Scouting the Fox Valley area's boys soccer teams
Bartlett
Coach: Stephen Buchs (2nd season)
Last season's record: 12-4-5, 5-2-3
Conference: Upstate Eight
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Vince DiNuzzo (goalkeeper), Leni Dzakowski (midfield), Doug Digiovanni (forward), Joey Macchione (midfield)
Top newcomers: Senior: Greg Wermes (midfield); Junior: Garret Dini (forward)
Outlook: Bartlett has come out in 2007 working as a team which could be the difference in close games this season. Finishing last year with 5 ties and never having lost by more than 2 goals, collaboration could help the Hawks add to the win column. "So far, they are really playing very well together," said coach Stephen Buchs. "I'm impressed with the team. They don't get down on each other and they constantly encourage one another." The Hawks have added speed this year, and with spirits high it might simply take a nice little win streak to keep the ball rolling. "These guys don't know what to expect, and they have an excitement about that," said Buchs. "The potential is there, but it is up to this group of guys." Buchs would like to see a bit more discipline and more team-oriented game play. If the team can provide that, he likes their chances. However, it is no small task in the Upstate Eight Conference. "This conference is extremely tough," said Buchs. "Every week you are on your toes. It doesn't matter who you play in the Upstate Eight."
Burlington Central
Coach: Michael Gecan (3rd season)
Last season's record: 11-8-1, 7-1
Conference: Big Northern East
Top returning players: Seniors: Tyler Banas (defender), Daniel Zagorski (defender), Ryan Mattes (defender), Ryan Reopelle (Defender), Paul Johnson (midfield), Scott Knewitz (midfield), Mike McCurdy (forward), Nate Parks (forward), Enrique Alvarado (forward); Juniors: Kyle DeRaedt (goalkeeper), Ryan Warner (midfield)
Top newcomers: Juniors: Charlie Schmidlin (forward), Jordan Werrbach (forward), Brogan Petersen (midfield), Logan Krup (midfield); Sophomore: Cameron Ostrowski (forward)
Outlook: Welcoming back a ton of talent and experience including 12 returning seniors, Burlington Central anticipates a successful 2007 campaign. Anchoring those returnees will be four senior defenders and a junior goalkeeper in Kyle DeRaedt, three midfielders and three forwards. "We will be defensively strong," said third-year coach Michael Gecan. "We are trying some new things defensively, but the guys have picked things up quickly. We can defend against anybody." On the other end of things, the Rockets will hardly struggle offensively. Enrique Alvarado, Mike McCurdy and Nate Parks return to do the finishing, and expect to see some good feeds from midfielders Ryan Warner, Scott Knewitz and Paul Johnson. "We have a lot of good combinations coming through the field," Gecan said. "If we can get the offense clicking, we will be a tough team to beat." In addition to field skills, Burlington Central will take a more focused and mature approach in the upcoming weeks which should only benefit the overall outcome. "There is definitely a very serious attitude up and down the line-up," Gecan said. "These guys have a great attitude toward competing and winning games." Look for the Rockets to display more depth this season as well, an important factor for BC as it has beefed up its schedule to prepare for the postseason, including a trip to the St. Charles East Tournament.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Mark Olson (2nd season)
Last season's record: 14-3-1, 10-0
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Top returning players: Seniors: Kyle Blank (midfield/forward), Garret Hugel (defender), Conor Keady (midfield), Andy Roberts (defender), Andy Martin (forward), Patrick Shelton (forward/midfield), Keenan Walsh (goalkeeper); Juniors: Phil Hansen (midfield/ defender), Nick McDonald (forward), John Oberlies (defender)
Top newcomers: Seniors: Matt Matovina (midfield), Chris Barbaro; Juniors: Calvin Brown (forward), Tyler Cuchna (midfield), Mike Chiodo (defender), Tim Hugel (defender), Taylor Clarke (midfield), Ben Alleva (goalkeeper)
Outlook: Last season, first-year head coach Mark Olson had some big shoes to fill replacing long-time coach Chris Phillips at the helm. After leading his team to an undisputed Fox Valley Conference Valley Division championship title with a 10-0 conference stint while going 14-3-1 overall, Olson showed that he could lead a team to success. Despite that success in 2006, the Trojans don't expect an easy season ahead and will assume nothing. "There will be a lot of parity this year," said Olson. "There isn't any one team that will hands down run away with it. It's going to be very competitive." C-G welcomes back a core group of returnees who will combine with a decent amount of new talent looking to create new triumphs. "Team chemistry will be key as it was last year," Olson said. "It's going to have to be another team effort this season. Our guys will be competitive. There's no doubt about that, but they're going to have to work hard and play smart." Thus far, Olson likes what he sees from the 2007 group when it comes to smart soccer. As for a repeat, you'll have to wait and see. "Goals tend to limit you," said Olson. "We will go out and give our best with each game. We will see where that takes us."
