As a sophomore in 2019, Lincoln-Way Central forward Megan Hutchinson poured in 31 goals while forming a dynamic duo with senior Nicolette Gossage, who scored 26 goals before moving on to Northern Illinois.

Now a senior forward, Hutchinson is getting used to being the focus of every opponent’s defensive game plan.

“It’s a very big adjustment not having a player like Nicolette with me,” she said. “I’m going to have to step up. I know my teammates can make plays when I get them the ball. I’ve noticed teams double-teaming me a lot more.

“I’m looking more for my teammates, looking out wide, and I know they can score or they can get the ball back to me.”

The Purdue recruit is still off to a fast start, scoring six goals in the first five games for Lincoln-Way Central (4-0-1). She believes the Knights have a team capable of doing

big things.

“This season seems really special,” she said. “We have 10 seniors, so we have a huge amount of experience. A lot of the rest of our team is sophomores and they can help us improve so much as the season goes on.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how we grow as a team. We’re going to be good.”

Hutchinson will be counted out in new ways.

“The last time she was on the field for us, it was the two-headed monster,” Lincoln-Way Central coach Sean Fahey said. “Nicolette was the senior. Now, we’re going to be putting her in different situations and we’re going to be leaning on her to be a leader even though she is going to be getting banged up.

“People are looking at her as a leader and not just a talent. That’s a new role for her.”

Hutchinson hopes the experience will help prepare for her college. She has been committed to Purdue since her freshman year.

“I’m going to Purdue in July,” she said. “It’s very scary and exciting how close it’s coming up. I’ve waited 3 1/2 years for this, and it’s finally coming. It’s just going to be such a different experience.

“I think playing high school soccer my senior year is really going to help me with the family culture. I’m just super stoked to play this season.”

Dynamite debut: With Argo in search of a goalkeeper, junior Emine Nebiu moved from playing midfielder to inside the net.

After missing the season opener — a 6-0 loss to Oak Forest — due to a death in the family, Nebiu recorded a shutout in her first high school game as a goalie on April 29 in a 0-0 tie with Reavis.

She made four saves.

“I only played one year of goalie in middle school,” Nebiu said. “Someone needed to step up. I play basketball, so I have the reflexes. I wanted to step up and do my best. It was easy with the defense in front of me.”

Argo coach Elaine Eliadis appreciated Nebiu’s willingness to change positions.

“She stepped in and sacrificed for the team and really gave a great performance,” Eliadis said.

Lighting it up: Senior forward Cece Light has already scored 12 goals for Marist (5-3), highlighted by a four-goal performance Thursday in a 5-4 loss to Wheaton Academy.

The RedHawks responded to that defeat by beating rival Mother McAuley 3-0 on Saturday and St. Laurence 4-0 on Monday. They visit Joliet Catholic in a key East Suburban Catholic Conference game Wednesday night.

Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.