Preview: Naperville Invitational championship bracket
By Patrick Z. McGavin
Alondra Carranza is one of the elite juniors in the state, a skilled and athletic defender with a knack for disruption and closure. She is also not afraid to stick her neck out.
“I am looking forward to two big wins,” she said.
The first, she hoped, was against rival St. Charles North, ranked second in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, in their conference rivalry game Tuesday. St. Charles East delivered with the first goal. The North Stars fought back with two goals four minutes apart, including the game-winner by forward Sarah Andrey in the 67th minute, for the 2-1 victory.
The other win Carranza envisioned is against Neuqua Valley on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Naperville Invitational.
Other developments shook up was has been the normal rhythm of the season.
On Wednesday night, Fremd administered the shock heard around the state by defeating top-ranked and two-time defending Class 3A state champion Barrington 2-1 on the Fillies’ home field.
There is the rub: these other results only magnify the importance and difficulty of the quest ahead for the teams in the championship bracket, or as Naperville North coach Steve Goletz affectionately calls it, “the gauntlet.”
The 22nd iteration of the state’s best, most prestigious tournament enters its final stages starting Thursday night with the four quarterfinals played at three locations: no. 20 Loyola at no. 1 Barrington at 5:30 p..m.; Carranza’s St. Charles East team squaring off against no. 10 Neuqua Valley at 7 p.m. at Naperville North in the top half of the bracket.
In the lower bracket, St. Charles North meets no. 9 Benet at 7 p.m. at Naperville Central, and in a rematch of last year’s tournament title game, no. 4 New Trier visits no. 7 Naperville North at 5 p.m.
Postseason history is on the side of the tournament. Twenty-seven of the 31 schools to win either the single-class or large school state championship have connections to the Naperville Invitational.
The tournament began in 1998 with a two-pool, eight-team format that originally crowned two separate champions: Naperville North and Sandburg. The early success paved the way for its rapid expansion to 16 teams. The New Trier and Waubonsie Valley state championship/powerhouse programs of the early aughts dominated the next decade of the tournament.
In 2010 the tournament adopted its current eight-pool, 24-team format with the group winners advancing to the quarterfinals of the championship knockout bracket.
Winning the invitational is just as hard if not more daunting than winning the state championship. The last seven Class 3A state champions have come out of this tournament. Of those teams, only Naperville North (2013) and Barrington (2017) have won the invitational and the state tournament in the same year.
It takes luck, skill and talent to survive the grueling format: three games in less than 40 hours. The platform is exhilarating and provides the chance to see great teams and great players playing in games of high-level skill, competition and intensity. Reputations matter, as does the pride and consequence of winning.
Fourteen of the 24 teams in the field are ranked in the current Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 poll. Seven of the top 10 teams make up the quarterfinal. The only team out of the list, no. 20 Loyola, has shown rapid improvement.
Barrington coach Ryan Stengren knew his team was going to be extended with conference games on Monday and Wednesday followed by the potential of three games in three days. The Fillies’ season has been marked by a void due to the offseason ACL tear of Ashley Prell, the state’s top player.
As Stengren pointed out, the Fillies have sufficient depth and talent to cope with her loss, but her absence becomes more pointed the bigger the game. Barrington (11-1-1) has one of Illinois' best juniors in the agile and dynamic Tina Teik and a strong and athletic backline anchored by Christine Batliner and Madi Rosen. Ashley Rocco, Rebecca Shomaker and Jen Devona are additional offensive players to watch.
Despite its modest record, Loyola (5-4-2) is dangerous, a team finding its identity and groove at the right time. The Ramblers have recent wins over no. 16 Glenbrook South and and previously top 10-ranked Fremd and tied the city’s best team, no. 14 Lane.
Like New Trier and Naperville North, Loyola jumped from one elite tournament -- the Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Classic -- to the invitational. The fact the Ramblers captured their bracket testifies to their development and growth. The team has a curious mixture of established and savvy talent like midfielder/defender Lauren Daffada and Maggie Brett, a two-time Chicagoland Soccer all-state player making her slow, steady return to action following her own serious knee injury.
Loyola is a team infused with energy and youth, especially two freshmen, forward Molly Sipe and midfielder Grace Ehlert. Even in her restricted capacity, Brett has had a profound impact with the younger players. “She is an awesome leader and a great teammate,” freshman midfielder Isabella Guzman said.
