Boys soccer: Fox Valley All-Area team

Esteban Angeles Cary-GroveA first time all-area and all-Fox Valley Conference selection, this speedy junior made his mark in his first true varsity action with 11 goals and 5 assists. With a powerful shot that could be pulled from anywhere and an uncanny accuracy level, according to Trojans' coach Mark Olson, teams really keyed on Angeles, who had a long, strange trip to get where he's at after playing JV his freshman year and missing his sophomore year. "I told him we go six days a week, I'm a little concerned you're going to be there all six days," Olson said. "He said, 'I told ya coach, I'm not going to fail you, I'm here'. And from where he's been, where he started out to where he is now, it's a huge thing. And I couldn't be happier for him." Angeles fired shots from all angles even scoring on the toughest ones as well. "He could kick it into another gear." He had that uncanny ability to split between two defenders and just accelerate to another speed," said Olson.

Sergio Blanco StreamwoodA repeat all-area selection and a 2014 all-sectional honorable mention, Blanco, a preseason All-America pick by topdrawersoccer.com, continued his stellar defense in goal with 10 shutouts and 21 goals allowed in 24 games to go with a .875 goal allowed average at press time in Streamwood's state tournament run. His numbers between the last two seasons include 23 shutouts and this 6-foot-4 keeper has a height and wingspan that swallows the goal. "If you can score on him the shot better be as far in the corner as you can get because with his quick feet for a big man he finds a way to snuff anything out," Sabres' coach Matt Polovin said. "Sergio has the ability to make the impossible save look so easy. Sergio by far is the best goalie to ever come out of Streamwood."

Alan Camarena StreamwoodA first time all-state, all-sectional, Daily Herald all-area and Upstate Eight all-conference selection Camarena, named the Daily Herald's Fox Valley All-Area captain, flourished in the Streamwood system as an all-around offensive player after transferring from Burlington Central in the summer. The senior's 23 goals and 12 assists were good for 58 points, second in the area. Camarena was often doubled and tripled teamed but helped propel the Sabres to a IHSA state tournament berth. His ability to split defenders along with his craftiness, ball work and vision has been unmatched. "The skill, the speed. He has that goal-scoring attitude. When he gets the ball, whether he's inside the box or outside the box, he's looking to shoot and looking to score and he's done that against a lot of the bigger teams we've played against," Sabres' coach Matt Polovin said. "It just another challenge for him to take and make it his game."

Will Campos Dundee-CrownThis all-sectional selection was also an all-FVC choice who continued his solid play from 2013. Campos finished his career with 16 goals and 10 assists in 2 varsity seasons and his 8 goals and 6 assists in 2014 was a prime reason the Chargers were competitive. "He stepped up for us as a leader and provided us with a lot of scoring," D-C coach Rey Vargas said. "His hard work kind of rubbed off on everybody else." Campos brought in experience to a younger squad with his ability to distribute and see the field well. "Just his ability to read the game is just one of those things that stood out to me," Vargas said. "A lot of our play and a lot of our wins came through him. He was just involved in every aspect of it."

Jake Canfield CL South If you had to beat the Gators this season, you had to go wide instead of through the middle and this all-FVC selection was mainly responsible for that. Only a junior, when the 6-foot-2 Canfield was healthy (missed two weeks with a groin injury) he was hard to beat. South's vocal leader in the back had an ability to read the game and clean up potential mistakes without getting the Gators into dangerous areas. "Jake was a stalwart back there," Gators' coach Brian Allen said. "(He) won every 50/50 ball that was in there, he had some recovery tackles that were spectacular. When we needed a set piece goal he was the guy who came in and pounded it." A first time all-area selection, Canfield anchored a defense that allowed 24 goals in 23 games, a 1.04 goals allowed average that included 9 shutouts and a regional championship to boot. He also scored 4 goals and 1 assist.

