Season recap: DuKane Conference
By Steve Nemeth
Looking back on the DuKane Conference’s inaugural season of girls soccer, week after week and match after match, it was like a skeet shoot.
As often as a team took aim at someone, the target was also on their back.
Pull: a win streak is shot down. Pull: a losing streak is blasted. Pull: expectations get shattered. Pull: favorite status goes to pieces. Pull: conventional wisdom lasts only until the next shot on goal is taken.
Not surprisingly, it came down to the very last day and a literal last shot.
In that May 9 quadruple-header of conference action, Wheaton Warrenville South -- despite an 0-2-0 league start -- impacted the final standings when the Tigers scratched out a 0-0 draw at St. Charles North, preventing the North Stars from gaining a part of the league crown.
Unable to overcome 2-1 deficits versus the top three finishers, Geneva realistically couldn’t navigate a title share, so the Vikings took out their frustrations on a Glenbard North program trapped in the DKC cellar.
Nearby at St. Charles East, a fifth-straight victory march enabled the Saints to become loop co-champs despite yet another all-heart effort by a shorthanded and youthful Lake Park crew.
Meanwhile at Wheaton North, co-champion status for Batavia hung by a Falcons talon until a Bulldog goal with a mere 10 seconds left in regulation gave them a piece of the crown.
The final 2019 standings showed Batavia and St. Charles East sharing the top slot with 6-1-0 records (18 points), St. Charles North in third at 5-1-1 (16), Geneva fourth at 4-3 (12), Wheaton Warrenville South in fifth at 3-3-1 (10), Wheaton North sixth at 2-5-0 (6), Lake Park seventh at 1-6-0 (3), and Glenbard North eighth at 0-7-0.
There was unanimous consent that year one was a success and only greater and more intense soccer will follow.
“It is a fiercely competitive conference which provided a lot of high-intensity games and learning experiences,” veteran Geneva coach Megan Owens said. “I truly believe it is one of the toughest conferences in the state with a lot of perennial powerhouses.
“It is also fitting that the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year (East’s Ellie McCaslin) came from our league,” Owens noted. “The tenacity and high level of play of all the DuKane games only serves to make all the teams stronger.”
“Coming from the DVC (DuPage Valley Conference), I had some concerns about the transition,” longtime Wheaton Warrenville South coach Guy Callipari said. “But I was very pleased in getting to know us as a new group; all player-oriented, wanting to be a best conference in the state, committed to integrity, sportsmanship, and respecting each other.”
“There was school-wide excitement for the change in all sports but from a girls soccer standpoint, we’re very pleased with the quality of competition,” St. Charles North coach Brian Harks said. “Every team is well-coached, hard-working and always a challenge.”
Crosstown rival St. Charles East coach Vince DiNuzzo concurred: “There are no gimmes. The DuKane allowed us to maintain our Tri-Cities rivalries and is creating new ones. As a league, it’s fantastic preparation for the postseason. We look forward to the continued competition and camaradaries.”
Minus the advantage of all of the above as a backdrop -- and prior to a team-by-team synopsis -- true hindsight involves using the DKC schedule as a timeline for what unfolded.
Unlike the boys slate from the fall of 2018 which began with a common opening date, the girls schedule advanced at a different pace following the hsitoric March 23 DKC debut that matched Lake Park at St. Charles North. It would be hard to imagine a more difficult introduction for a Lancers program that had its share of struggles from its days in the equally highly-regarded DuPage Valley Conference.
A predominantly young Lake Park squad -- with a mere five seniors on the only DKC roster without double-digit combined numbers for seniors and juniors -- opened on the road against St. Charles North. The North Stars were Chicagoland Soccer’s no. 2-ranked team from the Preseason Top 25 and spent six more weeks in that spot and one week at no. 1 in the first seven weeks of the season. Lake Park was a mere 4-16-0 the season prior and yet the Lancers trailed 1-0 at intermission. A St. Charles North second half PK ended the scoring.
On April 2, Lake Park hosted Wheaton North which also managed a quartet of victories (4-14-2) in 2018. In a pattern that would become all-too familiar for Lancers coach Sean Crosby, senior goalie Sarah Yochem doggedly maintained a scoreless draw into the second half.
Elevating their play and future hopes for Wheaton North were a pair of speedy Falcons forwards: sophomore Kayla Shebar and freshman Olivia Moreno. Just over 28 minutes remained when Yochem thwarted a left-footed blast from Shebar only to have Moreno pounce on the rebound for a tap-in. Eleven minutes plus Ryan Winckler added an insurance strike.
“We have people who can beat you with speed and technical skill,” North coach Tim McEvilly said. “And when you create opportunities, you get those scoring chances.”
Yoachem’s response was simple: “We’re gonna learn from this, take it into practice and move forward.”
“It’s a great group of kids who want to get better,” Crosby said. “The majority are young, and they want to show they can play and compete.”
Two days later in a visit to red-hot Batavia, Lake Park was down 2-0 at the break, but then held firm over the final 40 minutes. Half the conference had yet to play a league match, but Lake Park was already 0-3-0 by virtue of a trio of tough two-goal setbacks.
That same night saw Geneva at Wheaton Warrenville South for the DKC debut for each team. Caitlin Farrell used Stephanie Howe’s set-up for a lead 10 minutes in and Howe utilized a Jenna Dominguez assist for a bang-bang Vikings lead.
But before the opening half ended, Geneva was targeted. South scored within three minutes and pulled even by intermission. The pace was wide-open and relentless.
“It was awesome to see that even though we were down 2-0, we were still able to get back up,” South’s Molly Fank said.
“They ran themslves into the ground the last 20 minutes of the first half,” Tigers coach Callipari said. “We ran ourselves into the ground as well, and then it was just punch for punch and who was going to be left standing.”
Geneva hit the bullseye with 13:15 to be played when Dominguez made the most of a Howe pass.
“Knowing what a dangerous team they were, we had to stay dicsiplined, and that’s what kept the energy going.” Dominguez said.
“It was a great battle,” Owens insisted. “This is our first game of a brand-new conference, and I thought both teams played really well. There was a lot of quality soccer all around.”
Callipari echoed the view: “It will be a wild ride, and that’s what we wanted. The first championship is up for grabs. I believe the bar has been raised and everybody is going to try to attain that.”
On April 11, Batavia tallied a 4-0 road win at Glenbard North. Two nights later Geneva got stung 2-1 at East in a match that saw the scoring end after the opening half, making for a physical and emotional second 40 minutes. The final margin -- if not the outcome -- was decided with 3:49 left when Dominguez had a fastbreak negated by the hustle of Saints standout defender Alondra Carranza.
