Lindsay Ingemunson, a junior midfielder for Yorkville, never settles for scoring a single goal. She approaches soccer with the precision of an artist, influencing the game significantly. “The momentum of the game changes so much after you get one,” Ingemunson remarked about her hat trick achievement. “There’s a fire that everyone wants to keep getting more.”
Yorkville started its season well but hit a losing streak. On Wednesday night, they aimed to win for the seniors. Ingemunson initiated the game’s action. She scored three goals, leading the Foxes to a 4-2 win over West Aurora in the Class 3A Naperville Central Regional semifinal.
For West Aurora, freshman forward Jaretzy Rodriguez secured a goal in the 35th minute. Freshman forward Katherine Perez equalized the score with a goal in the 56th minute.
Yorkville’s Lindsay Ingemunson and West Aurora’s Ashley Lopez competed for control of the ball during their Class 4A Naperville Central semifinal on May 20, 2026, in Naperville, captured by photographer James C. Svehla for The Beacon-News.
To clinch the game, Ingemunson converted penalty kicks in the 63rd and 68th minutes. Yorkville, earning revenge after losing 4-2 in their season opener against the Blackhawks, moved to play for the regional title on Friday at 6 p.m.
Freshman forward Hannah Sester expressed admiration for Ingemunson’s performance. “Lindsay is a strong offensive player,” Sester noted. “We look to her when we need something. She’s fast, persistent, and skilled in securing 50-50 balls.” Sester scored Yorkville’s first goal, assisted by a free kick from senior defender Amy Guzman.
After Sester’s goal, Ingemunson scored just 37 seconds later, establishing a 2-1 lead. Guzman appreciated Ingemunson’s strength and speed, adding, “She lights up our team and is fun to be around.”
Ingemunson’s season goal tally rose to 31, marking her fifth hat trick of the season. With 17 goals and nine assists in her high school debut last season, she switched between midfield and forward positions. Her physical attributes and ability to find open spaces stood out in matches.
“I have decent height and strength which aids in play,” Ingemunson said. “Off-ball movement and playing through balls are our team’s strengths, allowing me to run onto the ball.”
The youngest of four sisters, Ingemunson grew up proving her abilities. Her mother played high school soccer but not seriously, and none of her sisters pursued the sport. “I always liked soccer the best,” she explained, recalling a pivotal fourth-grade experience.
“Playing on a boys team then showed me a different perspective,” she said. It was then she realized her passion for soccer, driven by a desire to outdo her boy cousins at school.
Ingemunson focused on soccer after two years in basketball. “The bonds with teammates are special,” she shared. “Celebrating wins with the team brings unmatched joy. I wouldn’t step away from that.”
Patrick Z. McGavin reports for The Beacon-News.