The Hilltoppers kicked off their first ESCC conference game Saturday night at Joliet Catholic Academy. JCA lost to conference opponent St. Patrick High School.  Hilltoppers Anthony Gomez, Aron Goeken, and Seth Stockl had excellent games on defense. Jared Olson has some threatening shots just miss from his midfield position.

Monday night found the Hilltoppers facing Carmel High School. JCA went up 1-0 very early in the game on a quick combination play through the center of the field with Lees playing a through ball to Reyes into the box for the goal. After going down 4-1 to Carmel, Gomez fought for the ball on the end line and slipped a pass to Reyes for the goal in the second half.

Paige followed that goal quickly with a long run into the box where he was fouled by a Carmel defender. Paige converted the penalty kick to cut the lead to 4-3 late but the Hilltoppers were unable to get any closer. In addition to the four players mentioned, the rest of the JCA team each made key contributions to keep the game within reach. The loss to Carmel makes the team 0-2-0 in conference play.

The team will take the field again on Monday (Sept. 23) against conference rival Providence Catholic. Game begins at 4:30 p.m. on the JCA soccer fields.