Scouting Cook County girls soccer
Fremd has been home to some magnificent soccer players as year-after-year coach Steve Keller is fortunate to showcase players who prove to be among the best at their position, not only in the area, but the state.
Last season Keller boasted a pair of All-State players, Gemma Gillespie, now playing at Butler University, as well as Gwen Zimmerman, who proved to be a key figure as the Vikings claimed their fourth state trophy under Keller, taking third.
"(It's) been quite a run of late for me," said Zimmerman, an incredibly successful three-sport star, whose seamless ability in her primary sport of soccer is a thing of beauty to watch — as is her time playing flag football in the fall, and running track in the spring.
"I didn't really have a sport to play in the fall, and with my friends playing (flag), I decided to play as well,“ said Zimmerman, whose blinding speed no doubt helped the Vikings win the first ever state championship in the sport.
The two-time state qualifier in track (relay) said without the support of Keller, in addition to track coaches Joe Marcin and Bernard Sponsel, competing in two spring sports would be next to impossible.
"The weekend track invites really become important in the final few weeks of the season, but Marcin and Sponsel are great, and they, along with (Keller) help me make it all balance out just fine," Zimmerman said.
The ever busy junior had 14 goals and 7 assists a year ago, numbers that don’t come close to illustrating the chances created, aerial duels and 50-50 tackles won, touches in the final third, interceptions, work rate, and box-to-box efforts.
"We have several amazing juniors and seniors back who made big contributions last year, and some younger players who earned a lot of experience also, so if we stay healthy, there's no reason why we cannot have another great season this year," Keller said.
BARRINGTON
Coach: Ryan Stengren (17th year).
Last year: 19-2-2 (11-0-0, MSL champions), lost to Fremd in the supersectional.
Top returning players: Seniors Megan Holland (GK, 16.5 shutouts, 0.19 gaa), Madeline Lewis (MF), Piper Lucier (F), Hannah Blue (D); juniors Grace Fuller (D), Grace Gierthy (D), Skye Lundy (D); sophomores Maddie Martin-Johnson (MF), Gabby Masterson (MF-D), Aybree Sanchez (D-F).
New players to watch: Freshmen Ally Forrester (MF), Olivia Otto (MF).
Outlook: After winning an unprecedented 11th straight MLS championship in advance of a 15th straight regional and sectional title, the Fillies' hope of a seventh straight state appearance were dashed after a supersectional defeat in penalty kicks to its long time rival Fremd. "Steve (Keller, Fremd head coach) had a great team last year, and in my opinion are the team to beat this season," said Fillies coach Ryan Stengren. "We lost two incredible players, Sarah Saranowski and Roos Van Roekel, who are irreplaceable but we're fortunate to have what I believe is the best keeper in the state with Megan Holland (Kentucky) and one of the best forwards with Piper Laurie (Marquette) so from there we'll piece together things with our returning players, along with some new players to our roster.“
BUFFALO GROVE
Coach: Pat Dudle (19th year).
Last year: 8-9-1 (4-7-0, 4th, MSL-East).
Top returning players: Senior Mariana Rodriguez Torres (MF); juniors Ella Halter (D), Brooke Wells (MF); sophomores Amanda Kowalski (D), Samantha Kowalski (MF).
New players to watch: Seniors Yannia Ibarra (MF), Jocelyn Martinez (D); sophomores Lauren Fink (D), Taylor Rickman (F).
Outlook: The Bison will be young, including between the sticks where Pat Dudle will be hard pressed to replace his all-conference keeper Emily Aparicio Bahena, as well as the attacking threat from Taylore Camel, who is now playing for the Tampa University club team. "Over half of our roster are freshmen and sophomores, but we have great energy and attitude all throughout," said Dudle, who will lean on his terrific playmaker Brooke Wells, as well as Ella Halter and Amander Kowalski along the back.
CONANT
Coach: Jeff Malone (2nd year).