Another freshman, defender Maya Basan, has stabilized the back and provides a skilled talent and a specialist’s edge with her outstanding accuracy and range on free kicks. Shannon Hartinger, the Ramblers’ new coach, stressed growth and development, and has a fast-paced and possessive team that looks to attack.
“We want to play in these big, important tournaments, because they give us a sense of who we are and how we match up, and they get us ready for the state playoffs as well,” Hartinger said.
The early week setbacks suffered by St. Charles East and Barrington hardly detract from the importance of the tournament. Those games only reiterate an important point. The invitational is not a bubble, but something woven into the normal fabric of the season. Naturally, it is heir to the typical ebb and flow of the season, fatigue, injuries and changes of momentum.
Despite the setback against St. Charles North, the Saints (12-5-0) remain formidable, with a fantastic goal-differential and the ability to score against anybody, evidenced by the 5-0 score over no. 15 Waubonsie Valley in group play.
“Early in the year we were struggling with communication, but lately we have been playing mistake-free soccer, and it has been fun to see,” coach Vince DiNuzzo said. “With our defense we have a lot of versatility and athleticism, and the players have shown a great understanding and decision-making about the game.
“Our approach this whole season is one game at a time. We watch and analyze film and talk about different areas or parts of the game.”
The Saints also have an exceptional middle of the attack with Kayla Villa and Renee Unterberg, who are blessed with a scorer’s mentality and the creativity and ball skills to be dangerous anywhere on the field. Jenna Sitta has emerged in her sophomore year, and the addition of the big and powerful transfer forward Elle McCaslin, a 6-footer who runs like a gazelle, has diversified an already potent attack. McCaslin has scored 19 goals.
“We really love to play in the big games,” McCaslin said. “We are looking forward to the game with Neuqua.”
Neuqua Valley (6-2-3) is riding a four-game winning streak. The Wildcats are unbeaten in their last six games (5-0-1). Coach Joe Moreau has done exceptional work experimenting with roster and positional changes to maximize his team’s potential. The Wildcats have played no. 1 Barrington, no. 2 St. Charles North and Illinois 10 poll no. 1 Columbia.
Moreau shifted former defenders Shannon Tagler and Erin McCarthy into the top of the Wildcats’ attack, and the change has electrified their offense. Neuqua Valley is quick and explosive in space and has demonstrated the ability to finish. In their last five games, the Wildcats have tied no. 18 Batavia and beaten honorable mention team Naperville Central, no. 21 Lemont, no. 19 Sandburg and no. 11 Geneva.
The wins over Sandburg and Geneva punched their ticket to the quarterfinal bracket. Neuqua Valley is playing three forwards with McCarthy, Tagler and Alison Dovalovsky. Sophomore midfielder Katelyn Nardulli has been a revelation.
The lower bracket defies analysis. The state tournament would be thrilled to equal this final four: New Trier and Naperville North won five of the last seven Class 3A state championships. They finished second and third, respectively, in last year’s state tournament. Benet reached a Class AA supersectional. St. Charles North was undefeated until losing at Barrington in a Class 3A supersectional.
Benet made history when it became the first team in program history to reach the quarterfinal round with a dominant 3-0 victory over Naperville Central. The Redhawks (13-1-0) enter the championship bracket with the highest win total.
Despite missing the Redwings’ 7-3 victory over Carmel on Tuesday, senior forward Abby Casmere has been brilliant, a thrilling and dynamic player in space with a flair for the game and a great feel for using her body to create separation and smash balls home.
“Every time she is in that position she is looking to score,” Benet coach Gerald Oconer said. The Redwings have speed, skill and shot makers at virtually every offensive position. Forwards Jaime Cibulka and Mia Tommasome are each dangerous, savvy, technically skilled players who work exceptionally well together.
Mia Ullmer, Nicole Burns and Kayla Brannigan are sound in the middle, gifted passers and facilitators who help the offense push forward. Kate Flynn and Mary Kate Hansen are polished, skilled defenders. Keeper Eva Frantzen has been exceptional with 11 shutouts.
St. Charles North (11-0-1) has allowed just six goals in 12 games, four in the last 11. The North Stars are a new addition to the field, and their presence arguably makes this the deepest in the tournament's history.
After a year playing in the back, Cece Wahlberg is back in the middle as a creator and facilitator who makes the offense hum. Midfielder Sami Rydberg has also been electrifying, a difference-maker with her speed and athleticism. Alyssa Kraft and Maddie Rossi balance out the middle. Claudia Najera and Sarah Andrey are the attacking pieces at the top of the formation.
