When the Illinois High School Association decided to officially kick off the girls soccer season on Feb. 25 this year, OPRF head coach Paul Wright thought he had the perfect feature story idea.
“I think soccer on ice would make for a good feature,” Wright said.
With the unpredictable weather throughout the area each spring, there is a good chance that may come true one day for Wright.
Until then, Wright is hoping his girls will grab some headlines this spring coming off an 11-8-4 campaign. Lyons Township ended the Huskies’ 2007 season with a 2-1 overtime victory in the Class AA sectional final.
“Lyons has busted our bubble the last five years,” Wright said. “In my first year (as head coach last season), we made some key changes and cut down the usual landside. We will get passed them this year.”
A key core of returnees is the main reason for Wright’s optimism. Sophomore Andrea Neuman is back, along with 2007 assist leader Casey Blaha. McKenzie Kula, who led the team with 15 goals last spring, returns along with Rachel Foran and Colleen Harmon.
“We have a really talented diverse group of kids age wise on varsity,” Wright said. “Buying into the coaching philosophy is key and having team-unity to get through some tough opponents will carry us through.”
Wright also is high on three newcomers-Grace Bonfrim, Melissa Manus and Lizzie Leiman. The Huskies would’ve had another star underclassman, but freshman goalie Darcy Hargadon elected to play club this spring.
“This team feels it’s ready to face the challenge,” Wright said. “Our fearlessness will help us with teams that walk on the field and are unready. These girls want to go to war for Orange and Blue.”
OPRF also is the official host of the inaugural Pepsi Showdown, which kicks off April 1. On April 5 and 12, 32 of the top girls soccer teams in the Chicagoland area will be showcased at OPRF. This tournament will become the largest high school tournament in the country.
“This tournament enables us to showcase our schools first-rate facilities and culturally rich community,” Wright said. “My girls program has been asking for this ever since our boys program joined the Pepsi Showdown two years ago.
“Some of the best teams in the state will be participating in this tournament, and it will provide us a measuring stick to where our program ranks with some of the best. All the foot traffic should help our downtown businesses, many of which have supported our soccer fundraisers for years.”