Finally, champs again
Brookfield Central dominates, ends drought of 12 years
Soccer is king — and queen — in Brookfield.
You can drive by any park in town at virtually any time of the day and see a bevy of kids banging around a 28-inch black and white ball.
So when a powerhouse like Brookfield Central goes 12 years without a state title, it feels more like 12 decades.
Well, that lengthy wait is over.
The Lancers — who began the year ranked No. 1 and remained there for all but one week — finished the season on top, as well. Junior forward Jenny Cape scored two goals and junior forward Emma Staszkiewicz added another as the Lancers posted a dominant 3-0 win over Bay Port in the WIAA Division 1 state championship Saturday at Uihlein Soccer Park.
Brookfield Central, which reached the state semifinals three times in the last 12 years, won its first state title since 2005. The Lancers finished the year 15-2-2.
“I think we’ve always had high expectations for ourselves and everyone else has had high expectations for us,” said Cape, who scored three goals in two state tournament games. “We knew we had the talent and the skill and the chemistry to win a state championship.
“Our coach said, ‘Always a bridesmaid, never the bride.’ We’re finally the bride.”
The Lancers walked down the aisle after overcoming a tumultuous season that would have derailed many teams.
Claire Haynes (back), Cape (aplastic anemia) and Staszkiewicz (ACL) — three of the top players in the area — were all coming back from major injuries. And even though the Lancers won the star-studded Greater Metro Conference and lost just one game to a team from Wisconsin, they didn't begin playing their best until the final month.
“We’re the healthiest we’ve been,” said Dan Makal, Central’s fourthyear coach. “You get that aspect going and it’s like, ‘All right!’ ”
The Lancers were the dominant side from start to finish, outshooting Bay Port, 17-4, in the first half and taking control of the game.
In the 35th minute, Cape sent a blast home from the corner of the 18-yard box. Cape is typically a right-footed kicker, but used her left foot this time.
“Jenny never ceases to amaze me,” Staszkiewicz said. “I’m so happy for her.”
Staszkiewicz made all of the Lancers happy with a terrific goal in the 59th minute that gave Central a 2-0 cushion. Cape sent a crossing pass that junior midfielder Sarah Knopp played on goal. After an impressive save by Bay Port’s Gabrielle Noack, Staszkiewicz was on the doorstep to convert the rebound.
Central keeper Sarah Pasternak made a brilliant save in the 63rd minute when she deflected a breakaway opportunity by Bay Port senior forward Gabrielle Levine. Cape then finished what she started by converting a 28-yard free kick in the 89th minute.
Seven months ago, Cape spent four weeks in a hospital bed because of her sickness. Twelve months ago, Staszkiewicz was on crutches. Saturday afternoon, that dynamic duo and the rest of the Lancers were champions.
“I couldn’t be happier. I can’t stop smiling,” Cape said. “It’s a great feeling, and coming back from where we came from makes it even more special.” Staszkiewicz agreed. “I’m so happy,” Staszkiewicz said. “This is really incredible … I can’t even describe it.”
Only one word will do it justice: champions.