A Comeback for the Ages
Champaign Central’s soccer squad turned a 1-0 halftime deficit into a 3-1 victory over Mahomet-Seymour in the Class 2A regional final, rallying with three goals after the break.
Coach Steve Whiteley praised his team’s composure and defensive discipline, noting that the Maroons kept their shape while mounting the comeback.
Rylie Schulze was the catalyst, scoring twice – once from a penalty and once off a through ball from Chloe Sikora – while Kallyn Elliott capped the scoring with a goal set up by Schulze’s throw-in.
The defensive line, anchored by Evie O'Brien, Caroline Blount and Ellie Crompton, limited Mahomet-Seymour’s chances and preserved the lead.
A Familiar Rival Awaits
Central will now meet Morton in the sectional semifinals, a matchup that has eluded the Maroons in each of the past two seasons when they fell to Pleasant Plains.
Whiteley emphasized the need to bring their best soccer to the playoffs, a mantra that has guided the team through a challenging schedule.
Paislee Welge scored the only goal for Mahomet-Seymour in the first half, but the Maroons’ second-half surge proved decisive.