Hayden Spodarek tried several sports when she was younger, including softball, which her older sister, Morgan, starred in at Lockport and now plays at McKendree.
But soccer was the only thing that stuck for Hayden, a junior defender for the Porters.
“Soccer has always been my sport,” Spodarek said. “Everything else was boring. My parents tried everything. Softball was boring. Gymnastics was boring. Cheerleading was boring.
“In this, you’re constantly moving around and doing something.”
That outlook makes sense when you see how active Spodarek constantly is on the soccer field.
A steady force on defense, Spodarek also got in on the scoring Tuesday. Her first goal of the season sparked Lockport to a 2-1 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Lincoln-Way East.
Wisconsin-Platteville recruit Raven Rogers also scored for the host Porters (6-2, 2-0). Krista Zuromskas had two assists, while Olivia Luecke made six saves.
Missouri State commit Ellie Feigl picked up the goal for Lincoln-Way East (5-2, 0-1). TCU recruit Camden Cosich provided the assist, while Danica Greenawalt made four saves.
Feigl scored just over four minutes into the game to give the Griffins a quick 1-0 lead. Spodarek felt partially responsible for the defensive lapse and was inspired to get redemption.
“I think I was just out of position and I didn’t expect our other center back to get beat,” Spodarek said. “I should have been ready to get over there and help her. I had to make up for that.”
Spodarek did just that a little more than three minutes later, taking a pass from Zuromskas and slipping a shot from 15 yards into the net.
“It’s super exciting,” she said. “I don’t get many chances to score, so when I do, it’s great. I had one goal last year on a free kick and now this one.
“I think it really got us going and boosted our confidence and led to us winning.”
Spodarek then went back to doing her regular job — dominating on defense.
“Hayden’s like a brick wall,” Rogers said. “I’m really glad we have her in the back. She’s very reliable.”
Spodarek was a valuable reserve on last season’s team that went 24-1. The Porters won their first 24 games before losing in a sectional semifinal against Plainfield North.
“Last year, every one of those girls was so good,” Spodarek said. “It was great playing with them. I learned a lot and I grew a lot as a player from playing with them.
“I feel like I’ve stepped up a lot since last year. Getting to start and play full games, I think I’ve been able to help our team a lot.”
Lockport coach Todd Elkei certainly agrees. He has seen Spodarek blossom into one of the team’s most dependable players.
“She was our first player off the bench last year and just the growth she’s had has been exciting,” Elkei said. “She’s stood out in every game for us this year. To see her score was nice.
“She’s our rock with an attitude in the back.”
Rogers scored the game-winning goal just moments after Luecke made a huge save on the other end, denying a shot from Adelyn Thomas.
The Porters countered and Rogers rolled in a 15-yard shot with 30:55 to go.
“I honestly underestimated it,” Rogers said of her shot. “But I was really happy that it went in.”
The Porters held on from there.
“It was a gritty win,” Elkei said. “A blue-collar win, I think. We battled and battled and found a way.”
Spodarek embodies that tenacious attitude.
“Once she keeps building that confidence, the sky’s the limit for her,” Elkei said of Spodarek. “She’s got another year ahead of her.
“She’s got a bright future.”
Originally Published:
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