By Bobby Narang
West Aurora High School girls soccer coach Laura Wagley is seeking to build a consistent winner.
Aurora Central Catholic (ACC) first-year coach Enrique Anaya is attempting to keep his program on the same level, or better, than previous coach, Kristy Kane.
Both programs clashed in a rare non-conference game at West Aurora Monday, May 24. The Blackhawks erased a two-goal deficit by getting four goals from Elizabeth Kuhn.
The junior forward scored four goals in a game against Joliet West to raise her season total to 11 games, Kuhn said.
Before the game, the Blackhawks honored their four seniors, Madison Russell, Katherine Hernandez, Elva Hernandez, and Jazmin Quinto, with a lengthy announcement for each player. All four seniors gathered together with their families for pre-game photos on the field.
Then, after a slow start, Kuhn gave the seniors a lasting memory with her stunning performance in a 4-2 victory over the Chargers.
The victorious Blackhawks, 4-8-1, snapped their four-game losing streak against the Class 1A Chargers, who fell to 6-5.
“This was the fourth or fifth game in a row where we talked about that we have to start off strong,” West Aurora’s Wagley said. “We dug ourselves a hole, but fortunately we were able to dig out and get those four goals from Lizzy. I thought offensively they connected really well up top.
“Lizzy’s speed is hard for some teams. We know that, so we try and catch that defense with their backs turned, so we can get Lizzy going straight forward. Once she gets going, she’s hard to catch.”
The Blackhawks took advantage of an injury to a player in the Chargers’ back line, so the speedy Kuhn scored her four goals in a 35-minute span.
“It’s definitely a good experience to play them,” Kuhn said. “We seem to do slow starts a lot. We knew we had to come back. It didn’t really phase us. We’ve done it before. We know we can score two goals. I think even though we were down, it wasn’t a detriment
“My second goal was my favorite. Me and Alphoncine Tuyisenge had a good combination in the middle, and it was a great ball by her. I really appreciated it.”
Anaya said he’s trying to keep the Aurora Central program on a solid ground after a stellar run by Kane. The Chargers seemed to take control of the game on the 85-degree late afternoon affair, with Jada Urbealis and KK Nash scoring two goals in the first half before Kuhn’s offensive explosion changed the complexion of the game.
“You can’t teach that,” Anaya said of Kuhn’s skills. “That was beautiful finishing. She knew our weakness right there in the back end and was able to capitalize on our mistakes. She did a great job.
“It was a good battle in the beginning, but we have to capitalize better. We kept up with a big school, but couldn’t keep it all 80 minutes. Against a striker like that, you have to capitalize on your chances. Yes, it was hot and we were struggling with injuries, but it was nice playing well and they kept going.”
West Aurora will open the 3A playoffs against at Waubonsie Valley Wednesday, June 2. The Chargers will face off at Indian Creek in 1A regional tournament Tuesday, June 1 in Shabbona.