This was not a season the Cyclones expected, but was still filled with highlights and honors.

Over the last five seasons, the bar has been set quite high for Cyclone women's soccer. Falling short of that pinnacle was a tough pill to swallow, but full of lessons learned. This year, the Cyclones were eyeing a fifth consecutive Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and NJCAA Region IV championship. With a target on their back, Moraine Valley had plenty of challenges and a tougher region to contend with. They ended up with a winning record, finishing second in both conference and region standings, and going 13-5 overall and 4-2 in the Skyway.

"The expectations are so high now, so our record and finishing second in region is disappointing. But how the season went with injury and low numbers, we overachieved," said Head Coach Al Palar, who completed his fifth year leading the program. "It was unsuccessful in regards to what I expected us to do and results, but it was a good, fun year. I connected with the players and am moving them on to four-year schools."

In what became an uncharacteristic season for the high-achieving Cyclones, the team did not get a fifth berth to nationals or two more championships. They took a beating from College of Lake County in the region finals to end the season. After that, Palar told his players the biggest takeaway was to learn from games like these. To their credit, the Cyclones won games they should have including a very tough quarterfinal game with Waubonsee Community College and semifinal game with Bryant & Stratton College, the latter which they lost to during the regular season.

"The quarter and semi games were a highlight because we had enough rest and played really well against both. We looked good, and got revenge on Bryant & Stratton," Palar said.

For their efforts, several players earned honors and accolades. For most of the season, freshman Allison Schaar (Schaumburg) led the region in scoring. She finished the season ranked No. 6 in the NJCAA Division I for shots (104) and was 11th in both points (61) and assists (17) while finishing 15th for goals (22). She was one point shy of earning Skyway Player of the Year, but was named to the All-Region and All-Conference first teams. "We looked for her to score. Good things happened when she had the ball," Palar said.

Sophomore captain Lauren Pikulski (Lockport Township) also was named to the All-Region and All-Conference first teams while sophomore Iris Cruz (Hubbard) earned nods to the All-Region and All-Conference second teams.

"Lauren had a great year even when she played through injuries. You could see the difference when she played and when she didn't, defensively. The team played differently when she wasn't there at center back," Palar said.

Among the freshmen were strong performances by goalkeeper Jocelyn Estrada (Eisenhower) as well as Azury Sanchez (Solorio Academy) and Jenifer Latoza (Lockport Township). "Jocelyn came up huge for us a few times. Azury was always doing the right things, asking questions. She was very coachable. Jen showed up on game day and played great even through injury," Palar added.

Five sophomores are planning to transfer and continue their soccer careers. In that group, Palar gives credit to Jasmine Quezada (Thornton Fractional North) in her comeback season. "She was injured last year, but came back and was our best player in those last playoff games. She was a bright spot against Lake County."

This was an unusual season with plenty of highs and lows, but there is more work to be done.

"I think competition in the region is the best it's been in my five years. It was tough on us. From September to October we played 10 games in 18 days, and that's a lot. I would've scheduled that differently, but it was a nice setup for playoffs. We had a down year, but winning second in region is something," Palar said. "We have super high expectations, and we shouldn't be satisfied. I'm already recruiting and looking at next year."

In 2020, the NJCAA is creating a Division II for men's and women's soccer. Currently, the Cyclones are in a very competitive Division I, and this change should fairly alter the playing field.