Last year: 9-7-1 (5-5-1, 3rd, MSL-West).
Top returning players: Seniors Avery Connelly (MF), Olivia Hagler (D), Brianna Serna (MF), Reese Staniak (D), junior Gianna Richter (D); sophomores Vivian Brand (F), Annabel Danso (GK).
New players to watch: Senior Eden Ostrowski (F, back from club).
Outlook: It will be tough to replace the three-time all-MSL forward Sophie Dobrincu. Despite this, Jeff Malone welcomes back 7 starters, two from his backline, two in the middle of the park, and Eden Ostrowski back from club to play alongside Vivian Brand to form a dangerous attacking duo. "(Reese) Staniak and (Olivia) Hagler have been anchors along the back, and with a seasoned group of 8 seniors on our roster, I am excited to see what we can accomplish this season," said Malone.
ELK GROVE
Coach: Gabby Whittinghill (6th year).
Last year: 14-6-0 (7-4-0, 2nd, MSL-East).
Top returning players: Seniors Caroline Hadler (D-MF), Mia Jonas (MF), Emily Fiorito (D); junior Darien Koszewski (D); sophomores Idabelle Hoerbert (GK), Taylor Wirtz (MF-D).
Outlook: Gabby Whittinghill has done a terrific job of turning around a program that had not reached 10 wins or more since 2018 (10-7-2). This past season saw the Grens stay in the division hunt late into the season en route to a second-place finish behind Hersey. "I am very excited for this year here, and a great group of athletes, and to see how our team chemistry will be, and what roles our players will step into," said Whittinghill, who will surely miss her All-Area scoring star Maggie Maher, now playing at Lewis University.
FREMD
Coach: Steve Keller (25th year).
Last year: (17-5-4, (10-1-0, 2nd, MSL West, 3A state third place).
Top returning players: Seniors Lia Digirolamo (D), Molly Rodino (MF), Cami Tofilon (MF); juniors Sophia Kennedy (MF), Lily Mayer (F), Sami Serpico (F), Gwen Zimmerman (MF); sophomores Ciera Ewanio (MF), Josie Thomas (MF).
New players to watch: Sophomore Chloe Gordon (F); freshmen Jordan Farrell (MF), Asia Poyraz (F).
Outlook: "We should have a strong team that hopes to compete for the MSL title (then) make a run in the playoffs just as we did last season," said Keller. "We'll need to solidify our backline that lost three starters, including Gemma Gillespie (Butler) a two-time All-State player."
HERSEY
Coach: Mike Rusniak (7th year).
Last year: 13-9-1 (9-2-0, MSL East champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Asha Bontje (MF), Gretchen Chianelli (MF), Kiki Craft (D); junior Gracie Lisota (F).
New players to watch: Junior Kristen Getz (MF); freshman Alexia Miyares (MF), Ellie Molster (F).
Outlook: The Huskies won their third consecutive MSL East title last spring, thanks in part to work rate second to none, in addition to a wonderful group of three and four-year players who were unselfish, consistent, and able to do the little things very well. "We had a terrific group of players with us last year, but we have a very strong group of returning players leading this year, and a talented group of new players who should make us a very competitive side," said coach Mike Rusniak. Always a stingy bunch, the Huskies also have a top flight scorer in the MLS East POY and all-state forward Gracie Lisota (18 goals, 12 assists).
HOFFMAN ESTATES
Coach: Mary Dansdill (4th year).
Last year: 2-12-2 (1-10-0, 6th, MSL-West).
Top returning players: Senior Bella Wehrle (D); sophomore Erin Troyer (MF).
New players to watch: Sophomore Peyton Liles (GK).
Outlook: The Hawks lost six seniors from a year ago, including the all-conference duo of Mallory Anderson and Natasha Navarro. "We have many newcomers this spring, but I am very impressed with the commitment and work ethic, especially from our seniors, who have been exceptional leaders all throughout," said Hawks coach Mary Dansdill.