That backline that has been virtually impenetrable has gotten better with each game. The North Stars have not allowed a goal in the tournament after posting shutout victories over Palatine and no. 13 Evanston in group play. Keeper Sara Maleski has been stellar, supported by rising star Makenna Collins, Ali Wessex, Grace Barresi and Bridget Wolf.
Fittingly the final game of the draw, New Trier and Naperville North, is arguably the most illustrious. New Trier defeated the Huskies 1-0 in last year’s final. Naperville North (7-3-1) has appeared in the last four tournament finals.
The Huskies survived no. 8 Lyons in group play.
“I have said when our girls are willing to fight and battle, do the little things, play hard and defend, we are tough to break down, and we have that with some of the teams we have played, beating a great Evanston team, Lyons and Waubonsie Valley,” coach Steve Goletz said.
“I am excited to get another run at one of the top programs in the state,” he said.
Juniors Hannah Martin and Leah Shumate have been wondrous for the Huskies. Northwestern recruit Reilly Riggs is a beast in the backline and a dangerous threat on set pieces with her length and size.
Wisconsin recruit Maddie Schlecht, a defender in the past, brings poise, balance and a dangerous skill set as a midfielder.
“Since I was used to playing defense in club, making the transition into the pivot has been great,” Schlecht said.
Since suffering its first loss against no. 3 Stevenson in the championship of the Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Classic on April 15, New Trier (12-1-5) has been untouchable, with very impressive wins over no. 12 Conant and Maine South.
The name that hardly needs mention is Emma Weaver, the junior midfielder, who has staked her claim to being the best player in the state with her brilliant play, scoring prowess and flexibility and talent to take over games. Her running mate in the middle, Lily Conley, has been outstanding as well. And a young, talented supporting cast has come of age through the first six weeks of the season.
Now that they have the experience, New Trier has been absorbing everyone’s best shot. Keeper Megan Dwyer has been a terminator in the net. The Trevians are confident and developing with each game. New Trier is going to be a very difficult out.
Steve Goletz said it, but any of the coaches would reiterate the point: “Every game is going to be tough from here on out.”
By Patrick Z. McGavin
Alondra Carranza is one of the elite juniors in the state, a skilled and athletic defender with a knack for disruption and closure. She is also not afraid to stick her neck out.
“I am looking forward to two big wins,” she said.
The first, she hoped, was against rival St. Charles North, ranked second in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, in their conference rivalry game Tuesday. St. Charles East delivered with the first goal. The North Stars fought back with two goals four minutes apart, including the game-winner by forward Sarah Andrey in the 67th minute, for the 2-1 victory.
The other win Carranza envisioned is against Neuqua Valley on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Naperville Invitational.
Other developments shook up was has been the normal rhythm of the season.
On Wednesday night, Fremd administered the shock heard around the state by defeating top-ranked and two-time defending Class 3A state champion Barrington 2-1 on the Fillies’ home field.
There is the rub: these other results only magnify the importance and difficulty of the quest ahead for the teams in the championship bracket, or as Naperville North coach Steve Goletz affectionately calls it, “the gauntlet.”
The 22nd iteration of the state’s best, most prestigious tournament enters its final stages starting Thursday night with the four quarterfinals played at three locations: no. 20 Loyola at no. 1 Barrington at 5:30 p..m.; Carranza’s St. Charles East team squaring off against no. 10 Neuqua Valley at 7 p.m. at Naperville North in the top half of the bracket.
In the lower bracket, St. Charles North meets no. 9 Benet at 7 p.m. at Naperville Central, and in a rematch of last year’s tournament title game, no. 4 New Trier visits no. 7 Naperville North at 5 p.m.
Postseason history is on the side of the tournament. Twenty-seven of the 31 schools to win either the single-class or large school state championship have connections to the Naperville Invitational.
The tournament began in 1998 with a two-pool, eight-team format that originally crowned two separate champions: Naperville North and Sandburg. The early success paved the way for its rapid expansion to 16 teams. The New Trier and Waubonsie Valley state championship/powerhouse programs of the early aughts dominated the next decade of the tournament.
In 2010 the tournament adopted its current eight-pool, 24-team format with the group winners advancing to the quarterfinals of the championship knockout bracket.
