Pioneer Press Girls Soccer First Team

Sarah Connors, Sr., New Trier, Defender

The Trevians’ co-captain was a rock at outside back, often tasked with defending opponents’ best forwards. Connors excelled in that role all year and also scored the game-winning goal in the Class 3A state championship game.

Lucy Edwards, Sr., Lake Forest, Defender

Not only was the DePaul signee one of the area’s best center backs, Edwards came through with huge goals on the Scouts’ road to the Class 2A state title. The all-state selection scored game-winners in Lake Forest’s sectional semifinal, sectional final and supersectional matches.

Meaghan Gelinas, Sr., Lake Zurich, Defender

The Bears won their third-straight NSC title this year, and Gelinas, an all-state selection who’s signed to play soccer at Miami (Ohio), was a big reason for that. The hard-working center midfielder scored 14 goals and had 11 assists this year.

Tori Iatarola, Sr., Loyola, Midfielder

The Carnegie Mellon recruit broke her single-season assists record at Loyola with 29 assists this year. Iatarola, an all-state selection, added 12 goals to help the Ramblers reach their sixth-straight sectional final.

Dani Kaufman, So., New Trier, Goalie

Kaufman allowed just six goals this season and recorded 11 consecutive shutouts to end the year. “Bottom line: She [was] a star this season,” New Trier coach Jim Burnside said.

Emily Lange, Sr., Lyons, Midfielder

Lange battled through injuries throughout the year, but still led the Lions to a WSC Silver title and a sectional championship. The all-state selection is signed to play for Cincinnati.

Carrie Madden, Sr., Barrington, Midfielder

The Marquette recruit’s last-minute decision to play high school soccer this year helped the Fillies become one of the state’s elite offensive teams. Madden, an all-state honoree, finished with seven goals and 17 assists.

Maddie Mulford, Sr., New Trier, Forward

The Bucknell recruit finished this season with 25 goals and 12 assists, despite often being closely marked by other teams’ best defenders. Mulford, an all-state selection, had game-winners against the Trevians’ biggest rivals in Evanston and Loyola.

Jenna Szczesny, Jr., Barrington, Forward

See Player of the Year story.

Sarah Warren, Sr., Hinsdale South, Defender

The all-stater is the most accomplished multi-sport athlete on this list, as she’s a nationally known speed skater and signed to play soccer at Illinois. Warren played sweeper this year and helped the Hornets take fourth in Class 2A.

Kelli Zickert, Sr., Buffalo Grove, Forward

The Bison had one of the state’s most potent offenses this year, and the chances they created often led to Zickert putting the ball into the net. The Illinois State-signee had 33 goals and 17 assists this year.