On the surface, Friday’s quarterfinal between Wheaton North and Lincoln-Way East appears to be a mismatch.
The Falcons (24-0-1) are the only team in the state that has gone unbeaten. Lincoln-Way East, on the other hand, has the most unimpressive record (16-9-4) of the remaining eight teams in Class AA.
Sense a “but” coming?
Barely a .500 team when the playoffs began in mid-May after losing their final regular-season match, the Griffins are on a five-game roll and have outscored playoff opponents 22-2.
Wheaton North, sophomore Michelle Scandora notes, has been questioned all season despite its record. And now the Falcons are making their first state appearance
As she said after the 1-0 supersectional victory over Hinsdale Central: “No one really expects us to win, and now we’re coming out with an unbeaten team. People should start believing.”
Wheaton is led by Jaime Orewiler’s 24 goals and Katie Oakes’ 15 goals and 14 assists.
East counts on midfielder Amy Szilard, who has 17 goals.
