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Alton High School

Girls Varsity Soccer


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News (9)

3A SOCCER REGIONAL: O'Fallon tops Redbirds for title - The Telegraph - 5/19/2019


Updated on 06/10/2022

3A SOCCER REGIONAL: O’Fallon tops Redbirds for title

Pete Hayes, phayes@thetelegraph.com

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  • Tori Schrimpf of Alton (21) heads the ball away from O’Fallon’s Sydney Christopher in Saturday’s championship game of the Alton Class 3A Regional Soccer Tournament at Alton High. O’Fallon won 2-0. Photo: Pete Hayes | The Telegraph

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Pete Hayes | The Telegraph

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Tori Schrimpf of Alton (21) heads the ball away from O’Fallon’s Sydney Christopher in Saturday’s championship game of the Alton Class 3A Regional Soccer Tournament at Alton High. O’Fallon won 2-0.

GODFREY — In a season in which the Alton defense dominated many an opposing team, there was still one dent in the Redbirds’ armour:

Corner kicks.

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“For some reason, corner kicks have been difficult for us,” Alton first-year coach Gwen Sabo said following Saturday’s 2-0 Alton Class 3A regional championship game loss to O’Fallon. “It gave us problems today, that’s for sure.”

Indeed. The Redbirds fell behind four minutes into the game on a Panthers goal that started with a corner kick. As it turned out, that was the only goal O’Fallon needed for the victory at Piasa Motor Fuels Field.

“There wasn’t any movement by us on the corner kick,” Sabo said. The only movement was by O’Fallon players who crashed going for the ball.”

Aubrey Mister was the O’Fallon player who got to it. Her goal in the third minute made it 1-0.

“We watched and (Mister) scored,” Sabo said. “We’ve played such good defense all season, but for some reason, we’ve been hurt by corners more than once.”

The victory by the Panthers (14-7-2) puts them in the Moline Class 3A Sectional Tournament semifinals against Southwestern Conference rival Edwardsville which earlier won its own regional tournament. The Panthers and Tigers will play at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Collinsville High School. The winner will advance to the championship game at 6 p.m. Friday in Moline.

It was also the third O’Fallon victory in four games against Alton. Like the semifinal game against Belleville East, Saturday’s game was the fourth of the season between O’Fallon and Alton. They met in the early season Metro Cup Tournament and played home-and-home Southwestern Conference games.

“There were any surprises,” Sabo said. “We had chances to score, but didn’t. Hats off the (O’Fallon), they scored when they had to but we didn’t.”

The Panthers doubled their lead late in the first half. Mister got the ball on the left side of the field just past the center line. she beat a defender then scored on a floating shot that eluded Alton goalie Addison Miller with 2:35 remaining before halftime.

Alton (15-10-1) created several scoring chances in the second half.

In the 44th minute, Morgan Rauscher hit a dangerous crossing pass from right wing that was cleared by the O’Fallon defense. In the 65th minute, Alaina Nasello got free on a breakaway, but her shot from 15 yards hit the crossbar.

Two minutes later, the Panthers nearly made it 3-0, a direct free kick by Sydney Christopher was bobbled by Miller. The ball hit the crossbar, but was eventually cleared.

Late in the game, another long Nasello shot from the right side caromed off the crossbar.

“I think overall, it was a good season,” Sabo said. “Our defense played very well all season and was probably the most consistent thing about our team.”

The Redbirds notched 14 shutouts on the season.

”But I think it’s a shame we weren’t able to win a regional, because I definitely think the potential was there on this team to do that.”

GIRLS PREP SOCCER: Redbirds pull away from Mater Dei on Senior Night - The Telegraph - 4/24/2019


Updated on 06/10/2022

GIRLS PREP SOCCER: Redbirds pull away from Mater Dei on Senior Night

Pete Hayes, phayes@thetelegraph.com

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  • Megan Zini of Alton (2) assisted teammate Morgan Rauscher on Alton’s first goal of Tuesday’s 3-0 Senior Night win over Breese Mater Dei at AHS. She is shown in previous action. Photo: Pete Hayes | The Telegraph

Photo:

Pete Hayes | The Telegraph

Megan Zini of Alton (2) assisted teammate Morgan Rauscher on Alton’s first goal of Tuesday’s 3-0 Senior Night win over Breese Mater Dei at AHS. She is shown in previous action.

