Boys soccer: Scouting Northwest

MSL EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Rick Carlson (4th year, 33-21-12).

Last year: 8-9-6 (regional champs, lost to Barrington in sectional final.

Graduation losses: Allan Santiaguillo (D, all-area, all-sectional, playing at Harper), Daniel Ramirez (D), Richardo Valencia (GK), Pat Tucharski (MF-F), Nick Pilli (MF-F), Dillon Eaton (GK).

Ones to watch: Seniors Zach Masciopinto (MF, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, 7g), Mike Kotlyar (D-MF), Hans Haller (MF), Sean King (MF-F); juniors Ryan Drum (D), Drew Brauner (MF-F).

New faces on the pitch: Seniors Connor Reid (D), Christian Miguel (MF-F); junior Brendan Carr (D), Colin Doyle (F), Hector Herrera (F), Alexis Alvarez (MF-F); sophomore Alex Alfaro (MF).

Outlook: One-point losses at the hands of MSL kingpins Wheeling and Barrington during the regular season may have been an early warning signal to playoff opponents who took the Bison lightly when the state series began last October. "I always thought we played as hard for 80 minutes as any, and we really were in most of our games, but the guys showed a lot of people just what type of team they were during a great postseason run," said coach Rick Carlson, who watched the Bison go nearly through before the Broncos ended their dream in the secitonal final. Many of the core from that club return, including the architect of that memorable run, Masciopinto, along with Kotlyar, Haller and Drum. They defend and get forward very well from out of the back, to make the Bison one of the favorites in the division.

Elk GroveCoach: Rob Sheperd (2nd year, 9-5-2).

Last year: 9-5-2 (regional champs).

Graduation losses: Gio Garcia (MF, all-area, all-sectional, playing at NIU), Manny Pillado (D, all-area, all-sectional, playing at Dominican University), Johnny Arzeta (F, all-area, all-sectional, 16g, playing at Dominican University) Arnold Aguilar, Avery Chang, D, Juniata College, PA.), Hugo Sanchez, Artur DaSilva, Sergio Aguirre (Juniata College, PA.), Jersson Pachar, David Bahena (F, playing at Harper), Deion Morales (Harper), Kenny Kozack.

Ones to watch: Seniors Alberto Centeno (GK), Ivan Corona (MF), Dan Hadler (D), Carolos Miranda (F-MF); junior Edgar Soto (MF).

New faces on the pitch: Juniors Jason Cifuentes (MF-D), Connor Emmerich (D, MF-D), Oscar Suarez (MF); sophomore Noe Centeno (MF-D).

Outlook: The Grens got off to a brilliant start last season and stayed near the top of the table right until the end with an eight-game win streak before falling short to Wheeling and Hersey for the division crown. "When you looked around and saw the terrific senior leaders we had, especially Gio and Manny, and the great skill they brought, alongside the other wonderful players we had, you realize how special a group we had," said coach Rob Sheperd, who in his first year led the club to just its second regional title in program history. "This season we're starting over in a lot of spots, so now it's time for others to take on the role of being leaders," Sheperd will lean heavily on his five returnees, including Miranda, Corona and Soto, who now share the creative onus for the first time.

HerseyCoach: Darren Llewellyn (9th year, 84-61-20).

Last year: 14-4-3 (regional champs).

Graduation losses: John Cappuccitti (F, all-state, all-area, 20g, playing at Chicago Loyola), Michael Kaczor (MF, all-area, all-MSL, 15g, playing at UW-Whitewater), Connor Reynolds (MF, all-area, playing at Harper), Charlie Davenport (MF-F), Dan Gramer (MF-F), Alex Mueller (D, Illinois), Michael Freda (D).

Ones to watch: Seniors Campbell White (D, all-area), Jordan Rustemeyer (D), Tim Griffin (MF), George Boyle (MF).

New faces on the pitch: Senoir Luis Rosado (F); sophomore Alex Filian (MF).

