Ingemunson Leads Yorkville to Victory

Junior midfielder Lindsay Ingemunson plays soccer with remarkable skill and determination for Yorkville. Her ability to influence the game is akin to a seasoned artist exerting control over her canvas. Reflecting on securing a hat trick, Ingemunson noted, “The momentum of the game changes so much after you get one. And there’s a fire that everybody wants to keep getting more.”

Yorkville had a promising start to the season, though a brief losing streak occurred. On Wednesday night, the team was eager to perform well for their senior players. Ingemunson rose to the challenge, scoring three goals to lead the Foxes to a 4-2 win over West Aurora in the Class 3A Naperville Central Regional semifinal.

Freshman forward Jaretzy Rodriguez scored for West Aurora in the 35th minute, while another freshman forward, Katherine Perez, tied the game with a goal in the 56th minute. During the game, Ingemunson and West Aurora’s Ashley Lopez fiercely competed for the ball.

Ingemunson ultimately secured the win for 10th-seeded Yorkville by converting penalty kicks in the 63rd and 68th minutes. Yorkville avenged an earlier season loss to the Blackhawks with this win and advanced to compete for the regional title on Friday evening.

Freshman forward Hannah Sester, who opened scoring for Yorkville in the 43rd minute, praised Ingemunson’s performance. “Lindsay is obviously a strong offensive player,” Sester stated. “We look at her any time we need something. She’s so scrappy, really fast, and she’s going to win any 50-50 ball. She has great footwork.”

Senior defender Amy Guzman assisted on Sester’s goal with a free kick. Ingemunson didn’t take long to score her first goal moments later, giving Yorkville a 2-1 lead. Guzman commended Ingemunson’s reliability on the field, describing her as both strong and fast. “Every time we find her, she has the ability to break down the defensive line,” Guzman explained, adding, “Personally, she’s just a funny, very hilarious person. She lights up our team and is very fun to be around.”

With her performance, Ingemunson increased her impressive season total to 31 goals. This marked her fifth hat trick of the season. Ingemunson, who stands 5 feet 8 inches tall, started her high school career with 17 goals and nine assists after playing club soccer as a freshman. Her size and speed help her find advantageous spaces on the field, whether in the midfield or at the top of the attack.

As a child, Ingemunson showcased natural competitiveness and drive, often playing alongside her sisters and later joining a boys’ team in fourth grade. “That was the point where I realized how much I truly liked the game,” Ingemunson shared. Growing up competitive, she also had two male cousins at her school, always striving to prove her abilities.

Ingemunson shifted her focus entirely to soccer after playing basketball for her first two years. Her love for the game is evident in the way she values the relationships forged with her teammates. “I love the bonds you create with your teammates. It’s such a special thing, on and off the field. Celebrating with your team is one of the best feelings,” she said, adding, “I don’t think I’d ever be able to step away from that.”

Patrick Z. McGavin reports for The Beacon-News.