GODFREY — Consistency, consistency, consistency.

Following Tuesday’s 3-0 Senior Night victory over Breese Mater Dei, Alton girls soccer coach Gwen Sabo would love to see more of it from her team.

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The Redbirds led Mater Dei just 1-0 at halftime when Sabo voiced her concerns to her players.

“We played just OK in the first half, but as good as we can,” Sabo said. “At half, I told them that we need to be consistent no matter who we’re playing. The other teams will do what they will. But we need to perform at the same level, no matter what.

“That’s what makes the difference between average teams and teams that can make a run in the playoffs.”

With the postseason looming just over the horizon, the Redbirds are 11-7 following Tuesday’s victory at Piasa Motor Fuels Field. Mater Dei is 8-10-1.

AHS honored six seniors at the game, including Alaina Nasello, Megan Zini, Calista Cox, Megan Rauscher, Summer Schleeper and Grace Kane. The six began their prep careers under former coach Jeff Hayes, who resigned during the off season to spend more time with his family. He was replaced this season by Sabo, a former Alton standout who had been an assistant last season at Marquette Catholic.

“These seniors have meant a lot to our program,” Sabo said. “I was glad we were able to get the win on Senior Night.

“Senior Night can be tricky and I understand now why some coaches aren’t big fans of Senior Nights. Some of the girls were emotional and not everybody is focused in on the game at hand. It can take a while to get things back on track.”

A pair of seniors, Rauscher and Zini, combined for Alton’s first goal, although it didn’t take lace until nearly halftime. Rauscher scored from an assist by fellow-senior Alaina Nasello in the 33rd minute.

“It was good to be ahead,” Sabo said, “but our girls were forcing it too much. They all wanted to score goals and they wanted to do it all at once. It took a while for them to settle down.

“After halftime, I though they played a lot cleaner.”

In the second half, the Redbirds’ Grace Kane doubled the lead when she scored off an assist from Sydney Brunaugh.

Tori Schrimpf capped the scoring on a free kick goal from about 35 yards out in the 69th minute.

With the Redbirds controlling play at midfield, Alton notched its 10th shutout of the season. Alton goalie Addison Miller made three saves.

“It was a physical game,” Sabo said. “I thought Mater Dei did a good job. They did what they had to do to try and even things up. The key was how we reacted and eventually, we did a good job.”

Alton will stay outside the Southwestern Conference Tuesday with a game at Columbia.

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Simpson's 72nd-minute goal gives Warriors 2-1 Girls Soccer win at Alton - Riverbender.com - 4/23/2019


Updated on 06/10/2022

Simpson’s 72nd-Minute Goal Gives Warriors 2-1 Girls Soccer Win At Alton

by Colin Feeney

published April 23 2019 6:00 AM

updated April 23 2019 6:01 AM

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ALTON – An Analise Simpson goal in the 72nd minute gave Granite City a 2-1 win at Alton in a girls soccer match played Monday afternoon at Piasa Motor Fuels Field in Alton.

The Redbirds had drawn level shortly before halftime, but Simpson’s late strike was the difference.

“Overall, it was an evenly-matched game,” said Redbird head coach Gwen Sabo. “Both teams had several quality chances. Our goalkeeper, Addison Miller, as well as our backline came up with some big saves, but ultimately, Granite City was able to capitalize on one more chance than we did.”

 

 

The Warriors struck first after 10 minutes when Sophia Dutko scored off a corner kick to make it 1-0. But the Redbirds were able to level the match in the 37th minute when Sydney Brunaugh put home an Alaina Nasello corner to tie the match 1-1, which is where the score stood at halftime.

Both sides did have good chances to go on top until the 72nd minute when Simpson knocked home a Granite corner to put the Warriors ahead 2-1. The Redbirds did have some good opportunities, but couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net as Granite City took the three points on the road.