“….that was a game-changing moment,” East’s DiNuzzo said.
April 17 was -- unfortunately for South -- a dark and stormy night. Host Batavia scored in the 28th minute and the visiting Tigers were pressing hard for an equalizer throughout the second half. The tenacity of the Bulldogs defenders was cemented as well as their ablity to work with either freshman Aubrey Hahn or junior Hailey Flannagan, who alternated halves in goal throughout the year.
However, there was 5:05 still showing on the scoreboard when Mother Nature intervened in South’s comeback bid and the referee ruled the game official.
The next evening saw Wheaton North notch a 4-0 home triumph over Glenbard North. Suddenly the Falcons owned a four-match win streak on top of having won seven of eight matches to stand 7-6-1 overall. An 0-4-0 season start was in the rearview mirror.
Who yelled “pull?” Or maybe it mirrored that Sinatra lyric about “flying high in April” and shot down by the DKC before May. Unfortunately for the Falcons the streak ended April 20 in a 3-0 loss at St. Charles North.
April 23 was the first of three full slates on the DKC docket. Cellar-dweller clashes generally are nothing to write home about, but that wasn’t the case for the Lancers and their 2-0 shutout of Glenbard North.
“That was our first conference win in three seasons,” Crosby said with the belief that one has to walk before you can run.
That evening included the Wheaton Cup showdown where rival South squeezed out a 1-0 triumph over crosstown North. League losses to Geneva and East followed as the Falcons fortunes took a tailspin. Conversely, South was newly energized and won five straight including a trio of conquests that netted the championship trophy at the downstate Sacred Heart-Griffin Cyclone Invitational.
But let’s backtrack to the other two April 23rd contests.
With both schools steadily accumulating victories, Geneva liked its odds of staying in the DuKane hunt, especially after the dynamic senior duo of Howe and Dominguez put the Vikings ahead 1-0 at Batavia. As can be the case, an ensuing whistle that gave the host Bulldogs a PK depended on the respective bench view. Either way, Batavia converted for a 1-1 draw at the break.
Emerging as a constant scoring threat and indefatigueable player, Grace Salyers followed up her PK success with a goal that gave the Bulldogs a somewhat rare win over their Tri-Cities rival. Batavia’s goalie flipping didn’t flop, and it became the fifth time in 15 games that the “Dawgs” yielded a single goal while also owning nine clean-sheets.
Geneva, on the other hand, suddenly was saddled with a second DKC loss versus the assumption the final standings would most likely feature someone with a lone defeat.
And that night included more Tri-Cities intrigue from the "Battle of St. Charles."
East owned a 1-0 halftime edge only to watch host North once again rally to continue its spell on the Saints. When the two met early in April for the championship of the St. Charles Augsburg-Drach Invitational, North negated an early goal for a halftime draw before winning 2-1. In the DKC meeting, second half goals six minutes apart produced the same result and East coach DiNuzzo’s admission of frustration.
“Yeah we all know about the last time thing it’s the big elephant in the room,” DiNuzzo said in reference to East’s continued derby disappointments. Aside from a 2-1 sectional semifinal win in 2014, the previous Saints victory over North happened way back in the 2005 regular season.
Returning to the timeline, the April 25 South victory over Lake Park was noteable not for the score (7-0) but the sportsmanship and a unique footnote. Callipari thanked coach Crosby and his Lancers for allowing injured players Molly Fank and Allie Anderson to start on Senior Night, and both get a touch before Lake Park kicked the ball out to allow for substitutes. In his 25th year with the girls program, Callipari also couldn’t recall ever coaching a high school game with an all-women officiating crew (Jennifer Mayfield, Kelly McLean and Hanah Shehaiber).
The North Stars looked bright in a 5-0 visit to Glenbard North on April 29, the eve of a DKC double-bill.
Geneva recovered from a setback with a 3-1 home triumph over Wheaton North. East bounced back by snapping South’s string of success in a tense 1-0 tangle that tipped on the strength of a 29-yard Carranza “cracker.” The Saints’ league hopes were renewed at 2-1-0 while the Tigers’ tail dipped to 2-3-0.
May 2 was the second DKC quadruple-header. Highlight-reel worthy moments were few in number in most meetings. South got back on a winning track with a 5-0 shutout at Glenbard North.
Just 1:46 prior to halftime, host Lake Park drew even with Geneva.
“Any goal in the DKC is a big thing. Everyone got excited when we scored, but you have to keep fighting,” Lancer soph Emma Thorne said in regard to her corner kick which teammate Melyssa Hernandez tapped home after it pinballed off Viking defenders.
However, Geneva countered three times in the final 40 minutes for the ultimate 4-1 win.
At Wheaton North, statistics favored visiting East but the scoreboard pleased the host Falcons. It may have been one of only two shots on goal, but Riley Winckler’s 17-yard mid-air volley showed records and standings guarantee nothing and provided a 1-0 lead.
“We have a group of young ladies that proved two things tonight,” North’s McEvilly said. “Number one, we can score on anybody. Number two, we can make anybody’s life a living heck. That’s a good East team, but like other good teams we make them fight for everything they can earn and we do that for 80 minutes.”
DiNuzzo’s halftime speech included getting an early goal to regain confidence.
That message was received as Kayla Miller scored off a cross just 37 seconds into the second half. In an encore to her game-winner two nights before against the other Wheaton, Carranza curved home a 19-yard free kick so that East could slide by 2-1.
However, the night’s headline story was a Batavia upset over visiting St. Charles North. This was the “expectations shattered, favorite status goes to pieces” effort.
Initially it appeared as if the North Stars’ 1-0 halftime lead would be preserved as the match entered the final 20 minutes. However, Bulldogs senior standout Anna Holcombe’s free kick was redirected by Bella Zink in the 62nd minute. Ten minutes later, Zink returned the favor assisting on a Holcombe goal that ended a 58-match, regular season unbeaten streak for North.
“Batavia had some free kick opportunities, they took advantage of them and found the back of the net, and we didn't," North coach Brian Harks stated. "I'm proud of the way our girls fought, but you just have to tip your cap to the way Batavia was able to finish opportunities tonight."
But as quickly as the standings scale tipped toward the Bulldogs it was time for Tri-Cities Night, the annual rivalry matches that were guaranteed to continue when the DuKane was formed by merging four Upstate Eight Conference River Division rivals with four ex-DuPage Valley Conference squads.
Exhibiting its trademark resolve, Geneva cut into a 2-0 intermission deficit 16 minutes into the second half. But North wanted no part of that “2-0 is the most dangerous lead” thinking and scored within nine minutes to mathematically ground the Vikings while staying in the title hunt.