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Brian Allen (1st season)
Last season's record: 12-12, 4-6
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Jeff Lemberger (goalkeeper), Matt Zaluckyj (midfield), Dan Pulvino (midfield), Chris Connelly (defender), Jim Carlson (midfield); Junior: Jordan Innis (forward)
Top newcomers: Senior: Bryan Walsh (midfield); Juniors: Zach Dalzell (goalkeeper), Ryan Knutson (defender), Chris Ruzbasan (defender); Sophomore: Jon Gutmann (midfield)
Outlook: Crystal Lake South will take the field in 2007 under the leadership of new head coach Brian Allen. The former JV coach, Allen tallied a 23-1-5 overall record (2005-06) and brings a long list of credentials to the sidelines at South. A former player at Rolling Meadows High School (2001 graduate), Allen was a 4-year varsity starter and 2-year captain who was named an all-state goalkeeper his senior year before going on to play at DePaul University (2001-2005). His coaching credentials are equally as impressive. "This year's team will go as far as our senior leadership takes us," said Allen of the Gator roster. "We have a lot of returning players from last year's squad, including eight starters with at least a year of varsity experience under their belt and a great core of juniors who join them. This year's team seems much more balanced at every position than in years past, so if we come together and gel, we should be extremely tough." Among those returning are 2006 goal-leader Jordan Innis (10 goals, 4 assists as a sophomore) and all-conference (2006) selection Dan Pulvino.
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Rey Vargas (4th season)
Last season's record: 11-9-1, 5-5
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Top returning players: Seniors: Christian Meza (forward), Eddie Bernal (midfield), Kyle Vickstrom (defender), Mike Zozokos (goalkeeper), Chayanne Martinez (defender); Juniors: Wyatt Vucic (midfield)
Top newcomers: Juniors: Julio Salas (defender/midfield), Anthony Jimenez (midfield), Luis Bahena (defender)
Outlook: Last year's area leading scorer Christian Meza will return to the field to lead Dundee-Crown as a senior along with several other key players from last year's roster. Meza's 31 goals in 2006 was not only an area-high, but also enough to set the single-season record for goals scored at Dundee-Crown. He continued to mystify defenders in the off-season scoring a game-winning goal for the Chicago Magic Soccer Club en route to a 2-1 State Cup victory over the Rockford Raptors, and with colleges nation-wide watching him, expect to see his strongest efforts yet. While the Chargers will be strong up top, they will pose threats all over the field. "We are probably strongest up front," said coach Rey Vargas. "But is starts in our midfield, and our defense is also coming together nicely. We have a lot of guys stepping up and filling holes." With good health, improved returning players, a lot of natural talent and some key newcomers, Dundee-Crown could very well find itself contending for a conference title and perhaps more in the end. "I'm just looking for consistency and hoping to see this team gel," Vargas said. "Cary-Grove should be strong. Actually, there won't be a weak team in our conference division. Every team is going to be tough to beat."
