Naperville North senior forward Katherine Ruan was about to do an interview on Tuesday when she got a last-second reminder.
“Don’t use too many big words,” Naperville North coach Steve Goletz advised her.
Ruan, who will continue her soccer career at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, might have a big vocabulary. But she can also take — and make — some big shots.
Ruan demonstrated that when she came off the bench to score the game-winning goal as the visiting Huskies beat Neuqua Valley 7-1 in a DuPage Valley Conference game.
It was Ruan’s first career game-winner.
“It felt really good,” Ruan said. “Obviously, it was relieving to be up again, and then my teammates all did really good and worked really hard.”
Ruan checked into the game with about 23 minutes left in the first half. Neuqua Valley then tied it at 1-1 when Chloe Orlow scored off a cross from Allessandra Russo at the 22:11 mark.
Ruan answered 64 seconds later. She lofted a 28-yard shot over the head of Neuqua Valley goalkeeper Zoe Fabian and under the crossbar to give the Huskies (8-3-1, 2-0) the lead for good.
“The ball was just loose, and I was able to run onto it,” Ruan said. “I saw she wasn’t exactly in the goal and ready, so I decided to kick it.”
Goletz was pleased to see Ruan shoot against the Wildcats (3-6, 0-3).
“I told her when she went in, ‘Hey, if you’ve got space, go at her. If they don’t step to you, go ahead and have a go,'” Goletz said. “She’s got a great right foot. She does a nice job of shaping it into the goal. We see it at practice.”
Ruan’s success was contagious as the Huskies proceeded to score five more unanswered goals. Junior forward Annie Chang tallied three of them to record her second hat trick of the season.
“It was amazing,” Chang said. “Everything she did — her setup and her shot — was perfect. She really showed her talent today.”
The Huskies showed their depth as Chang, Ruan and reserve Sam Falkman all scored goals in the first half within minutes of entering the game.
“I told the kids it’s huge momentum when you can get some of our starters some time to catch their breath,” Goletz said. “I thought the effort was great.”
Ruan has never started a game in her two-year varsity career. She scored one goal in 11 games last season and has two goals and one assist in nine appearances this spring.
“Getting goals ultimately is the goal, but really anything that helps move this team forward, like an assist or passes or just working hard,” Ruan said. “I love playing on this team. Everyone always works hard, and we have fun. It’s always special.”
Goletz is happy to see Ruan contribute.
“Katherine is a super talented kid,” Goletz said. “She’s quick, she’s got a great burst and she knows and recognizes when to get end line and when to get central. She’s continuing to be more comfortable with the physicality of the game.”
Ruan also has helped varsity newcomers like Chang get comfortable playing for a high-profile program.
“It’s amazing to play with her,” Chang said. “She’s always so supportive of everyone. She’s helped me integrate with the team because she’s been on it for longer than me. And she’s given me some guidance about attending colleges.”
Ruan began playing soccer in second grade but didn’t expect to play in college.
“My first priority was just straight academics, so I didn’t really talk to many coaches,” Ruan said. “(With MIT) you have to get into the school first, then you play.”
Goletz is thrilled Ruan will be able to do both.
“She’s an absolutely fantastic kid who works super hard every day,” Goletz said. “She’s such a good teammate and obviously a brilliant kid. To have the opportunity to go to such a prestigious university and also continue to play soccer is a great thing for her and her family.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
