Chicagoland High School Girls Teams to Watch in 2023
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The season for high school girls soccer in Illinois is here. Here’s my top five teams in Chicagoland to keep and eye out for this season, plus a list of others to keep track of. Metea Valley: Where else to…
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Continue ReadingThe season for high school girls soccer in Illinois is here. Here’s my top five teams in Chicagoland to keep and eye out for this season, plus a list of others to keep track of.
Metea Valley: Where else to start. The defending 3A champs return the nucleus of their squad and didn’t lose a game In Illinois last season. Jordan Lange was as electric as it gets on offense. The senior excels in the open field and makes everyone better when she’s out there. Tyra King Tyra King F IL was one of the top goal-scorers in Illinois with a powerful strike. Look out for Lucy Burk. The junior winger plays with great pace when she’s out there.
Barrington: Right next to Metea Valley is the squad that took them to nine rounds of penalty kicks in the state championship last June. Piper Lucier Piper Lucier null | F Barrington | 2025 State #167 Nation IL is arguably the best sophomore in Illinois and is electric as it gets. She plays great with her feet and is dangerous for opposing defenders with the ball. Senior defender Ellie Sanchez Ellie Sanchez D Barrington (IL) | 2023 IL is an outstanding outside back who I watched really shine bright in the state series. Cornell signee Brooke Brown Brooke Brown M Barrington (IL) | 2023 IL will lead a talented midfield.
Lincoln-Way Central: I didn’t know much about the Lady Knights until the state championships last season. But they sure have some players. Bowling Green signee Christine Erdman Christine Erdman M IL plays sensational as an outside back and creates problems on both sides of the field. Sophomore Madi Watt shined as a freshman last season and scored 17 goals.
Oswego East: A pair of Big Ten commits will lead the way. Wisconsin commit Anya Gulbrandsen scored 17 goals and dished out 10 assists last season. Iowa commit Erika Smiley scored 13 goals for the Wolfpack. Sam McPhee is one of the better goalkeepers in Illinois.
Naperville Central: A new era has begun for the Redhawks. Out goes longtime coach Ed Watson and in comes Troy Adams, who just led their boys program to a state championship in the fall. Despite the coaching change, lots of experience returns. Northwestern commit Megan Norkett Megan Norkett M Naperville Central (IL) | 2023 #149 Nation IL scored 19 goals last season, while Cincinnati commit Ella Burke will anchor the defense. Look out for sophomore midfielder Becca Ruggiero to potentially make noise this season too.
Other Programs to Watch
New Trier
Loyola
Evanston
Benet
St. Charles East
St. Charles North
Plainfield North
Deerfield
Stevenson