A Deadlock Again

Under Friday night lights Chicago Stars and Wizard FC faced off for the second time in a month. An intense battle where yet again, each could not get the better of the other. Each came away with a point again, where 1-1 was the result for the second time. A draw was not surprising, and it was clear these were evenly matched sides that will now find every other game that much more important. Both teams come out of the weekend still undefeated setting up an intriguing second half of the season.

Game Recap

The game was very back and forth, while Wizard FC had more opportunities, it really felt evenly matched as Elise Novey from Wizard FC was dominating the midfield and was someone that created a lot of these opportunities however, the FC Stars back line along with Bella Legg – Goalkeeper for FC Stars – did a brilliant job defending and making sure things stayed level. The half ended 0-0 with no clear indication on who would open the scoring.

Wizard FC came out the better side in the second half, they were connecting well, dominating possession held the ball effectively in their attacking third for the first 10 minutes, and looked like they were on the brink of opening the scoring. At the 15-minute mark, FC Stars reacted well and were stepping foot into the oppositions box, being a bigger threat and it earned them a penalty. Jacqueline Albrecht did a brilliant job saving the penalty and it turned into a game where both goalkeepers would shine. Bella Legg on the other side, after 25 minutes had 6 saves to keep things level. The second half continued to show a lot more action, brilliant goalkeeping and FC Stars began to show their pace on the wing. Their threat outside won them a corner where Hanna Filipek was able to be at the right place at the right time to put the ball in the back of the net. FC Stars now led with 10 minutes left. You could sense the urgency in the Oak Brook side as they began to press more and threaten the oppositions’ goal. They won a freekick where yet again, Bella would brilliantly get a hand on the ball and send it out for a corner. Showing great grit and determination, with two minutes left, Mia Mitrovic of Wizard FC would get the ball outside the box and score a screamer! From 25 yards out, Mia would pick a corner and would beat the FC Stars goalkeeper to take things level. This would be the last chance for both teams and it would finish yet again, 1-1.

Player Interviews

Elise Novey of Wizard FC and Bella Legg of FC Stars would take the time to chat with IYSA as these were the two standouts of the game. It is clear that these two players will be important figures as the season continues. They were both asked their thoughts on the opposition and what made the other so hard to beat, “They are very well set-up, their players are very driven, and you can tell they want to win,” Bella said. Elise was also very complimentary stating, “I think that their speed was a big problem for us, and our defense had to work hard in containing them. They had really good goals in both games and both times we did not give up and had to come back late to tie.” Elise expanded on the team’s determination and ability to dig deep and on both occasions, get a late goal. ” We just really wanted to win or at least not lose. Before every game we huddle up and talk about how no matter what the score is, we know we can catch up and that’s what we did,” she emphasized.

As previously stated, both teams leave undefeated and while two of the games ended in a draw, it is something to be proud of. Both players were asked how that feels and what they have to do to keep that as it is. “It is really a team effort; I think going forward we are going to train and work hard, to get things right and continue to improve,” said Bella. Outside of a game is essential to Elise as well as she mirrored, the importance of training. “We have to train hard every practice, we work hard, and everyone has to show up, build and learn from this,” Elise said.

What’s next?

It was evident why both sides could not get the best of each other and why they are the teams to beat in the 15U Premiership I division. They both played multiple games this past weekend and both came out of the weekend still undefeated. Wizard FC next visit North Shore FC on May 12th for a second time where they were able to get a 7-1 win at home the first go around. Wizard FC sit first place in the division with 11 points after five games played. FC Stars sit second with a game in hand; four games played and eight points. FC Stars will play Rockford Raptors May 16th in their next matchup. This will be a division to keep an eye on!