Waubonsee players huddle up during a pause in Saturday night’s scrimmage at Aurora. With plenty of energy and resilience on display, the Chiefs left the field with confidence heading into their season opener this week.

By: Johnny Crouch, Sports & Activities Executive | Photos Courtesy of: Oscar Rodriguez

The Waubonsee women’s soccer team wrapped up its preseason schedule with a hard-fought 3-3 draw against Aurora University on Aug. 23 at Spartan Athletic Park. The exhibition gave the Chiefs one final test before their season opener this week, and it came against a tough NCAA Division III opponent.

Aurora controlled possession in the opening minutes, but Waubonsee struck first. In the 4th minute, sophomore forward Abby Broadway found the back of the net after a strong defensive clearance from sophomore defender Samantha Esquivel set up the chance.

Aurora answered quickly. A foul by the Chiefs gave the Spartans a free kick just outside the goal box, and Aurora’s Maura Sikorski buried the shot to even the score at 1-1 in the 11th minute.

Both sides continued to trade shots. Sophomore defender Josie Rader and Esquivel anchored Waubonsee’s back line, cutting off multiple attacks, while freshman forward Marissa Galloway created pressure up front with her speed. The Chiefs nearly regained the lead in the 19th minute, when a corner kick set up two quick shot attempts, but both were off target.

Two minutes later, freshman midfielder Makayla Lara delivered one of the best moments of the night. Pressuring Aurora deep in their own half, Waubonsee forced a turnover that left Lara with space on the left side. She launched a clean shot into the net, giving the Chiefs a 2-1 advantage in the 21st minute.

Aurora pressed hard in response, rattling off multiple shots, including one that bounced off the crossbar. After several close calls, Sikorski struck again for the Spartans in the 31st minute, tying the game at 2-2.

The first half continued at a fast pace, with both teams creating scoring chances. In the 42nd minute, Lara added her second goal of the night. The initial shot was blocked by Aurora’s goalkeeper, but she quickly pounced on the rebound and finished the play, putting Waubonsee up 3-2. The lead was short-lived, however, as Aurora’s Larissa Barreto scored just before halftime, leveling the score at 3-3.

The second half turned into a defensive battle. Aurora maintained most of the possession, but Waubonsee’s back line and freshman goalkeeper Isabella Delgado held firm. Delgado made several impressive saves, and Rader delivered arguably the play of the night in the 60th minute when she cleared a loose ball off the goal line to prevent Aurora from taking the lead.

Despite being outshot, the Chiefs didn’t allow another goal. The final minutes saw Waubonsee push forward in search of a game-winner, but neither side could break the deadlock before the final whistle.

For head coach Brad Schlemmer, the draw was a promising sign against a strong opponent.

“I feel very happy and proud of our squad with this result tonight,” Schlemmer said. “We played a much faster, more experienced program and we showed a lot of heart. Even though it was a scrimmage, every time they step on the field they know it’s important how they represent the Waubonsee Chiefs.”

The challenge was even greater with a short roster. Waubonsee suited up only 12 players, forcing the team to play almost the entire match with just one available substitute. Rader, a sophomore defender and one of the team’s experienced leaders, said the exhibition will help prepare them for the season.

“This scrimmage against AU was a valuable opportunity for our team to experience the intensity and commitment required at the next level,” Rader said. “With only one sub, we were pushed to condition harder and rely on each other more, which helped strengthen our team chemistry.”

Rader also highlighted the determination of her teammates, pointing out the performance of freshman defender Zoe Gannon, who battled through fouls and kept contributing.

“What stood out to me the most tonight was the effort and heart every single one of my teammates showed,” Rader said. “Even after getting knocked down, Zoe [Gannon] kept getting back up and was ready for the next moment. That kind of toughness is what makes me excited for this season.”

For Lara, who scored twice, the focus was on setting a tone for the season.

“It wasn’t about the label of Aurora being Division III,” Lara said. “It was about showing discipline and proving that we can compete against a four-year school. This is just the start for us, and I want to carry this momentum into the season.”

The scrimmage also carried extra meaning, with two former Chiefs, Anna Corneliusen (Class of 2023) and Amara Olivas (Class of 2024),  now playing for Aurora. Schlemmer said it’s rewarding to see Waubonsee alumni competing at the next level.

“Seeing former players brings me a lot of joy,” Schlemmer said. “I’ve always felt the success of the Waubonsee Soccer Program is getting the girls to the next level.”

Schlemmer said his team is aiming high this season. Among their goals: a return trip to the NJCAA National Tournament, an eighth Illinois Skyway Conference title, and reaching the program’s 250th all-time win.

“The girls’ heart and determination going up against a more experienced team really impressed me,” Schlemmer said. “They were not intimidated and were excited for the challenge.”

The Chiefs will now turn their focus to the season opener on Aug. 27 at 4 p.m., when they travel to Cicero to face Morton College. After the energy and resilience shown against Aurora, Waubonsee heads into the season confident and motivated.

Freshman defender Zoe Gannon controls the possession for Waubonsee in Saturday’s exhibition match against Aurora. Gannon, while not directly scoring any goals, contributed heavily to the outcome of the game through her defensive capabilities.