The high school boys soccer season is still young but St. Charles North appears to be its old self through its first four games.
The North Stars opened their Upstate Eight Conference River Division campaign with an 8-0 whitewash of visiting Elgin Aug. 28 while improving their overall record to 3-0-1.
Six different players tallied goals against the Maroons with senior midfielders Noah Anthony and Jared Casey scoring two apiece. Brandon Stanko, Zack Matuszak, Matt Rasmussen and Joe Stone also added goals for the North Stars, while junior goalkeeper Garrett Creasor made four saves in recording the shutout.
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With a roster that includes 13 seniors, North Stars coach Eric Willson hopes the added varsity experience pays off come crunch time.
"It's really senior-dominated," said Willson, who has guided the North Stars to five consecutive regional titles. "It has been awhile since we've had veteran leadership like this. A lot of these seniors–they've been with us since they were freshmen or sophomores so it's just not their second year on the varsity team.
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"We've got some three- and even a few four-year varsity guys."
The North Stars, who began opening week with wins over Rockford Guilford (3-1) and South Elgin (4-1) and a tie against Waubonsie Valley (2-2), also have quite a few players sporting Mohawk haircuts–some colored blue or blond.
"If it's something that brings the guys together then I'm all for it," Willson said. "I certainly wouldn't say it looks good, but I would say that it brings a lot of the guys a little closer together."
The North Stars compete in the Barrington Tournament Aug. 31 to Sept. 4.
St. Charles East
After a season-opening loss to 2009 supersectional qualifier Neuqua Valley Aug. 24, St. Charles East rebounded with a 4-1 triumph over South Elgin in its home debut Aug. 26.
Ethan Jendrzejczyk and Jesse Nagelberg netted first-half goals for coach Paul Jennison's squad.
The Saints, who advanced to the regional finals a year ago before a 2-0 loss to Geneva, participate in the Grant Tournament Aug. 31 to Sept. 4.