That became especially true after East tagged Batavia with a double-take DKC defeat. The Bulldogs’ staunch defense -- allowing a mere six goals in the previous 16 outings -- appeared only to be dented with the 1-1 halftime stalement.
However, just as she had done in their previous victory, a quick Miller score (2:05 into the second half) put the Saints on top while two more East goals produced the 4-1 final. That marked Batavia’s worst loss since a woeful Waubonsie Valley defeat.
Despite having a make-up date the next night plus the May 9 DKC quadruple-header, the Saints were ecstatic to be in control of their own destiny once again when it came to the league race.
Despite what skeptics may believe, Batavia boss Mark Gianfrancesco was true to his season-long disclaimers and concern over the Bulldogs losing heart-and-soul senior co-captain Jenna Nichols to a knee injury.
“I’ve said for 20 years, I don’t really care about conference (as much as postseason). Did I want to win this? Sure,” Gianfrancesco said. “But the big picture was taking care of other things, like seeing where some people fit in for us.
“I’m not taking anything away from East, In the second half they really jumped on us,” Gianfrancesco admitted. “Tonight was not our night. Do we want to beat Wheaton North? Sure, but the big picture at this point is what follows that match.”
What followed the next night was a lopsided Saints win over Glenbard North creating that memorable finale referenced earlier.
Capsules on each team follow in alphabetical order:
Batavia
Coach: Mark Gianfrancesco (8th year with Batavia girls/20th as head coach)
2019 overall record: 17-5-2
DKC record (points/finish): 6-1-0 (18 points/tied 1st)
Playoff: Lost 3-1 sectional semifinal to St. Charles North
Final Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 23
Despite Mark Gianfrancesco’s reluctance to make conference titles a priority, he understands his players’ pride in sharing the inaugural DuKane crown. Aside from 2011 when Gianfrancesco took over the girls program, Batavia played for a regional title for the eighth-consecutive year. The 1-0 win over rival Geneva marked the fourth all-time and third regional plaque under Gianfrancesco. After starting the year with back-to-back shutout victories, the Bulldogs were beaten 4-1 by Waubonsie Valley. Over the next 16 matches, Batavia allowed only six goals, chalked up nine shutouts, built a 10-contest unbeaten run (8-0-2) and snapped St. Charles North’s 58-match unbeaten string. A knee injury ended defensive star Jenna Nichols’ senior year too soon. The graduation of Nichols, Anna Holcombe, Zaira Solis, Taylor Fluery, Rachel Polignone, and Cece Hamann will leave a void. Holcombe was tied for eighth on the DKC points chart with 32 (11 goals/10 assists). However, junior Grace Salyers became a constant offensive threat earning All-DKC recognition along with Holcombe, Nichols, and senior-to-be Abby Zipse. Look to Zipse and Salyers plus Bella Zink, Ashley Whelpley, Chloe Valentino, and Kate Schoenfelder for stability while Hailey Flannagan and Aubrey Hahn could once again alternate in goal with an aim at exceeding their 13 shared shutouts. Salyers tied for 13th in the DKC with 24 points (10g/4a) and her two game-winning goals came in the pair of 1-0 regional triumphs.
Geneva
Coach: Megan Owens (11th year at Geneva/15th as head coach)
2019 record: 11-6-2
DKC record (points/finish): 4-3-0 (12/5th)
Playoff: Lost 1-0 regional final to Batavia
Final CS Ranking: 38
With one exception in Megan Owens’ 11-year tenure, Geneva has always compiled double-figure victories and 2019 continued that trait. The 1-0 regional championship loss to Batavia was frustrating because the Vikings were aiming for a 13th regional plaque and eighth under Owens. Of Geneva’s six losses, five were by a single goal. By contrast, only three of 11 wins came by that margin; indicative of why the Vikings believed they were always closer to a victory than a setback. Geneva had a tremendous senior core that will be hard to replace. The Vikings DKC points leaders ranged from Jenna Dominguez in fourth (42, 18g/6a), to Caitlin Farrell in seventh (33, 15g/3a), Stephanie Howe in 12th (28, 7g/14a) and Sydney Gratz tied for 20th (17, 4g/9a). Dominguez and defender Katie Cannon depart leaving goalie Katie Montgomery as the lone returnee with All-DKC status. Juniors Annalise Spindle, Lindsay Ferris and Ava Geen, plus sophomore Annie Brolly and freshman Alana Rawls are expected to step up their game for 2020. “Geneva loved being a part of the new DuKane Conference,” Owens said. “We look forward to what the future will bring and are excited to be a part of this conference!”
Glenbard North
Coach: David Stanfield (14th year at GNHS)
2019 overall record: 3-14-2
DKC record (points/finish): 0-7-0 (0/8th)
Playoff: Lost 6-0 regional opener to St. Charles North
Final Chicagoland Soccer ranking: unranked
For Glenbard North, success has been a numbers game that is not necessarily reflected on the scoreboard. In the previous nine-school DVC days only two schools had lower enrollment. The Panthers are hoping things will change now that they’re the third largest school in the DuKane group. “Overall the DKC is a very positive experience in terms of an ultimate challenge,” coach David Stanfield said. “Factors such as the age and experience level of our roster, plus not being very deep added to the challenge. While we had seniors who gave great service to the program, we still had a number of freshmen and sophomores who saw significant minutes. We may still need to take some baby steps, but I believe we’re moving in the right direction and can now set some achievable goals.” Enthusiasm and heart helped North own four shutouts over the year’s first eight matches in a 2-4-2 start before the Panthers’ fortunes faded. There was enough pride to enable North to add another shutout victory in a regional prelim match, and five of the six players who contributed goals or assists return to provide a cornerstone to build upon. Junior Perla Kamami (13 points, 5g/3a) is a scorer and leader for the offense. The defense will need to replace Karissa Chalus, a four-year fixture in goal, and Hannah Arista, who earned All-DKC acclaim.
Lake Park
Coach: Sean Crosby (3rd year at LPHS)
2019 overall record: 4-17-2
DKC record (points/finish): 1-6-0 (3/7th)
Playoff: Lost 7-0 in regional opener to Geneva
Final Chicagoland Soccer ranking: unranked
Although there were only four seniors, Sean Crosby admitted the one who will be missed the most is Sarah Yochem, a keeper whose value became apparent late in the year when she was sidelined, and Lake Park’s fortunes took a nose dive. An enthusiastic and articulate spokesperson, Yochem personified optimism. The Lancers didn’t shy away from quality foes and kept the faith even after an 0-8-1 start. No one is suggesting that each of the seven 1-0 losses could be reversed, but that’s a far cry from being outplayed. There were even four victories in a six-match span which included the previously mentioned first conference win in three campaigns. “You look at the talent in the DKC having four or more schools pushing for the same supersectional slot, and it says a lot if you can simply compete with them,” Crosby said. “I’m most excited about the growth and improvement that made our younger players so courageous and fearless.” A starter as a freshman, Emma Thorne -- who earned All-DKC honors -- and 2020 junior Anne Marie Ahrens will serve as key connections along with seniors-to-be Olivia Wroblewski and Sophie Giron.
