Last season, Emily Tilton made a significant change in her soccer career when Naperville Central coach Troy Adams moved her from forward to defense. Adams’s decision aimed to strengthen his team’s backline. The quick and adaptable Tilton, who also competes in indoor track, seemed the perfect fit for an outside back position.
Adams acknowledged Tilton’s importance despite the lack of recognition defenders often receive. “Defenders don’t get credit unless they score,” Adams said. “Outside backs never get any credit. But she’s legit.” During her sophomore year, Tilton faced some of the state’s top players. Her recent challenge was marking Benet senior forward Annie Fitzgerald in the Class 3A Naperville Central Sectional championship.
“Tilton marked her most of the game by design,” Adams noted, detailing how Nicole Smith would cover Fitzgerald if she moved to midfield. “That’s two or three top talents in a row Emily has marked.” Tilton has made impressive progress from freshman to sophomore year, catching the attention of colleges.
In the championship game, Naperville Central’s defensive skills shone. The team secured a 1-0 victory over Benet, courtesy of junior forward Emerson Burke’s penalty kick goal. Naperville Central maintained its unbeaten streak, achieving a record of 20-0-1. The win marked their 16th shutout, sending them to face Wheaton Warrenville South in the St. Charles North Supersectional.
Fitzgerald, heading to Loyola, only managed two shots during the game. She praised both teams, recognizing the match as one of the toughest they faced. “These type of games are why you play,” Fitzgerald stated, expressing pride in the effort by both squads.
Tilton highlighted the team’s defensive communication, which was crucial to their success. “They have very good players,” Tilton said of Benet. “But I had to stay on them and prevent advances toward the goal.” Her teammates echoed this sentiment, complimenting Tilton on her soccer intelligence and patience.
Senior forward Malia Shen praised Tilton’s growth in her new position. “Coach Adams has a knack for putting wingers into outside back. Emily really grew into the position this year,” Shen said.
Despite the challenge of guarding Fitzgerald, Tilton managed to contain such a talented player. “Emily did a really good job of containing and not overstepping,” Shen added.
The Redwings struggled to penetrate Naperville Central’s defense, managing little beyond a few corner kicks. Tilton credited her patience and strategic play for her defensive success. “It’s about supporting our forwards and doing our job in the back,” she explained.
Adams’s strategic adjustments, including moving Burke and Shen back to forward positions, emphasized the team’s versatility. Burke acknowledged Tilton’s impact, highlighting her remarkable improvement over the season. “She’s so fast, and it shows,” Burke said of Tilton’s dangerous dribbling and ball-winning ability.
The team’s triumphs are matched on offense. Burke scored her 37th goal of the season, extending her record. She highlighted the importance of team success over personal achievement. “Winning is more important to me,” Burke concluded. “We’re playing every game like it’s our last.”
Reporter Matt Le Cren contributed to this report.
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