Freshman forward Noel Rauwolf burst onto the high school scene as a key goal scorer for the Verona girls soccer team.
Rauwolf scored three goals in Verona's 4-1 win over Madison Edgewood last week, extending his team lead to 12 goals after the game.
“She's playing insane right now,” Verona coach Jen Faulkner said. “She's a scoring machine. As a team, we do a good job of finding ways to support what she brings to the field, giving her the ball and putting her in places where she can score.” She's taking it from there and finishing it. She's doing great.”
Rauwolf also scored two goals in a 9-0 win over Madison LaFollette and had two goals and one assist in a 9-0 win over Sun Prairie West.
“We're learning from each other, what each other's roles are, how we can make each other better every day in practice and in games,” Rauwolf said. “At practice, everyone pushes me to be better. It's fun playing with everyone and growing on and off the field.”
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She scored four goals in Verona's second game against Waukesha West.
Brooke Nelson boosts offensive power
Waunakee junior Brooke Nelson is a defensive midfielder who has proven to be an important player as the Warriors move forward on offense.
He has been especially dangerous this season when taking corner kicks and free kicks for the Warriors, who are ranked third in Division I in this week's Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association poll. Waunakee coach Andy Mohr said two of her goals came directly from corner kicks.
This type of goal is called an Olimpico goal, and Nelson scored both goals in the same game (against Watertown).
“Brooke not only plays an important role on the defensive end, but he also plays a vital role on the offensive end in our team's ability to build attacks,” Coach Moll said. “Brook provides a calming presence in midfield, helping us maintain possession and switch points of attack.
“Brook is also very dangerous from set-pieces, such as corner kicks and free-kicks from long range.”
Nelson also helped the Warriors' defense. The Warriors have 10 shutouts, including four in a row: Watertown 4-0, Madison Memorial 5-0, Whitefish Bay 1-0 and Fort Atkinson 10-0.
Laura Hernandez anchors Madison Memorial's defense.
Madison Memorial senior Laura Hernandez transitioned from the center midfield position to defensive center back last season.
She has played as a sweeper this season as well and is a mainstay of the Spartans' defense. She was named to the Big Eight All-Conference second team in her first season playing defense last year.
She has grown accustomed to playing defense, but admitted she needs to make adjustments.
“I didn’t really want to shoot it, but I wanted to,” she said. “I think everyone likes the feeling of scoring and being recognized, and it works out pretty well. … I'm starting to like it more and more.”
Hernandez, who plans to attend Yale University and study neuroscience, started playing soccer when he was 4 years old.
“I really like the fast-paced game,” she said. “The ball is always moving. I love the competitiveness of playing against people one-on-one. I'm a pretty physical player.”
Hernandez said the Spartans' defense is especially adept at using the offside trap, but he still enjoys attacking and takes the field to be more involved offensively, as he did late in the team's recent game against Verona. You may be asked to raise the level.
Mya Hanson's defense and aggressiveness propels DeForest
DeForest has shown excellent offensive play along with strong defense this season.
DeForest coach Tim Esser said junior center back Maia Hanson is an integral part of the Norskies' defense.
“Maia has the most positive attitude on the team,” Esser said. “In the last three years, I have never seen her take a day off, mentally or physically. When the team needs someone to brighten our day, it's her.” is.”
Coach Esser said Hanson and senior center back Elise Snortum are strong players on the back line and can hold their own against high-scoring players in the area.
DeForest's opponents have failed to score in seven games since the Norskies defeated Fort Atkinson 7-0 and tied Sauk Prairie 0-0 last week.
DeForest is one of the top teams in the Badger Large Conference along with Oregon (first in Division 2) and Waunakee, but recently lost 2-1 to Salem-Wetosha Central. After losing 3-1, their record was 9 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws. Oregon.
Emily Beale is the leader of Beaver Dam
Beaver Dam junior Emily Beal is more than just a goalie for the Golden Beavers.
“She's our captain and our main leader on the field,” Beaver Dam coach Brandi Paredes said.
Beal started playing goalie in the sixth grade.
“It’s very demanding physically and mentally,” she said. “Once I started playing, I was hooked and never wanted to stop.”
Beal made 23 saves in a 3-1 loss to Ashwaubenon last week. She made several diving saves to keep her match close. Beaver Dam junior Brianna Ganske's goal on a penalty kick tied the game at 1-1 at halftime.
At times he struggles defensively, and Beal is used to facing high opponent shooting numbers.
“There are so many shots coming my way that I go into the game thinking, 'I'm going to be ready for whatever happens,'” said Beal, who also plays tennis. You might have a bad game, they might have a good game, so you always try to have that mindset of always doing your best, doing what you always do and not complaining too much about it. ”
Vote for our Supernova
Congratulations to Sonoma Biver of Madison Edgewood, who was the winner of last week's vote with 44.6% of the votes.
Vote for this week's winner below.
Madison/WiscNews Vote for Women's Soccer's Supernova: May 16 Edition
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This is the scene where Madison Edgewood girls soccer punched its ticket to the state championship game