St. Charles East
Coach: Vince DiNuzzo (2nd year at SCEHS/4th overall)
2019 overall record: 22-6-0
DKC record (points/finish): 6-1-0 (18/tied for 1st)
Playoff: Lost 3-1 sectional final to St. Charles North
Final Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 9
Coach Vince DiNuzzo believes in the value of good competition even if it make life difficult for the Saints. He points out that over half the DKC finished in Chicagoland Soccer’s final top 25. Of course noting that the team's losses came within the 13 times East played a rated team isn’t necessary, especially when half the setbacks were courtesy of the same nemesis. However, DiNuzzo is also one who only looks ahead because win, lose or draw, your last game guarantees nothing for the next one. The Saints certainly have a long history of success that has continued under DiNuzzo’s tenure, but it’s the quest for the next tourney crown, conference title, regional, sectional or oher postseason reward that fuels the program. In other words, winning the Huntley Invitational was nice and having two nine-match winning streaks was also nice. But the goal in 2020 is do better than 2019. As usual, East will miss the talents of several standouts like All-DKC midfielder Kayla Villa, who ranked 11th in league points with 29 (8g/13a), goalie Grace Griffin, Renee Unterberg, tied for 15th with 20 points (8g/4a), plus Emma Blankenship, tied for 20th with 17 points (7g/3a). However there’s more reason for optimism. Start with IHSSCA Player of the Year Ellie McCaslin, the Michigan transfer who led the DKC in points as a junior with 74 (29g/16a). McCaslin was All-DKC as was Hannah Miller, who ranked second in the league for points (60) and goals (23), while tied for second in assists (14). The Saints’ third All-DKC pick was primarily more of a defender, but Alondra Carranza still landed 18th in league points with 19 (6g/7a).
St. Charles North
Coach: Brian Harks (4th year at SCNHS)
2019 overall record: 19-2-1
DKC record (points/finish): 5-1-1 (16/3rd)
Playoff: Lost 3-1 supersectional to Barrington
Final Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 4
Losing a prolific one-two scoring punch was expected to bring the North Stars back to earth in 2019 and a season-opening 2-2 draw at Conant was viewed as a hint. North’s response? Guess again. Eight clean-sheets, the St. Charles Augsburg-Drach Invitational trophy plus a Naperville Invitational co-championship as part of 14-consecutive victories followed. All of which is why a 2-1 road loss to Batavia created headlines in week one of May. Then it was another six-straight matches without a loss before North got detoured again by a supersectional exit. They finished shy of the 21-win total in 2018 and matched the 2017 victory tally due to a loss to eventual Class 3A runner-up Barrington. It was understandably a frustrating finish for Brian Harks despite being in a thriving situation that scores of unsympathetic coaches would gladly settle for. In the same fashion everyone wished Gia Wahlberg and Hayley Rydberg well at Michigan State and Iowa, respectively last season, there are “all the best wishes” now for All-DKC honorees CeCe Wahlberg (Indiana State) and Claudia Najera (Iowa State), as well as Ali Wessel (Florida Gulf Coast) and keeper Sara Maleski (Mississippi College). Yes the DKC point production list included Wahlberg sixth with 35 points (13g/9a) and Najera 15th with 21 (8g/5a), however there are two more players among the league leaders and both of them also earned all-conference. Anxious for their own senior turns are Sarah Andrey, fifth with 36 points (14g/8a) and Sami Rydberg, who placed eighth with 32 points (14g/4a).
Wheaton North
Coach: Tim McEvilly (19th year at WNHS/23rd overall)
2019 overall record: 8-14-1
DKC record (points/finish): 2-5-0 (6/6th)
Playoff: Lost 3-2 regional final to Conant
Final Chicagoland Soccer ranking: unranked
Based on a playing and coaching career with deep ties to the DVC, Tim McEvilly had concerns about the transition to the new league. Not only did everything go as smoothly as possible, year one prompted the veteran coach to make the ultimate endorsement: “The greatest benefit you could get from a new conference is knowing that if you can compete and succeed within it, you can do the same with anyone in the state. And we’ve got that in the DuKane.” Even if the Falcons’ first ledger isn’t as impressive as desired, the results are fuel for optimism and hunger. “Having a lead against teams like (SC) East and (SC) North, losing by a goal, and even on a near last-second shot (to Batavia), showed us how close we were,” McEvilly noted. “It showed us how much we need all 20 on the roster working together. And I’m blessed to work with some wonderful young women who have that same desire.” The Falcons should have the bulk of their roster back and that includes three of the DKC’s top 20 point producers: freshman Olivia Moreno was 10th with 30 points (13g/4a), sophomore Kayla Shebar was tied for 15th at 20 (5g/10a), and junior Riley Winkler who was 19th at 18 (6g/6a). Defender Anna Warfield graduates but fellow All-DKC selection Kristen Szumski will be back as a junior midfielder.
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Guy Callipari (25th year with WWSHS girls/28th overall)
2019 overall record: 14-5-2
DKC record (points/finish): 3-3-1 (10/5th)
Playoff: Lost 2-1 regional final to St. Charles East
Final Chicagoland Soccer Ranking: 25
Going into the season South’s roster was overloaded with senior experience. Minus beginning DuKane play at 0-2-0, everyone was leary of crossing the Tigers’ path. That was true when their results included championship hardware from the Sacred Heart-Griffin Cyclone Invitational and a PepsiCo Showdown bracket. Unfortunately injuries and some unlucky bounces led to an end that came earlier than hoped for. There are a host of players that opposing coaches will now gladly discuss in the past tense. Start with DuKane Player of the Year J.J. Aalbue (NAIA Grace), plus fellow All-DKC picks Paige Miller and Maria Dohse. In 2018, Miller was the DuPage Golden Boot recipient. Dohse was simply as good as gold anchoring the defense. Miller moves on to Northwestern after becoming the sixth player in South history to have a 100-point career. Actually Callipari had two types of seniors, those who were four-year players and those who were three-year varsity regulars. Those ranks included goalie Abbey Brennan, who rose to top five career status in saves and shutouts, plus Allie Anderson (Xavier), Molly Fank (Augustana), Eveyln Demsher, and Audrey Seibert.