Winning the invitational is just as hard if not more daunting than winning the state championship. The last seven Class 3A state champions have come out of this tournament. Of those teams, only Naperville North (2013) and Barrington (2017) have won the invitational and the state tournament in the same year.
It takes luck, skill and talent to survive the grueling format: three games in less than 40 hours. The platform is exhilarating and provides the chance to see great teams and great players playing in games of high-level skill, competition and intensity. Reputations matter, as does the pride and consequence of winning.
Fourteen of the 24 teams in the field are ranked in the current Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 poll. Seven of the top 10 teams make up the quarterfinal. The only team out of the list, no. 20 Loyola, has shown rapid improvement.
Barrington coach Ryan Stengren knew his team was going to be extended with conference games on Monday and Wednesday followed by the potential of three games in three days. The Fillies’ season has been marked by a void due to the offseason ACL tear of Ashley Prell, the state’s top player.
As Stengren pointed out, the Fillies have sufficient depth and talent to cope with her loss, but her absence becomes more pointed the bigger the game. Barrington (11-1-1) has one of Illinois' best juniors in the agile and dynamic Tina Teik and a strong and athletic backline anchored by Christine Batliner and Madi Rosen. Ashley Rocco, Rebecca Shomaker and Jen Devona are additional offensive players to watch.
Despite its modest record, Loyola (5-4-2) is dangerous, a team finding its identity and groove at the right time. The Ramblers have recent wins over no. 16 Glenbrook South and and previously top 10-ranked Fremd and tied the city’s best team, no. 14 Lane.
Like New Trier and Naperville North, Loyola jumped from one elite tournament -- the Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Classic -- to the invitational. The fact the Ramblers captured their bracket testifies to their development and growth. The team has a curious mixture of established and savvy talent like midfielder/defender Lauren Daffada and Maggie Brett, a two-time Chicagoland Soccer all-state player making her slow, steady return to action following her own serious knee injury.
Loyola is a team infused with energy and youth, especially two freshmen, forward Molly Sipe and midfielder Grace Ehlert. Even in her restricted capacity, Brett has had a profound impact with the younger players. “She is an awesome leader and a great teammate,” freshman midfielder Isabella Guzman said.
Another freshman, defender Maya Basan, has stabilized the back and provides a skilled talent and a specialist’s edge with her outstanding accuracy and range on free kicks. Shannon Hartinger, the Ramblers’ new coach, stressed growth and development, and has a fast-paced and possessive team that looks to attack.
“We want to play in these big, important tournaments, because they give us a sense of who we are and how we match up, and they get us ready for the state playoffs as well,” Hartinger said.
The early week setbacks suffered by St. Charles East and Barrington hardly detract from the importance of the tournament. Those games only reiterate an important point. The invitational is not a bubble, but something woven into the normal fabric of the season. Naturally, it is heir to the typical ebb and flow of the season, fatigue, injuries and changes of momentum.
Despite the setback against St. Charles North, the Saints (12-5-0) remain formidable, with a fantastic goal-differential and the ability to score against anybody, evidenced by the 5-0 score over no. 15 Waubonsie Valley in group play.
“Early in the year we were struggling with communication, but lately we have been playing mistake-free soccer, and it has been fun to see,” coach Vince DiNuzzo said. “With our defense we have a lot of versatility and athleticism, and the players have shown a great understanding and decision-making about the game.
“Our approach this whole season is one game at a time. We watch and analyze film and talk about different areas or parts of the game.”
The Saints also have an exceptional middle of the attack with Kayla Villa and Renee Unterberg, who are blessed with a scorer’s mentality and the creativity and ball skills to be dangerous anywhere on the field. Jenna Sitta has emerged in her sophomore year, and the addition of the big and powerful transfer forward Elle McCaslin, a 6-footer who runs like a gazelle, has diversified an already potent attack. McCaslin has scored 19 goals.
“We really love to play in the big games,” McCaslin said. “We are looking forward to the game with Neuqua.”
Neuqua Valley (6-2-3) is riding a four-game winning streak. The Wildcats are unbeaten in their last six games (5-0-1). Coach Joe Moreau has done exceptional work experimenting with roster and positional changes to maximize his team’s potential. The Wildcats have played no. 1 Barrington, no. 2 St. Charles North and Illinois 10 poll no. 1 Columbia.
