The ETHS girls soccer team is gearing up for playoff action and looking to make a run to the state tournament.
“One of the goals we had to start the season was to make it to the state championship tournament,” said senior captain Linnea Carlson.
“We know we have the ability to play our best soccer in these playoff games, and if we do that, there is no reason we can’t go far.”
In their final tune-up before the playoffs, the Wildkits lost 1-0 to Glenbrook South, with the game-winning goal coming in the final minutes. Despite the loss, the team has a ton of confidence. Head coach Marx Succes, who led the 2002 girls varsity team to an undefeated season and a state championship, has instilled in this year’s team the mindset that they, too, can reach their dream of winning a state title.
“There are no questions asked when we talk about our chances of reaching the state championship, because we have a team with great talent, and a coach who has won state,” said senior goalie and captain Anna Kennedy. “We have all the faith in the world in Coach Succes, and we know that we can go very far in the playoffs with him and this team.”
Despite the late-season loss, the team’s focus remains unchanged.
“Our strategy has been the same for every game, and we will keep our strategy in the playoffs like we did during the season,” said Kennedy.
“We know that if we play our game we have a good shot to beat any team that we face.”
The Wildkits played their first regional game yesterday against the winner of Monday’s contest between two Chicago schools. If the girls were able to pull out a win, which they were favored to do, they will most likely face conference foe Niles West on May 23 for the regional championship at Evanston’s own Lazier Field at Memorial Stadium. The match will begin at 4 p.m.