Previewing the ECFC Women's First Team 2025 Season
CHICAGO — As the 2025 season nears, Edgewater Castle FC enters the campaign with a mixture of excitement, ambition, and high expectations for what could be a defining year. From fresh faces to tactical changes under Head Coach Emma Woodley, here's the breakdown of ECFC's 2025 season as they look to make their mark in the United Women's Soccer League.
A key contributor to ECFC's success this season is forward Courtney Sengstock, who has consistently outpaced defenders to score crucial goals. According to Sengstock, her primary goal for this season is to enhance her ability to identify and capitalize on scoring opportunities with greater precision. She aims to sharpen her vision and awareness in the final third, focusing on recognizing those subtle moments where she can take advantage. Additionally, Sengstock is eager to improve her overall game-reading skills, particularly in terms of anticipating play as a forward.
One thing that Sengstock is excited about most for the season is “... the journey with the team," she says. "I wouldn’t want any other people beside me throughout the season, and I just can't wait to experience the highs and lows with these girls, from training hard at practice to winning on our home turf to fitness testing and team bus rides.”
Another key player for the team is captain Lauren Hall. Hall is a center-back from Chicago who has represented the Honduras Women's National Team in the World Cup Qualifiers in 2014.
Hall says she is excited about the coaching staff as a whole. “It's a strong group of incredibly knowledgeable and very talented soccer players that I am really looking forward to working with and being coached by,” Hall says.
A personal goal for Hall is “... to have my culmination of knowledge and experience come together to allow myself to become the best player and leader that I can be, on and off the field,” Hall says.
Another key player to watch out for is Darian Lucas. Lucas has struggled with injuries in the past, suffering from an MCL/ACL injury almost 5 years ago. She is still motivated to keep playing since she doesn’t think she has reached her full potential yet. She says she gets her motivation from her teammates, friends, and family to keep playing.
Also among the list of top players for ECFC is Jackie Tamas. As a right-back for the team, Tamas wants to be more involved on the offensive side of the field, creating chances in front of goal, and hopefully scoring a few goals.
For Tamas, soccer is one of the ways she loves to express herself. “I feel at ease when I play, and I enjoy being able to create on the field,” Tamas says.
The upcoming season looks to be full of excitement, with every team in the league ready to showcase their talent. Whether it's the reigning champions looking to defend their title, or the underdogs striving for an upset, each team has a unique story to tell and showcase to their fans. Edgewater Castle FC is here, they are ready to play, showcase their talent, and have a successful season.