The U13 girls Chicago Inter soccer team from Homer Glen successfully secured an invitation to participate in the US Youth Soccer Region II’s Midwest Regional League (MRL) for the 2012-2013 soccer year.  The team finished tied for first in the Spring Pre-Qualifier sponsored by the Illinois Youth Soccer Association.

New Lenox is represented on this team by Madison Mikalauski who has just completed her second season with the club.  She had an integral part in the team’s successful finish by scoring the team’s only goal in their final match by putting a header in the back of the net guaranteeing them a spot in the MRL.

“Our team has worked so hard this past year and it was our goal to qualify for MRL”, said Mikalauski.  “This gives us a chance to play the best teams in the Midwest which will make us better.  This is great for our team and our club,” she concluded.

Frankfort is represented on this team by goalie Kim Seper who has just completed her second season with the club.  She, along with a stellar defense, had an integral part of the team’s successful undefeated play with 2 wins and a tie while not allowing a goal during the competition!

“The teams we played were tough but our defense has been strong and we really picked it up to make the MRL”, said Seper.

Orland Park is well represented on this team with members including: Lexi Calderon, Cara Donegan, Dana Hamdan, Kylie Hase, Aislinn Mulvey, Sydney Rudney, Christine Szymanski and Kate Willie.

"Winning that game and getting into the MRL was what we worked hard for and will be fun to compete at a high level next year" stated Szymanski.

Other players on the team include Lemont resident Gia Cassano, Homer Glen residents Jamie Hansen, Brooke Janeczek, Madisyn Hannion and Dani O'Connell, and Plainfield resident Brittany Harriman

“These girls have been very committed all year and this shows the results of hard work.  We still have not reached our potential,” said Head Coach Mike Vargas.  “I am proud of their play,” he concluded.

The MRL describes itself as “Very simply we are here for the BEST TEAMS. BEST PLAYERS. BEST COMPETITION.”  The MRL offers quality league competition in our area as teams vie for the chance to earn spots into the Midwest Regionals as part of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series.