Elgin
Coach: Dave Borg (5th season)
Last season's record: 10-11-1, 2-8
Conference: Upstate Eight
Top returning players: Seniors: Lukas Valencia (forward) 19 goals in 2006, Joey Perez (forward), Roberto Quintana (sweeper), Hugo Aranda (center-midfield), Marco Perez (goalkeeper), Jacinton Catalan (midfield); Junior: Kevin Rodriguez (stopper); Sophomore: Nikil Fatish (goalkeeper)
Top newcomers: Senior: Omar Dina (forward); Sophomores: Charlie Camargo (midfield), Jose Quevado (center-midfield)
Outlook: Elgin has been bulking up its numbers in the W-column now for three consecutive seasons. After a 2-16 conclusion in 2004, the Maroons registered a 9-11-2 finish in 2005 followed by last year's 10-11-1 ending. With seven seniors returning, including leading scorer Lukas Valencia (38 goals over the past two seasons) as well as two solid goalkeepers, head coach Dave Borg cannot help but expect to see that win tally continue to climb. "We have a good nucleus, some very nice additions and the attitude here is the best I've seen," Borg said. "There is more maturity across the board, and these guys have done everything I've asked of them thus far." On the field, expect to see a very solid midfield top to bottom. "The center of our defense is as good as we've had in quite a while," said Borg. "In fact, the center of the field is very strong all the way down. With Lukas and Joey (Perez), scoring shouldn't be a problem. Hugo (Aranda) and Jose (Quevado) distribute the ball extremely well too." In addition to a solid mid-section, Elgin has more depth all over the field than they have in years past so expect this team to give 110 percent until the final buzzer. That being said, expectations are high. "We would definitely like to move up in the Upstate Eight Conference, and we would also like to win a regional this season," Borg said.
Elgin Academy
Coach: Kristy Ross (2nd season)
Last season's record: 3-15, 1-9
Conference: Independent School League
Top returning players: Seniors: Cory Ebert (stopper/midfield/goalkeeper), Dan Vecchiolla (sweeper), Alex Osinga (midfield), Logan Hollensteiner (midfield); Juniors: Jackson Rudolph (forward), J.R. Danko (defender); Sophomore: Nick Garcia (midfield/forward)
Top newcomers: Sophomore: Adam Neuman (midfield); Freshman: Nick Hebebrand (forward)
Outlook: With program numbers on the rise and a newly formatted Independent School League schedule, the doors are open for Elgin Academy to do some damage in 2007. Already, a growing roster is creating opportunities for the Hilltopper lineup. "With numbers up, newcomers are really giving the older guys some competition for starting spots," said head coach and athletic director Kristy Ross. Team growth is also allowing Elgin Academy to spread the talent. "We are training a new goalkeeper which is nice because it allows us to have Cory (Ebert) and Jackson (Rudolph) play out," Ross said. "Our new players are really just good all-around athletes, and we are looking forward to a great season." As opposed to the round-robin format of years past, ISL teams will only face off once a year during the regular season for the first time. For the Hilltoppers, which face the top ranked teams in Illinois in U-High, Latin School and Morgan Park Academy in ISL action, it should be a nice change of pace. Still, they are up for any challenge. "Our guys have grown a lot," Ross said. "They are bigger and stronger and their skills are improved. We are also pretty well balanced. We have definitely strengthened our midfield and our defense."
Hampshire
Coach: Patrick O'Brien (5th season)
Last season's record: 11-7-2, 4-3-1
Conference: Big Northern East
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Mic Anderson (sweeper), J.J. Carrillo (stopper), Cameron Roth (goalkeeper), Tommy Gilbert (midfield), Shay Hauck (midfield), Juan Martinez (defender), Junior Makinde (forward), Jose Lopez (forward), Dustin Sundquist (midfield); Junior: Ryan Ponomar (stopper); Sophomore: Robert Murphy (defender)
Top newcomers: Juniors: Austin Buck (midfield), Phil Bracke (forward/midfield)
Outlook: While it might be difficult for 5th year coach Patrick O'Brien to get an exact gauge on the potential of this 2007 lineup, 10 returning seniors could be a good indication of what's to come. "These guys have a lot of experience and have logged a lot of time on the field together so as soon as they take the field instincts will kick in if nothing else," O'Brien said. But, there is more to the Whips than just instinct. "We're very well balanced and should pose a strong threat," said O'Brien. "Returning both forwards and some midfielders should keep us even keel throughout the field. We also have a lot more maturity out there this season." Hampshire fans have seen quite a bit of potential in this group all along which should be an excellent motivational tool for the players themselves. "For our seniors, this is it," said O'Brien. "No more excuses. These guys feel that they have something to prove so they are coming to the field with a hungry attitude." That attitude should carry through to the very end. After a disappointing postseason loss last year, Hampshire is anxious to get back to form and back to its winning ways. As for Big Northern East play, O'Brien expects long-time rival Burlington Central to remain tough. "Burlington returns a lot of talent this year so they will be strong," he said. "There will be a good balance in our conference. Everybody is going to be a battle."
