Deerfield, Niles North seek
elusive 1st league win
By Bobby Narang
Niles North has had a successful first half of the season.
Meanwhile, Deerfield is looking to turn its campaign around and a home victory would be a good place to start.
The Central Suburban League North Division teams will battle at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Click here to see the CSL North Division standings
Oddly, both teams are also looking for their first conference win.
Niles North (9-1-3, 0-0-2) has dealt with some key starters missing in their league games. Deerfield (4-6-1, 0-1-1) tied with Highland Park and dropped a 3-0 decision to Maine East on Friday.
“We’ve played well in conference but have played without five starters due to injuries,” Niles North coach Filip Cejovic said. “The team is a bit beat up, and we have had other players step up. Some sophomores have gotten quality playing time and contributed. We’re hopeful to get a couple of starters back this week.
“The key to our season thus far has been the approach and attitude of the boys. We try to compete and be courageous on the pitch, while playing the right way.
“It has taken a long time at Niles North for our boys to believe in themselves and believe that we can win games, and against anyone. Our goalkeeper, Colin Schnabel, is the anchor of our team. He’s very strong as a shot-stopper as well as a distributor offensively.”
Deerfield coach Ryan Crane said his team has to shore up some mistakes on the offensive end at the midpoint of the season, starting with Tuesday’s home game.
“We need to be more dynamic offensively,” Crane said. “We have a habit of being too static and expecting good things to happen when we get the ball. We have to work harder on the ball to make sure that we can take advantage of the chances that we create.
“This team has consistently worked hard in practices, which has made them very easy to coach. The season can be intense and emotional, and it can be easy for players to take a day off in training here or there. This group hasn't done that, and we've had some really spirited sessions that have translated well into our matches.”
Crane mentioned the consistent play of Nathan Garcia and Addison Simon as positives heading into the crucial game against the Vikings.
“Nathan Garcia has been a force for us in the midfield, leading the team in tackles won and competing hard in the air,” Crane said. “He's been a key player when we've been able to put teams under pressure through team pressing with his intense work-rate.
“Addison Simon has been contributing more for us offensively over the last few weeks. He's been able to win the ball in the midfield, distribute to a teammate, and continue moving forward to find the ball in dangerous areas. He finished a nice goal against Highland Park.”
Crane said Niles North has a solid cast of players capable of making the Warriors pay for any mistakes in the backline.
“Niles North can be very effective on the counter,” Crane said. “They’ve got a good combination of speed and skill and can use it to hurt teams who are too slow to transition to defense.
“They've had some solid results and are coached well. It will be important for us to identify what Niles North wants to do and take them out of their game.”
Cejovic said the Warriors’ record is not a true reflection of their strength. He expects a tough 80-minute battle.
“Deerfield is a historic and proud soccer program,” he said. “They’re always well coached with determined players executing the game plan. It’s always a fun high school game to be a part of. We’re working consciously for our players to be ready and aware of Deerfield's tactical changes.”
elusive 1st league win
By Bobby Narang
Niles North has had a successful first half of the season.
Meanwhile, Deerfield is looking to turn its campaign around and a home victory would be a good place to start.
The Central Suburban League North Division teams will battle at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Click here to see the CSL North Division standings
Oddly, both teams are also looking for their first conference win.
Niles North (9-1-3, 0-0-2) has dealt with some key starters missing in their league games. Deerfield (4-6-1, 0-1-1) tied with Highland Park and dropped a 3-0 decision to Maine East on Friday.
“We’ve played well in conference but have played without five starters due to injuries,” Niles North coach Filip Cejovic said. “The team is a bit beat up, and we have had other players step up. Some sophomores have gotten quality playing time and contributed. We’re hopeful to get a couple of starters back this week.
“The key to our season thus far has been the approach and attitude of the boys. We try to compete and be courageous on the pitch, while playing the right way.
“It has taken a long time at Niles North for our boys to believe in themselves and believe that we can win games, and against anyone. Our goalkeeper, Colin Schnabel, is the anchor of our team. He’s very strong as a shot-stopper as well as a distributor offensively.”
Deerfield coach Ryan Crane said his team has to shore up some mistakes on the offensive end at the midpoint of the season, starting with Tuesday’s home game.
“We need to be more dynamic offensively,” Crane said. “We have a habit of being too static and expecting good things to happen when we get the ball. We have to work harder on the ball to make sure that we can take advantage of the chances that we create.
“This team has consistently worked hard in practices, which has made them very easy to coach. The season can be intense and emotional, and it can be easy for players to take a day off in training here or there. This group hasn't done that, and we've had some really spirited sessions that have translated well into our matches.”
Crane mentioned the consistent play of Nathan Garcia and Addison Simon as positives heading into the crucial game against the Vikings.
“Nathan Garcia has been a force for us in the midfield, leading the team in tackles won and competing hard in the air,” Crane said. “He's been a key player when we've been able to put teams under pressure through team pressing with his intense work-rate.
“Addison Simon has been contributing more for us offensively over the last few weeks. He's been able to win the ball in the midfield, distribute to a teammate, and continue moving forward to find the ball in dangerous areas. He finished a nice goal against Highland Park.”
Crane said Niles North has a solid cast of players capable of making the Warriors pay for any mistakes in the backline.
“Niles North can be very effective on the counter,” Crane said. “They’ve got a good combination of speed and skill and can use it to hurt teams who are too slow to transition to defense.
“They've had some solid results and are coached well. It will be important for us to identify what Niles North wants to do and take them out of their game.”
Cejovic said the Warriors’ record is not a true reflection of their strength. He expects a tough 80-minute battle.
“Deerfield is a historic and proud soccer program,” he said. “They’re always well coached with determined players executing the game plan. It’s always a fun high school game to be a part of. We’re working consciously for our players to be ready and aware of Deerfield's tactical changes.”