Moreau shifted former defenders Shannon Tagler and Erin McCarthy into the top of the Wildcats’ attack, and the change has electrified their offense. Neuqua Valley is quick and explosive in space and has demonstrated the ability to finish. In their last five games, the Wildcats have tied no. 18 Batavia and beaten honorable mention team Naperville Central, no. 21 Lemont, no. 19 Sandburg and no. 11 Geneva.
The wins over Sandburg and Geneva punched their ticket to the quarterfinal bracket. Neuqua Valley is playing three forwards with McCarthy, Tagler and Alison Dovalovsky. Sophomore midfielder Katelyn Nardulli has been a revelation.
The lower bracket defies analysis. The state tournament would be thrilled to equal this final four: New Trier and Naperville North won five of the last seven Class 3A state championships. They finished second and third, respectively, in last year’s state tournament. Benet reached a Class AA supersectional. St. Charles North was undefeated until losing at Barrington in a Class 3A supersectional.
Benet made history when it became the first team in program history to reach the quarterfinal round with a dominant 3-0 victory over Naperville Central. The Redhawks (13-1-0) enter the championship bracket with the highest win total.
Despite missing the Redwings’ 7-3 victory over Carmel on Tuesday, senior forward Abby Casmere has been brilliant, a thrilling and dynamic player in space with a flair for the game and a great feel for using her body to create separation and smash balls home.
“Every time she is in that position she is looking to score,” Benet coach Gerald Oconer said. The Redwings have speed, skill and shot makers at virtually every offensive position. Forwards Jaime Cibulka and Mia Tommasome are each dangerous, savvy, technically skilled players who work exceptionally well together.
Mia Ullmer, Nicole Burns and Kayla Brannigan are sound in the middle, gifted passers and facilitators who help the offense push forward. Kate Flynn and Mary Kate Hansen are polished, skilled defenders. Keeper Eva Frantzen has been exceptional with 11 shutouts.
St. Charles North (11-0-1) has allowed just six goals in 12 games, four in the last 11. The North Stars are a new addition to the field, and their presence arguably makes this the deepest in the tournament's history.
After a year playing in the back, Cece Wahlberg is back in the middle as a creator and facilitator who makes the offense hum. Midfielder Sami Rydberg has also been electrifying, a difference-maker with her speed and athleticism. Alyssa Kraft and Maddie Rossi balance out the middle. Claudia Najera and Sarah Andrey are the attacking pieces at the top of the formation.
That backline that has been virtually impenetrable has gotten better with each game. The North Stars have not allowed a goal in the tournament after posting shutout victories over Palatine and no. 13 Evanston in group play. Keeper Sara Maleski has been stellar, supported by rising star Makenna Collins, Ali Wessex, Grace Barresi and Bridget Wolf.
Fittingly the final game of the draw, New Trier and Naperville North, is arguably the most illustrious. New Trier defeated the Huskies 1-0 in last year’s final. Naperville North (7-3-1) has appeared in the last four tournament finals.
The Huskies survived no. 8 Lyons in group play.
“I have said when our girls are willing to fight and battle, do the little things, play hard and defend, we are tough to break down, and we have that with some of the teams we have played, beating a great Evanston team, Lyons and Waubonsie Valley,” coach Steve Goletz said.
“I am excited to get another run at one of the top programs in the state,” he said.
Juniors Hannah Martin and Leah Shumate have been wondrous for the Huskies. Northwestern recruit Reilly Riggs is a beast in the backline and a dangerous threat on set pieces with her length and size.
Wisconsin recruit Maddie Schlecht, a defender in the past, brings poise, balance and a dangerous skill set as a midfielder.
“Since I was used to playing defense in club, making the transition into the pivot has been great,” Schlecht said.
Since suffering its first loss against no. 3 Stevenson in the championship of the Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Classic on April 15, New Trier (12-1-5) has been untouchable, with very impressive wins over no. 12 Conant and Maine South.
The name that hardly needs mention is Emma Weaver, the junior midfielder, who has staked her claim to being the best player in the state with her brilliant play, scoring prowess and flexibility and talent to take over games. Her running mate in the middle, Lily Conley, has been outstanding as well. And a young, talented supporting cast has come of age through the first six weeks of the season.
Now that they have the experience, New Trier has been absorbing everyone’s best shot. Keeper Megan Dwyer has been a terminator in the net. The Trevians are confident and developing with each game. New Trier is going to be a very difficult out.
Steve Goletz said it, but any of the coaches would reiterate the point: “Every game is going to be tough from here on out.”