Huntley
Coach: Kris Grabner (5th season)
Last season's record: 8-13, 4-6
Conference: Fox Valley (Fox)
Top returning athletes: Senior: Dan Regan (defender); Juniors: Jesus Alejos (center-midfield), Niko Carbonara (forward)
Top newcomer: Senior: Zach Draper (defender/midfield); Freshman: Kevin Montelongo (goalkeeper)
Outlook: Huntley doubled its win tally from 2005 to 2006 and hopes to do the same in the weeks ahead. According to 5th-year coach Kris Grabner, it will take a strong defensive team. "I think we're going to be pretty solid," said Graber. "It's going to boil down to how our defense plays. If we can defend well then we're going to compete. I'm stressing defense because if we can defend, we can play with anybody." For the first time in a few years, Huntley will have an older team and will bring a ton of size to the field. While the Red Raiders lost some very quick players to graduation, Grabner feels that overall they will be a faster team nonetheless. With goal-leader Niko Carbonara (21 goals in 2006) back, expect offense to be a strength. "Niko looks better than ever, and offense should be a strong point for us. We should finish well." The Red Raiders will also have a strong midfield. "We're a deeper team this year so we can cover the loss of players graduated," said Grabner. "We also have a couple of kids who have really matured into their games."
Jacobs
Coach: Jim Dzialo (7th season)
Last season's record: 7-16, 3-7
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Top returning athletes: Senior: Greg Pignataro (striker); Juniors: Mike Wallace (midfield), Jonathan Ward (midfield)
Top newcomer: Freshman: Taylor Pignataro (midfield)
Outlook: According to 7th-year coach Jim Dzialo, Jacobs will keep it simple in 2007. "One game at a time," Dzialo said. With a lot of changes to the roster, it will be a rebuilding year for the Golden Eagles, a year which Dzialo hopes to be a productive one. "We will need to manufacture team chemistry and we are still looking for what our strength will be," Dzialo said. "We are looking to be a better team than last year." Conditioning and endurance will be key for Jacobs in the weeks ahead. "We will be in shape," Dzialo said. "I have high expectations as far as fitness and we are absolutely looking forward to it. It only comes around once a year." Dzialo expects to see a good fight from Fox Valley opponents Cary-Grove and Dundee-Crown. "Cary always puts a good product on the field, and D-C has a lot of talent too."
Larkin
Coach: Ken Hall (2nd season back, 6th overall)
Last season's record: 15-8-2, 7-3
Conference: Upstate Eight
Top returning players: Senior: Steven Drew (midfield), David Rodriguez (forward); Juniors: Fernando Alvarez (sweeper), Raul Sandoval (forward)
Top newcomers: Juniors: Danny Hinterlong (midfield), Carson McFadden (midfield), David Hernandez (midfield), Raziel Famarribi (goalkeeper); Freshman: Mitch Tyton (defender)
Outlook: It isn't every day that your varsity roster welcomes a list of juniors which finished 16-1-2 last season while giving up just 3 goals all year. Larkin will have that luxury in 2007 to counter the loss of 15 seniors to graduation. The Royals also welcome back the return of several key players from last year's team which made it to a sectional final for just the second time in program history. "We are looking very good," said head coach Ken Hall. "We did a lot together over the summer, and these guys are excited about this season. We have a lot of talent here and we are deep, very deep." With a lot of talent coming up from the lower level, youth could be an obstacle. However, Hall has no concerns with this group. "Our younger guys learned how to play physical this summer," Hall said. "I saw a lot of growth. This group is extremely coachable, and they want to win. We can score, our defense is tight and I really don't see a glaring weakness anywhere for us."
