Defense prevails as Wildcats, Huskies play to scoreless tie

By Eddie Burns

Two high-powered offenses collided when Naperville North and Neuqua Valley met in their annual contest, but it was the defenses that stole the show.

The backlines of the Huskies and Wildcats proved to be too difficult for either offense to break through as their match ended 0-0 on Wednesday night at North Central College.

"There were moments where both teams were dangerous," North coach Brent Terada said, "but the backlines were always organized, tackled hard and closed open space down quickly.

"It was very physical and very competitive – just like both teams expected it to be."

For Neuqua coach Joe Moreau, it was the first time he had a chance to see his squad compete against different competition with the match being the Wildcats' season opener.

"I was very pleased with what I saw," Moreau said. "Offense is usually a little bit slower early in the season, but I thought we played very well defensively.

"You are not going to find too many players faster than (North's) Zoe Swift and she had a couple of chances in there and overall, we played pretty sound for a first game. We have a lot of things to work on, but it was a good start."

Swift had the best scoring chance shortly before halftime when she sent a shot that clipped the inside of the post and bounced back toward the middle of the field before teammate Hunter Drendel sent a rebound attempt wide.

Each team's offense appeared to be a bit out of rhythm

"It is hard to score," Terada said. "Neuqua has a very organized backline and their goalie really made some nice saves. Nobody expects a high scoring match between our two teams.

"It is tough to find that last finishing pass. We made the pass and then we didn't finish. We were knocking on the door a few times, but it just didn't happen."

North senior Rycke Guiney felt the same way.

"It was frustrating (that we didn't score) and there is nothing I can do about it now," Guiney said. "I had so many opportunities and I tried to finish them, but we have to a better job actually finishing scoring chances when they occur."

Caroline Casas, Jamie Meno, Kristina Dolak and Emily Janecek anchored North’s defense in front of goalie Ellie Flessner.

While the Huskies may not have scored, they continued their shutout streak. North (3-0-1) hasn't allowed a goal through its first four matches and has outscored its opponents 12-0.

"Ellie continues to grow," Terada said. "She came up big and made the saves she had to make and that is all you can ask is for your keeper to make saves and she did."

On the other end of the field, Neuqua's defense, led by Brenna Vogel, Lauren Noonan, Lisa Nuccio and Courtney Ksiazek, made life difficult on the Huskies' offense.

The Wildcats (0-0-1) also received a stellar effort from goalie Alexa Wilde.

Before Wednesday night, it had been close to five years since Wilde had played goalie in a meaningful game, but she played it with ease and recorded four saves.

Wilde, who recently accepted a scholarship to play midfield at Baylor, volunteered her services at the goalie position.

"I prefer playing the field," Wilde said. "I'm happy with the choice I made and I'm happy to play goalie. I don't have a problem with it."

Wilde won't be in goal for every game this season. Moreau has plans to use multiple players at that position.

It is similar to last season where the Wildcats rotated goalies, but for different reasons. A year ago, Neuqua had an all-American goalie in Alexa Gaul, who could play in goal and excel in the field.

"It is not quite the same scenario," Moreau said. "This year we'll rotate a few players there, but Alexa earned the start because she is one of our best athletes."

Wilde said she was nervous.

"North kept the pressure on me, which made it exciting," Wilde said. "I had to shake off some rust, but overall, I'm happy with the performance."

Wednesday's game also provided Moreau a chance to see some new faces in the places and he was impressed with what he saw.

He signaled out performances by Ksiazek, Gianna Dal Pozzo, Megan Oyster and Allie McBride.

"The fun thing about coaching high school is that you always have new kids out there and that is exciting," Moreau said.

"The new ones were nervous as all heck about making their varsity debut, I could hear some of them talking on the bus ride over. Once they got that first touch of the ball that all went away and we really saw some things from a lot of players."

The Huskies are off until April 6 when they play Glenbard North. The Wildcats will participate in the Downers Grove South Invite next week. Neuqua has matches next week against Lincoln-Way Central, Hinsdale Central and Downers Grove South.