Emily Tilton had never played defense until last season, when Naperville Central coach Troy Adams switched her from forward.
In doing so, Adams figured he could bolster his back line because the speedy Tilton, who also runs indoor track, could adapt to playing outside back. He also relegated her to obscurity.
“Defenders don’t get credit unless they score,” Adams said. “Outside backs never get any credit. But she’s legit.”
Indeed, Tilton has held her own against some of the top players in the state during her sophomore season. Her latest assignment was tracking Benet senior forward Annie Fitzgerald during the Class 3A Naperville Central Sectional championship game on Friday.
“Tilton marked her most of the game by design, unless (Fitzgerald) went into the midfield, and then Nicole Smith picked her up,” Adams said. “But that’s two or three girls in a row that Emily’s marked that I would consider top talents.
“The maturity she’s seen from freshman year to sophomore year is outstanding. Some college is going to be very fortunate because I think she’s under the radar.”
That might not be true for long. The Loyola-bound Fitzgerald fired one shot over the crossbar in the opening minute and managed only one other shot for the rest of the game.
Junior forward Emerson Burke, a Michigan recruit, scored on a penalty kick with 37:43 left in the second half as the top-seeded Redhawks won a defensive slugfest 1-0.
Naperville Central (20-0-1), which recorded its 16th shutout, advances to play Wheaton Warrenville South (17-1-5) in the St. Charles North Supersectional at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The third-seeded Redwings (19-3) were shut out for the first time this season.
“Huge props to both teams,” Fitzgerald said. “Both teams knew going in that this was going to be the hardest teams that both of us have faced, but I’m super proud of how everyone played — their defense, our defense.
“These type of games are why you play, so I have absolutely no regrets. Best wishes to Naperville Central. They’re a good team. They’re well-coached. They’re physical.”
So are the Redwings. Tilton knew she had to be at her best.
“They’re all very good players, but I had to stay on them and try to stop them, not even win it sometimes, just stop it from going forward and advancing on toward the goal,” she said. “Our communication as a team really helped us all do well on defense.”
The Redhawks have garnered headlines for their high-powered offense, but the defense has excelled too. Tilton’s contribution drew shoutouts from her teammates.
“Coach Adams has a knack about putting wingers into outside back,” Naperville Central senior forward Malia Shen said. “Emily really grew into the position this year. Her soccer IQ is very good, so she knows when to move up the field and when to stay back. She’s very patient and good about that.”
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That was crucial while marking Fitzgerald.
“Guarding Annie is always going to be challenging,” Shen said. “She’s a really talented player, but I think Emily did a really good job of containing and not overstepping to the ball.
“Emily is a very well-rounded player. She did a really nice job.”
Aside from a couple of corner kicks, the Redwings rarely got behind Naperville Central’s defense.
“I think it was mostly patience, making sure not to step in a dangerous spot or not fouling,” Tilton said. “Obviously, we have a lot of very good people up top, so it’s just supporting them and making sure we do our job in the back.”
Adams also moved Burke and Shen to defense last season but has switched them back to forward. All three have speed and know when to use it.
“She’s been incredible,” Burke said of Tilton. “Last season, she played great, but I feel like this season she’s gotten so much better and she’s just so much more confident.
“For her, she’s so fast, and it shows when she dribbles the ball, it’s so dangerous. Having her in the back is just so dangerous. She’s been winning the ball.”
The Redhawks continue to win at both ends. Burke’s goal was her 37th of the season, extending her single-season team record. She has scored in every game she has played this season except a weather-shortened 0-0 tie against Barrington.
“Scoring goals is fun and all, but winning is more important to me,” Burke said. “We’re just playing every game like it’s our last.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.