Lauren Chrisman said she feels like her career with the Loyola girls soccer team has come full circle.
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In 2013, she was a freshman lining up on the Loyola backline alongside senior Corey Burns, a National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-American. Today, Chrisman is a senior defender, and her youthful partner in the center of the Ramblers back four is sophomore Riley Burns, Corey Burns’ youngest sister.
“It’s cool,” Chrisman said. “I was able to learn so much from Corey and what she did, and now I’m playing with another Burns,” Chrisman said.
Loyola’s recent teams have prided themselves on a strong defense, and this year appears to be no exception. Flanking Chrisman and Riley Burns on one side is senior left back Alex Yasko, while seniors Ryan Flanagan and Jillian Jensen share time at right back. The group is shielded by the defensive midfield pairing of junior Bella Broccolo and senior Natalie Joyce and fortified by talented sophomore goalkeeper Maggie Avery.
Early in the campaign, the unit has been one of many positives for the Ramblers (9-0-1). In its first 10 games, Loyola conceded just one goal. While that stretch included several lopsided victories in which the defense was not tested much, there also were a few notable performances, including a 2-0 win over St. Charles North on Saturday, March 19, and a 0-0 tie with Evanston on Tuesday, March 22.
All signs point to a strong partnership forming between Chrisman and Riley Burns.
Chrisman brings experience and leadership to the position.
“(Chrisman) is the brains of the (defense),” Loyola coach Craig Snower said. “She’s been playing the position since she was 9 or 10 years old, and there are not too many situations she hasn’t seen and doesn’t know how to deal with. She directs traffic and is a tremendous defender in her own right,”
Riley Burns played midfielder and forward last season, and likely will return to a more attacking role after her one season on the backline, according to Snower. Riley Burns, who has verbally committed to Iowa, has proven adept at her new, temporary position, and looks increasingly comfortable alongside Chrisman.
“Riley, she can play any position on the field,” Chrisman said. “It must be a weird transition for her going from forward to center back. But I think we help each other nicely. Communication between us might take a little time, but it’s gotten better every game. Riley is super athletic and super strong and together our qualities make us really strong in the back.”
In addition to relying on Chrisman’s veteran savvy, Riley Burns has another good source of wisdom when it comes to playing central defense — her sister Corey Burns, who plays for Iowa.
“When I first told Corey I was playing center back, she told me to make sure and stay aggressive like I’ve always been and know that I have great girls next to me,” Riley Burns said.
Corey Burns was in the crowd for Loyola’s 5-0 win over Oswego East in the opener of the PepsiCo Showdown on Saturday, April 9, in Schaumburg and the former Ramblers great had additional encouraging words for her sister after the game.
“(Corey) had a few tips for me, but she said I did a great job,” Riley Burns said. “Hearing that from her was awesome. She’s always been one of the best back there, and it’s great to have her if I need help or anything.”
Dan Shalin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press