Outlook: Huskies had the one commodity every coach dreamed of, a cold-blooded finisher. So along with John Cappuccitti, and a well organized, hard-working club around him, it appeared coach Darren Llewellyn had all the ingredients to fuel a long, and exciting run through the playoffs, after coming up a short in the division race. But along came Lake Forest to end those hopes abruptly, and this season. Without many of the key figures from last fall, Llewellyn looks to breathe life into a new but energized bunch. "This really will be a fun year, win or lose, because it's a group which is willing to work, and try to get better, and in the early going, it was obvious they attack directly like no other Hersey team of mine, and they just play with a lot of heart and grit."

ProspectCoach: Jason Cohen (1st year).

Last year: 4-12-4.

Graduation losses: Jack Cooney (MF), Zack Surico (MF, TCU), Erick Karkut (MF), Chris Garcia (F), Sean O'Carroll (F-MF).

Ones to watch: Seniors Alex Whiteman (F), Dominick Taldone (MF), Ian Lenke (D), Bryan Velazquez (MF), Nick Tuczak (D); juniors Dan Marshall (D), Chris Cooney (F).

New faces on the pitch: Seniors Jake Cavaiani (MF), Miguel Cruz (D); juniors Maciel Lojewski (F), Nick Jozefowski (GK), Ross LaCamera (F), Celso Soto (MF); sophomore Grant Whitebloom (D).

Outlook: Since the Knights' memorable run to a championship in 2012, things have gone south for the club, as heavy graduation losses robbed the program of some of the best collection of starting talent around. And even though there were many 1-point losses and draws mixed in, it all came tumbling down last season when the club entered October at 0-10-3. Jason Cohen returns to run the show, but the well respected long-time coach in the program has just a few veterans to lean on as the building process begins for him. "This is a tough conference to compete in when you don't have a lot of players with experience at this level, so it will take some time for the new guys to learn to deal with the speed and physical play we'll see each night in the MSL," said Cohen. "But there isn't a lack of effort or hard work from them, and that's always something to build from." Once the duo of Lenke and Marshall get 100 percent healthy, the Knights backline will tighten up, which will be important in front of a new keeper between the sticks.

Rolling MeadowsCoach: Peter Mikulak (11th year, 51-98-18).

Last year: 9-6-1 (lost to St. Charles East in regional final).

Graduation losses: Mike D'Acquisto (MF, all-area, all-MSL, playing at Carroll College), Cal Skwerski (F, Miami of Ohio).

Ones to watch: Senoirs Kou Glaser (MF, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, 14g), Enrique Avellaneda (D, all-area, all-MSL), Sal D'Acquisto (MF), Brett Gibson (MF), David Zarate (F)

New faces on the pitch: Junior Jacob Koutas (F).

Outlook: The time might be right for the Mustangs. With two returning all-area players, and the program coming off a strong 2013 regular season and mid-table finish, the club is no longer in transition, but instead is one of the favorites to win it all in the MSL East. "We have a lot of returning seniors who can play, and after a fairly solid season last year, the guys are certainly looking to build upon that. But we cannot become overconfident along the way," says Mikulak, who will find a few things out during a week-long stay at the New Trier Invite this week (which started with a 3-0 victory over Niles West). Glaser, with his craft and guile, should improve on his 14 goals up top, giving Meadows one of the best finishers around, while Avellaneda is key as the one in charge along the back. There is more quality from the industrious MF Gibson, who is a strong box-to-box player.

WheelingCoach: Ed Uhrik (11th, year, 102, 115-13).

Last year: 23-3-2 (MSL champs, Cass 3A runners-up).

Graduation losses: Jose Garcia (MF, all-state, MSL East POY, 2014 Daily Herald all-area co-captain, playing soccer at Roosevelt University), Nathan Laude (D, all-area, all-state, playing soccer at UIC), Marino Lopez (MF, all-area, playing soccer at Roosevelt University), Luis Herrera (F, all-MSL, 14g, playing soccer at Roosevelt University), Ivan Mancilla (F, 18a), Gary Mendoza (GK, playing soccer at Roosevelt University), Alfredo Rocha (MF-D, playing soccer at Dominican University), Elias Cisneros (F, 15g), Juan Hernandez (MF), Fredy Delfin (F),

Ones to watch: Seniors Frankie Estrada (MF-D), Fabian Acosta (MF), Francisco Arellano (D).

