New Trier shut out Maine South for 17th straight regional title
By: Sam Gillman
The New Trier girls soccer program continue to take care of business.
The 18-0-2 Trevians continued their winning ways in the regional championship game with a 2-0 win over Maine South, to bring their consecutive regional title streak to an astounding 17 straight years.
“We came in with a mission and I thought the kids did what they were supposed to do,” said New Trier head coach Jim Burnside. “It was interesting how we scored in the beginning of both halves and off restarts, everything falls together if they do what we ask them to do.”
Despite a slow, natural grass surface that didn’t play to New Trier’s strengths, the Trevians had little trouble getting on the board, as they scored less than 30 seconds into the match off a corner kick that DePaul commit Sydney Parker headed into the back of the net, which was met by a concise yet appropriate response from Burnside.
“Sydney Parker is just a beast.”
As it turned out, the one early goal was all New Trier needed, as they proceeded to completely shut down Maine South’s offense allowing only one shot on goal over the next 80 minutes.
“What they do so well is that there are four seniors across the defense and they know each other, they play with each other, and they care for each other,” said Burnside. “It’s like if you make a mistake, I got your back and that is huge when you have that type of attitude and that type of athleticism.”
Having a veteran back four is especially important during a playoff run, where even the best teams like New Trier can feel the nervousness that a one and done format brings.
“It’s a nervous excitement. We were nervous coming in. Maine South an athletic team, their a good team, and a well coached team,” said Burnside. “We were nervous coming in but I think the first goal really helps and I thought our kids played great and I’m proud of them,” stated Burnside.
New Trier put the exclamation point on the match early in the second half when Emma Weaver put away a rebound opportunity, which was more than enough for New Trier to punch their ticket to sectionals.
The Trevians will look to win their fifth straight sectional as face off against longtime rivals Evanston at Glenbrook South sectional on Tuesday.
