Scout Lake County soccer teams

North Suburban Lake

Lake Zurich

Coach: Mike Schmitz (second year)

Record last year: 17-4-2, NSC Lake Division champions, lost to Palatine in regional final.

Top players lost: Reid Bergstrom, Mike Jehl (Washington Univ.), Zak Khoshbin (Carthage), Mitch Malitz (CLC), Mike Morrison, Justin Pennino, Matt Steffen

Top returning players: Andy Lynch Sr. MF, Brad McCurley Sr. F, Mike Messmer Sr. GK, Jeff Owens Sr. D, Brady Rein Sr. D, Taao Scarnato Sr. GK, Brett Harper Jr. MF, Matt Hussey Jr. D, Nick Janus Jr. MF, Tim Kreutz Jr. F, Eric Pothast Jr. MF,

Newcomers: Jake Schauer Sr. D, Nelson Still Sr. MF, Jon Cerqua Jr. D, John Jordan Jr. D, Max Methling Jr. MF, Jack Rathe Jr. MF, Colin Rathe So. MF.

Outlook: Lake Zurich has its sights set high. The Bears won the NSC Lake last fall but wants more. "We've got high expectations for ourselves," coach Mike Schmitz said. "We're coming off having a very solid defensive team last year. We've got a lot of depth and a number of guys who can score." The Bears are certainly off to a good start, as they've already posted 7 goals while giving up just a pair in their first two games. "We'd like to go to state," Schmitz said. "There's still a lot of things that have to go our way, along with having teamwork and a lot of luck."

Libertyville

Coach: Andy Bitta (23rd year)

Record last year: 14-6, lost to Barrington in the supersectional.

Top players lost: Alvaro Castro (Harper football, kicker), Chase Guamaccio, Ryan Hutten, Ben Julie, Cam Moore, Nathan Moderwell, Jim Palac, Ethan Richter, Zach Sesterhenn, Steven Turchi, Greg Vente,

Top returning players: Mitchel Dure Sr. F, Dennis Mudd Sr. MF, Brad Novak Sr. F, Chris Peterson Sr. GK, Alex Rezell Sr. D, Kyle Schory Sr. MF, Andrew Stone Sr. D, Preston Thom Sr. D, Gavin Winkel Sr. MF, Kevin Wolf Sr. D, Austin Gearing Jr. MF, Kyle Gustafson Jr. D, Andrew Bitta So. GK.

Newcomers: Ben Grozier Sr. MF, Lucas Guamaccio Sr. MF, John Mason Sr. F, Alek Uransel Sr. F, Adam Chernoff Sr. F (transfer from Vernon Hills), Junior Cordova Jr. D, Chris Crow Jr. GK, Kevin Fanning Jr. D, Tim Grozier Jr. MF, Derek Kappes Jr. F (transfer from Carmel), Tim Kopera Jr. D, Josh Muchmore Jr. MF, Miles McNeir So. F.

Outlook: Hall-of-fame coach Andy Bitta had quite a return to coaching last year, as his team reaced the supersectional. Libertyville would like to go farther this year. They lost eight starters. "It's difficult to graduate that many kids," Bitta said. "But with hard work and determination, we should have a decent team. ... We're just trying to get the right kids in the right spots. You really don't want to rebuild; you want to reload. We've got a pretty good nucleus out there."

Mundelein

Coach: Dave Ekstrom (21st year)

Record last year: 8-11-3, lost to McHenry in regional final.

Top players lost: David Burdick (Dubuque), Eric Flores (Dubuque), Kris Gustafson, Kevin Hayek, Manny Olmos (Illinois Central College), Randy Payares, Eric Sorby (Developmental Soccer), Jason Zeman.

Top returning players: Kevin Burda Sr. D, Steve Haubrich Sr. D, Erik Latkow Sr. D, Eduardo Dominguez Sr. MF, Christopher Minorini Sr. D, Nick Neubauer Sr. MF, Jesus Olmos Sr. MF, Tyler Reynolds Sr. F, Steve Sheffer Sr. F, Eric Valin Sr. D, Kevin Wojnicki Jr. MF.