Prairie Ridge
Coach: Dave O'Leary
Last season's record: 14-8-1, 8-2
Conference: Fox Valley (Fox)
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Marcelo Jorge (defender), Zach Piekarski (defender), Zach Dennis (midfield), Taylor Wegrzyn (defender), Brett Ramirez (defender); Junior: Jason Bhatta (midfield), Brandon Pappas (midfield); Sophomore: Alex Sauciuc (midfield/forward)
Top newcomers: Senior: Elkan Meyer-Volinek (goalkeeper), Juniors: Ryan McCarty (defender/midfield), Danny Miller (defender/midfield), Mitch MacArthur (defender), Andrew Shadel (midfield/defender), Kurth Neiweem (midfield/defender), Jesus Rubi (midfield/defender), Kyle Pringle (forward); Sophmores: Sam Poli (defender/midfield), A.J. Sturm (goalkeeper); Freshman: Alex Polizzi (mifield/forward)
Outlook: Prairie Ridge comes off a 14-8-1 overall campaign in 2006 which included a second place finish in the Fox Valley Conference Fox Division, but having lost 12 of last year's 17 players, the Wolves will be rebuilding. Having scored just 60 goals last year, 41 which came from those graduated, finding the back of the net will be key in the upcoming weeks. "The good news is that we have one more senior this year, a great group of juniors and a few underclassmen that had excellent summer work and have been very competitive so far this preseason," said long-time coach David O'Leary. "These guys have also had success at the lower levels and know how it feels to win games which is an advantage." Look for returning starters Marcelo Jorge, Zach Piekarski, Zach Dennis and Jason Bhatta to make an impact, but don't expect to see them each fill just one position throughout the season. "I think the conference on both sides will be more balanced this year," said O'Leary. "It will be tough for Cary-Grove and Grayslake to repeat what they did last year, 10-0 conference records on their respective sides. Both teams have several players returning, but I think the other teams within the divisions will be improved." In the midst of a rebuilding season, O'Leary still expects to see the team progress greatly as the season does. "It will be difficult for us to be good early, but with some hard work, a little luck and the right attitude, we could do very well overall."
South Elgin
Coach: Mark Neville (2nd season)
Last season's record: 0-13, 0-10
Conference: Upstate Eight
Top returning players: Seniors: Javier Rojo (defender/forward), Jake Shibona (midfield); Sophomore: Ben Kantor (defender)
Top newcomers: Sophomores: James Hollander (forward), Oscar Ibarra (midfield)
Outlook: After much anticipation, South Elgin will finally take the field with a senior class present. That being said, maturity could earn the Storm its first varsity victory in the upcoming weeks. Whatever the outcome, they are a much improved team. "These guys look more composed and less afraid than last year," said coach Mark Neville. "We are seeing a lot of improvements. They are a little stronger, a little faster and have more knowledge of one another which of course leads to a higher confidence level." Neville expects play in the midfield to be a big team strength. "We have a lot of combinations in the middle, and those guys are really working well off of one another right now," Neville said. South Elgin awaits some very trying matches in the Upstate Eight Conference namely with Neuqua Valley and Lake Park, but the Storm will work hard. "There is allot more maturity this season," said Neville. "These guys know now that they can play."
