Girls soccer
When it comes to the Metro Suburban Conference, anyone can pick a sport and there’s a good chance that Riverside-Brookfield is the defending champion. During its sixth year of existence, the RB girls soccer team joined the Bulldogs’ familiar championship party in 2008 with their first-ever conference crown.

“We have great team chemistry,” said Riverside-Brookfield coach Marisa Dobbertin. “We are proud of winning conference last year, but this season will be our most challenging one so far.”

In addition to repeating as conference champs, the Bulldogs are hoping for a deeper postseason run after a quick exit last spring.

Based on its talented roster of players, RB seems well equipped to build off last year’s 11-6 record, which was highlighted by a stellar 8-1 showing in the Metro Suburban. The future also looks bright as RB’s freshman and sophomore squads both captured second place in conference.

Senior sweeper Kelli Beimal and junior goalkeeper Anita Balciunas (11 shutouts last season) are back to lead the varsity.

“Kelli does a lot for us,” Dobbertin said. “She is a team captain and a great communicator. Anita is another captain and a very good goalkeeper.”

Offensively, forwards Yuritzi Chavez (8 goals last season), Vanessa Cerrillo (7) and senior captain Maritza Arcos will trigger the Bulldogs’ attack. Freshman midfielder Idalia Rodriguez, who has “great touch” on the ball according to Dobbertin, will also see action.

With 21 varsity players, Dobbertin praises the depth of the Bulldogs as the key to their success.

“I think the reason our team is so strong is because of our deep bench,” said Dobbertin, who played soccer at De Paul. “We have a good mix of players with eight new players and experienced players coming back.”

This season, the Bulldogs will play conference foes Fenton, Elmwood Park and Ridgewood two times each, along with a non-conference schedule including match-ups against Richards, Fenwick, Romeoville, Morton and Argo among others.

“I think conference is going to be very interesting,” noted Dobbertin. “During our six years [as a program], we have improved every year. We want to keep things moving in a positive direction.”

Riverside-Brookfield kicks off the season with a pair of home games this week against Richards (Wednesday, March 18 at 6 p.m.) and Fenwick (Friday, 6:15 p.m.).

“Richards is a good challenge and Fenwick is new to our schedule,” Dobbertin said. “The girls are focused on having a fun, successful season.”