Miller had a good game in goal for Alton, making six saves, while Olivia Brinker made two saves for the Warriors, and Rebecca Loftus received credit for the win.

The Redbirds are now 10-7-0 on the season, and finish their homestand on Tuesday against Breese Mater Dei in a 4:30 p.m. kickoff, then travel to Columbia for a 6:30 p.m. match on Wednesday.

Granite is now 5-5-3 and hosts Highland on Wednesday evening in a 6 p.m. kickoff, then has its Senior Night on Apr. 30 against Marquette Catholic, with the kickoff coming at 6:30 p.m.

GIRLS PREP SOCCER: Early goal stands up for Alton in 1-0 win over O'Fallon - The Telegraph - 4/17/2019


Updated on 06/10/2022

GIRLS PREP SOCCER: Early goal stands up for Alton in 1-0 win over O’Fallon

Redbirds finally get a one-goal win over O’Fallon

Pete Hayes, phayes@thetelegraph.com

 Updated 

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  • Maggie Evans of Alton, right, chases down O’Fallon’s Abby Burkhalter during Tuesday’s Southwestern Conference game at Alton High. Alton won 1-0. Photo: Pete Hayes | The Telegraph

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Pete Hayes | The Telegraph

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Maggie Evans of Alton, right, chases down O’Fallon’s Abby Burkhalter during Tuesday’s Southwestern Conference game at Alton High. Alton won 1-0.

GODFREY — Two markings of what’s become a typical Alton-O’Fallon girls soccer game were there Tuesday - it was a nail biter and it came down to a one-goal difference.

But this time, the one-goal victory went to Alton High, 1-0, at Piasa Motor Fuels Field. After dropping two one-goal decisions to the Panthers earlier this season, Alton switched things around.

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Thanks to an early goal from Alaina Nasello and a hawking defense, the Redbirds ran their record to 9-6 overall and 4-2 in the Southwestern Conference, pending the outcome of a game was was suspended on April 4 because of weather conditions. The game had reached halftime with Alton leading 2-0. But instead of awarding the decision to Alton, as called for by IHSA rules, officials suspended the game. The second half will be played April 29 at AHS.

Following Tuesday’s result, O’Fallon is 9-4-1 and 3-4. Coming into the game, the Panthers owned a pair of one-goal wins over Alton. They won 2-1 in overtime in the Metro Cup tournament and then posted a 1-0 SWC victory March 26 in O’Fallon.

Alton will step out of the SWC Wednesday with a home game against Hazelwood West and will play host to Granite City on April 22.

Tuesday, the Redbirds grabbed their one-goal lead in the fourth minute. Alaina Nasello punched in a rebound after a corner kick she had taken was deflected and caromed back out.

“It was a good goal,” Sabo said. “Alaina was right where she was supposed to be.”

The Redbirds defense took it from there.

Playing in warmer temperatures than the teams had been used to, the fast-paced first half gave way to a more methodical second half.

“Fitness came into play, for us at least,” Sabo said. “Both teams were more tired the second half than in the earlier games. This was really our first game in warm weather.”

Alton created four other solid scoring chances in the first half.

The Redbirds had a chance to double their lead in the 16th minute out of a scramble in front of the O’Fallon goal, but Panthers goalie Sarah Cooley smothered the ball just outside the goal line.

In the 25th minute, a direct free kick from 40 yards by the Redbirds’ Calista Cox was tipped over the crossbar by Cooley. And in the 32nd minute Maggie Evans shot from 20 yards was just high over the crossbar.

“We had chances but didn’t finish,” Sabo said. “That can come back to haunt you sometimes, but luckily it didn’t today.”

In the second half, the Panthers applied more pressure and had more of the ball possession, but weren’t able to find the back of the net.

Back-to-back O’Fallon corner kicks midway through the second half were cleared by the Alton defense, which notched its eighth shutout of the season. Another corner kick with 1:50 remaining in the game was cleared as well.

