2009 (19U) Girls State Premiership I

Bobcats Dominate

Tinley Park Bobcats hosted Northwind SC in a rematch of the 2023 Presidents Cup where Northwind would take that Championship. It seemed the girls were out seeking vengeance, as the Tinley Park side were able win in dominating fashion, taking the three points in a 5-1 win against the Champions.

The whistle blew and both sides quickly showed their clear desire to be the team to command possession and try touch the ball around. It did not take long however, for the Bobcats to be the side dominating possession and see opportunities come their way. In the first five minutes they were able to get into the Northwind box and begin to threaten. A very solid Northwind defensive line would quickly show their strength and discipline. After five minutes of consistent pressure, the Tinley Park side was able to squeeze a ball in behind where Paige Swaw was making a brilliant run. She took a good touch to goal where she forced the Northwind Goalkeeper to come off her line and with little angle, Paige would slot it past and give the Bobcats the early advantage.

Kara Waishwell of Tinley Park Bobcats was inevitable. She knew how to link up with her teammates, knew how to calm the game and dictate the tempo, knew when to engage in the attack or play simple. This became troubling for Northwind. She would connect with a speedy Mackenzy Larkin or find Caitlin Schofield in behind, however the Tinley Park Bobcats backline led by Miriam Johnson continued to show their intelligent discipline and strength in defense, keeping the score at bay. A penalty would be called for the Bobcats where Sophia Ryan would calmly put the ball in the back of the net giving the hosts a 2-0 lead. Before the first half would end and just the second time in the box, Northwind would win a freekick, put the ball in the box where it was controlled brilliantly, where the Northwind player would lower the shoulder and get past her defender before slotting it home, bringing Northwind very much back into the game! It was 2-1 at half and Northwind ended the game with the momentum and confidence they needed.

The second half was a different story and it began just like the first half. Northwind had only one substitute and fatigue would set in, no fault of their own. After 10 minutes, Ella Karnezis of the Tinley Park Bobcats would thread a beautiful ball through to the speedy, Mackenzy Larkin where she was 1v1 with the goalkeeper. A calm and composed finish would make it 3-1 early on. Another penalty would be called as again the Tinley Park side were getting into the box on a consistent basis. This time it would be Kara Waishwell who would it hit the back of the net, in a much-deserved goal for her after her dominating performance. It was now 4-1. Sophia Ryan is a versatile player, that played in multiple sides as a wing but would also play in the middle. She showcased her talent as she continued to threaten to get her second, until it finally came. A rebound landed at her feet, but she was where she needed to be to make it 5-1. The scoreline showed a dominant Tinley Park side however, it is deceiving in the sense that the Northwind SC team would show a bit of fatigue towards the end but fought hard. Their backline did what they could and did stop the scoreline getting higher.

Interview with Kara Waishwell

It has not been the dream start to the season, you come into this game against a very tough Northwind side that you fell to in the Presidents Cup. What was the mindset coming into the game?
We were back to get our revenge. We knew it was going to be a tough team and we knew we had to step up and work together as a team. We have been training on playing with high intensity from the beginning to start off strong. Paige Swaw did a great job of scoring early and get our energy high.

How does this result help the momentum and confidence going into the next game and for the rest of the season?
It will definitely help our motivation and it definitely gives us confidence. We had a lot of players involved in our success which will give us the confidence back that we needed to play stronger and continue to play stronger.

The first half was tight, what was the message at half time and what was the conversation amongst yourselves that had you guys come out in the second half and be so dominant?
We kept our heads high and at half time we discussed that we need to stay strong. Not to hang our heads down for getting scored on but instead react and focus on taking advantage of our opportunities. We had a lot of chances in the first half but we were not finishing. We focused on attacking more and being more clynical.

Final Thoughts

Both teams lost players from last year and they both did not start the season as they expected but they knew this game, with its history could be a momentum shift and a confidence boost moving forward. Tinley Park Bobcats sure felt that and Northwind should keep their head up because playing shorthanded, they showed grit and determination. Things they too can take moving forward. The two sides will face off again October 27th.