Girls soccer: Prolific goal-scorer Egeland rises to the top at Stevenson

There were several top flight scoring stars to be found all throughout the Lake County area this spring.

Lauren Bailey, Ari Gonzalez, Shea Krakowski, Mia Silber and Reese Staniak are just to name a few from a terrific group.

However there was one other player, who, with an impressive stream of goals, along with her year-long dominance at her position, plus terrific leadership for a young team from Stevenson, that would set her apart from others.

Stevenson senior Ellie Egeland has been named the captain of the Daily Herald Lake County All-Area girls soccer team for 2024.

"I was caught off guard when (Jay) Bulev announced at our soccer banquet that the Daily Herald named me captain of the All-Area team. It's an exciting honor to have, and I am thankful to my teammates who have been a big part of my soccer life here at Stevenson," said Egeland.

Twice named All-State and NSC offensive player of the year, the Maryland University-bound Egeland and Patriots captain has built quite an impressive resume of:

With 63 career goals, 28 this season, plus 27 overall assists, three-time all-NSC player had 8 game-winning goals this year during the Patriots 12-5-1 season, while helping the program to a pair of NSC titles, one shared with Libertyville and Warren.

"A lot of club soccer players decide to stay with their club all throughout high school, but we've been so fortunate to have a player of Ellie's ability to stay around all four years giving us great play, a passion for the sport, and tremendous leadership," said Bulev.

"Ellie has the respect of everyone in our program, and is one of those players that do not come along very often," continued Bulev.

"(This) with a very young roster, she became the focal point of our attack and embraced that role, not only through her goal scoring, but with how she helped create chances for others."

Egeland was usually stationed out wide on the left side in a front three. Or when the Patriots were in a 4-4-2, and coupled with her clever movement, positioning and ability to time her runs near perfect, the Patriots captain attacked diagonally towards goal with superb technique and speed, much to the dismay of her opponents.

"(I) basically played the (7 or 11) this year (wide attacking position), but my coaches at Maryland foresee me eventually playing the role at the (9) so I'll work hard during the offseason with my fitness and defending in order to play that spot as a center forward," said Egeland.

Egeland is a joy to watch when cutting inside from the left. Then having a shot at goal, she often aimed to bend the ball just inside either post with wonderful accuracy — or drifted inside the channel to help create space for others.

"Ellie has that mindset that most big-time scorers have in-that if she scores once in a game, she is always looking to add another and another," said Bulev, "It's a quality that sets her apart from many others."

Egeland bagged a trio of hat tricks, and once netting four, many of her goals via helpers from Sami An and Ashley Liang.

"I'll always remember how much fun it's been wearing the Stevenson shirt and playing soccer for my high school, plus the bonus of playing two years with my sister (Anabelle) and watching her become such a great central defender, and a great leader herself."