Vikings suffer first loss after getting blanked by Saxons

By Mike Garofola

Steve Keller was at a loss for words, and why not.

Just moments after watching his Fremd Vikings get sunk by Schaumburg on Monday evening, the coach was quick to share his thoughts on the effort his side had just put forth during its 2-0 loss in a key MSL West division match on the road.

"We lacked energy, passion, leadership, a sense of urgency and looked disinterested the entire night, and a lot of credit has to go to Schaumburg (for) all of that, and beyond that, I am kind of at a loss as what to say to the girls after their performance," said a disappointed Keller.

It was apparent the desire of the Saxons (6-1-2, 2-1-0) to win was far greater than their opponent on this night, as they played with terrific pace and energy from the opening whistle and right on through when the 80 minutes of soccer had been completed.

"We could not afford another loss in the division after losing (2-0) to Conant last week," said Saxons star Stephanie Pouse, who along with the Vikings' captain Danielle Romano gave fans a closer look at two of the finest defenders in the state on this night.

"We had to win to stay in the race, and everyone on this team knew it coming in, and played like it was our most important match of the year so far."

The junior helped keep the Vikings under pressure for the entire first half, going forward with a zest found in most strikers, while still tackling and defending flawlessly, especially the Vikings' top scorer, Elise Kotsakis (6 goals) who along with her teammates, never manufactured much in the way of offense.

"It was ugly out there for us tonight," admitted Romano, who on just a few occasions was able to send any of her trademark freekick serves into the box, as the homeside rarely allowed their guests the opportunity on this night of domination.

"We just weren't into this match tonight, right from the very beginning, and I really don't know how to explain it," offered Romano.

Things did not go well in the early stages when senior Jackie Larocco one-timed a Pouse cross to the back post just five minutes into the match.

And after that, the Saxons' confidence would grow as they prepared to hand the Vikings (5-1-0, 3-1-0) their first loss of the season, as well as in the conference.

Keller attempted to find a spark from others when he brought on Emily Basten, Nikki Pagnamenta, Jennifer Freeman and Jessa Rizzo at 21 minutes.

While the quartet brought much needed ambition and fresh legs, their presence still was unable to jump-start the Viking attack which just couldn't muster a thing in the Saxon end.

Freshmen Michelle Mottonen, likely the most impressive player going forward for the Vikings on this night, nearly initiated the equalizer at 28 minutes when her well-placed corner to the spot was redirected into the back of the net.

But the center official waved off the goal when he claimed keeper Brooke Schocker was fouled during the scrum.

Schockers' only other challenge of the match came just after intermission when the sophomore would read impending danger correctly to stop Rizzo at the back post after Kristen Kupstys, Alexis Tice and Kotsakis would build up.

Vikings keeper Allison Norenberg needed to be an acrobat in order to punch away Alison Schmalz' serve into the 6-yard box to save a goal, however, the senior was unable to stop Rachel Kahan and her cracker from 30 yards in the 52nd minute.

Keller would bring off stopper Kupstys after the Saxons extended their lead to add another attacking player, but except for a pair of corners and Mottonen almost outrunning Schocker to a 50-50 at the top of the box, the Vikings were unable to break through.

"As it got later in the match, everyone seemed to be hanging their heads," said Romano, whose team hosts rival Barrington on Wednesday.

The Fillies are the only undefeated side in the MSL West at 4-0-0 (8 points), while Conant stands at 4-1-0 and also with eight points.

Fremd follows with its 3-1-0 mark and six points, Palatine is next at 2-0-1 with five points and Schaumburg is 2-1-0 and has four points.

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