LOCKPORT – Wheaton North lost nearly half of last season’s team to graduation. But the Falcons, who finished with a 14-6-2 overall last spring, might be even better.

At 6-1-1, the team’s only blemishes came against formerly top-ranked Metea Valley (4-1, March 14) and current no. 11 St. Charles North (1-1, April 4).

However, the Falcons might be facing their toughest test of the season in Thursday’s 5 p.m. Porter Cup championship game against host and undefeated Lockport (10-0-0). The Porters, ranked no. 3 in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, have scored an eye-popping 50 goals in 10 games, including a 9-0 win over Joliet Catholic in pool play Tuesday.

Wheaton North, which moved up three spots to no. 13 in the ranking this week, understands its challenge.

“Lockport has high-quality, creative players from the front to the back,” Wheaton North coach Tim McEvilly said. “In order for us to be successful, we have to work as a singular unit, understanding our individual roles but more importantly working as a group to limit opportunities. Defensive pressure and cover will be critical.”

The Falcons do have history on their side – they’ve won the last two Porter Cup titles.
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A year ago, they knocked off Lockport 1-0 in the semifinals and then defeated Lincoln-Way East 1-0 in the title game to take home the trophy.

Lockport coach Todd Elkei said his players haven’t forgotten about that loss.

“Last year we took third after losing to Wheaton North, so we’re pretty excited,” he said. “They have a really good keeper, good frontline attack. It’s going to be about playing strong. We have to keep the ball on the ground and be ruthless on the goal. 

“They are really well-organized and well-coached and disciplined. Their number nine (Jane Rogers) is really dangerous. They play a good game. We have to be on ours. We have to trust ourselves and play our game by keeping the ball on the ground. We’re getting better every day. The girls have been working hard and have a good attitude and are motivated and focused.”

McEvilly said his “front three are as collectively dangerous as any group.” He pointed out that sophomore all-stater Jane Rogers has 12 goals with seven assists, and junior Talia Kaempf has eight goals and eight assists.

“Jane and Talia are explosive and unselfish in their play,” he said. “Addison Falco and Calah Strong have been anchors for us in the midfield. They can defend and are extremely talented players who can offer high-quality contributions on the offensive end.”

Lockport has a high-octane offensive attack and hasn’t missed a beat despite the graduation of all-stater Bella Diorio, who scored a program-record 41 goals and tallied 20 assists last season.

Eight starters are back from last season’s 21-3-1 team. They include Natalie Zodrow, a Wisconsin-Milwaukee recruit, Kaylin Klutscharch (Indiana State), Emma Czech (SIU-Edwardsville) and twins Abbey and Meghan Mack (both Cumberland signees). Two new additions, who have helped the Porters, are junior forward Ava Kozak, a Marquette recruit, and freshman midfielder Yurida Hernandez.

“We have to stay composed and have good communication,” Elkei said. “We basically have our whole group coming back from last season, so we’re experienced. We lost our All-American (DiOrio), but Ava has helped our scoring. 

“Also, Tiffany Giannese came back this year after transferring to Florida. A big surprise has been the play of Yurida. She has really stepped in and is really talented. She’s creative and tidy with the ball. Natalie has increased her scoring from last year. Our outside backs, Alyssa Flood and Meghan Mack, have done a nice job.”

Wheaton North all-state goalie Zoey Bohmer, a Loyola recruit, will be tested against the high-scoring Porters, who have averaged seven goals in a game in their two tournament wins. 

On the opposite end, the Falcons have been stingy to their opponents, with two shutouts and five one-goal wins. Bohmer finished with 12 saves in last season’s Porter Cup championship game.

“Zoey is one of the top goalies in the state,” McEvilly said. “She’s rounding into form after missing a few games with injuries. She allows us to count on saves that most teams do not benefit from.”