Knights off to 2-0 start following big win at Plainfield Central

By Curt Herron

Tom Froats liked what he saw on the defensive side from his Prospect squad during their initial three halves of soccer.

But the Knights coach was hoping to see some more continuity on offense in their nonconference match at Plainfield Central on Wednesday.

He got his wish, especially toward the start and end of the final 40 minutes of play against the Wildcats, who were playing their opener.

Prospect scored a pair of goals in the first two minutes of the second half to break open a match that it led 1-0 at the break.

The Knights proceeded to score three more times after that as they went on to claim a 6-0 victory in Plainfield.

Sophomores Jessie Pretrovski, Lauren MacNab and Sara Helwink all two scored goals for Prospect (2-0), which beat Niles West 2-0 on Monday.

Click to hear coach Tom Froats interview

Both squads entered Wednesday's matchup with seven freshmen or sophomore players in their starting lineups.

But the Knights seemed to capitalize on the fact that they already had the benefit of a game under their belts.

That became clear shortly after the intermission when two quick scores seemed to demoralize the host team.

MacNab scored on a header from in front of the net, which was set up by an assist from junior Lizzie Robinson 93 seconds into the second half.

Just 20 seconds later, Prospect took a 3-0 lead when Pretrovski hit a liner from about 20 yards out, off an assist from sophomore Kelli Iovino.

Click to hear Jessie Pretrovski interview

MacNab added an unassisted score from long range with 24:32 remaining in the match for her squad's fourth goal.

And Helwink connected twice in the final 14:34, thanks to assists from senior Jordan Bruce and Robinson, to complete the scoring.

Pretrovski accounted for the game's initial score, with 20:36 left in the first half, which followed a pass from Iovino.

Sophomore Megan McCabe faced few serious threats throughout the match to post the shutout in the net for the Knights.

Prospect went with only a pair of senior starters during Wednesday's victory, Andrea Wehrle and Lexi Glennon.

Click to hear Andrea Wehrle interview

Other starters were juniors Caroline Aubry and Agnes Stankiewicz, sophomores Carly Hall and Taylor Smith and freshman Adriane Falagario.

Maureen O'Keefe and Susie Lello round out the group of five seniors on this year's Knights, who don't play again until March 31 against Elk Grove.

Junior Kelly McBride, and sophomores Megan Hood, Lexi Phillips and Kelly Ziegenfuss are the other members of Prospect's team.

Click to see Plainfield Central story of the match