AURORA – Aurora Central is back on the right track.

Thursday, the two teams collided in a Chicago Catholic League White Division game.

Aurora Central suffered a 6-0 loss to likely league favorite DeLaSalle on Tuesday.

Chargers coach Nazareth Jean-Marie said his team took a big step with Thursday’s 3-1 win over St. Francis to open up conference play.

“The key to our team success this season has been togetherness and not losing focus to who we are as a team and as an institution,” he said. 

“We’re trying to improve and get better as we take each game one at a time. St. Francis is a wonderful team and organization.”

The Chargers (7-3-0, 1-0-0) scored 25 goals in their first five games but were blanked in cross-over losses to Mt. Carmel and St. Laurence.

Aurora Central followed the defeates with a 6-2 nonconference win over Marengo.

“We have a core of guys with a lot of experience on this team from the previous season,” Jean-Marie said. “They bring the team together and always lead by example whether in school, practice or in games.

“Everyone on this team is unique on their own way and always brings something to the table. We are always learning from each other. There is never an off day because everyone seems to pick up after one another and plays a part in both the program and the organization's success. 

“Just having that wonderful support from everyone seems to have brought the kids together.  Each game, the players are getting better and better, and aren't shying away from any challenges. They are improving and developing as a team and individually.”

Jean-Marie wants to carryover the considerable promise of the first half of the season to the meat of the conference season.

“We have only conceded one goal from a corner kick,” he said. “It just goes to show how much work the guys have been putting in. 

“Consistency, toughness, togetherness plus not losing focus -- but at the same time we all understand that there is always plenty of room for improvement.”

St. Francis seeks to regain form

The Spartans (2-5-0, 1-1-0) ended a three-game losing skid by defeating White Division foe St. Francis deSales 8-0 on Tuesday.

Coach Jim Winslow said his team showed some good signs in the win.

“We were playing within ourselves, didn’t try to do too much,” Winslow said. “We’ve not played as tough as our schedule used to be, but it has forced us to grow up quickly. We need to consistently finish our good opportunities to win more games.”

Winslow said several players have stepped up in the last few games.

“Jonathan Yarusso has grown into a very steady centerback; Junior Diaz has been a very consistent midfielder. When Nicholas Tisjlar can relax and finish opportunities, we will score more goals,” Winslow said.

Youth brigade

The Chargers have only one senior, defender Nathan Diedrich, on their roster. Last fall the team endured an up-and-down season with a scorecard filled with freshmen and sophomores.

After 10 games this season, the Chargers have the skill and experience of a maturing team. That was evident in Thursday. Aurora Central showed a lot of energy, poise and commitment to keep pushing. That persistence paid off with two goals in the second half.

“Several of them have grown up and are getting better,” Jean-Marie said. “At the end of the day, we try and improve as the season goes on. Hopefully we can grow more for the end of the season.”