Newcomers: Jorge Hernandez Jr. MF, Estaban Nabo Jr. MF, Daniel Marcos So. MF, Gabriel Marcos So. MF, Javier Martinez So. GK.

Outlook: Eric Sorby, who already made a verbal commitment to De Paul, has decided to skip the high school season and play developmental soccer. The Mustangs will have to find another keeper to fill his spot. Sorby put forth three outstanding years between the pipes for them. Also, Mundelein will be looking to fill other positions. "We've got a lot of good players and depth to go with it," coach Dave Ekstrom said. "I expect us to play more players this year. It all depends on how they mesh together." The Mustangs are looking for improvement. "I can see us as more of a complete team than last year," Ekstrom said. "I expect everybody to be good in our division. We're capable of being close to the top."

Stevenson

Coach: Mark Schartner (22nd Year)

Record last year: 12-5-2, lost to Deerfield in regional final.

Top players lost: Sam Claver, Ben Dickson (Ohio State), Mike Goldberg, Ben Kluvers, Mike Pastore, Colin Pekovitch (Loras), Sam Polzin, Mike Santini (Eastern Illinois), Ian Soos.

Top returning players: Ryan Duffy Sr. D, Spencer Hartung Sr. D, Ryan Loris Sr. MF, Kiko Malouf Sr. F, Keegan Tierman Sr. D, Gordy Gurson Jr. F, Steven Johnson Jr. MF, Alex Nadelman Jr. MF, Torin Lacher Jr. D, Shaun Singh Jr. MF, John Watrach So. F.

Newcomers: Matt Gomez Jr. D, Al Lopez Jr. F, Nic Antonijevic So. D, Ryan Crane So. F. Ricky Lekakh Fr. F.

Outlook: Stevenson lost a lot of talent, but the Patriots have players ready to step up and make a statement. "We've got kids that can play," coach Mark Schartner said. "We don't have any superstars, but we do have some players with ability. They've showed maturity and a lot of heart already." Stevenson opened up with a winning effort against St. Charles North and a tie with a well-improved Round Lake. The Patriots lost 9 players, including seven starters. "I believe we're close to being back to last year," Schartner said. "Everybody returning is a lot better. A lot of them are well conditioned."

Warren

Coach: Jason Ahonen (first year)

Record last year: 10-11-2, lost to Lake Forest in regional final.

Top players lost: Bryce Howard, Ivan Carranza, Jimmy Pieper, Nick Sanchez, Tyler Schwede.

Top returning players: Andrew Arizmendi Sr. D/MF, Jordan Foster Sr. D, Oskar Gasecki Sr. F, Ernesto Hernandez Sr. F, Jarrett Jespersen Sr. MF, Matt Kinka Sr. D, Drew Liogas Sr. MF, Mike Osmera Sr. D, Ruban Gayton Jr. MF, Brandon Brown So. MF,

Newcomers: Richie Alday Sr. D, Alex Flores Sr. GK, Alex Giraldo Jr. D/MF, Blake Selimos Sr. MF, Matt Seymour Sr. D, Pezhy Tarossly Sr. MF, Kevin Absil Jr. MF, Thiago Ganancio Jr. F, Zach Nitch Jr. D, Jose Orejel Jr. D, Brady Walsh Fr. GK.

Outlook: Jason Ahonen moves up from the sophomore ranks to take over as head coach for Jim McNamara. "It was one of my goals when I took over the sophomores," said Ahonen, who spent four year with the sophomores. "I knew one day I would take over the varsity program, but more or less, I'm still surprised." The Blue Devils should be competitive playing the same type of soccer they have in years past. "I've learned a lot in the program over the years," Ahonen said. "I've learned a lot from Jim and will transfer it over. I'll probably put a spin on a few things." Blue Devils will be a much improved team with 10 returning players, but will have to deal with one of the toughest schedules in the state. Warren will compete in the Barrington Invitational and the Pepsi Showdown. Plus, the Blue Devils will play nonconference games against Brookfield Central, Marquette University High in Wisconsin and state-ranked New Trier.