LEYDEN
Coach: Jim Rossetti (4th year).
Last year: 10-6-2 (3-3-0, T4th, WSC-Gold).
Top returning players: Seniors Jamie Agulia (MF), Diana Rivera-Romero (MF); juniors Reyna Morales (D), Nataly Salgado (MF).
New players to watch: Juniors Alison Dimaranhan (D), Evelyn Flores (GK).
Outlook: Leyden has made terrific strides since longtime assistant Jim Rossetti took over four years ago. Last season was the first time since 2016 the Eagles were a .500 club, much of this due to the presence of Rossetti. "(We'll) be deeper than we've been of late, so I am excited to see how much we can grow as the year progresses, but we lost an explosive player," said Rossetti, whose top-flight scoring forward Tereza Cerna (26 goals) is now at Rolling Meadows.
MAINE EAST
Coach: Harold Bailey (2nd year).
Last year: 2-17-1 (0-4-1, T5th, CSL-North).
Outlook: The Demons suffered a power outage in their last 10 games of the regular season a year ago, netting just 6 goals, including four in a draw with crosstown rival Maine West. They lost seven players to graduation, four of which were three-year players, in addition to Jocelyn Velasquez, who provided four years of play to the program.
MAINE SOUTH
Coach: J.J. Crawford (28th year).
Last year: 11-11-2 (0-5-0, 6th, CSL-South).
Top returning players: Seniors Ava Kontuly (D), Kelsey Rouse (D), Francesca Trippiedi (MF), Audrey Winkler (F); sophomore Phoebe Welsh (MF).
New players to watch: Junior Anya Chojnowski (F); sophomore Sofia Dilorenzo (MF).
Outlook: The Hawks were an impressive 10-5-2 away from league play, however the high profile CSL South, led by state champion New Trier, proved too much for J.J. Crawford's side to overcome. "We look to be competitive once again, finishing up at .500 or better," said Crawford, who will rely on three-year veterans Kontuly and Rouse to keep things organized and air-tight along the backline.
MAINE WEST
Coach: Jeff Bishop (13th year).
Last year: 0-17-1 (0-4-1, T5th, CSL-North).
Top returning players: Seniors Giselle Cazares Ayala (D), Mariela Nava (MF), Jessica Perez (F); juniors Mariana Espinoza (D), Natalia Vivar (MF).
New players to watch: Sophomores Darlene Garcia (D), Victoria Hnydyshyn (MF), Mirely Gomez (MF).
Outlook: The winless season from a year ago led Jeff Bishop to make a clear statement on things at Maine West. "No one is happy with the way last year went. We are motivated to make sure it doesn't happen again, and our returning players are focused and eager to turn things around and improve from last season," said Bishop. "With the experience of those returning, coupled with the excitement of our new, younger players, this should be a fun season."
PALATINE
Coach: Aaron Morris (3rd year).
Last year: 9-10-1 (5-6-0, 5th, MSL-West).
Top returning players: Seniors Ava Millan (MF), Allie Sobel (MF), Maya Virgen (F), Clare Zach (D); junior Jolee Waddington (F).
New players to watch: Sophomores Jocelyn Bonilla (F), Ilianna Hernandez (MF), Emily Sondergaard (F); freshman Grace Abhaulter (D).
Outlook: There is always an optimistic, positive atmosphere around coach Aaron Morris and his program as he heads into his third year in charge. "I'm excited for the season. (Many) of the seniors have been with me since their freshman year and I cannot say enough about the character of these young women," said Morris. “We will compete, work hard, and be organized defensively." The Pirates have one of the best forwards in Jolee Waddington, with teammate Ava Millan running the show in the middle of the park.
PROSPECT
Coach: Mke Andrews (2nd year).
Last year: 3-12-2 (2-9-1, 5th, MSL-East).
Top returning players: Seniors Courtney Bradbury (F), Sarah Bradbury (GK), Paige Hall (D), Elena Katsogianos (D); junior Sienna Murray (MF-D).
