North Shore visited Wheaton United in the opening game of the 2024 Spring State Premiership. Wheaton United was years beyond their age in front of goal, scoring with great composure and flair, taking home the three points, 6-0. It did not come without difficulties for Wheaton United and North Shore did not roll over, regardless of what the result was during the game. They saw some missed opportunities and were not able to finish but did find themselves dominate possession sporadically during the 70 minutes. This pair of teams finished in a 3-3 draw last year, but there was no stopping the attack from Wheaton United this time around.
Wheaton United came out hungry, seeing two goal-scoring opportunities early, hitting the post in one occasion and being caught off-side in another. Wheaton understood where they were most dangerous and played to their strengths as Caleb March had a brilliant run from the left flank that allowed him to drop it off to Lucas Carey and with a cheeky finish, slotted it past the goalkeeper. Lucas was not done yet! Right as North Shore seemed to be getting into the game and dominating possession, Aiden Johnson would hold off a couple defenders to feed Lucas in a lovely through ball between the channels where for a second time, he found the back of the net. Everything in the midfield went through Jack Camden and Aiden Johnson as they began to command the midfield. Aiden then made a brilliant run inside the box to head it past the GK to make it three. Just as things seemed to unravel Carlos Guttierez made an amazing save to keep things from getting out of hand in the first half.
Wheaton United came out aggressive in the second half and with a great cross and second assist by Caleb March, Aiden Johnson scored a second header. North Shore attempted to respond quickly and saw two quick shots on goal. It was not enough however, as Leyton Ligler kept the visitors scoreless. Lucas Carey topped off a brilliant performance with a solo goal to complete the hat-trick to make it 5-0. Robert Benson capped a very well-rounded performance by the Wheaton side by scoring the 6th. A well-rounded performance by Ligler would help secure a clean sheet!
Lucas was asked after the match how it felt to start the season with a hat-trick, he was quick to take attention away from himself, as he emphasized, “our team played great” he said, “I think if we continue this throughout the season we can do really well!” Lucas was asked what would be important in ensuring consistency in these types of performances, he responded “we move the ball really well, great through balls, getting behind the defense and just finishing.” A clear leader on the pitch Lucas Carey showed great leadership off it as well, acknowledging his team before his own hat-trick. Coach Atkinson was very happy with the team’s performance saying, “The boys came out and every single one of them gave all they had every minute they were on the field, so I was very happy to start off the way we did.” With eyes now on the next match the Wheaton United Coach concluded, “we can’t get complacent, there are things we want to continue to work on, some areas of growth we want to keep pushing for, we want to keep challenging ourselves as we know games will continue to be difficult.”
Wheaton United will look to continue to build on a great performance and North Shore will look to bounce back after a rocky start. It is still very early in the season, look to see them come back stronger the next go around.