Central snaps Waubonsie's unbeaten streak

Waubonsie Valley’s Catherine McClellan walks off the field Wednesday night as Naperville Central players celebrate their 1-0 upset of the two-time defending state champion Warriors.
(Jonathan Miano/Staff Photographer)

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Today Ed Watson looks like a genius. His decision to elevate freshman Gina Maddi from the Naperville Central junior varsity team Wednesday night looks divinely inspired now.

All Maddi did in her varsity debut was score the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Waubonsie Valley at North Central College. It was the nightcap of the District 203/204 Crossover doubleheader on a night that benefited breast cancer awareness.

Maddi's goal came from 30 yards out with 2 minutes, 19 seconds remaining to end the Warriors' unbeaten streak at 59 games.

"I guarantee that for everybody who's going to say what a great move that was (to bring Maddi up), there are plenty of people going, 'Well, you're the idiot who waited until game five to give her a chance,'" Watson said.

Maddi didn't even know she was going to be playing in the varsity game until she was told on the way to the stadium. So new to the varsity arena, Maddi didn't even know the significance her goal carried.

Her first varsity goal will be remembered as the one that knocked off the Warriors, the two-time defending state champions who entered the season ranked first in the nation in two polls.

"I don't know as much about Waubonsie as the others do, so I guess this is pretty shocking," Maddi said. "I was very nervous in the beginning but I just came out and played."

Maddi scored after Jessica Rubin sent a pass forward. Maddi dug it away from a defender and ripped the long shot to beat Claire Hanold, who finished with two saves.

"I just turned and shot and what do you know, everybody's cheering for me,”" Maddi said. "I didn't even see the ball go in."

For much of the night the Warriors (1-1) controlled the ball. But they couldn't get behind the Redhawks defense and managed only three shots on goal — all in the first half.

Their offense took a hit when midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo missed a large chunk of the second half after suffering a calf cramp. They also continue to play without Bri Rodriguez, who hasn't returned from a torn ACL in her left knee suffered last spring.

The Warriors also lost Rachel Bostick to an ankle injury in the 79th minute. Bostick had to be helped off the field after turning her left ankle while inside the Central penalty area.

As the final second ticked off the clock, the Redhawks fans counted down. And as the horn sounded, the players erupted in celebration as the Warriors walked off the field, many with their heads down.

"Central came out and got after it," said Waubonsie coach Julie Bergstrom, whose team lost for the first time since May 19, 2007. "We know it's the beginning of the season, it's the second game. We have to be realistic about our injuries and where we are."

Central improved to 4-1 with the victory.

Neuqua Valley 1, Naperville North 0

In Wednesday's opener, the Wildcats got a goal from sophomore Megan Oyster in the 42nd minute and handed the Huskies their first loss of the season.

While Oyster's goal was the difference against the Huskies (3-1-1), she wasn't about to hog the spotlight and steal the glory from Eileen Doyle, who drew several defenders to her before slipping the ball over to an open Oyster.

"I think it was all Eileen, basically," Oyster said. "I was standing in the box and she passed it right to me. All I had to do was slot it in the corner."

The goal stood up for the Wildcats, who were playing in their season opener.

It took Neuqua some time to warm up and the Huskies had several first-half scoring attempts that were turned aside by goalie Rachel Suther. Her biggest save came in the 38th minute when she stopped Hunter Drendel against the near post.

Suther was replaced by Alexa Gaul for the second half and both goalies finished with four saves. Gaul made two of those in the final three minutes to preserve the shutout.

"We definitely had our chances to finish," said North coach Brent Terada, whose team gave up its first goal of the season. "Unfortunately we weren't able to capitalize on that. We were knocking on the door a few times and then a better touch here, better touch there... but not a bad effort."

North goalie Lailaa Mahmud finished with six saves. Neuqua used two goalies, Rachel Suther and Alexa Gaul, and both finished with four saves.

The Huskies are now 3-1-1.