New players to watch: Junior Rachel Asper (MF-F); sophomore Anna Dover (F); freshman Bella Kowal (D).
Outlook: Prospect lost Abby Davis and Julia Valentini, both terrific leaders and players, but coach Mike Andrews feels there's plenty of quality returning. "We have some really talented senior leaders, some of whom were sidelined last year with injuries, plus some exciting young players ready to make an impact," said Andrews. "(I) look for this team to bring real intensity, and focus to every game, training session, with a balance of tactics, physical play and execution which will allow us to compete with any team."
ROLLING MEADOWS
Coach: Mike Drenth (14th year).
Last year: 6-9-3 (3-5-3, 3rd, MSL-East).
Top returning players: Juniors Lizzy Andriano (MF), Eve Kakavetsis (MF-D); sophomores Molly Dudle (GK), Maddie Johnson (MF), Payton Ullrick (D).
New players to watch: Senior Tereza Cerna (F, transfer from Leyden).
Outlook: Mike Drenth is hoping a core of returning young players help offset heavy graduation losses that leaves the Mustangs short on veteran leadership. "There's not a lot of depth, so we'll be looking for our backline to hold up while our younger players gain experience," said Drenth. The addition of a potential all-state forward Cerna and her 26 goals from Leyden should help the club find the back of the net more often.
SCHAUMBURG
Coach: Tracy Serafini (2nd year).
Last year: 11-7-0 (7-4-0, 3rd, MLS-West).
Top returning players: Seniors Caroline Chalberg (F), Sophia Dietz (GK), Sam Iller (MF), Jennifer Luo (D); junior Lari Baldwin (MF).
New players to watch: Freshman Grace Furno (D), Mady Pawlak (F), Mia Phelps (D).
Outlook: The Saxons enjoyed a marvelous first season under Serafini with 8 shutouts on the season while giving the top three clubs in the league — Barrington, Fremd and Hersey — all it could handle. "We are looking forward to building on the success from a year ago, continuing to move the program forward in a positive direction as well," said Serafini. The Saxons have a strong core of senior players, three of which will be among the best at their positions: Chalberg (F, 21 goals, Dubuque), Baldwin, who brings vision and creativity in the middle, plus the shot-stopping expertise of Dietz (Beloit College) between the sticks.
ST. VIATOR
Coach: Byron DeLeon (4th year).
Last year: 18-6-0 (4-2-0, 2nd, ESCC), 2A regional champions.
Top returning players: Seniors Monica Correa (F), Frannie Drake (D), Camila Fuentes (MF), Kyli Ziebka (GK).
New players to watch: Freshman Judith Saji (GK).
Outlook: You would have to go back several seasons to see a club from St. Viator turn in a season as successful as last spring when the Lions won nearly 20 games, and looked ready to enjoy a long run in the 2A state series before being stunned in its sectional semifinal, 2-1, by Vernon Hills. "We have a well balanced team between experience and young talent, and we feel it will be a good season with a solid schedule to prepare us for the playoffs," said coach Byron DeLeon. The attack will be led by its all-state forward Monica Correa (37 goals, 30 assists) who will play at NIU in the fall.
WHEELING
Coach: Kevin Lennon (4th year).
Last year: 3-13-1 (0-11-0, 6th, MSL-East)
Top returning players: Seniors Scarlette Patricio (D), Isabella Sanchez (D), Nicole Schreiner (MF).
New players to watch: Sophomores Krystal Diaz (MF), Kira Harnaha (GK), Allison Parada (MF).
Outlook: The Wildcats went through several winless seasons, but with Kevin Lennon at the helm, things have begun to change both on and off the field. "This group of seniors has helped raise the level of play all throughout our program, and I am excited to see them help continue this trend this season," said Lennon. "Many of our seniors have been playing on the varsity since freshman year, so they will help the way for us. Lennon will lean on the veteran trio of Patricio, Sanchez and Schreiner.