athletic and disruptive Redhawks’ backline featuring multiple Division I recruits.
New Trier is coming off one of its best games of the year. The Trevians took a 2-1 first half lead against unbeaten no. 4 Glenbrook North before settling for the 2-2 tie.
Dodge is an elite shot creator and playmaker, and Annie Padden is a superb free kick specialist. The defense is also coming around.
The Redhawks are steeled by their electric showdown with Naperville North on Monday that resulted in a scoreless tie. Star keeper Abby O’Connor posted her 10th shutout of the year. The team has conceded just one goal in the run of play, the other came via a penalty kick.
Megan Norkett and Molly O’Rear spark the attack. New Trier must find a way to slow them down.
At Barrington
No. 13 St. Charles East (13-3-0) at no. 6 Barrington (12-1-0), 5 p.m.
How they got here: St. Charles East took Group F with wins over Neuqua Valley (3-1) and Hinsdale Central (3-0). Barrington collected the Group E berth against York (5-0) and no. 9 Loyola (0-0, 6-5/6).
What to watch: Barrington is on fire. The Fillies are winners of 12 straight since a season-opening 2-0 loss at Naperville North.
“I think that when we played Naperville North in the beginning of the season, our team was still figuring everything out. We didn’t have a lot of our players healthy, and we still were trying to find what works well with this new team,” forward Riley Raynor said.
“I think we have a lot of depth among our team that can provide a lot on the field that will help us be more confident in our play.”
The Fillies’ athleticism and shot-making prowess have been their calling card. Their defense has just annihilated opposing offenses, closing down air space and just not permitting many clean looks.
Barrington has posted nine-consecutive shutouts, and conceded just four goals.
Riley’s younger sister Abby Raynor has been fantastic in net. Ellie Sanchez and Kathleen Baker are the defensive standouts. Brooke Brown and Nicole Gwiasda shape the middle, with Riley Raynor and the next Barrington star, freshman forward Piper Lucier, get the job done at the top.
St. Charles East returns to the scene of its heartbreaking close to a brilliant year when the unbeaten and top-ranked Saints lost 1-0 to the Fillies in the Class 3A Barrington Supersectional.
“I think the girls on our team all remember that game that ended our season,” St. Charles East coach Vince DiNuzzo said. “We are a much different team this year than last.
“Anytime you play Barrington at their field it’s going to be a challenge. We will do our best to make things difficult for them.”
The Saints are recovering from the loss of standout McKenna Gahagan, who suffered a torn ACL. The team does return the services of midfielder Yazmin Martinez, who played in the supersectional last year.
She had been in concussion protocol and missed the last two weeks.
At Naperville Central
No. 1 Lyons (12-0-0) vs. no. 7 Oswego East (11-1-0), 7 p.m.
How they got here: Group D champ Lyons posted impressive wins against Waubonsie Valley (4-0) and Bolingbrook (5-0). Oswego East took the toughest bunch, Group B, with wins over no. 16 Benet 2-1 and then no. 9 St. Charles North (3-1).
What to watch: This is the moment Oswego East has been waiting for. The Wolves enter the quarterfinal bracket ready to make a statement against the perfect Lions, who finished second in the Class 3A state tournament last year.
The Wolves have won 11 straight since a season-opening 1-0 loss against Naperville Central on a penalty kick.
“This season has been amazing so far, especially the team environment,” senior midfielder Taylor English said. “We are all so supportive of each other.
“We work hard to get better every single practice, and I think that is the difference.”
English is part of a dynamic and creative middle attack featuring Anya Gulbrandsen, Riley Gumm, Morgan Dick and Chloe Noon. Gulbrandsen had two goals and an assist in the 3-1 victory over St. Charles North
Sam McPhee has been brilliant in goal, allowing just five goals and recording seven shutouts.
The Wolves must find a way to solve the Lions’ equally impenetrable defense. Illinois recruit Izzy Lee is arguably the state’s best keeper. She has 10 shutouts, the only goal conceded was a penalty kick against Naperville North.
Midfielder Eleanor Musgrove leads the attack, with capable support and balance from standout freshman Caroline Mortonson and Rielly Chesna.
Dating to last year, the Lions have won 32 out of their last 33 games.
At Naperville North
No. 17 Oak Park and River Forest (10-3-0) at no. 3 Naperville North (11-1-2), 7 p.m.
How they got here: Group G heroines Oak Park and River Forest defeated Fremd (4-1) and then no. 15 Warren (2-1). Naperville North dominated Group C against Sandburg (5-0) and Burlington Central (8-1).
What to watch: Naperville North has to contain one of the state’s best players, OPRF forward and all-state candidate Julia Daun. She is electric in space and great with the ball at her feet.
“Julia is a very dynamic player who has proven she can score goals in a variety of ways,” Goletz said. “They have a very good team that is organized and had a great start to the season. We are excited to get a chance to play a team that we haven’t had much history with.”
Naperville North is coming off the emotional double overtime, scoreless tie with Naperville Central on Monday.
Naperville North has played scoreless ties with no. 8 Libertyville and now Central, and scored only a penalty kick in a shootout loss against top-ranked Lyons.
Goletz is not concerned about the attack.
“I think if we weren’t generating chances on goal I would be a bit more concerned,” he said. “Obviously, we could have put away a few chances in those games.
“We have talked a bit about how when you play great teams who are always focused and excited to try and beat you, we have to be a little more composed and focused to make those game-changing plays that result in goals.”