Jocelyn Lee is already approaching 60 goals in her soccer career, moving her into second place behind Hall of Famer Annette Kent on the Evanston women's soccer program's all-time scoring list.
But scoring isn't Lee's focus this season, and so far he hasn't been able to find the back of the net much.
Lee's leadership of a young ETHS team played a key role in the Wildkits' undefeated start to the season, scoring his second goal of the season in Saturday's 1-0 win over Libertyville in the first round of group play. . Lou Malnati's Deep Dish Classic Tournament was held at Lazier Field.
The senior co-captain picked off a pass from sophomore Bridget Durkin in 24 games.th The only goal of the game came in the 1st minute as the Wildkits improved to 6-0 on the season. Group play continues next week with Naperville North (Monday) and Wheaton St. Francis (Wednesday), followed by the semifinals on Thursday, and the final is scheduled to be played next Saturday in New Trier.
The Kitts are looking to make their second straight appearance in the tournament's championship game after succumbing to Lyons Township 4-1 in last spring's final. After defeating their first five opponents by a 28-1 margin, they will be looking to hit the mark again with a new and young cast of players who will be heavily tested in the coming weeks.
Kent's incredible career total of 110 goals will not come unless defenses start ignoring Lee's presence completely for the rest of the season, or unless she discovers a formula that makes her less visible. But the soft-spoken senior admitted Saturday that despite the team's overall success, he's used to scoring a ton of goals and some frustration is inevitable.
Her role as co-captain, along with goalkeeper Shea Lucas and midfielder Sid Ross, is greater than the number of goals she has scored so far.
“I learned a lot from my seniors last year. They were great leaders,” Lee said. “There were so many different personalities, all different people, and they all made you feel so welcome and safe. That's what I'm trying to do with the young girls this year.
“Every year, I feel like I get over a bit of a slump at the beginning of the season, but I was also worried about whether I would be able to give my 100 percent.” [along with her responsibilities as a captain].starting from the outside [forward]Unlike clubs where you play as a center forward, there are always adjustments made when you return for the high school season.
“We talk a lot as a team about changing fields.” [with passes] I cut back to pass the ball to the winger and over the goal I saw Bridget heading towards the net. [toward the goal] Like I always do. I just tried my best. ”
Assistant coach Franz Calixte, who coached the team while head coach Stacey Salgado attended a family wedding on Saturday, said Lee's individual goal numbers have taken a backseat to the team's success at this point in the season. I know that
“With that captain's flag [armband], she has to become a more vocal leader. She doesn't just do what she wants, like Jocelyn before her,” Calixto said. “Aside from Bridget and Sid, this is a completely new attacking team and things will look different this year.
“Jocelyn is a very good finisher, always trying to pinpoint shots into the corners and painting the corners. But sometimes that works against her. She's very fast and very strong. . She gets more touches when she plays center, but the truth is, she's dangerous no matter where she is. Once she gets up with the ball, there aren't that many defenders in the state that can go with her.”
Both teams got off to a slow start in attack, with neither goalie making a save in the first 20 minutes. But Kitts had a breakthrough with Durkin hitting Lee, who scored seven goals as a freshman and led the team in scoring as a sophomore and junior.
Libertyville keeper Viranna Valdez made nine saves.
“This was our first real challenge so far this year, but we were able to step up and get it done,” Lee added. “We have a lot of young players who really bring a lot of energy every game. They give it their all, and they're always hungry.”