By Steve Nemeth
Looking back on the DuKane Conference’s inaugural season of girls soccer, week after week and match after match, it was like a skeet shoot.
As often as a team took aim at someone, the target was also on their back.
Pull: a win streak is shot down. Pull: a losing streak is blasted. Pull: expectations get shattered. Pull: favorite status goes to pieces. Pull: conventional wisdom lasts only until the next shot on goal is taken.
Not surprisingly, it came down to the very last day and a literal last shot.
In that May 9 quadruple-header of conference action, Wheaton Warrenville South -- despite an 0-2-0 league start -- impacted the final standings when the Tigers scratched out a 0-0 draw at St. Charles North, preventing the North Stars from gaining a part of the league crown.
Unable to overcome 2-1 deficits versus the top three finishers, Geneva realistically couldn’t navigate a title share, so the Vikings took out their frustrations on a Glenbard North program trapped in the DKC cellar.
Nearby at St. Charles East, a fifth-straight victory march enabled the Saints to become loop co-champs despite yet another all-heart effort by a shorthanded and youthful Lake Park crew.
Meanwhile at Wheaton North, co-champion status for Batavia hung by a Falcons talon until a Bulldog goal with a mere 10 seconds left in regulation gave them a piece of the crown.
The final 2019 standings showed Batavia and St. Charles East sharing the top slot with 6-1-0 records (18 points), St. Charles North in third at 5-1-1 (16), Geneva fourth at 4-3 (12), Wheaton Warrenville South in fifth at 3-3-1 (10), Wheaton North sixth at 2-5-0 (6), Lake Park seventh at 1-6-0 (3), and Glenbard North eighth at 0-7-0.
There was unanimous consent that year one was a success and only greater and more intense soccer will follow.
“It is a fiercely competitive conference which provided a lot of high-intensity games and learning experiences,” veteran Geneva coach Megan Owens said. “I truly believe it is one of the toughest conferences in the state with a lot of perennial powerhouses.
“It is also fitting that the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year (East’s Ellie McCaslin) came from our league,” Owens noted. “The tenacity and high level of play of all the DuKane games only serves to make all the teams stronger.”
“Coming from the DVC (DuPage Valley Conference), I had some concerns about the transition,” longtime Wheaton Warrenville South coach Guy Callipari said. “But I was very pleased in getting to know us as a new group; all player-oriented, wanting to be a best conference in the state, committed to integrity, sportsmanship, and respecting each other.”
“There was school-wide excitement for the change in all sports but from a girls soccer standpoint, we’re very pleased with the quality of competition,” St. Charles North coach Brian Harks said. “Every team is well-coached, hard-working and always a challenge.”
Crosstown rival St. Charles East coach Vince DiNuzzo concurred: “There are no gimmes. The DuKane allowed us to maintain our Tri-Cities rivalries and is creating new ones. As a league, it’s fantastic preparation for the postseason. We look forward to the continued competition and camaradaries.”
Minus the advantage of all of the above as a backdrop -- and prior to a team-by-team synopsis -- true hindsight involves using the DKC schedule as a timeline for what unfolded.
Unlike the boys slate from the fall of 2018 which began with a common opening date, the girls schedule advanced at a different pace following the hsitoric March 23 DKC debut that matched Lake Park at St. Charles North. It would be hard to imagine a more difficult introduction for a Lancers program that had its share of struggles from its days in the equally highly-regarded DuPage Valley Conference.
A predominantly young Lake Park squad -- with a mere five seniors on the only DKC roster without double-digit combined numbers for seniors and juniors -- opened on the road against St. Charles North. The North Stars were Chicagoland Soccer’s no. 2-ranked team from the Preseason Top 25 and spent six more weeks in that spot and one week at no. 1 in the first seven weeks of the season. Lake Park was a mere 4-16-0 the season prior and yet the Lancers trailed 1-0 at intermission. A St. Charles North second half PK ended the scoring.
On April 2, Lake Park hosted Wheaton North which also managed a quartet of victories (4-14-2) in 2018. In a pattern that would become all-too familiar for Lancers coach Sean Crosby, senior goalie Sarah Yochem doggedly maintained a scoreless draw into the second half.
Elevating their play and future hopes for Wheaton North were a pair of speedy Falcons forwards: sophomore Kayla Shebar and freshman Olivia Moreno. Just over 28 minutes remained when Yochem thwarted a left-footed blast from Shebar only to have Moreno pounce on the rebound for a tap-in. Eleven minutes plus Ryan Winckler added an insurance strike.
“We have people who can beat you with speed and technical skill,” North coach Tim McEvilly said. “And when you create opportunities, you get those scoring chances.”
Yoachem’s response was simple: “We’re gonna learn from this, take it into practice and move forward.”
“It’s a great group of kids who want to get better,” Crosby said. “The majority are young, and they want to show they can play and compete.”
Two days later in a visit to red-hot Batavia, Lake Park was down 2-0 at the break, but then held firm over the final 40 minutes. Half the conference had yet to play a league match, but Lake Park was already 0-3-0 by virtue of a trio of tough two-goal setbacks.
That same night saw Geneva at Wheaton Warrenville South for the DKC debut for each team. Caitlin Farrell used Stephanie Howe’s set-up for a lead 10 minutes in and Howe utilized a Jenna Dominguez assist for a bang-bang Vikings lead.
But before the opening half ended, Geneva was targeted. South scored within three minutes and pulled even by intermission. The pace was wide-open and relentless.
“It was awesome to see that even though we were down 2-0, we were still able to get back up,” South’s Molly Fank said.
“They ran themslves into the ground the last 20 minutes of the first half,” Tigers coach Callipari said. “We ran ourselves into the ground as well, and then it was just punch for punch and who was going to be left standing.”
Geneva hit the bullseye with 13:15 to be played when Dominguez made the most of a Howe pass.
“Knowing what a dangerous team they were, we had to stay dicsiplined, and that’s what kept the energy going.” Dominguez said.
“It was a great battle,” Owens insisted. “This is our first game of a brand-new conference, and I thought both teams played really well. There was a lot of quality soccer all around.”
Callipari echoed the view: “It will be a wild ride, and that’s what we wanted. The first championship is up for grabs. I believe the bar has been raised and everybody is going to try to attain that.”
On April 11, Batavia tallied a 4-0 road win at Glenbard North. Two nights later Geneva got stung 2-1 at East in a match that saw the scoring end after the opening half, making for a physical and emotional second 40 minutes. The final margin -- if not the outcome -- was decided with 3:49 left when Dominguez had a fastbreak negated by the hustle of Saints standout defender Alondra Carranza.
“….that was a game-changing moment,” East’s DiNuzzo said.