New faces on the pitch: Senior Fernando Martinez (MF); junior Juan Salgado (GK); sophomores Jonathan Sanchez (MF), Chris Aguirre (MF), Jose Castillo (GK).

Outlook: With talent second to none, the Wildcats parlayed it into an extraordinary season on their way to a Class 3A runner-up state finish last November. Ed Uhrik's men were worthy title winners last fall. They took the top spot in the MSL, and there they stayed. They went 25 matches with only one loss, until a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in the state final to Edwardsville ended the dream. "It was an unbelievable year," said Uhrik, who was still talking about that final just before his lads opened the 2014 campaign at home with Evanston. "What those guys did is something I will never forget, nor the school, and, for sure, all of them, including their families. But aside from all of that success, it was a team filled with wonderful young men." Uhrik knows he cannot replace the brilliance of a Jose Garcia, clearly one of the best in the state last season, and several others who, in a moment, could sparkle just as brightly. However, what the Cats do have is a very good backline, beginning with Arellano, with holdovers Estrada and Acosta ready to assume the role of leaders. There's plenty of young talent; only time will tell if it can come together for a challenge in the division.

MSL WESTBarringtonCoach: Scott Steib (15th year, 263-80-34), 323-108-41 (career)

Last year: 19-4-4 (MSL champs, lost to Wheeling in supersectional final).

Graduation losses: Connor Hennelly (MF, all-area, all-MSL, Loras College), Logan Morris (MF, all-area, all-MSL, playing for Sockers under-18 Academy), Jamie Tausend (D, Carthage College), Wesley Collins (UW-Milwaukee), David Conrad (MF), Jonathan Wilson, Andrew Simek, Sean Kim (F, playing for Sockers under-18 Academy), Pat Deroche (GK, all-state, all-area, 12.5 shutouts, not playing soccer this fall).

Ones to watch: Seniors Giles Phillips (MF, all-area, all-MSL), Tyler Anderson (D), Jason Frenk (D), Austin Grzebeniak (F), Shawn Owen (D), Casey Slingo (MF), Jack Harrington (D), Jaime Diaz (GK); junior Ryan Lauderback (MF).

New faces on the pitch: Seniors Brian Tapia (MF), Ian Ford (F); juniors Peyton Mohr (F), Hans Pallan (D), Luke Sellers (MF); sophomores Kyle Owen (F), Nash Pirie (D), Alex Ruffolo (GK).

Outlook: The history of Barrington? Five trips to the MSL Cup since 2003. That's a statement of soccer power in this division. The Broncos were clearly the top club in the MSL West last fall, along with being one of the best sides in the north and northwest suburbs, boasting a terrific blend of hard-working talent. This fall, there's an atmosphere of renewal and freshening up after the Broncos lost their front seven, including all-state keeper Pat Deroche, and another to club, Sean Kim. "We have plenty of experience returning along the back (Anderson, Frenk, Owen) as well as Giles (Phillips), who we've moved into the middle, and others who played many quality minutes for us. So the cupboard isn't bare, but we've got a few things to sort out up top and in the middle," says Steib, who now has his long-time friend and respected soccer man Tony Kees alongside as his assistant.

ConantCoach: Jason Franco (7th year, 65-58-26).

Last year: 5-10-4.

Graduation losses: Patryk Openchowski (GK, Dubuque University, all-MSL), Branden Dos Santos (D, all-MSL), Dino Kandelepas (F), Nathan Marasigan (D), Victor Moskal (MF).

Ones to watch: Seniors Chase Hermanson (F, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL,7g), Joey Connolly (F), Matt Meyers (D), Matt Moglia (MF); junior Ben Hyde (MF); sophomore Kevin Sindewald (MF).

New faces on the pitch: Seniors Oscar Quintero (D), Gilbert Bwetabure (MF); junior Sam Barajas (F); sophomores Matt Biernat (D), Jason Fillingim (D).

