Raiders Boys Soccer Team Off and Running Under New Coach

Melissa Pero might be petite in stature, but she's big on getting the maximum effort out of her Glenbard South boys soccer team.

"I set our expectations high, and they're meeting them," said Pero, who took over as Raiders' head coach after serving the past three seasons as an assistant. "So I told them that I'd push them to their limits, and I think I am. And I'm pushing them farther."

It's working. Heading into Thursday night's game at Fenton, the Raiders have roared out of the gates with a 9-0 record—this coming on the heels of 15-2-2 campaign last year. One of their victories during this streak came against Metro Suburban Conference foe Wheaton Christian, last year's Class 1A state champion.

"We're taking chances and taking risks," said Pero in response to what she believes are the keys to her team's fast start. "When you're in games, it's about taking chances, and the more chances you take, the more opportunities you have."

Twin brothers Michael and David Pyle have combined with Matt Traynor (all are midfielders) and goalkeeper Eric Good to give the Raiders a strong nucleus–one that's helped Glenbard South offset the loss of several graduated seniors.

Michael Pyle leads the team with eight goals. On Tuesday, Jeff Gensler netted a goal in double overtime to give Glenbard South a 2-1 victory over Riverside-Brookfield.

"She's always pushing us to go past our expectations," David Pyle said.

Pero possesses a wealth of playing experience, as well. She was a four-year varsity starter at Glenbard North and captained the team her sophomore, junior and senior years. Then she continued her career at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa from 2002 through 2006.

Pero spent the 2004-2005 school year studying in Spain (she teaches Spanish at Glenbard South). While there, she played for Cosmos FC.

In the spring, Pero serves as an assistant coach for the girls varsity squad. Asked to point out the differences between coaching boys and coaching girls, she said:

"There are different things that you have to deal with. The girls are a little bit more social and the guys come out to work hard and they get it done. I think that you have to approach the way that you do things with the girls in a different fashion, but I'm also the assistant coach (for the girls) so I'm kind of the one that sits back. In that aspect, it's very different. With the guys, I'm the one that sets the rules, the discipline and the regulations."

Pero knows that the Raiders may sustain a loss or two before the season ends, but if that happens, she's OK with it.

"To me, as long as they're playing as hard as they can, that's the thing," she said. "Obviously winning is a plus, but to see these players developing not only into good players but into men is a huge part of it."