“Playing with a one-goal lead for nearly the whole game can be a little nerve-wracking,” Sabo said. “But our defense played well.”

PREP GIRLS SOCCER: West beats Alton to end 13-match winless streak - The Telegraph - 4/12/2019


Updated on 06/10/2022

PREP GIRLS SOCCER: West beats Alton to end 13-match winless streak

Greg Shashack, gshashack@thetelegraph.com

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  • Alton’s Grace Nasello (left) possesses the ball against pressure from Belleville West’s Katelyn Grandcolas during the second half Thursday at Piasa Motor Fuels Field in Godfrey. Photo: Greg Shashack / The Telegraph

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Greg Shashack / The Telegraph

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Alton’s Grace Nasello (left) possesses the ball against pressure from Belleville West’s Katelyn Grandcolas during the second half Thursday at Piasa Motor Fuels Field in Godfrey.

GODFREY – Among the sports banners hanging from the wall in Alton High’s gym, girls soccer is among those still without a year earning a Southwestern Conference championship.

And that irritates Gwen Sabo.

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“It does,” said the Redbirds’ first-year coach and 2011 Alton graduate. “Especially with the quality of players we have this year, we are a conference-championship caliber team.”

Hopes for 2019 bringing that long-awaited SWC title to Alton took a hit Thursday under gray skies at Piasa Motor Fuels Field. Belleville West converted in four of five rounds of penalty kicks to pull out a 2-1 victory over the Redbirds after 100 minutes of play could not determine a winner.

It was a disappointing outcome for Alton against an opponent that had not won a match since beating Marquette Catholic 5-0 in the Metro Cup on March 11. West halts a 13-match winless streak to improve to 2-11-2 and 1-6 in the SWC.

“Good teams, you have to come out and make it known,” Sabo said. “Especially in this conference, no matter what it looks like on paper, you have to earn the win. You can’t just show up and expect it to happen. We did not show up to play today.”

Alton, coming off conference victories over Collinsville and Belleville East, drops to 7-6 and 3-2 in the SWC. The Redbirds are in second place, trailing front-running Edwardsville (5-0) by two games,

But Alton is positioned to trim the deficit in half with a 2-0 halftime lead over Edwardsville in a game that was halted by rain last week at AHS. The second half of that match will be completed later this month.

The Redbirds placed in a three-way tie for second in the SWC last season — their best finish — after posting a 3-3 record in league play in 2017. The six previous seasons – starting with 0-6 in Sabo’s senior season – saw Alton go 2-31-3 in conference play.

Sabo wants that sad SWC history buried in the past.

“With me being an Alton alum,” Sabo said, “I want to win conference. The girls want to win, that’s definitely a goal we have for this season. Even though this might be a minor setback, we are still in the hunt.”

With Granite City leaving the conference, and East St. Louis not fielding a team, the league has switched to a home-and-away format instead of playing each SWC foe once. That 10-game schedule gives the Redbirds time to catch the Tigers.

But that, Sabo said, will only happen if the Redbirds do not repeat the effort they gave against West. “It looked like we were sleeping out there,” Sabo said.

Sarah Foley scored her team-leading fifth goal at 21:54 to give the Maroons a 1-0 halftime lead. Alton was without chances to score for the first 15 minutes of the second half until Alaina Nasello scored off an indirect kick at 55:53 to draw the Redbirds even at 1-1.

Alton owned most of the play in the final 20 minutes of regulation and just missed goals on direct kicks from about 30 yards out from Calista Cox. The first, with 16:10 left in the second half, hit the crossbar. Eight minutes later, Cox’s shot missed just high.

“We just didn’t look like ourselves,” Sabo said. “I’ve seen us play much better and I expect us to play much better.”

The Redbirds converted PKs from Cox and Nasello, but Grace Cox’s shot hit the crossbar and Megan Zini’s shot was turned back by West goalie Jessica Brown to give the Maroons a 3-2 edge after four rounds. West’s Courtney Vollmer scored in the fifth round to clinch the win.

