Courier-News All-Area Girls Soccer Team

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FIRST TEAM

Alex Gage, St. Charles North, senior F-M

2013 Courier-News Player of the Year led offensive attack for St. Charles North’s 19-4-1 unit that was one win shy of a third state finals showing for past four seasons. Area’s lone IHSSCA All-State pick more than tripled her production to finish ninth in area for points (41) and eighth for goals scored (16). All-UEC River and UEC All-Academic pick follows in sister Sam’s footsteps as two-time North Stars captain and Loyola signee.

Allie Arvizu, St. Charles East, senior D

There is no shortage of praise for the 14-6-2 Saints’ shut-down defender from coach Paul Jennison. “A massive loss, great leader, rock solid, highlight-quality tackles, able to distribute ball from the back.” IHSSCA All-Section 3 and All-UEC River standout headed to South Carolina for academics.

Camille Dela Cruz, Burlington Central, senior F

Equal threat to score or set up a goal as demonstrated by being area leader for assists (29), No. 3 for points (63) and top 10 for goals (17). Last three season totals (135 pts. – 40g/55a) resulted in being perennial All-Big Northern Conference pick for Central squad that finished 18-3-1 due to regional title upset loss. Repeat pick for Courier-News All-Area.

Chelsea Gnan, St. Edward, sophomore F

Phenomenal point producer for Green Wave’s high-powered Class 1A offense capable of setting multiple school records. Ranked sixth (45) in area for points after also leading 16-7-2 St. Edward in goals (17) and sharing set-up high (11 assists). Received all-conference acclaim in a league that featured state contenders for 2A (Rosary) and 3A (St. Francis, Wheaton Academy).

Deanna Hecht, Huntley, sophomore F

One of many reasons Red Raiders should be Top 20 program in 2014. Team leader in points (53) and goals scored (24) ranked fifth and tied for third in those categories Recorded a trio of hat tricks. Earned IHSSCA All-Section 6 and All-Fox Valley distinction as a sophomore for 17-5-1 squad knocked out by third-place finisher Barrington.

Kim Jimenez, Streamwood, senior F

Leaves Sabres as program’s career leader for points (160), goals (68), and assists (24) following (an 11-9-2) senior year blasting of previous (16) single-season goal record with 27 strikes. Later tally helped land the IHSSCA All-Section 3 and All-UEC River senior fourth in area for points (58) and second for goals scored.

Corey Lepoudre, St. Edward, junior M

Heart and soul behind Green Wave’s three straight 1A Elite Eight appearances and 2011 fourth-place state finish. Fluid on transition from defensive midfielder to offense chalking up 31 points (10g/11a). Encore All-Suburban Christian Conference pick has been a fixture in St. Edward starting lineup.

Kelly Manski, St. Charles North, senior M

Tabbed as “the hardest-working player” by coach Ruth Vostal for North Stars squad that just missed out on a third Final Four showing during stellar four-year career. One measure of readiness to play indicated by 11 of team-high 12 assists coming in first half. Three of six goals (24 points) were match-winners for two-time IHSSCA All-Section 3 and UEC All-River midfielder. Repeat pick for Courier-News All-Area signed by Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Margaret Rivera, Jacobs, senior D

Four-year regular has been anchor of Golden Eagles defensive wall and earns encore Courier-News All-Area acclaim. Earned IHSSCA All-Section 6 acclaim for second straight year and scholarship from Northern Illinois.

Shelby Stitz, St. Charles North, sophomore GK

Possibly most overlooked contributor to North Stars’ 19-4-1 season. Numbers speak volumes with 16 solo shutouts; yielded more than a single goal only twice in 24 contests — 3-0 loss to powerhouse Waubonsie Valley in UEC crossover championship and 3-1 supersectional defeat at Barrington.

Amanda Hilton, St. Charles East, junior M

In coach Paul Jennison’s view, a genuine midfielder plays “from box to box,” combining offensive and defensive abilities throughout a match. Boasting a team-best 11 assists along with six goals met the criteria on offense and league coaches saw enough on defense to vote her onto the IHSSCA All-Section 3 and UEC All-River squads. Early commitment to Nebraska.

HONORABLE MENTION

Brittany Salazar (Harvest Christian), senior F

Kenzie Rose (St. Charles North) senior D

Allison Kruk (St. Edward), junior F

Carly Pottle (St. Charles East), senior M

Tawny Carroll (Streamwood), sophomore F

Andrea Walsh (South Elgin) senior M

Kyle Dennison (Jacobs), senior M

Jill Wiechmann (Dundee-Crown), senior M-D

Nicole Hebel (Genoa-Kingston), sophomore M

Jorie Clawson (St. Charles North), senior D-M

Jennifer Galason (Huntley), junior GK

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