The West Chicago Wildcats faced off against the Proviso West Panthers in a cold, rainy first-round Regional Playoff game on Oct. 21 at Elk Grove High School.
Senior Kuba Slupski scored the third goal of the game, helping the Wildcats take a commanding 3-0 lead in the first half.
The Wildcats went on to secure a 7-1 victory, putting up a 4-0 lead in the first half and advancing to the next round of Regionals.
“Every minute counted for me,” senior Dimitry Stetsik said. “And I’m just glad this recovery went well and smooth. I’m just happy to be back.”
Head Coach Jose Villa reflected on his team’s performance and was pleased with the result.
“It’s awesome to get the first game under our belt, and just kind of an opportunity to have everybody play in the game,” Villa said. “And obviously, it’s an opportunity for all our lower players to be able to get some playoff experience.”
Several junior varsity players have been moved up to gain experience and get a feel for what next year will be like without the current seniors. Looking ahead, the team is eager for the next round of playoffs and focused on bringing home the title.
“The thing I’m looking forward to most on Friday is lifting that regional trophy,” junior Michael Richardson said. “Let’s go, baby — state. State, absolutely, we are gonna go to state this year. We’re gonna win it all. We want to put another star on the badge.”
Richardson, who has played varsity for the past two years as the team’s striker, scored one of the Wildcats’ seven goals.
The Wildcat Chronicle’s Athlete of the Week, Slupski, played with drive, grit, and energy both on and off the field — qualities that helped keep the team hyped and motivated. Slupski now has 16 goals this season, closing out his senior year on a high note.
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“Today was definitely a little nerve-racking for everyone,” Slupski said. “I mean, it’s the first postseason game. It’s very important going into the postseason with a winning mindset, and we all have to go and compete to win state.”
That’s the goal: win state. The Wildcats have come close in recent years but have not captured the title since 2019.
“You’ve got to come out and play every single day like it’s your last game,” Villa said.