“In soccer, losses like tonight have a funny way of coming back and biting you,” Sabo said. “We can’t show up and compete against good teams and not show up against others. It’s very frustrating. … It’s over with, I can’t fix it, there’s nothing we can do to change it. You have to learn from it and get better.”

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GIRLS PREP SOCCER: Alton hangs OT loss on Kahoks - The Telegraph - 4/3/2019


Updated on 06/10/2022

GIRLS PEP SOCCER: Alton hangs OT loss on Kahoks

Redbirds come to life late and hang OT loss on Kahoks

Pete Hayes, phayes@thetelegraph.com

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  • Alton’s Megan Zini, left, and goalie Addison Miller keep an eye on the ball from ground level as Colllinsville’s Mikaila Chrisman, right, tries to get around on it for a shot during Tuesday’s Southwestern Conference game at Alton High. The teams battled to a scoreless tie through regulation before Alton posted a 2-1 overtime victory. Photo: Pete Hayes | The Telegraph

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Pete Hayes | The Telegraph

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Alton’s Megan Zini, left, and goalie Addison Miller keep an eye on the ball from ground level as Colllinsville’s Mikaila Chrisman, right, tries to get around on it for a shot during Tuesday’s Southwestern

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GODFREY — First-year Alton girls soccer coach Gwen Sabo admitted to some nervousness Tuesday. Not before the Redbirds’ game against Collinsville, but once it got started.

But after a halftime discussion and some bend-but-not-break play by her team’s defense, Sabo’s nerves were soothed by a 2-1 overtime victory at Alton High’s Piasa Motor Fuels Field.

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The teams battled through a scoreless 80 minute of regulation time, then scored all three goals in the two 10-minute overtime period.

Alton’s Calista Cox scored the game winner with 4:15 left in the second overtime off a corner kick from teammate Alaina Nasello and the Redbirds held on.

“This is a huge win for us,” Sabo said. “And it’s the first one in a while, too.

“I’m not sure why, but we looked dead-tired in the first half,” she said, “but we got great play from our defense and we never gave up.”

The Redbirds came into the game on the heels of a four -game losing streak, including a pair of losses to Plainfield South and St. Dominic at last weekend’s Parkway College Showcase in St. Louis. Alton will face another SWC power Thursday when it plays host to Edwardsville at 4:30 p.m.

“This feels good, Sabo said. “Collinsville had almost all the play in the first half, but we played with more purpose and energy in the second half.”

Even so, the teams were still knotted at 0-0 after regulation setting up the two overtimes, which were played to completion - no golden goal.

The Redbirds took the lead in the first overtime when Maggie Evans scored off an assist by Nasello. Evans started the play at midfield when she head flicked the ball to Nasello, who raced down the left sideline, then cut the ball and headed up the goal line toward the goal. She crossed the ball to Evans, who was inside the right post and redirected the ball into the net in with 3:34 left in the first overtime.

“That was the first time we took the ball deep and crossed it and look what happened - a goal,” Sabo said.

Collinsville tied it up again late in the period - very late.

With 2.7 seconds left in the OT period, the Kahoks’ Maria Voss scored out of a scrum of players in front of the goal. Her blast from about 15 yards on the left side of the penalty area was out of Alton goalie Addison Miller’s reach.

“Hopefully, we learned that 2.7 seconds is plenty of time left to score a goal and that you play to the whistle,” Sabo said. “But we also learned that if your defense is strong, it can keep you in the game, which ours did.”

They needed a strong defense, especially in the first half, which was dominated by the Kahoks.

While Collinsville fullbacks connected with midfielders and brought the ball back upfield, the Redbirds were more prone to send the ball long. That habit was corrected at halftime.

“Overall, we didn’t have nearly as many scoring chances as Collinsville did,” Sabo said, “but we capitalized on two of the few we did have. Sometimes, that’s what it takes.”