NSC Prairie

Antioch

Coach: Marni Polakow (first year)

Record last year: 8-12-2, lost to Carmel in regional semifinal.

Top players lost: Juan Bedolla, Nick Knab, Hesham Nasr, Rosendo Ortiz, Roberto Velez,

Top returning players: Noah Bohman Sr. M, Ryan Lulofs Sr. D/MF, Kyle Sytsma Sr. M, Robert Nogle Jr D, Andrew Sippy Jr. D, Alex Grimm So. GK, Taylor Krumpos So. D/MF, David Mrnak So. MF, Oscar Segura So. F, Juan Perez So. D.

Newcomers: Robbie Denny Jr. D/MF, Jack Schwartz Jr. D/MF, Ryan Geidner Fr. F.

Outlook: New coach Marni Polakow is no stranger to the Lake County area for soccer. She played for Stevenson and graduated in 1998. She also has put some time in as an assistant coach for her alma mater as well as Grayslake North. The Sequiots will be looking to get back to the top of the Prairie Division, but will have a young group. "We have a number of hard-working kids," Polakow said. "They work for each other. We've got good team chemistry."

Grant

Coach: Shane Rivette (sixth year)

Record last year: 6-11-4, lost to Warren in regional semifinal.

Top players lost: Mario Cordova, Mike Hurtado, Estaban Salinas, Tomas Valadez (Aurora).

Top returning players: Sean Jasiak Sr. F, David Kavhishvilli Sr. D, Jeff Szelewicki Sr. D, Andrian Trujillio Sr. MF, Tim Burns Jr. MF, Shane Hunter So. MF, Jack Kramer So. MF, Andrew Noda So. MF, Emilio Salinas So. MF.

Newcomers: France Fanceler Jr. D, Victor Rodriguez Jr. D, Darrin Schrimpf Jr. GK, Estaban Diaz So. D, Christian Fredrand So. MF, Jose Marban So. MF, Anthony Pecorini So. GK, Gabriel Velarde Fr. F.

Outlook: The Bulldogs don't want to get off to a slow start, but a young squad and nagging injuries might slow them down early in the season. "This will be the youngest and most inexperienced group in my six years here," coach Shane Rivette said. "We're also fighting through injuries with our seniors. Once we get them back, we could be a better team." The Bulldogs will rely on their younger players and it might be a learning process for them. "They do show a lot of work together," Rivette said. "Also, there's some good leadership. I'm still looking for a positive year."

Lakes

Coach: Kevin Kullby (fourth year)

Record last year: 13-10, NSC Prairie Division champions, lost to Libertyville in regional final.

Top players lost: Josh Beckman, Tim David, Jon DeGrave, Mike Heisel, Matt Laine (Oakton), Brian Mooney, Jay Pierce, Charlie Scrufman, Andrew Stein

Top returning players: Matt Beadle Sr. D, Matt Braden Sr. D, Damien Brown Sr. D, Josh Oppenheim Sr. MF, Mark Polanin Sr. D, Ryan Rudynski Sr. F, Dan Walsh Sr. F, Ben Goforth Jr. GK, Steven Korosis Jr. MF, William Lebavitz Jr D, Mitch Post Jr. MF.

Newcomers: Tom O'Brien Jr. GK

Outlook: Can the Eagles repeat as champs in the Prairie Division? "We have enough players back and we're as strong as last year," coach Kevin Kullby said. "We come back with a lot of skill in most positions. But it all comes down to staying healthy, and we have to perform." Lakes lost a number of talented players from a championship group, but boast 11 players with varsity experience.

Round Lake

Coach: Mike Hruska (sixth year)

Record last year: 10-6-2, lost to McHenry in regional semifinal in shootout kicks.

