Preview story: Big conference points on the line in meeting of the Glenbrooks

By Rusty Silber 

It's getting to be that time of the season when good, old-fashioned rivalries take center stage.

Glenbrook South and Glenbrook North are ready for their time in the spotlight in a big Central Suburban League South Division matchup at 7 p.m. Thursday in Northbrook. To add intrigue and excitement to the match, both teams figure to be in the thick of a tight conference race.

Glenbrook South (9-1-2, 1-0-0), which is ranked eighth in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, opened its league slate with a rarity -- a 2-day match. In the end, the Titans squeezed past 22nd-ranked Deerfield (9-3-2, 0-1-1) 1-0. The Warriors opened their South Division run with a scoreless draw against no. 9 New Trier (8-2-3, 0-0-2) April 2.

The split match was halted at 0-0 in the 23rd minute on Tuesday due to lightning. Host Glenbrook South found a goal Wednesday to grab three key league points. 

"That (the suspended game) could've discouraged our team and taken them out of it," Glenbrook South coach Cassidy Price said. "With GBN (Thursday), they could have been more focused on that big rivalry game. But they stayed in the present and played their game, even in the moments when Deerfield pressured us." 

Now Glenbrook South can give its rival its full attention.

"It's another game, and I don't get nervous for it," Price said. "If anything, just possess (the ball) and play our game. We do what we need to do. I'm very confident in our team. We just need to do what we're supposed to do. If we don't get the result we want, I'll still be happy as long as we play that brand of soccer. I just want us to continue to grow."

Glenbrook North (7-2-1, 0-0-1), which was formerly ranked and currently resides in the honorable mention section of the Top 25, also had to deal with the weather Tuesday. The Spartans took an abbreviated 0-0 draw with New Trier when the match was called after halftime.

"The GBN vs. GBS matchup is always a great one," Glenbrook North coach Tony Valsamis said. "Regardless of the talent each year, all the girls on both teams show up to play.  I’m expecting a competitive game.

"Despite our winning record, we struggled early in the season from players returning injured from their club seasons. We're finally all healthy and at full strength.  Our backline and goalkeeper are experienced and have great chemistry. This allows us to transition quickly and efficiently when winning the ball and create attacking opportunities."   

Deerfield hosts Maine South at 7 p.m. in the only other South Division game on the docket Thursday.

Click here to see the Central Suburban League South Division standings.