WWS looks to derail
early DVC leader Naperville C.
By Dave Owen
Quality showdowns between teams playing at peak level are the norm in DuPage Valley Conference soccer.
Another such marquee matchup kicks off at 7 p.m. Tuesday, when host Naperville Central (6-2-3, 3-0-1 in the DVC) seeks to maintain its recent momentum against a similarly sizzling foe in Wheaton-Warrenville South (5-2-1, 1-1-0).
The Redhawks, who jumped up to no. 9 in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, soar into the match after shutout wins over Waubonsie Valley and Neuqua Valley in the last five days.
“We’ve possessed the ball and created scoring opportunities since we’ve returned from spring break,” Naperville Central coach Ed Watson said.
Twentieth-ranked Wheaton Warrenville South is on a roll of its own, winning five-straight matches including four in the PepsiCo Showdown.
“We’ve had a string of good fortune as of late,” Tigers coach Guy Callipari said. “And truth be told, the level of play has been in our favor.”
Holding an 0-2-1 record after an April 5 loss to Wheaton North, the Tigers have outscored their last five opponents 19-1. Anna Fank leads Wheaton South with 7 goals.
“I see the younger players coming into their own and finding success through having experienced earlier failures,” Callipari said. “And I see our more experienced players settling into roles they are comfortable with, after having experimented earlier on in the season.
“Collectively we’re working more as a unit than individual components on both sides of the ball, hence our productivity offensively is better and defensively has improved.”
Naperville Central’s surge has been powered by defense.
“Isabelle Reedy, Caitlin Reice and Amanda Murphy have anchored our defense,” Watson said, “and due to an injury Maggie Hillman has stepped into the back and helped us shut out Waubonsie and Neuqua.”
A young midfield standout has also emerged.
“Sophomore Maddie Redeker has been asked to play a more important role this season,” Watson said, “and she has responded nicely.”
How Wheaton South responds in Tuesday’s big test is Callipari’s focus.
“Naperville Central poses to be a competitor, with much success as of late against a high level of competition and traditionally is sound defensively,” he said. “Our goal is to break them down in the final third without unnecessary risks defensively.”
The Tigers’ recent streak shows the Redhawks have their own need for concern.
“Wheaton Warrenville South is always well coached,” Watson said. “They’re coming off a very successful stretch of matches, and we must be ready to slow them down.”
early DVC leader Naperville C.
By Dave Owen
Quality showdowns between teams playing at peak level are the norm in DuPage Valley Conference soccer.
Another such marquee matchup kicks off at 7 p.m. Tuesday, when host Naperville Central (6-2-3, 3-0-1 in the DVC) seeks to maintain its recent momentum against a similarly sizzling foe in Wheaton-Warrenville South (5-2-1, 1-1-0).
The Redhawks, who jumped up to no. 9 in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25, soar into the match after shutout wins over Waubonsie Valley and Neuqua Valley in the last five days.
“We’ve possessed the ball and created scoring opportunities since we’ve returned from spring break,” Naperville Central coach Ed Watson said.
Twentieth-ranked Wheaton Warrenville South is on a roll of its own, winning five-straight matches including four in the PepsiCo Showdown.
“We’ve had a string of good fortune as of late,” Tigers coach Guy Callipari said. “And truth be told, the level of play has been in our favor.”
Holding an 0-2-1 record after an April 5 loss to Wheaton North, the Tigers have outscored their last five opponents 19-1. Anna Fank leads Wheaton South with 7 goals.
“I see the younger players coming into their own and finding success through having experienced earlier failures,” Callipari said. “And I see our more experienced players settling into roles they are comfortable with, after having experimented earlier on in the season.
“Collectively we’re working more as a unit than individual components on both sides of the ball, hence our productivity offensively is better and defensively has improved.”
Naperville Central’s surge has been powered by defense.
“Isabelle Reedy, Caitlin Reice and Amanda Murphy have anchored our defense,” Watson said, “and due to an injury Maggie Hillman has stepped into the back and helped us shut out Waubonsie and Neuqua.”
A young midfield standout has also emerged.
“Sophomore Maddie Redeker has been asked to play a more important role this season,” Watson said, “and she has responded nicely.”
How Wheaton South responds in Tuesday’s big test is Callipari’s focus.
“Naperville Central poses to be a competitor, with much success as of late against a high level of competition and traditionally is sound defensively,” he said. “Our goal is to break them down in the final third without unnecessary risks defensively.”
The Tigers’ recent streak shows the Redhawks have their own need for concern.
“Wheaton Warrenville South is always well coached,” Watson said. “They’re coming off a very successful stretch of matches, and we must be ready to slow them down.”
