Entering the spring soccer season, Morton had high aspirations.

Led by a mix of talented returnees and promising young players, the Mustangs aimed high.

But right from the first few weeks of the season, the team struggled to find consistency. The woes came from injuries to star players which prevented the team from building early momentum.

Even so, the Mustangs finished strong to capture the West Suburban Conference Gold Division title with an undefeated mark and finish with a 15-7-0 overall record.

The season ended when the hosts suffered a 1-0 rivalry defeat to Downers Grove South in a regional semifinal game.

Morton endured five weeks without standout senior forward Aaliyah Leanos. Superstar Carisma Rosales, a Marquette recruit, also missed time.

“We didn’t want our season to end playing Downers Grove South, but we knew that game could go either way,” coach Jim Bageanis said. “We have been playing them competitively the last few years and stole one for the conference championship during the season. 

“It’s tough to beat a team twice in a season, especially a rival. We had some chances in the game but didn’t put them away. Both teams played hard.

“The girls started the season slow, because Carisma and Aaliyah were both injured. It took a while to have people step into their shoes and our team to find itself.

“We had eight or nine (combined) weeks without both of our top players playing at the same time. Plus it took Carisma some time to get back from her ankle injury; it was a tough injury.

“But I’m happy how the season went. We won our conference, which is one of our goals. I think the girls stuck together and were very positive. I thought we had a good season. Hopefully, next year we will have some people stepping up. We have some big holes to fill.”

Looking back on the season, Rosales said the team fought back and played strong despite its hardships.

The three-time Chicagoland Soccer All-State selection said she was thrilled to make her mark in the Morton program. Rosales closed out her illustrious career with a 27-goal, 19-assist season.

“I have had so many amazing experiences in this beautiful sport that I would not change for the world,” she said. “Going to different states and countries has been amazing and meeting so many amazing people along the way. 
 
“Soccer has done so much for me and helped me grow in every way possible. Being named an All-State player and earning respect during my high school career has been an amazing memory.”

Rosales said she’s excited to watch the Morton program grow from her new soccer home in Milwaukee.

“I think they can come back better and stronger,” she said. “I’m starting a new chapter with my Marquette family and we’re hoping for a great season. I hope to continue to be the best I can be and also continue to motivate and push those girls coming in behind me to always keep going.”

Junior midfielder Stephanie Salmeron is a player to watch next season. She was a steady force for the Mustangs, grew with each game and evolved as a leader. Salmeron said the Mustangs had a solid season partly because of their strong chemistry.

“We had a couple of (great) highlights, like winning our conference and beating our rivals, Downers Grove South,” Salmeron said. “There’s always room for improvement, and I think what’s going to be crucial for next year is our mental game. 

“I have noticed that for the past three years there has always been a lack of mental strength, specifically when it comes to confidence within yourself and your abilities. Being able to come together as a team is key and having each other’s backs.”

Sophomore defender Karina Estrada/Vargas was one of the bright spots for the Mustangs in 2024 after developing into a consistent player with a big upside. She gained a lot of insight into her game in her first varsity season.

“I learned a lot of new things playing high school this year,” Estrada said. “One of the main things I’ve learned is the importance of passion. Every game, I felt it was a battle of who wanted it more. There were many games where we were outplayed with just passion. The team that wanted it more and was hungry to win usually won the game. 

“There were many games where I personally wasn’t as passionate as a player should be. I didn’t realize how important it was. 

“I felt very proud of the team’s accomplishments. Although we could’ve made it further, next year I will definitely be a lot more hungrier to win. I will be inspiring my team to push harder to make it further.”

Estrada/Vargas said winning conference was a big highlight and will push her to become a better player for her junior season.

“I plan on focusing on my speed and conditioning this summer for my upcoming club season and for my high school team,” she said. “It’s something I lacked this year, so I will be working on getting faster for next year.”