Outlook: A rare sub-500 season led to a finish at the bottom half of the table, as well as a quick exit from the postseason, so the question now is how the Cougars will take the challenge to improve. "There's a nice blend of players this year, along with solid depth which should allow us to go up and down against an always challenging MSL," said Jason Franco. "If our young players can follow the leader of our motivated veterans, it should be a highly competitive year for us." The frontline trio of Hermanson, Connolly and Barajas is full of pace and promise and should break down the best of sides, while an all new backline is in place. But Franco feels his defenders are talented and able to play well beyond their lack of varsity experience.

FremdCoach: Steve Keller (17th year, 205-120-60).

Last year: 8-8-6, lost regional final to Carmel.

Graduation losses: Nathan Dolan (MF-D, all-area, all-sectional, Iowa), Jon Smith (D-MF), Dylan Fisher (GK), Brock VonHolt (MF, Miami of Ohio), Dave Blanchette (MF-D), Keigo Oharu (MF), Austin Bratkiv (MF, Dubuque).

Ones to watch: Seniors Ben Borst (MF, D), Danny Burton (D), Jacob Cuthbert (MF-F), Luke Kosacz (D), Will Lefevre (GK), Matt McCarty (MF), Tomas Peleckas (D), Ben Poder (F-MF), Kurt Rettke (D-MF), Zach Schoffstall (MF-F); sophomore Luke Schoffstall (MF-F).

New faces on the pitch: Juniors Michael Kramer (GK), Michael Guedel (MF-D), Seiya Iguhi (MF-F), Michael Arbour (MF), Tyler Alfirivic (D-MF), Ryan Rowden (D), Rohan Menon (F-MF); sophomore Andrew Castro (F); freshmen Vania Martin (MF-F).

Outlook: It may have been fair to claim the Vikings were a club in transition last fall, even though several had returned from its 2012 championship club. And a stingy defense, which conceded just 17 goals in 20 regular-season matches, was still in place. But Steve Keller has always built his teams on an iron spine, and his strengthening of this team's backbone begins with the stout, and steady center-back Pelekas and the transfer of former top club player Rohan Menon, who now gives the Vikings the central midfield presence it has been missing. "Tomas and Rohan are both very talented, and if Zach (Schoffstall) makes his opportunities up top like he's capable of, then along with good depth, and a veteran lineup, we should compete for the title this fall," says Keller.

Hoffman EstatesCoach: Matt Sriver (11th year, 55-119-22).

Last year: 3-16-1.

Graduation losses: Mynor Sarti, Miseal Vargas (F, transfer to Schaumburg).

Ones to watch: Seniors Isaiah Mireles (D), Angel Sarti (F), Adam Schultz (D), David Urbina (D-GK); juniors Remzi Ahmeti (MF), Konrad Kieruzal (MF), Ricky Choi (MF), Mark Hauser (D), Christian Peralta (GK); sophomore Ted Penev (MF), Noe Padilla (MF).

New faces on the pitch: Seniors Jorge Bravo (F), Francisco Casanova (D); junior Jesus Urbina (D).

Outlook: The recent history of this Hawks program has been an endless run of bad luck through injuries, which has taken away much of the depth coach Matt Sriver had slowly built in order to climb out of the bottom half of the MSL table. With conditioning and fitness held in a higher regard, Sriver feels he finally has that much needed experience in numbers and talent to make a difference this fall. "The guys have come into camp in great shape, and they know it will be the only way they compete in this league," Sriver said. "If the early signs mean anything, it appears they might be ready to go and play some very good soccer." The club will look to the MF trio of Choi, Kieruzal and Ahmeti to run the show in the middle of the park, with the senior (Sarti) being the target player up top.

PalatineCoach: Willie Filian (24th year, 326-143-47).

Last year: 9-7-4 (lost regional final to Buffalo Grove).

Graduation losses: Kyle Clancy (D, all-state, two-time all-area, MSL West player of the year, playing at Dubuque), Kyle Leber (GK, two-time, all-area, 28 career shutouts), Sergio Hernandez (F, playing at Harper), Jahir Flores (MF, Harper), Brennan Harding (D, Illinois), Dan Cushing (F), Rafael Esquivel (MF).