April 17 was -- unfortunately for South -- a dark and stormy night. Host Batavia scored in the 28th minute and the visiting Tigers were pressing hard for an equalizer throughout the second half. The tenacity of the Bulldogs defenders was cemented as well as their ablity to work with either freshman Aubrey Hahn or junior Hailey Flannagan, who alternated halves in goal throughout the year.
However, there was 5:05 still showing on the scoreboard when Mother Nature intervened in South’s comeback bid and the referee ruled the game official.
The next evening saw Wheaton North notch a 4-0 home triumph over Glenbard North. Suddenly the Falcons owned a four-match win streak on top of having won seven of eight matches to stand 7-6-1 overall. An 0-4-0 season start was in the rearview mirror.
Who yelled “pull?” Or maybe it mirrored that Sinatra lyric about “flying high in April” and shot down by the DKC before May. Unfortunately for the Falcons the streak ended April 20 in a 3-0 loss at St. Charles North.
April 23 was the first of three full slates on the DKC docket. Cellar-dweller clashes generally are nothing to write home about, but that wasn’t the case for the Lancers and their 2-0 shutout of Glenbard North.
“That was our first conference win in three seasons,” Crosby said with the belief that one has to walk before you can run.
That evening included the Wheaton Cup showdown where rival South squeezed out a 1-0 triumph over crosstown North. League losses to Geneva and East followed as the Falcons fortunes took a tailspin. Conversely, South was newly energized and won five straight including a trio of conquests that netted the championship trophy at the downstate Sacred Heart-Griffin Cyclone Invitational.
But let’s backtrack to the other two April 23rd contests.
With both schools steadily accumulating victories, Geneva liked its odds of staying in the DuKane hunt, especially after the dynamic senior duo of Howe and Dominguez put the Vikings ahead 1-0 at Batavia. As can be the case, an ensuing whistle that gave the host Bulldogs a PK depended on the respective bench view. Either way, Batavia converted for a 1-1 draw at the break.
Emerging as a constant scoring threat and indefatigueable player, Grace Salyers followed up her PK success with a goal that gave the Bulldogs a somewhat rare win over their Tri-Cities rival. Batavia’s goalie flipping didn’t flop, and it became the fifth time in 15 games that the “Dawgs” yielded a single goal while also owning nine clean-sheets.
Geneva, on the other hand, suddenly was saddled with a second DKC loss versus the assumption the final standings would most likely feature someone with a lone defeat.
And that night included more Tri-Cities intrigue from the "Battle of St. Charles."
East owned a 1-0 halftime edge only to watch host North once again rally to continue its spell on the Saints. When the two met early in April for the championship of the St. Charles Augsburg-Drach Invitational, North negated an early goal for a halftime draw before winning 2-1. In the DKC meeting, second half goals six minutes apart produced the same result and East coach DiNuzzo’s admission of frustration.
“Yeah we all know about the last time thing it’s the big elephant in the room,” DiNuzzo said in reference to East’s continued derby disappointments. Aside from a 2-1 sectional semifinal win in 2014, the previous Saints victory over North happened way back in the 2005 regular season.
Returning to the timeline, the April 25 South victory over Lake Park was noteable not for the score (7-0) but the sportsmanship and a unique footnote. Callipari thanked coach Crosby and his Lancers for allowing injured players Molly Fank and Allie Anderson to start on Senior Night, and both get a touch before Lake Park kicked the ball out to allow for substitutes. In his 25th year with the girls program, Callipari also couldn’t recall ever coaching a high school game with an all-women officiating crew (Jennifer Mayfield, Kelly McLean and Hanah Shehaiber).
The North Stars looked bright in a 5-0 visit to Glenbard North on April 29, the eve of a DKC double-bill.
Geneva recovered from a setback with a 3-1 home triumph over Wheaton North. East bounced back by snapping South’s string of success in a tense 1-0 tangle that tipped on the strength of a 29-yard Carranza “cracker.” The Saints’ league hopes were renewed at 2-1-0 while the Tigers’ tail dipped to 2-3-0.
May 2 was the second DKC quadruple-header. Highlight-reel worthy moments were few in number in most meetings. South got back on a winning track with a 5-0 shutout at Glenbard North.
Just 1:46 prior to halftime, host Lake Park drew even with Geneva.
“Any goal in the DKC is a big thing. Everyone got excited when we scored, but you have to keep fighting,” Lancer soph Emma Thorne said in regard to her corner kick which teammate Melyssa Hernandez tapped home after it pinballed off Viking defenders.
However, Geneva countered three times in the final 40 minutes for the ultimate 4-1 win.
At Wheaton North, statistics favored visiting East but the scoreboard pleased the host Falcons. It may have been one of only two shots on goal, but Riley Winckler’s 17-yard mid-air volley showed records and standings guarantee nothing and provided a 1-0 lead.
“We have a group of young ladies that proved two things tonight,” North’s McEvilly said. “Number one, we can score on anybody. Number two, we can make anybody’s life a living heck. That’s a good East team, but like other good teams we make them fight for everything they can earn and we do that for 80 minutes.”
DiNuzzo’s halftime speech included getting an early goal to regain confidence.
That message was received as Kayla Miller scored off a cross just 37 seconds into the second half. In an encore to her game-winner two nights before against the other Wheaton, Carranza curved home a 19-yard free kick so that East could slide by 2-1.
However, the night’s headline story was a Batavia upset over visiting St. Charles North. This was the “expectations shattered, favorite status goes to pieces” effort.
Initially it appeared as if the North Stars’ 1-0 halftime lead would be preserved as the match entered the final 20 minutes. However, Bulldogs senior standout Anna Holcombe’s free kick was redirected by Bella Zink in the 62nd minute. Ten minutes later, Zink returned the favor assisting on a Holcombe goal that ended a 58-match, regular season unbeaten streak for North.
“Batavia had some free kick opportunities, they took advantage of them and found the back of the net, and we didn't," North coach Brian Harks stated. "I'm proud of the way our girls fought, but you just have to tip your cap to the way Batavia was able to finish opportunities tonight."
But as quickly as the standings scale tipped toward the Bulldogs it was time for Tri-Cities Night, the annual rivalry matches that were guaranteed to continue when the DuKane was formed by merging four Upstate Eight Conference River Division rivals with four ex-DuPage Valley Conference squads.
Exhibiting its trademark resolve, Geneva cut into a 2-0 intermission deficit 16 minutes into the second half. But North wanted no part of that “2-0 is the most dangerous lead” thinking and scored within nine minutes to mathematically ground the Vikings while staying in the title hunt.