Streamwood
Coach: Matt Polovin (6th season)
Last season's record: 7-13-3, 5-4-1
Conference: Upstate Eight
Top returning players: Seniors: Maciek Benesiewicz (defender), Brian Magana (midfield/forward); Juniors: Alex Aranda (midfield), Alex Lopez (forward), Matt Rasinski (midfield/forward), Yuto Tsukida (midfield), Alex Alonzo (defender); Sophomore: Roger Romero (midfield)
Top newcomers: Seniors: Manuel Ocampo (goalkeeper), Eleazar Jimenez (forward); Juniors: Theo Mavrakis (goalkeeper), Tom Noel (midfield), Paul Rodriguez (defender); Sophomores: Mike Chwiestek (defender), Rolando Moreno (midfield), Alex Perez (defender); Freshmen: Ivan Arce (forward), Joey Kubica (forward), Juan Ortiz (goalkeeper)
Outlook: High expectations all around from Streamwood's 6th-year coach Matt Polovin, who sees a lot of potential in the group he will bring to the stadium in 2007. An equal blend of experience and new talent will have to come together and battle an extremely difficult schedule which includes not only competing in the Upstate Eight Conference, but a trip to the Pepsi Showdown Tournament as well. "I would like to see us finish among the top three in the Upstate Eight this season," said Polovin. "I also feel that we have a great chance of winning our sectional down the road this year. Now winning the Pepsi Showdown would be a huge bonus for the guys," he added. As always, the Sabres will have to work for it and expects some of the more difficult opponents to come from the UEC in St. Charles North, Waubonsie Valley and Neuqua Valley.
St. Edward
Coach: Tim Brieger (13th season)
Last season's record: 5-15
Conference: Suburban Catholic
Top returning athletes: Senior: Will Lytle (goalkeeper); Juniors: Clayton Pfeiffer (midfield), Lucas Belcher (forward), Luke McCullagh (midfield), David Bailey (defender), Miguel Martinez (forward/midfield)
Top newcomers: Sophomores: David Smith (sweeper), Kevin Dodgen (defender), Alex Ptak (midfield); Freshman: John Duggan (midfield/defender)
Outlook: With the graduation of Cameron Rouzer, the last remaining member of the Green Wave's first-ever regional title team in 2004 has departed and a new era has begun. St. Edward will be led by a solid junior class, many of whom were part of a freshmen team which recorded the best season ever in program history. "We are looking to begin a short rebuilding process," said long-time coach Tim Brieger. "With only two seniors (Will Lytle and Kyle Horn), the future is looking up for us." The Green Wave will be starting 4 freshmen and sophomores this year, led by David Smith at sweeper and Alex Ptak as a center midfielder. "With strong leadership from an experienced junior class, led by Miguel (Martinez), Clayton (Pfeiffer) and Lucas (Belcher), we look to grow and improve a lot as the season progresses," Brieger said. Lytle will make the switch to goal and looks to anchor a young but quick and talented back line. "An extremely difficult opening part of the season which includes matches with Elgin, Cary-Grove and Huntley will go a long way in gaining many of the younger players and new faces the experience they will need to succeed by the end of the year," Brieger added.
Westminster Christian
Coach: Josh Guge (7th season)
Last season's record: 13-10, 3rd ISL
Conference: Private School League
Top returning players: Seniors: Tyler Beachler (forward), John Sanders (defender), Soloman Post (defender), Jeff Marshall (midfield), Ethan Flickinger (goalkeeper); Juniors: Brady Huddleston (midfield), Dan Graves (defender/goalkeeper)
Top newcomers: Freshmen: Pierce McKenna (midfield/defender), Steven Hoeflich (forward), John Reid (midfield)
Outlook: For the Warriors, the 2007 season will be marathon not a sprint. After a successful regular season campaign last year, Westminster Christian endured a disappointing postseason loss in Round 2. Having felt the potential to have gotten further, the focus will be on doing just that in the upcoming weeks. "Our main focus is the post-season this year," said coach Josh Guge. "I would like to see us go far this year." The Warriors are slated to play several area public schools as preparation for the postseason which is something they haven't done in years past. "We do want a better record this year, but it will be tough as we have really beefed up our schedule to better ourselves," Guge said. In regards to conference action, Guge expects Wheaton Christian to be the biggest obstacle as well as Timothy Christian. Westminster plans to counteract tough opponents with a core group of returns and some very solid newcomers. "We've got some very talented and experienced guys back, and some newcomers with a lot of potential to make an impact," said Guge. "We have a lot of guys who can play and everybody back is very excited. They worked hard over the summer and have only improved." What the Warriors lack in height they hope to make up for in speed an offense. "We have a lot of goal scorers, but we will need to work on our defense."