Spartans can't overcome early deficit to Glenbard South in opener

By Eddie Burns

It was hardly the start Kristin Keigley wanted to in her coaching debut at St. Francis, but it was a bit expected.

The Spartans allowed Glenbard South to score three goals in the first 13 minutes of their match Tuesday afternoon in Glen Ellyn and ultimately it led to the Raiders’ 4-2 nonconference win.

Keigley, who took over for Tim Dailey during the summer, has implemented a flat-back four defensive alignment and realizes that it will take some time for the players to adjust.

"I honestly think the beginning was a lot about nerves and when you play a flat-back, you have to make sure who is definitely going to the ball and we weren't doing that," Keigley said. "If you don't have someone going to the ball, then it can cause big problems."

Junior defender David Kaminky said the players are working through the adjustments that it takes to go from a stopper/sweeper alignment to the flat-back approach.

"You need to have clear communication and move as a unit together, so we can keep the backline flat," Kaminky said. "We didn't do that and we have to do a better job of talking because if nobody attacks the ball, it can create problems.

"You have to stay together. We got the hang of it after a few minutes, but at that point were a few goals behind."

The Spartans (0-1) did outscore the Raiders 2-1 during the final 67 minutes, but Glenbard South (1-0) led 4-0 at intermission.

"In that second half, we played much better, but overall, we don't have much to brag about," junior forward Drew Mascari said. "We have to continue to work hard in practice and improve."

The Raiders' lead could have been even larger, had it not been for the play of St. Francis junior goalie Ryan Suerte, who finished with eight saves.

Andres Pena ended Glenbard South's shutout bid when he notched St. Francis' first goal of the season midway through the second half. Blake Behlman added another goal in the closing minutes to cut the Spartans' deficit in half.

It's been a crazy past year for the St. Francis program with a complete turnover of the coaching staff. But Keigley certainly does not lack experience and that is something the players respect.

"So far so good," Mascari said. "Everyone seems to like her. I thought (playing for a female coach) would be an issue, but it has not been a problem at all."

Keigley, 26, comes from good stock. She is a 2002 graduate of Naperville Central where she played for veteran coach Ed Watson.

From there, Keigley took her skills to Bradley University in Peoria where she was the captain of the club team for three seasons.

She also coached both the boys and girls soccer programs at Peoria Manual while she completed her college education.

Keigley has also coached girls varsity for one season at Lockport and that same year she served as the boys varsity assistant.

This past year she spent in England and worked as a fitness and strength coach for boys and girls while experiencing teaching at the international level.

Keigley, who is entering her fifth season as a varsity coach, teaches at Notre Dame Prep in Niles, but said she is on the field in Wheaton in time for each every practice.

"Coach really came in and did a nice job of establishing her authority and she has the respect of the players," Kaminky said. "We respect her knowledge of the game and she has done a nice job of teaching us a lot in a short amount of time."