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PREP SOCCER: Stingy Redbirds blank West - The Telegraph - 3/22/2019


Updated on 06/10/2022

PREP SOCCER: Stingy Redbirds blank West; Cavies, CM post tourney wins

Pete Hayes, phayes@thetelegraph.com

 Updated 

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  • Gracie Reels of Carlinville (15) had a pair of assists in her team’s 3-1 victory over Auburn in the quarterfinals of the Carlinville Spring Cup Thursday at Blackburn College. Reels is shown in action against Champaign St. Thomas More in last season’s Decatur Lutheran Class 1A Sectional championship game. Photo: Pete Hayes | Telegraph File Photo

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Pete Hayes | Telegraph File Photo

Gracie Reels of Carlinville (15) had a pair of assists in her team’s 3-1 victory over Auburn in the quarterfinals of the Carlinville Spring Cup Thursday at Blackburn College. Reels is shown in action against Champaign St. Thomas More in last season’s Decatur Lutheran Class 1A Sectional championship game.

The Alton Redbirds have developed a penchant for being stingy so far this season. They simply don’t like surrendering goals.

Alton (5-1) notched its fifth shutout in six games Thursday night at Belleville West, blanking the Maroons 2-0. The only game the Redbirds lost, a 2-1 decision to O’Fallon in the Metro Cup tourney, was the only game in which Alton has allowed a goal.

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“The girls did exactly what I asked of them,” Alton coach Gwen Sabo said, “and it paid off with a huge away conference win.”

The Redbirds came into Thursday’s game on the heels of a 5-0 nonconference win Wednesday over Southwestern. Thursday’s game was the Southwestern Conference opener for each team.

After a scoreless first half, the Redbirds went to work quickly in the second half on a goal by Tori Schrimpf, assisted by Maggie Evans.

“I thought we had a bit of a slow start,” Sabo said, “but started getting control of the ball towards the end of the first half. I challenged them at halftime to step up the intensity and play with purpose and we scored from the opening kickoff.”

Nine minutes later, Alton’s Haylie Butler scored to make it 2-0.

“We strung six or seven passes together and the ball ended up in the back of the net,” Sabo said. “I had several players rise to the occasion tonight and filled positions they normally don’t play.”

GIRLS PREP SOCCER: Redbirds 2-0 as Sabo era starts at Alton - The Telegraph - 3/14/2019


Updated on 06/10/2022

GIRLS PREP SOCCER: Redbirds 2-0 as Sabo era starts at Alton

New coach Gwen Sabo has Alton off to 1-0 start

Pete Hayes, phayes@thetelegraph.com

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  • First-year Alton High girls soccer coach Gwen Sabo, far right, keeps on eye on a Marquette Catholic High practice last spring. Sabo, former Alton and Northern Illinois player and a former Telegraph Player of the Year, was an assistant at Marquette last year. Photo: Telegraph File Photo

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Telegraph File Photo

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First-year Alton High girls soccer coach Gwen Sabo, far right, keeps on eye on a Marquette Catholic High practice last spring. Sabo, former Alton and Northern Illinois player and a former Telegraph Player of

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GODFREY — Gwen Sabo is on the fast track. And she said that track has led her back to a place she’s found a good fit - as the Alton High girls soccer coach.

Sabo, in just her second year as a coach, has taken over the reins at AHS from Jeff Hayes, who resigned following last season in order to spend more time with his family. So far, so good - if just a little damp and wind-blown following a 1-0 victory over Marion on an own-goal Wednesday night in a Metro Cup Adidas bracket pool play game.

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Sabo has the Redbirds off to a 2-0 start and they claimed the top spot in Pool C of the Adidas Bracket. Alton also won its opener on Monday, downing Freeburg 4-0 and will move to a semifinal at 5:30 p.m. Friday against the winner of Pool A.

Wednesday night, the Redbirds won with a little help from the wind early in the second half during a well-placed corner kick by Grace Kane. The flighted kick twisted in the air and came down just a few feet off the goal line, where a Marion defender stuck out her leg to try and clear it, but inadvertently put it in her own goal in the 42nd minute.

“The ball definitely had some movement on it,” Sabo said, “but the defender stuck a leg up. She was only a few feet off the goal line, so it was a good service.”