Ones to watch: Seniors Kevin Burke (D), Evan Braun (D), Colin O'Meara (MF), Tyler Curylo (MF-F), Fabian Tovar (F), Gavin Falotico (MF), Alejandro Videl (MF); juniors Tadeo Lara (MF), Eirck Lule (F), Liam Obernesser (D).

New faces on the pitch: Senior Gabrio Serafino (D); juniors John Ballasco (MF, transfer from Peru), Joe Standridge (F), Gabe Drab (MF), Michael Jenson (GK), Matthew Mayer (MF); sophomore Dylan Ruzbasan (GK).

Outlook: The Pirates were always in the match in recent seasons, thanks to a brilliant duo in the back, Kyle Clancy and Kyle Leber. The heart and soul of the program could seemingly will their teammates to victory during a magnificent four-year run - but now both have moved on, leaving behind them a club full of promise and experience, beginning with Burke and Braun along the back, and Falotico at midfield. "You don't replace the leadership, and all the extras that Clancy and Leber brought with them in training and on match day," said Filian. "But we return this season with plenty of veterans, good depth, and a desire to work hard, and that will go a long way in this league."

SchaumburgCoach: Hamid Mehrreiouskouei (10th year, 126-90-14).

Last year: 8-10-0.

Graduation losses: Cristian Michalowski (D, two-time all-area, all-MSL, University of Dubuque), Alan Santana (MF-F, all-area, all-MSL, 9g, playing soccer at Robert Morris), AJ Syvertsen (D), Kristian Pawlikowski (MF-F) Matt Rushing (MF).

Ones to watch: Senior Luccas Greco (D); juniors Jessie Lopez (MF), Jason Schoo (MF); junior Freddy Arreola (MF)

New faces on the pitch: Senior Missael Vargas (MF); sophomore Eddie Gomez (F).

Outlook: There's an air of optimism this fall from the normally low-key head coach of Schaumburg. "This year I feel we have a very good midfield that work hard, and a backline, if we can sort some things out, can be an air-tight unit, but we've got to get out there and play before we can make some headlines," says Hamid Mehreiouskouei, who hopes to get his club back to the MSL Cup for the first time since 2011. That MF he speaks of will be led by Lopez, a techically proficient junior who is full of promise as he enters his third season in the Saxons' lineup. If Greco stays healthy, the backline will be among the best in the MSL, despite the loss of its four-year starter Cristian Michalowski.

NORTHEASTERN ATHLETICChristian LibertyCoach: Eric Jaime (1st year).

Last year: 2-15-2 (1-4-0).

Graduation losses: Travis Bennett (D), David Morrison (D), Aaron Karr (GK).

Ones to watch: Seniors Jon Patterson, Josh Nicholson, Joel Arackel, Aaron Lauby; sophomores Ben Woods, Josh Tolford.

New faces on the pitch: Junior Grant Sutherland; sophomore Alejandro Perez; freshmen Jesse Castro, Nathan Patterson, Isaiah Jaime, Alex Tolford.

Outlook: The Chargers' first-ever coach, Jed Bennett, moved up to take over the reins as Christian Liberty's athletic director, leading the opportunity for Eric Jaime to run the show in Arlington Heights this season. Jaime inherits seven who earned valuable experience with varsity last fall. But the loss of Travis Bennett and keeper Aaron Karr are big voids to fill. "We have a good mix of returning players who we hope to build from, while several of our young, talented players from our biggest freshman class ever appear to be capable of playing at a very high level," said Jaime.

LeydenCoach: Mark Valintis (8th year, 88-52-21).

Last year: 11-7-2.

Graduation losses: Tony Guzman (MF, two-time all-area, two-time WSG), Christian Hernandez (MF), Moises Merlos (D, Trinity International), Albert Arabik (F, all-area, all-sectional, 15g, club soccer).

Ones to watch: Seniors Hector Herrera (D), Elvis Castaneda (D); juniors Alfredo Recendez (GK), Cesar Franco (D), Christian Rubio (D), David Senk (D).

New faces on the pitch: Senior Christian Sosnowski (MF); juniors Mario Vazquez (MF), Sal Salgado (D); sophomore Angel Lopez (MF).

