Match thoughts from Chicago women’s soccer 3-0 win at North Park

Another strong performance by Chicago women’s soccer, which maintained its possession and composure facing an organized North Park team.

While no assists were given today, several players deserved them: On the first, the over-the-top pass that found Sarah Loh came from midfield—though I can’t recall who it was, I suspect it was either Emily Benoit or Claire Gill. On the second score, Benoit sent a great diagonal ball to Brooke Bontz, who laid it off for Loh’s double. And then on the third, Allison Hegel pushed it on to Victoria Baran for the final blow.

The latter two players, both first-years, have shown good presence in and around the box in the short stints we have seen them. They are part of a new class that has already contributed several ways in the first three games.

But make no mistake: This team’s foundation is its experienced players, and it is these battle-tested ones that have been outstanding so far. Center mid Claire Gill, defenders Claire Denz, Maggie Tobin and Kaitlin Meyer, and strikers Brooke Bontz and Sarah Loh all have dominated. Fullback Molly Costich, outside mids Melissa Plesac and Katie Klamann, and center mid Emily Benoit have been solid, as well.

This team has two big tests in the coming week: Illinois Wesleyan—who already tied and beat UAA contenders Emory and Wash U, respectively—and perennial powerhouse Calvin. If they can avoid the sort of early to midseason slumps that have slowed them the past two years, the Maroons could find themselves in a better spot than the past couple years.