Batavia will travel to Wheaton North for a 7 p.m. Tuesday to battle for a result that both covet. 

Both sides have struggled against competitive schedules. They’ll hit the pitch with the resolve to turn things around.

Batavia (0-10-1, 0-2-0) and Wheaton North (1-8-2, 0-0-1) realize they have a little less than half the regular-season left to make something happen, especially in the conference.

Wheaton North acquitted itself well with a 2-2 league result with St. Charles North on Sept. 7.

The Falcons also played to a draw versus Hoffman Estates, and a 7-1 victory over Willowbrook.

Since the win, the Falcons are winless in five matches and have dropped four-straight.

Rocco Johnson, a sophomore midfielder who leads the offense with five goals and two assists, will try to spark the team.

“Rocco has been a standout in the midfield for us with creative attacking,” said Falcons coach Joe Klingelhoffer.

The manager also noted solid work from midfielders Luke Hodel, a senior, and Ryder Froebe, a junior. Each has recorded two assists to the campaign.

Senior forwards Edwin Gitonga, Jr., (three goals) and Alex Leon (one goal) have made contributions. Junior midfielders Felmon Kori and Zayo Ferris have shown solid development.

Senior defenseman Jackson Galbraith is making a mark.

“Jackson is the only player returning for us who had played significant varsity minutes,” said Klingelhoffer. 

“This is a learning year for us. We’ve played some strong opponents competitively, and others who show us the areas in which we need to get better.”

The coach noted that junior Chris Mann along with senior Aiden Kile have worked hard in the back third.

Batavia started the season with a 2-2 draw with Downers Grove South. The Bulldogs have suffered one-goal losses to Plainfield Central, Yorkville and Kaneland.

Senior captain and defender Matt Vrba has been a persistent positive influence.

“Matt has been a rock in the back for us with his leadership and organization,” said Bulldogs coach Mark Gianfrancesco.

Fellow classmate and backliner Cory McPencow has “done a nice job one-on-one defensively,” Gianfrancesco said.

Hudson Legut, a sophomore defender, is stepping up.

“Hudson has improved every game and has probably become one of our most consistent players up to this point in the season,” the coach said.

On offense, junior striker Gabe Diaz leads the way.

 “Gabe has worked hard up-top to get us out and create opportunities to score,” his manager said. “He has been strong in the air offensively and defensively."

The coach added he is looking for progression as the season enters its latter half.

“We are just working to take each game one at a time,” said Gianfrancesco. “Keep improving as the season progresses, building chemistry and relationships with players.”

The teams are looking for the boost of confidence that a win can provide. They will try to take the night against a respected competitor.

“Wheaton North will be a solid team like all of our conference opponents,” said Gianfrancesco. “We’ll do our best with training and scouting to compete and continue to improve as a team."

Batavia fell to St. Charles North 4-1 Sept. 17 and most recently 5-0 to no. 8 Wheaton Academy on Sept. 21.

Klingelhoffer will have Wheaton North ready after a six-day break from games after the end of pool play in the Streamwood Fall Classic.

“I know Batavia is going to want to give it everything they have to get a result in a conference game,” he said, “Both teams are coming off challenging weeks. I’m looking forward to see how we respond.”