Top players lost: Luis Cotez, Lweendo Kanyedo, Javier Martinez.

Top returning players: Tim Cleveland Sr. D, Cesar Garcia, Sr. MF, Angel Lira Sr. D, Bryant Martinez Sr. D, Miguel Miranda Sr. MF, David Tellez Sr. MF, Marcos Valadez Sr. MF, Gilberto Alfaro Jr. F, Jose Landa Jr. GK, Edwin Martinez Jr. F, Eli Martinez Jr. D/MF, Alex Murua Jr. MF, Carlos Salgado Jr. MF, Jose Garcia So. D/MF, Giovani Navarrete So. D.

Newcomers: Jose Martinez Sr. D/MF, Fernando Tovar Jr. MF, Eduardo Sanchez So. F/GK.

Outlook: Just a week before tryouts, coach Mike Hruska became a father when his wife, Sara, gave birth to daughter Madelyn. "It means everything to me," Hruska said. "(Madelyn) makes us more of a family." Hruska's other "family" is trying to bulid on last season's 10-win campaign, which was the Panthers' best in 15 years. "We're going to surprise a lot of teams and we're gaining confidence every day," Hruska said. "We've got guys who've been around for three to four years. We've got players that are well-rounded." Round Lake has 15 returning players, including seven returning starters. The Panthers can be considered one of the favorites in the NSC Prairie this fall.

Vernon Hills

Coach: Shannon Etnyre (third year)

Record last year: 1-18-1, lost to Hersey in regional semifinal.

Top players lost: Matt Allen, Alex Lang (cross country)

Top returning players: Jose Lopez Sr. MF, Brandon Goldstein Jr. D, Luis Juarez Jr. D, Kyle Miller Jr. D, Spencer Raak Jr. MF.

Newcomers: Jose Montoya Sr. MF/F, Hamza Senalan Sr. GK, Jason Lesch Fr. MF/F, Santos Montoya Fr. F.

Outlook: Vernon Hills didn't lose much from last year. Seven players are back. "I'm expecting us to be more competitive," coach Shannon Etnyre said. "We return the bulk of our core with varsity experience." The Cougars also have a number of juniors. Which bolds well for the future.

Wauconda

Coach: Terry Stevig (25th year)

Record last year: 11-6-4, lost to Carmel in regional final.

Top players lost: Erik Christensen, Sergio Lopez, Ivan Luna, Eugene Nagawiecki, Cesar Rodriguez, Keith Wilson.

Top returning players: Silvestre Bonilla Sr. D/MF, Greg Gustafson Sr. F, Greg Henk Sr. D/F, Alex Kasula Sr. MF, Mike LeClaire Sr. MF, Mike Mrohen Sr. MF/F, Ed Perez Sr. MF, Juan Velazquez Sr. D/MF, Trevor Stellwag Jr. D.

Newcomers: Joe Radice Sr. GK (transfer from Carmel), Austin Moskal Jr. GK, Christian Avita So. MF, and Luis Roderte So. MF/F.

Outlook: Wauconda has nine players returning and figures to make a strong run in the division again. "We've got a solid group of returning people," coach Terry Stevig said. "There's a number of seniors that have played before." The Bulldogs are always fundamentally sound defensively. "We're usually a tough team to score on," Stevig said. "There's a lot of guys who have played a lot of soccer and know one another. We just have to find ways to score and defend. Our new guys are kind of an unknown."

East Suburban Catholic

Carmel Catholic

Coach: John Halloran (fourth year)

Record last year: 17-6-2, lost to Libertyville in sectional final.

Top players lost: Scott Bierman, Joe Ferrari (DePaul), Sean Fidlow (Clark), Bobby Gas (St. Mary's), Joe Gibson, Austin Heinrichs, Kurt Houghton, Ricky Kolb, Edwin Lagunas (Dominican), Colin O'Malley, Mike Levasseur, John Zeffery.

