What happens when you mix a new season, new players, good weather, and a home game together? For West Chicago, the answer is a dominant shutout. The first half began with a series of shots from both teams.

However, thanks to saves from senior Carol Herrera, Planefield East was left disappointed. The Wildcats decided not to let this near chance get to their heads, so they continued pushing for a goal. Swift passes from midfielders and the defense provided the forwards with well-fed opportunities.

A sister duo held WEGO’s left and right wings aloft. Sophomore Abby Merkel played quickly and confidently with the ball, just as her senior sister Molly Merkel did on the other side.

“I feel like our team chemistry is really good this year, and it’ll bring us really far,” Merkel said.

After near misses from Merkel and junior captain Kaylee Kreitzer, it became evident the Wildcats were knocking on the door for a goal. Planefield East began to rely heavily on their goalkeeper and defense to keep their record clean.

On the other end, team captains and defenders like senior Jessie Myers and senior Dulce Juarez were winning their battles with ease. Many praised their communication and ability to play the ball well from the back.

As the first half approached its end, the Wildcats refused to back down, with big challenges on the ball coming from junior Ana Hurtado. Before the end of the half, all 5 freshmen on the team had subbed on and played.

“At first I felt nervous, but then I just kind of lost [the nerves], and I just tried my best. I felt pretty good,” said freshman Isabella Carrasco.

After one final attack, the whistle blew for half, and the players stepped off the field. Everyone focused on assistant coach Dorian Carrasco as he spoke about tactics and pushed the team to continue with their efforts.

With the momentum set, it was time to show the true potential of the Wildcats.

“Our team has a lot of potential, a lot more than I’ve seen previously. And yeah, I think we’re going to get a really good season,” said Herrera.

With one goal down, the Wildcats refused to settle for comfort; they continued to play with passion, assertiveness, and dominance.

“We want to compete against the best, and you need that competitive mindset for our first game of the season,” said D. Carrasco.

After a throughball from Kretizer, Merkel battled over the ball with Planefield East’s defense and goalkeeper, eventually scoring. Right after shooting, Merkel collapsed on the ground with relief after the hard-fought battle.

“I hope to score as many goals as I possibly can and just make the most memories I can with this being my last year on this field,” Merkel said.

After a missed shot from Kretizer, Freshman Jackelyn Aguilar was quick to score the rebound. After a debate on whether it crossed the line, the referee blew for a goal, and the whole team erupted in celebration for the freshman.

“We took a risk, ” Carrasco said, ” but we want them to get that experience. We want them to get familiarity with the varsity level, to feel the pressure, to feel the contact, to feel the intensity of a varsity game. And they held their own.”

After the final whistle, the wildcats walked away with a 3-0 victory over Planifield East and an even deeper team bond. From freshman to senior, everyone on the team contributed to the win.

“Our upperclassmen are being incredible. They’re leading, they’re working, they’re pushing, they’re motivated. They know what their goals are. They are set to go accomplish them, and they’re making sure that everybody’s working towards that goal,” Carrasco said.