Jake Hadaway’s journey to Naperville North’s varsity soccer team is a remarkable one. Last year, he wasn’t part of the Class 3A state championship team, nor did he play for the top junior varsity team. However, in his debut varsity season, Hadaway is making a significant impact. His presence was felt during a match against Naperville Central, where he recorded his third goal of the season to lead the team.
Hadaway expressed his excitement, “I don’t think I’m gonna have any better feeling this season. To put us up 1-0 against our rivals like that, especially when on paper we were the underdogs, that is going to mean a lot to me looking back.” Just before halftime, Hadaway capitalized on a long pass from Will Boniface, finding the back of the net. His deep cross later enabled Boniface to score in the second half, contributing to the team’s 3-0 victory against Naperville Central in the DuPage Valley Conference.
Naperville North coach Jim Konrad recognized the effort, stating, “Soccer’s funny. We’re not three goals better than Central for sure.” Despite having only one returning starter from last year’s team, the Huskies showed determination and skill to secure the win against the more experienced Redhawks.
Naperville Central controlled the first half but couldn’t convert opportunities into goals. Coach Troy Adams shared his thoughts, “Soccer’s a cruel game. You know ultimately, obviously, we were not the better team today.” The Redhawks dominated stretches of the first half but faltered near the goal.
Dylan Healy, the team’s lone returning starter, demonstrated how to finish effectively. With the Huskies leading 2-0 in the second half, Ukiah Morris launched a shot that bounced off the crossbar, allowing Healy to score on the rebound.
Hadaway commented on the team’s cohesion, “Everybody built off each other, and everybody did the little things correct today. Our first touches were on point today.” Despite the team comprising many former JV2 players, their teamwork proved formidable.
Hadaway, who scored 28 goals for JV2 last year, is part of a roster filled with talented players. Coach Konrad praised Hadaway’s relentless effort, “Jake is a good soccer player who wants to win, and there’s a difference there. He ran and ran and ran tonight.”
Will Boniface echoed the sentiment, appreciating the larger role he and Hadaway have assumed this season. “We got Jake Hadaway, and this kid has been amazing,” Boniface said. “We just don’t really have a superstar, but we just have everyone playing together for each other.” Stan Goff contributed to this report.
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