Outlook: Mark Valintis continues to turn in a first-class coaching effort each and every season despite severe losses to graduation or club soccer. Two years ago, the Eagles saw its superb young keeper Konrad Dziedzic chase his club dreams, then this year, one of the top young strikers in the area, Albert Arabik, followed, taking his near 20 goals along with him. Valintis and his staff still won 14 times in 2012, then 11 last season, and perhaps in 2014, with the return of a former club player (Sosnowski), the Eagles can hope for bigger and better things. "We have played very well defensively in the early going, but we should - we have a skilled, and fast backline to go along with a quick and active MF, starting with (Sosnowski) who runs the show, gets everyone involved, and sets the table for others," offers Valintis, who will continue audition calls for forwards in the search for a scorer.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Alan Matan (2nd year, 15-5-2).

Last year: 15-5-2

Graduation losses: Nelson Herrera (F, Daily Herald All-Area co-captain, two-time all-state, CSL North POY, 94 career goals, playing at Oakton), Jonathan Schmitz (D, all-area, all-CSL, Purdue), Miguel Lopez (F, all-CSL), Alex Herrera (MF, all-CSL, playing at Oakton).

Ones to watch: Seniors Danny Silva (MF, all-CSL), Christian Ayala (MF), Edgar Felix (D), Jesus Rivera (D), Nick Pisani (GK, 8 shutouts).

New faces on the pitch: Junior Giuseppe Pulvino (MF).

Outlook: Last year was special for Maine West. The reason? Nelson Herrera. The record-setting all-everything striker snapped up the headlines with 38 goals, while adding to his record-setting totals as each match went on, exciting the fans and Warriors program everytime out. He, along with three sensational others, are gone this fall, and now coach Alan Matan and his staff have the task of a bit of a rebuilding job. "With the loss of Nelson, and the seniors, 78 percent of our goals have left with them, so our focus will be ball possession and quick counter-attacks while leaning on Edgar Felix and Jesus Rivera to anchor our backline," says Matan.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Mike Taylor (35th year, 426-131-85), 490-191-106 (career).

Last year: 15-4-1 (ESCC co-champs).

Graduation losses: Spencer Moore (F, two-time all-state, all-area, three-time all-ESCC, playing soccer at Loras), Nick Winter (F, all-area, 18g, playing lacrosse at Illinois Wesleyan), Kevin Klinkenberg (MF, all-area, all-sectional, playing soccer at LeHigh), Ethan Wolf (D, all- area, all-sectional, Miami of Ohio), Tom Martin (GK), Kevin McMahon (MF), Ryan Henry (MF), Mateo Leudo (MF, UIC), Mark Tun (D).

Ones to watch: Seniors Zach Gyurizca (F, all-ESCC), Javier Romero (MF), Aiden Williams (F); junior Miles McDonald (MF).

New faces on the pitch: Seniors Ryan Carroll (D), Chris Biersdorf (D), Brandon Braun (D), Woojin Son (MF); junior Tony Pineda (MF), Patrick Hickey (MF); sophomore Sean Lonigro (D); freshman Jack Hartman (F-MF).

Outlook: The Lions now attempt to do what only Benet, Carmel and themselves have achieved since 1990: retain a share of the league title, or an outright ESCC championship. Yes, only these three clubs have had a hand in lifting every trophy, and it appears, this fall, despite heavy graduation losses, the Lions will play Benet on the final day of the regular season, as they have so often, for the title. "We think we'll be there at the end, but as usual, we'll struggle, tinker with our lineup and roster, play a great nonconference schedule, and hopefully learn from it all in time to make a run at the conference title, then an even longer run in the 2A state tournament," says Mike Taylor, who should, in midseason, collect his 500th career coaching victory. The challenge to do so by Taylor and his staff will be a difficult as he ushers in a new era after saying goodbye to several veteran stars, including Moore, Klinkenberg, Wolf and Winter, who gave so much to the program. The Lions will look to rely on CMF Romero for a dynamic edge in the middle of the park, while three-year player Zach Gyurizca moves into the starting lineup full-time after scoring several key goals in a part-time role the past few seasons. A entirely rebuilt backline will need time to adjust to Lions new formation as well.