"It was a great event for the girls. To play on a top of the line turf field under the lights in front of their friends, family and two dozen college coaches gave these girls a taste of their future." said Rick Lakie, Director of Player Development for Chicago Inter Soccer and organizer of the event. "Coaches for University of Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois State and other top names were here to see our girls play. It was a great night."
Chicago Inter teams didn't disappoint. The U16 team won their game 2-1. The U17's also won 2-0 and the U18's lost a tough battle 1-0. Some quality soccer was played by both clubs and all the College coaches were very impressed.
"I thought it was a great event. It was well organized and there was a lot of talented girls to watch. I look forward to coming back again next year." Said J.J. Ekeler, Head Coach of St. Xavier Women’s Soccer.
Chicago Inter takes a special interest in all of their high school players by sending them to as many College Showcase and high end tournaments as they can. The U17 Girl's team just got back from CASL College Showcase in Raleigh, North Carolina, where they played some of the top teams in the country.
"We played the number one team from Tennessee on Friday and then played the number one team from Oregon on Saturday.” Said Sena Halilovic, Director of Coaching for Chicago Inter. "The game against Oregon was one of the best games I ever saw. Both teams played their hearts out."
Inter won that battle, 3-2 as the snow started to fly. After losing a tough game 1-0 the day before, it was a great game to rebound back with. The third game against New York's number one team was canceled due to snow.
Over 50 College coaches lined the field to watch the game against Oregon. Coaches from D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and junior colleges alike were in attendance. Three of Chicago Inter seniors are already committed. Karle Silver will be continuing her soccer at Olivet Nazerine University, Cassie Pullia at St. Xavier University and Allie Lakie at Eastern Illinois University. Three other seniors are still looking at their options and will be making their verbal commitments soon.
"Since we started this program in Homer, our goal has been to get every one of our players an opportunity to play at the College level. Only 3% of all the girls that play soccer in high school get a chance to play in College. Sena and I are very committed to make sure ALL of our girls get that chance." said Lakie. "Last year we placed 6 of our seniors and this year we are already half way through with our senior class. It's our girls reward for all the hard work they put in for playing with our club."
