Kane County Chronicle soccer preview: 5 Players to Watch in 2022

Here are five players to watch in the Kane County Chronicle coverage area this season.

St. Charles North goalkeeper Kara Claussner makes a save during a game at St. Charles East on Thursday, May 20, 2021. (Sandy Bressner - sbressner@shawmedia.com)

Kara Claussner, St. Charles North, junior, goalie: Claussner had nine shutouts last season for the North Stars, as they reached a sectional final. The North Stars will be looking for that again.

Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com St. Charles East's McKenna Gahagan (20) heads in a goal against Conant during Class 3A girls soccer regional final Saturday June 5, 2021 in St. Charles. (Brian Hill/Brian Hill/Daily Herald)

McKenna Gahagan, St. Charles East, senior, middle: Gahgan was instant offense for the loaded Saints last season with 18 goals and 18 assists. Having re-tooled a bit with graduations, Gahagan is still a huge centerpiece.

Benet's Sadie Sterbenz (6) and Kaneland's Brigid Gannon (4) go after the ball during a game in Lisle on Monday, April 26, 2021. (Sandy Bressner - sbressner@shawmedia.com)

[ Girls Soccer: Previewing teams from around the Kane County Chronicle coverage area ]

Brigid Gannon, Kaneland, junior, forward: Gannon, an all-conference and all sectional selection last year, had 22 goals and seven assists. The Knights will be looking for continued improvement and the offensive spark she provided last year.

St.Charles East's Sofia Iori (99) makes a save against St.Charles North's Isabella Najera (17) on a penalty kick-in overtime during a Class 3A girls soccer sectional final in St.Charles on Friday, June 11, 2021. (Sean King for Shaw Local)

Sofia Iori, St. Charles East, senior, goalie: Iori allowed just five goals last season and finished with a .35 goals allowed average along with 11.5 shutouts splitting time with Grace Stehman. Iori, with her experience, will be key.

Kaneland v Dixon girls soccer Kaneland celebrate Emily Kunzer (6) 2nd half goal against the Dixon during IHSA Sectional Girls soccer in Maple Park on Friday, June 4, 2021. (Mark Black for Shaw Local)

Emily Kunzer, Kaneland, sophomore, defender: An all-Interstate Eight selection last season, Kuzner was a huge reason for the Knights surrendering just one goal in conference play. She’ll likely draw opposite opposing top scorers.