Illinois Regional Recap: Teddy’s Top Takeaways

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's some quick notes from IHSA regional action around Illinois</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metea Valley, Barrington even BETTER than Last Season</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state champion and runner-up in 3A last season are the states only two unbeaten teams in that class. This was not the case when they met last year, but that's not why I think they're better. They're better because the nucleus to both teams is back and stronger than before. Metea Valley hasn't lost a game in Illinois since 2021. Jordan Lange, Lucy Burk, and [player_tooltip player_id='22221' first='Tyra' last='King'], have electrified this offense. While they lost some pieces defensively, new contributors, including GK [player_tooltip player_id='132972' first='Alyssa' last='Gluting'], have played like seasoned vets. On the other side, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='33353' first='Piper' last='Lucier'] is asserting herself as one of the states best sophomores. Her speed and touch around the ball is so good that I hardly see it playing D3 soccer myself. Cornell signee [player_tooltip player_id='22081' first='Brooke' last='Brown'] is also one of the best two-way players in Illinois. [player_tooltip player_id='42378' first='Kate' last='Lubinsky'] and [player_tooltip player_id='40971' first='Ellie' last='Sanchez'] bring plenty of experience defensively too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If these two met again, it'd be tough to pick a winner. But for now, Metea's Strength of Schedule would put them ahead in my rankings. Barrington has an easier road in their sectional after rolling past their regional opponents. While Metea Valley has dealt with other state powers in their conference during the regular season and postseason. I'm confident Barrington can make it back. But if Metea Valley can overcome state powers like Lockport, O'Fallon, and Naperville North, they'll have far more confidence if we saw a rematch in the state championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bella Diorio Taking Lockport to New Heights</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After spending the last few years playing club soccer, TCU signee Bella Diorio has suited up for Lockport for her senior year. What she has done for the Porters is truly sensational. She's netted a school-record 39 goals in just 23 games with Lockport holding a 21-2-1 record on the year. But the biggest win undoubtedly came in last weekend's regional final. Lockport downed Naperville Central and Northwestern Commit [player_tooltip player_id='22050' first='Megan' last='Norkett'] 4-0 for a Regional Championship. Diorio scored twice with Heather Canny dishing two assists and scoring as </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An even bigger test against Metea Valley awaits. Could Diorio lead Lockport to their greatest upset in program history? I'd say she can.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offense and Defense Propels St. Charles East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Charles East lost some recent games, but consistency from both ends of the field will make them dangerous. Senior F Grace Williams has been the anchor to the Saints offense since she transferred before her junior year. Williams has 27 goals on the season and scored four in the regional semifinal. On defense, Keepers Grace Stehman and [player_tooltip player_id='155209' first='Sidney' last='Lazenby'] have each conceded less than one goal per contest, while Lauren Silvestri, Amanda Stepien, and Makenzie Loomis lead a strong defense. Loomis also scored a crucial goal in their regional final match against Shaumburg. Next up is Batavia in the sectional semifinal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>De La Salle is a Danger in 2A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I wish I gave 2A and 1A teams more love. I'm very high on Benet and Triad. But if theres a team I think could surprise everyone, it's De La Salle. It was all sunshine and rainbows in their regionals. They routed Englewood Stem 14-0 and Oak Forest 9-0. Before that, they got impressive wins over St. Ignatius, ICCP, and Deerfield during the regular season. Sophomore Sissi Loza has broken through as a Catholic League superstar this season with 24 goals. While Mia Ortega has continued to produce for the Meteors at a consistent rate. Next up is Pritzker in the sectional semifinal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->