Top returning players: Lucas Manieri Sr. Gk, Kevin Quinn Sr. D, Ari Sandoval Sr. MF, Ian Tune Sr. F, Drew Wycoff Sr. D, Donald Kolb Jr. MF

Newcomers: Matt McHugh Jr. GK, Bobby Merlo Jr. MF, Joe Monroe Jr. MF, Nick Sturm Jr. D, Jake Changelon So. D, Shane Einloth So. D, Phil Gross So. MF, Aaron Ogunro So. MF, Aaron Page So. D, Alonzo Page So. D, Jimmy Ryan So. MF, Jack Stefanski So. MF.

Outlook: There's a youth movement going on for the Corsairs, who lost 12 players to graduation. The only returning starter is defender Drew Wycoff. "We're starting six sophomores, so we're obviously young, but we've got a lot of talent," coach John Halloran said. "Our young kids have the desire to play up at this level." Carmel played Libertyville to a 1-1 tie in its season opener. The development of the younger players will be key. "We'll see what they can do," Halloran said. "We'll be competitive, but I'm not sure if we can get a full season out of them." If Carmel can keep the ball rolling, they should compete with Benet Academy, Marist, St. Joseph and St. Viator for the East Suburban Catholic Conference title.

Fox Valley Fox Division

Grayslake Central

Coach: Mike McCaulou (sixth year)

Record last year: 5-15-2, lost to Mundelein in regional semifinal.

Top players lost: Cameron Cabaltera, Michael Davis, Justus Depke, Ryan Williams.

Top returning players: Jeremy Bethke Sr. D, Tyler Blevins Sr. MF, Victor Cruz Sr. MF, Brad Martinez Sr. MF, Nick Sloan Sr. GK, Kyle Wardin Sr. D/MF, Albert Acosta Jr. F, Jose Roman Jr. F, Caleb Longnecker So. MF/F, Bobby Privett So. MF,

Newcomers: Andrew Bryan Jr. MF, Sebastian Ibat Jr. MF, Nick Schneider Jr. MF, Asa Goldsmith Fr. F, Caleb Munk Fr. MF.

Outlook: It's a rebuilding year for Grayslake Central, which returns seven players. "We're looking to mesh as a team," coach Mike McCaulou said. "Our goal is to be in the top three in our division (Fox) and go far in the Class 2A playoffs." The Rams will have to pull together, as their numbers are a bit down. "It's the smallest group we've ever had," McCaulou said. "We need more depth. Hopefully, we can keep things positive and get wins under our belt. We'll need to work together as a team to do it."

Grayslake North

Coach: Adam DeCaluwe (third year)

Record last year: 12-8, lost to Lakes in regional semifinal.

Top players lost: Drew Hauck, Brian Hook, Jeremy Leanna, Danny Mascote, Marc Nethercote (Augustana), Ryan O'Reilly (Carthage), Sean Patterson, Ryan Reed, John Shurtliff, Josh Solberg-Aldaco, Andrew Trahan.

Top returning players: Jorge Gomez Sr. MF, Josh Harmon Sr. D, Josh Larson Sr. MF, Patrick O'Gorman Sr. F, Blake Peek Sr. D, Brian Stout Jr. D/MF, Mike Tednca Jr. MF, Julio Zamora Jr. MF, Freddy Rosas Jr. MF/F.

Newcomers: Alex Deube Sr. D, Jordan Lee Sr. GK, Lyndon Russell Sr. D, Kyle Smyth Sr. MF, James Gianneachi Jr. F, Nolan Peek Jr. GK, Michael Revord Jr. D, Chris Myers So. D/MF.

Outlook: The Knights lost 11 seniors, but return nine players. "We lost a big number of players," coach Adam DeCaluwe said. "We should find our way there. We just have to get the right pieces in place. We've got some solid players. I really expect us to improve on last year's record." The Knights won't lack effort. "This group has the willingness to work hard for each other," DeCaluwe said. "There's a lot of character and class across the board. We're just trying to go to the next level."