That became especially true after East tagged Batavia with a double-take DKC defeat. The Bulldogs’ staunch defense -- allowing a mere six goals in the previous 16 outings -- appeared only to be dented with the 1-1 halftime stalement.
However, just as she had done in their previous victory, a quick Miller score (2:05 into the second half) put the Saints on top while two more East goals produced the 4-1 final. That marked Batavia’s worst loss since a woeful Waubonsie Valley defeat.
Despite having a make-up date the next night plus the May 9 DKC quadruple-header, the Saints were ecstatic to be in control of their own destiny once again when it came to the league race.
Despite what skeptics may believe, Batavia boss Mark Gianfrancesco was true to his season-long disclaimers and concern over the Bulldogs losing heart-and-soul senior co-captain Jenna Nichols to a knee injury.
“I’ve said for 20 years, I don’t really care about conference (as much as postseason). Did I want to win this? Sure,” Gianfrancesco said. “But the big picture was taking care of other things, like seeing where some people fit in for us.
“I’m not taking anything away from East, In the second half they really jumped on us,” Gianfrancesco admitted. “Tonight was not our night. Do we want to beat Wheaton North? Sure, but the big picture at this point is what follows that match.”
What followed the next night was a lopsided Saints win over Glenbard North creating that memorable finale referenced earlier.
Capsules on each team follow in alphabetical order:
Batavia
Coach: Mark Gianfrancesco (8th year with Batavia girls/20th as head coach)
2019 overall record: 17-5-2
DKC record (points/finish): 6-1-0 (18 points/tied 1st)
Playoff: Lost 3-1 sectional semifinal to St. Charles North
Final Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 23
Despite Mark Gianfrancesco’s reluctance to make conference titles a priority, he understands his players’ pride in sharing the inaugural DuKane crown. Aside from 2011 when Gianfrancesco took over the girls program, Batavia played for a regional title for the eighth-consecutive year. The 1-0 win over rival Geneva marked the fourth all-time and third regional plaque under Gianfrancesco. After starting the year with back-to-back shutout victories, the Bulldogs were beaten 4-1 by Waubonsie Valley. Over the next 16 matches, Batavia allowed only six goals, chalked up nine shutouts, built a 10-contest unbeaten run (8-0-2) and snapped St. Charles North’s 58-match unbeaten string. A knee injury ended defensive star Jenna Nichols’ senior year too soon. The graduation of Nichols, Anna Holcombe, Zaira Solis, Taylor Fluery, Rachel Polignone, and Cece Hamann will leave a void. Holcombe was tied for eighth on the DKC points chart with 32 (11 goals/10 assists). However, junior Grace Salyers became a constant offensive threat earning All-DKC recognition along with Holcombe, Nichols, and senior-to-be Abby Zipse. Look to Zipse and Salyers plus Bella Zink, Ashley Whelpley, Chloe Valentino, and Kate Schoenfelder for stability while Hailey Flannagan and Aubrey Hahn could once again alternate in goal with an aim at exceeding their 13 shared shutouts. Salyers tied for 13th in the DKC with 24 points (10g/4a) and her two game-winning goals came in the pair of 1-0 regional triumphs.
Geneva
Coach: Megan Owens (11th year at Geneva/15th as head coach)
2019 record: 11-6-2
DKC record (points/finish): 4-3-0 (12/5th)
Playoff: Lost 1-0 regional final to Batavia
Final CS Ranking: 38
With one exception in Megan Owens’ 11-year tenure, Geneva has always compiled double-figure victories and 2019 continued that trait. The 1-0 regional championship loss to Batavia was frustrating because the Vikings were aiming for a 13th regional plaque and eighth under Owens. Of Geneva’s six losses, five were by a single goal. By contrast, only three of 11 wins came by that margin; indicative of why the Vikings believed they were always closer to a victory than a setback. Geneva had a tremendous senior core that will be hard to replace. The Vikings DKC points leaders ranged from Jenna Dominguez in fourth (42, 18g/6a), to Caitlin Farrell in seventh (33, 15g/3a), Stephanie Howe in 12th (28, 7g/14a) and Sydney Gratz tied for 20th (17, 4g/9a). Dominguez and defender Katie Cannon depart leaving goalie Katie Montgomery as the lone returnee with All-DKC status. Juniors Annalise Spindle, Lindsay Ferris and Ava Geen, plus sophomore Annie Brolly and freshman Alana Rawls are expected to step up their game for 2020. “Geneva loved being a part of the new DuKane Conference,” Owens said. “We look forward to what the future will bring and are excited to be a part of this conference!”
Glenbard North
Coach: David Stanfield (14th year at GNHS)
2019 overall record: 3-14-2
DKC record (points/finish): 0-7-0 (0/8th)
Playoff: Lost 6-0 regional opener to St. Charles North
Final Chicagoland Soccer ranking: unranked
For Glenbard North, success has been a numbers game that is not necessarily reflected on the scoreboard. In the previous nine-school DVC days only two schools had lower enrollment. The Panthers are hoping things will change now that they’re the third largest school in the DuKane group. “Overall the DKC is a very positive experience in terms of an ultimate challenge,” coach David Stanfield said. “Factors such as the age and experience level of our roster, plus not being very deep added to the challenge. While we had seniors who gave great service to the program, we still had a number of freshmen and sophomores who saw significant minutes. We may still need to take some baby steps, but I believe we’re moving in the right direction and can now set some achievable goals.” Enthusiasm and heart helped North own four shutouts over the year’s first eight matches in a 2-4-2 start before the Panthers’ fortunes faded. There was enough pride to enable North to add another shutout victory in a regional prelim match, and five of the six players who contributed goals or assists return to provide a cornerstone to build upon. Junior Perla Kamami (13 points, 5g/3a) is a scorer and leader for the offense. The defense will need to replace Karissa Chalus, a four-year fixture in goal, and Hannah Arista, who earned All-DKC acclaim.
Lake Park
Coach: Sean Crosby (3rd year at LPHS)
2019 overall record: 4-17-2
DKC record (points/finish): 1-6-0 (3/7th)
Playoff: Lost 7-0 in regional opener to Geneva
Final Chicagoland Soccer ranking: unranked
Although there were only four seniors, Sean Crosby admitted the one who will be missed the most is Sarah Yochem, a keeper whose value became apparent late in the year when she was sidelined, and Lake Park’s fortunes took a nose dive. An enthusiastic and articulate spokesperson, Yochem personified optimism. The Lancers didn’t shy away from quality foes and kept the faith even after an 0-8-1 start. No one is suggesting that each of the seven 1-0 losses could be reversed, but that’s a far cry from being outplayed. There were even four victories in a six-match span which included the previously mentioned first conference win in three campaigns. “You look at the talent in the DKC having four or more schools pushing for the same supersectional slot, and it says a lot if you can simply compete with them,” Crosby said. “I’m most excited about the growth and improvement that made our younger players so courageous and fearless.” A starter as a freshman, Emma Thorne -- who earned All-DKC honors -- and 2020 junior Anne Marie Ahrens will serve as key connections along with seniors-to-be Olivia Wroblewski and Sophie Giron.
