Lions' soccer goals are on the ball
Led by Murphy, LTHS has the talent, experience to win big again
By Marty Farmer
Since Bill Lanspeary became head coach of the Lyons Township High School girls soccer team 11 seasons ago, the Lions have won a regional title every year, plus four conference and three sectional championships.
So despite losing six key players, including a pair of Division I college players in Bella Lastina (Loyola-Chicago) and Catherine Johnson (New Mexico) to graduation in last season, it's no surprise LTHS is off to another successful start this season under Lanspeary's watch.
Fresh off a 14-5-1 campaign and conference championship in 2018, the Lions' (3-0-1, 1-0 West Suburban Silver) annual modus operandi is to reload rather than rebuild.
"We lost a lot of seniors last year," Lanspeary said. "Bella Lestina, Catherine Johnson, Maggie Gilchrist, Kaelan Lee, Elizabeth Hall and Elsa McMahon were big losses.
"But our newcomers have stepped in nicely. With so many new players, it's about figuring out everyone's role on the team to make us the best team possible."
The Lions' top returner is all-state senior midfielder Eileen Murphy. The Illinois commit leads the team in scoring with three goals.
Fellow seniors Meara Hilling, Grace Truax, Bri Stirrat and Georgia Dougherty provide additional talent and experience.
"Meara is a workhorse in the middle and a highly skilled player," Lanspeary said. "Grace is fast, tough and athletic defender. Bri is stepping into a new role as a center defensive back. She's very quick and reads the game well."
Dougherty, who tore an ACL during her sophomore year, has returned as a difference-making forward in the lineup.
Junior Sophie Grabis is an all-conference goalkeeper, while sophomores Ava Dallavo and Lily Mattern have been welcomed additions to the varsity.
"I think we're athletic and we play hard so that's a great place to start," Lanspeary said. "We're starting to see some improvement in our spacing and possession. We're beginning to get on the same page in the attack, and our communication on defense has improved through the first four games."
As for the conference race, the Lions could be tested by York, Downers Grove North and Glenbard West. LTHS has already earned a significant 3-0 win over league rival Hinsdale Central. Murphy scored twice against the Red Devils.
"We want to win the conference, regional and sectional," Lanspeary said. "I want to see us be a team that plays hard, supports one another on and off the field and play quality soccer."
Contact:
Email: marty@rblandmark.com
Love the Landmark?
Become our partner in independent community journalism
Thanks for turning to Riverside Brookfield Landmark and RBLandmark.com. We love our thousands of digital-only readers. Now though we're asking you to partner up in paying for our reporters and photographers who report this news. It had to happen, right?
On the plus side, we're giving you a simple way, and a better reason, to join in. We're now a non-profit -- Growing Community Media -- so your donation is tax deductible. And signing up for a monthly donation, or making a one-time donation, is fast and easy.
No threats from us. The news will be here. No paywalls or article countdowns. We're counting on an exquisite mix of civic enlightenment and mild shaming. Sort of like public radio.
Claim your bragging rights. Become a digital member.
Reader Comments
No Comments - Add Your Comment
Note: This page requires you to login with Facebook to comment.
Facebook Connect
Quick Links
Sign-up to get the latest news updates for Riverside and Brookfield. | |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | |
Subscribe | Classified |
Multimedia | Contact us |
Submit Letter To The Editor | |
Place a Classified Ad |
Latest Comments
This rambling cruel attack on Trump Voters isn't...
By Mark Winston
Posted: January 15th, 2021 2:24 PM
I am all for solar savings but I also was informed...
By Angela Cruz
Posted: January 14th, 2021 8:14 PM
Kudos to Riverside Foods for taking this step towards...
By Candi Suriano Grace
Posted: January 14th, 2021 6:14 PM
Sadly, many of these voters vote Republican because...
By Rita Kuzmenko
Posted: January 13th, 2021 5:23 PM
My husband was diagnosed with ALS in the summer of...
By Freedom Mthakathi
Posted: January 10th, 2021 7:55 AM
The Cook County covid response is unsatisfactory as...
By Matt Leuck
Posted: January 5th, 2021 4:39 PM
I am a former member of Concordia, where the pastor...
By Neal Namowicz
Posted: January 2nd, 2021 10:08 AM