Warriors make statement in 3-0 victory over Huskies

By Eddie Burns

Waubonsie Valley reminded soccer fans that it should not be left out of the discussion when it comes to the best teams in the state.

The Warriors put everyone on notice with an impressive 3-0 win at Naperville North on Monday night.

"We've all been together for a while and we know we are capable of playing this type of soccer," Waubonsie's Hannah Klancic said.

Klancic admitted the Warriors had a little extra motivation considering the fact that North had eliminated Waubonsie from the postseason a year ago.

Coach Julie Bergstrom took a minute to praise her team's effort.

"We played a good game and followed what we wanted to do," Bergstrom said. "The players executed what we wanted to do and played good soccer."

Huskies coach Brent Terada said the Warriors were clearly the better team.

"We got our butt kicked," Terada said. "They are great. They pounded us for 80 minutes – constantly. They transitioned faster than us.

"They were more organized. They worked the ball really well. In every facet of the game, we were outclassed – without a doubt."

The Warriors (4-0-1) had the better of the play for the entire first half, but their hard work did not pay off until the final minute of the opening half.

North (4-1-2) sent a goal kick toward the middle of the field and Waubonsie's Vanessa DiBernardo gained possession and she began to dribble toward the North penalty area when the Huskies defense backed off and gave DiBernardo space.

That was all DiBernardo needed as she saw the opening and ripped a shot just inside the far post past North goalie Ellie Flessner to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead.

"They gave me a lot of space and I just shot it," said DiBernardo, who now has seven goals.

Terada said the Huskies had a defensive breakdown, but he gave credit to DiBernardo.

"You can't discount the fact that Vanessa is the best player in the state and then add in a couple of their other kids who are playing extremely well," Terada said.

"Megan Green played well and is coming into her own. They were fantastic tonight."

The Warriors made it a two-goal advantage when Klancic netted her second goal of the season in the 44th minute. The goal was the culmination of smooth passing by the Warriors.

DiBernardo began the run when she worked a give-and-go passing sequence with Green. DiBernardo ripped a wide open shot at Flessner, who bobbled the ball and Klancic was there to score the rebound.

"We possessed the ball really well," said Klancic, who pointed to the fact North beat Waubonsie twice last season provided the Warriors with motivation.

"We had some good movement and created some good runs. It feels great. I'm really happy with how we played."

DiBernardo said the Warriors make it a point to have quick touches and slick ball movement when they are on the attack.

"We like to work combinations a lot," DiBernardo said. "We work 1-2 touches and use a lot of give-and-go's -- that is a good way to beat anyone. The three of us (Green, Klancic and myself) do that really well."

Waubonsie's constant pressure left a lasting impression with North captain Rycke Guiney.

"How they went back and forth moving the ball all over the field was certainly impressive," Guiney said. "It was like, 'Do you ever get tired?' I don't know. It is crazy.

"They are the best team we've seen -- them and Neuqua. If we get to play them again, we'll see what happens."

Warriors freshman Jenna Romano capped the scoring with a goal in the 73rd minute.

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