Girls soccer teams to watch

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St. Charles North

The North Stars are the area’s team to beat in 2008. They return nine starters after putting together a 16-3-1 season that ended in the sectional semifinal against Wheaton North.

Caitlin Winkelman might have a 20-goal season ahead of her, and the two-headed monster of Vicki Traven and sophomore Kristen Manski gives the North Stars a pair of goalkeeping options as the rest of the area struggles to find one.

St. Charles East

After losing standouts Mo Smunt, Cara Morawski and Alyssa Feulner, East is surprisingly confident in what it returns from a team that felt it was on the verge of a state title last season.

Much of the Saints success, however, will depend on how a heralded and speedy sophomore class can respond to its varsity roles. Getting Kara Nitti, who is set to return from an ACL injury in April, back to top form sooner than later also will weigh heavily on how effective East will be come playoff time.

Geneva

Where St. Charles East seems confident in how it has replaced its top talent from a year ago, the Vikings are the area dark horse. After losing three Division-I recruits and a handful of others now playing at the college level, coach Ryan Estabrook is uncertain of how his revamped lineup will respond to losing Callie Hemming, Annie Wyer, Kaitlyn Cunningham and Co.

One thing he is sure of is his backline, which will be anchored by senior Elise Farrelly and Bri Santacaterina.

–Kevin Chroust

editorial@kcchronicle.com