What does the Kaneland-Sycamore rivalry hold in 2026?

Considering the Spartans haven’t scored a regulation goal on the Knights this decade, the series has been remarkably close.

Kaneland won the last meeting last season 1-0 on a Taylor Mills goal. That snapped a three-game winning streak for the Spartans in the series. All three of those wins were on penalty kicks after being scoreless in regulation. The first two of those came 12 days apart in 2024, one gave Sycamore a share of the Interstate 8 title, the second gave them a regional crown.

Kaneland swept the series in 2021 and 2023, and the teams split in 2022, with Sycamore again winning on PKs after going scoreless in regulation.

Sycamore last scored in regulation against Kaneland on May 7, 2019, beating the Knights 3-1 after winning 5-0 against them the day before.

Exactly how good is the Kaneland offense?

Mills was only a freshman last year, and she scored 23 goals and dished out nine assists. She was second in scoring on the Knights behind Daily Chronicle Girls Soccer Player of the Year Erin Doucette, who scored a school record 40 goals. She’s back for her senior season, and if she can record 44 goals this year, she’ll set the all-time scoring mark at the school, boys or girls.

Kyra Lilly scored 10 goals and had 18 assists last year, and she’s back for her senior season as well. There’s room for more production with the loss of Hannah Boyer’s 14 goals and 14 assists to graduation. Freshman forward Elise Guernon or senior midfield/forward Olivia Davis (three goals, five assists last year) could be prime candidates to see double digits in goals and/or assists this year.

What is a new look Sycamore defense capable of?

With Kaneland’s potentially potent offense, it will be important to stop them. Sycamore had a tough defense last year, but defender Hailey Clawson and goalkeeper Brooke Cutlip graduated. Grace Amptmann, an all-area first-team selection, returns for her senior season to anchor the defense. Sophomore Kelsie Ryder will also have an increased role on the back line.

But beyond those two, it will be a lot of new faces for the Spartans’ defense. Senior Lana Walker, an all-area volleyball pick this fall at setter, will handle goalkeeping duties. Junior Kylie Runkle and sophomore Brooke Boryla should have big roles on the defense.

Can an experienced back line spark a DeKalb turnaround?

Although the Barbs struggled last year, both goalie Elizabeth Meeks and defender Ashley Hernandez were first-team DuPage Valley Conference selections as juniors. Hernandez played all 1,600 team minutes, and Meeks made 170 saves in 18 games. Both are four-year varsity starters and will be a key part of a turnaround from a three-win season.

On the outside of the defense, juniors Michelle Gamboa and Ailany Padilla will help them, giving the Barbs an incredibly experienced defense. They’ll get a good early-season test against Kaneland on Thursday. They lost 2-0 to the Knights last year.

What does Genoa-Kingston do for an encore to its best season?

The Cogs won 21 games last year, including 19 straight, claimed a regional title and won the Big Northern Conference for the first time.

Two of their top three goal scorers are gone, leaving only sophomore midfielder Ayva Hernandez and her 18 goals and 10 assists from last year. There are freshmen such as Nayeli Gonzalez and Olivia Leonforte up top, and junior Giselle Abonce moves up to varsity. All three could have an impact on scoring goals.

The defense should still be strong, with goalkeeper Madelynn Swanson back, along with defenders Dulce Ibarra and Isabella Ortegel. It may not be a record-setting season for the second year in a row, but G-K is set up for a solid 2026 season.