So far, so good for the 2011 AHS grad.

Sabo, a former AHS standout and former Telegraph Player of the Year, served as assistant coach at Marquette Catholic High last year. Prior to that, her experience on the field was mainly as a player. After graduating from Alton, she went on to play at Northern Illinois University.

“I enjoyed coaching (for Marquette) last year, but it felt a little unusual,” Sabo said with a chuckle. “I was back in my hometown, but on the other side of town at another high school.”

Last season, Alton finished 10-7-2 overall and went 3-2-1 in the Southwestern Conference, a game out of first place.

Sabo said that when she heard Hayes had resigned at Alton, she didn’t hesitate.

“I knew it was a place I wanted to be,” she said.

Evidently, so did the Alton High powers-that-be.

“I’m really liking it so far,” Sabo said. “I knew Alton had had a good season last year and they were within a win of winning the conference.”

With winter-like weather hanging on a little longer than usual this year, Sabo said that chances to practice outside have been few and far between.

Sabo said she knows a few things about her team already, however.

“We’ve got a pair of forwards who, I think, can have really good season,” she said. “Maggie Evans and Alaina Nasello are a great pair up top. Evans is speedy and Nasello has great skills and sees the field very well.”

In the season-opening victory over Freeburg, Nasello and Evans each scored a pair of goals.

“And in the back on defense, Megan Zini and Calista Cox complement each other and do a great job as central backs.”

Zini and Cox, both seniors, have already committed to stay together in college. they will each play at NCAA Division II Illinois-Springfield.

Defense catches Sabo’s eye often. She was standout center back during her playing days.

“I’m a believer that teams are built form the defense up,” she said. “It’s all important, of course, though.

“There’s still a lot of work to do, but I’m liking it and I like what they girls have shown so far.”

METRO CUP PREP SOCCER: Redbirds blank Freeburg - The Telegraph - 3/12/2019


Updated on 06/10/2022

METRO CUP PREP SOCCER: Redbirds blank Freeburg; CM, Jersey also win

Pete Hayes, phayes@thetelegraph.com

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  • Alton’s Maggie Evans (18) scored two goals in her team’s 4-0 victory over Freeburg in Metro Cup tournament action Monday night on the first day of the IHSA girls soccer season. Calista Cox (10) assisted Evans on the game’s first goal. The two are shown celebrating an AHS goal last season. Photo: Pete Hayes File Photo | The Telegraph

Photo:

Pete Hayes File Photo | The Telegraph

Alton’s Maggie Evans (18) scored two goals in her team’s 4-0 victory over Freeburg in Metro Cup tournament action Monday night on the first day of the IHSA girls soccer season. Calista Cox (10) assisted Evans on the game’s first goal. The two are shown celebrating an AHS goal last season.

Maggie Evans and Alaina Nasello put together a nice welcome for first-year Alton girls soccer coach Gwen Sabo. Each scored a pair of goals and helped Alton to a 4-0 victory over Free burg in the opening round of the Metro Cup Adidas bracket at Freeburg.

“We definitely had some first-game jitters,” Sabo said, “and our excitement caused us to play a little too quickly.

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“We were forcing things that led to turnovers.”

The Redbirds pulled away from a 1-0 halftime lead with three second-half goals.

We made some adjustments at halftime and really settled in during the second half,” Sabo said. “I’ll give a lot of credit to Freeburg. They brought a lot of energy and kept the pressure on us.”

Evans scored from an assist by Calista Cox in the 25th minute. Her second goal, nine minutes into the second half, gave the redbirds a 2-0 lead.

Then it was Nasello’s turn. She scored in the 67th minute and 77th minute to ice the victory for Alton.

“I think we all breathed a sigh of relief to get our first win of the season under our belts. I know I did.”

The Redbirds will play their second Metro Cup game at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday when they face Marion at Freeburg.

In other Metro Cup Adidas bracket scores Monday, it was Belleville East 4, Roxana 0; O’Fallon 10, Breese Mater Dei 0 and Rochester 1, Waterloo Gibault 0.

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