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New look, high hopes for Harper men’s soccer

The Harper College men’s soccer team opened its season on Saturday, falling to Lincoln Land Community College.

Livingstone Amemetey was able to link with Kyle O’Meara for the Hawks’ lone goal in the 3-1 loss.

Despite the outcome, Harper coach Jason Diebold was able to put a positive spin on the situation.

“It was good to play a team as big and as fast as they where,” said Diebold.

Goalie Jorge Caballero was able to keep the Hawks afloat with 8 saves.

Harper finished last season 11-6-1. This year, the Hawks be counting on plenty of new faces.

A pair of midfielders — O’Meara (Palatine), who last played two seasons ago, and Diago Calderia, who played three years ago, will be looked upon for leadership.

Two freshmen to keep on eye on are defender Alex Brocht and forward Lorenzo Savino, who excelled at Fremd for four years.

Diebold called Savino an “extremely talented soccer player. Between (Brocht) and Lorenzo, they are probably the two most talented players I’ve ever coached.”

The last two seasons, the Hawks have lost to Triton College in the regional final. Normally, reaching the regional final is the goal Diebold sets for his team. This season, though, the stakes are higher.

“The team that we have is significantly better than last year,” Diebold said.

Accordingly, Diebold is hoping to win the regional and earn a spot in the national tournament in New York.

For the Hawks to reach Diebold’s expectations, the goalie position is one area that needs answers. With no true goalie on the roster. Harper will look to Jorge Caballero between the sticks.