St. Charles East
Coach: Vince DiNuzzo (2nd year at SCEHS/4th overall)
2019 overall record: 22-6-0
DKC record (points/finish): 6-1-0 (18/tied for 1st)
Playoff: Lost 3-1 sectional final to St. Charles North
Final Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 9
Coach Vince DiNuzzo believes in the value of good competition even if it make life difficult for the Saints. He points out that over half the DKC finished in Chicagoland Soccer’s final top 25. Of course noting that the team's losses came within the 13 times East played a rated team isn’t necessary, especially when half the setbacks were courtesy of the same nemesis. However, DiNuzzo is also one who only looks ahead because win, lose or draw, your last game guarantees nothing for the next one. The Saints certainly have a long history of success that has continued under DiNuzzo’s tenure, but it’s the quest for the next tourney crown, conference title, regional, sectional or oher postseason reward that fuels the program. In other words, winning the Huntley Invitational was nice and having two nine-match winning streaks was also nice. But the goal in 2020 is do better than 2019. As usual, East will miss the talents of several standouts like All-DKC midfielder Kayla Villa, who ranked 11th in league points with 29 (8g/13a), goalie Grace Griffin, Renee Unterberg, tied for 15th with 20 points (8g/4a), plus Emma Blankenship, tied for 20th with 17 points (7g/3a). However there’s more reason for optimism. Start with IHSSCA Player of the Year Ellie McCaslin, the Michigan transfer who led the DKC in points as a junior with 74 (29g/16a). McCaslin was All-DKC as was Hannah Miller, who ranked second in the league for points (60) and goals (23), while tied for second in assists (14). The Saints’ third All-DKC pick was primarily more of a defender, but Alondra Carranza still landed 18th in league points with 19 (6g/7a).
St. Charles North
Coach: Brian Harks (4th year at SCNHS)
2019 overall record: 19-2-1
DKC record (points/finish): 5-1-1 (16/3rd)
Playoff: Lost 3-1 supersectional to Barrington
Final Chicagoland Soccer ranking: 4
Losing a prolific one-two scoring punch was expected to bring the North Stars back to earth in 2019 and a season-opening 2-2 draw at Conant was viewed as a hint. North’s response? Guess again. Eight clean-sheets, the St. Charles Augsburg-Drach Invitational trophy plus a Naperville Invitational co-championship as part of 14-consecutive victories followed. All of which is why a 2-1 road loss to Batavia created headlines in week one of May. Then it was another six-straight matches without a loss before North got detoured again by a supersectional exit. They finished shy of the 21-win total in 2018 and matched the 2017 victory tally due to a loss to eventual Class 3A runner-up Barrington. It was understandably a frustrating finish for Brian Harks despite being in a thriving situation that scores of unsympathetic coaches would gladly settle for. In the same fashion everyone wished Gia Wahlberg and Hayley Rydberg well at Michigan State and Iowa, respectively last season, there are “all the best wishes” now for All-DKC honorees CeCe Wahlberg (Indiana State) and Claudia Najera (Iowa State), as well as Ali Wessel (Florida Gulf Coast) and keeper Sara Maleski (Mississippi College). Yes the DKC point production list included Wahlberg sixth with 35 points (13g/9a) and Najera 15th with 21 (8g/5a), however there are two more players among the league leaders and both of them also earned all-conference. Anxious for their own senior turns are Sarah Andrey, fifth with 36 points (14g/8a) and Sami Rydberg, who placed eighth with 32 points (14g/4a).
Wheaton North
Coach: Tim McEvilly (19th year at WNHS/23rd overall)
2019 overall record: 8-14-1
DKC record (points/finish): 2-5-0 (6/6th)
Playoff: Lost 3-2 regional final to Conant
Final Chicagoland Soccer ranking: unranked
Based on a playing and coaching career with deep ties to the DVC, Tim McEvilly had concerns about the transition to the new league. Not only did everything go as smoothly as possible, year one prompted the veteran coach to make the ultimate endorsement: “The greatest benefit you could get from a new conference is knowing that if you can compete and succeed within it, you can do the same with anyone in the state. And we’ve got that in the DuKane.” Even if the Falcons’ first ledger isn’t as impressive as desired, the results are fuel for optimism and hunger. “Having a lead against teams like (SC) East and (SC) North, losing by a goal, and even on a near last-second shot (to Batavia), showed us how close we were,” McEvilly noted. “It showed us how much we need all 20 on the roster working together. And I’m blessed to work with some wonderful young women who have that same desire.” The Falcons should have the bulk of their roster back and that includes three of the DKC’s top 20 point producers: freshman Olivia Moreno was 10th with 30 points (13g/4a), sophomore Kayla Shebar was tied for 15th at 20 (5g/10a), and junior Riley Winkler who was 19th at 18 (6g/6a). Defender Anna Warfield graduates but fellow All-DKC selection Kristen Szumski will be back as a junior midfielder.
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Guy Callipari (25th year with WWSHS girls/28th overall)
2019 overall record: 14-5-2
DKC record (points/finish): 3-3-1 (10/5th)
Playoff: Lost 2-1 regional final to St. Charles East
Final Chicagoland Soccer Ranking: 25
Going into the season South’s roster was overloaded with senior experience. Minus beginning DuKane play at 0-2-0, everyone was leary of crossing the Tigers’ path. That was true when their results included championship hardware from the Sacred Heart-Griffin Cyclone Invitational and a PepsiCo Showdown bracket. Unfortunately injuries and some unlucky bounces led to an end that came earlier than hoped for. There are a host of players that opposing coaches will now gladly discuss in the past tense. Start with DuKane Player of the Year J.J. Aalbue (NAIA Grace), plus fellow All-DKC picks Paige Miller and Maria Dohse. In 2018, Miller was the DuPage Golden Boot recipient. Dohse was simply as good as gold anchoring the defense. Miller moves on to Northwestern after becoming the sixth player in South history to have a 100-point career. Actually Callipari had two types of seniors, those who were four-year players and those who were three-year varsity regulars. Those ranks included goalie Abbey Brennan, who rose to top five career status in saves and shutouts, plus Allie Anderson (Xavier), Molly Fank (Augustana), Eveyln Demsher, and Audrey Seibert.