Long story Short: She's area's best in soccer

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When looking at Sun-Times Girls Soccer Player of the Year candidates, there are five names that come to mind: Waubonsie Valley's Bri Rodriguez and Vanessa DiBernardo, Wheaton North's Jamie Orewiler, Wheaton Academy's Leah Fortune and Naperville Central's Casey Short.

While all five deserve Player of the Year praise, Short edged out the rest for the 2008 honor.

Why?

Would Naperville Central have won 20 games without the Florida State-bound star, who skipped her sophomore and junior seasons to run track?

"No," said Naperville Central coach Ed Watson, whose team went 8-10-2 in 2007.

Would Naperville Central have scored 64 goals compared to just 21 in 2007 if the senior didn't play?

"No," Wheaton Academy coach Dave Underwood said.

Short (18 goals) scored each time during the Redhawks' 1-0 victories over rival Naperville North. She made a big difference during the regular-season victory over Neuqua Valley and scored two goals during a 2-0 win over St. Charles East. Her unselfish play set up the game-winner against New Trier.

She played most of the season injured.

"Casey was the best left-footed player in the state this year, but she isn't left-footed," Watson said. "She scored almost all of her goals with the left foot, and that's because her right knee was injured early in our season. Casey made each of her teammates better by just being on the field."

And that's why she is the Player of the Year.