Chicagoland Soccer Top 25
By Patrick Z. McGavin
Now the intrigue and drama begins to ratchet up.
A week ago, the season existed in the classic in-between realm, informed by the recent past to sketch out a sense of how the new beginning was going to play out.
A nearly full week of games offers fresh data and fuller knowledge about what to expect in the first month. The teams at the top are already proving their worth, power and deep resources.
A secondary narrative dovetails with this wider story. Several programs that started the year with great promise have jumped out of the starting gate, already satisfying their respective coaches’ optimism.
Deerfield is a good example. “We expect to be much improved from last year’s squad,” coach Rich Grady said before the season began. A year after finishing second in Class AA, the Warriors posted three very impressive victories punctuated by a 1-0 shutout over Benet in the Kickoff Tournament at home Saturday. Now the Warriors make a big leap from honorable mention to no. 15.
Carmel is another example. The Corsairs posted three shutout wins over Palatine, Lake Forest and Hersey, respectively, in capturing its own quad. The Corsairs are the team to beat in the East Suburban Catholic Conference, blending experience with some terrific young talent. They are going to be a team to watch throughout the year. They also moved up 12 slots to no. 13.
Most conferences kick off their slates this week. With many schools set to begin their spring break beginning Saturday, this marks an interesting opening salvo before the coming interruption.
So far, the top remains imposing and locked in. Some newcomers are eager to join the club.
By Patrick Z. McGavin
Now the intrigue and drama begins to ratchet up.
A week ago, the season existed in the classic in-between realm, informed by the recent past to sketch out a sense of how the new beginning was going to play out.
A nearly full week of games offers fresh data and fuller knowledge about what to expect in the first month. The teams at the top are already proving their worth, power and deep resources.
A secondary narrative dovetails with this wider story. Several programs that started the year with great promise have jumped out of the starting gate, already satisfying their respective coaches’ optimism.
Deerfield is a good example. “We expect to be much improved from last year’s squad,” coach Rich Grady said before the season began. A year after finishing second in Class AA, the Warriors posted three very impressive victories punctuated by a 1-0 shutout over Benet in the Kickoff Tournament at home Saturday. Now the Warriors make a big leap from honorable mention to no. 15.
Carmel is another example. The Corsairs posted three shutout wins over Palatine, Lake Forest and Hersey, respectively, in capturing its own quad. The Corsairs are the team to beat in the East Suburban Catholic Conference, blending experience with some terrific young talent. They are going to be a team to watch throughout the year. They also moved up 12 slots to no. 13.
Most conferences kick off their slates this week. With many schools set to begin their spring break beginning Saturday, this marks an interesting opening salvo before the coming interruption.
So far, the top remains imposing and locked in. Some newcomers are eager to join the club.
| Rk | LW | Team | W | L | T | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Barrington | 1 | 0 | 1 | Tina Teik is a top sophomore |
| 2 | 2 | New Trier | 2 | 0 | 0 | Nicole Caspi is part of versatile, innovative offense |
| 3 | 3 | St. Charles North | 2 | 0 | 0 | Sophomore Sarah Andrey is emerging offensive star | Sarah Andrey is another emerging offensive weapon
| 4 | 4 | Naperville North | 2 | 0 | 1 | Shaina Dudas is skilled talent on top |
| 5 | 5 | Downers Grove North | 1 | 0 | 0 | Carli Nehls sparks dynamic middle attack |
| 6 | 6 | Loyola | 1 | 0 | 0 | Cate Shellenback has fantastic opening game |
| 7 | 7 | Geneva | 1 | 0 | 0 | Jenna Dominguez has great beginning for Vikings |
| 8 | 9 | Metea Valley | 2 | 0 | 0 | Paige Buranosky is great two-way talent |
| 9 | 10 | Warren | 1 | 0 | 0 | Sophomore Elizabeth Weinberg has auspicious debut |
| 10 | 11 | Lyons | 1 | 0 | 0 | Bella Lestina is fun to watch |
| 11 | 12 | Wheaton Academy | 1 | 0 | 0 | Erin Teevans is a standout senior |
| 12 | 17 | Wauconda | 3 | 0 | 0 | Early season showdown with Stevenson Tuesday |
| 13 | 25 | Carmel | 3 | 0 | 0 | Zenaya Barnes sparks impressive quad title performance |
| 14 | 21 | St. Francis | 1 | 0 | 0 | Erin Peck shapes dominant first game performance |
| 15 | HM | Deerfield | 3 | 0 | 0 | Sophomore Malori Killoren is elite sophomore |
| 16 | 13 | Lemont | 1 | 0 | 0 | Loaded Indians prepared for dominant run |
| 17 | HM | Evanston | 2 | 0 | 0 | Callista O’Connor is another must-see sophomore |
| 18 | 18 | Lake Zurich | 0 | 0 | 1 | Bears play scoreless draw with Fremd |
| 19 | NR | Plainfield South | 4 | 0 | 0 | Isabel Cerda ignites explosive start |
| 20 | HM | Benet | 2 | 1 | 0 | Abby Casmere is explosive offensive talent |
| 21 | 16 | St. Charles East | 1 | 1 | 0 | Alessia D’Argento makes strong impression |
| 22 | 20 | Maine South | 1 | 0 | 1 | Early showdown with New Trier Tuesday |
| 23 | 19 | Lane | 0 | 1 | 0 | Margaret Grossman is a top keeper |
| 24 | NR | Lincoln-Way Central | 3 | 0 | 0 | Final Four at Windy City Ram Classic |
| 25 | 8 | Neuqua Valley | 0 | 2 | 0 | Sydney Rushing is bright offensive talent |
Look out for: Stagg, Burlington Central, Fremd, Lincoln-Way West, Wheaton Warrenville South, Fenwick, Glenbrook South, Lake Forest, Stevenson, Providence, Glenbard East, Batavia, Sycamore, Cary-Grove, IC Catholic Prep