Ethan Csoka Cary-GroveAn all-FVC goaltender and a first time all-area selection, this 6-foot-2 senior was instrumental for making the Trojans such a tough team to score on. With 13 goals allowed in 19 games to go with 11 shutouts, Csoka, regardless of the quality of defenders in front of him, always provided an extra blanket of protection on a consistent basis. "One of the things Ethan does so well is that he talks throughout the game. He directs his defense and he gets on the heels and holds them accountable and gets on their cases," Olson said. "For any coach it's a dream because you want your players to communicate better. He's always in the game from start to finish."

Mike Delaney StreamwoodThis 6-foot-2 defender is a repeat Daily Herald all-area selection and an Upstate Eight all-conference selection. Delaney helps anchor one of the best defenses in the area and is a huge presence in the back as the Sabres head into the Class 3A Final Four this weekend. Polovin says he's Streamwood's rock. "He's really one of the top defenders in the state. Every game we've played, the other coach has always said 'that number 15, he's big, very strong, such a nice defender to watch,'" Polovin said. "He's our shutdown guy, he'll win the ball in the air. He'll bring it down to his feet and casually dribble out of danger and find an open mid. He's got the speed if he wants to to take it from the back and dribble through the middle of the field and beat everyone." Delaney is very tough to get around due to his strength and time in the weight room and it's impossible to out jump him. Set pieces in the box, corners, throw-ins, headers on corners, he can do it all. "He's as good as it gets as defenders in the state of Illinois," said Polovin. "(There's) probably nobody as good as him."

Raphael DeSouza Harvest ChristianThis first-time all-area forward was an all-Northeastern Athletic second team selection and improved on his freshman totals that led Harvest Christian last year. This technically-sound sophomore jumped from 8 goals and 3 assists to 14 goals and 3 assists this season. Much of that might be due to his physical attributes and maturity, but his vision, ability to move and pass the ball and knack for the goal helped the Lions to a school-record 12-win season and the program's first regional title. "He's also better in his decision making," said Lions' coach Jason Acres. "You can tell he made a lot of freshman mistakes but this year not so much. And really just at the right time he had the right shot and made the right moves. I'm excited to see how he's going to turn out these next couple of years."

Zach Erickson ElginThis first-time all-area selection scored 10 goals and notched 3 assists for the Maroons. Erickson wasn't held down to one position in his senior session. He moved around on either side of the ball. Forward, defender, you name it, Erickson did it. He also found his toughness this year according to Elgin coach Dave Borg. "Zachary is a natural leader," Borg said. "He's a good practice player as well as being 'game smart.' (He) makes runs, has a nose for the right play, (knows) when to pass and when to shoot." Involved with the program for four years, Borg hates seeing him go. "Would make a great son-in-law. Great kid, the coach said"

Joe French St. EdwardA 4-year varsity starter, French finished his decorative career as a 3-year all-Suburban Christian Conference and one-time all-Metro Suburban Conference selection. In his third consecutive all-area bid, this forward tied Chris Holze for the St. Edward all-time boys record at 62. French's 27 goals led the area and his 6 assists helped him total 60 points, also the tops in the Fox Valley. This was all done while also being the kicker for the Green Wave's 10-0 football team, nailing 46 extra points and 5 field goals. Doubled and tripled teamed throughout, French showed that he was able to carry the load and lead the Wave on both sides of the field "Joe was a selfless player who did what was needed for the team as demonstrated by the fact that as the leading scorer he often moved to the back to preserve the win," said Wave coach Tim Brieger. "A combination of speed, ballhandling and a pure striker's desire to score often caught teams off guard when looking at his frame." French finished with 13 career assists for a 4-year total of 137 points.

Andrew Grabowski CL South Unselfish by nature, this first time all-FVC and all-sectional selection as a sophomore made waves with 16 goals and 7 assists, ranking second in assists for the Gators. Grabowski also increased his career totals to 19 goals and 10 assists and as a dynamic forward at 6-foot-1, he dictated play and set the tone for the Gator offense. This forward plays well with his back to the goal and uses his size, footwork and accuracy to draw doubles and open up lanes for others to be involved. According to coach Brian Allen, he took a big step forward at being a little more selfish with the ball. "The coolest thing about (Andrew) I think was that he took 50 shots for us all year and he scored 16 of them. When he has the ball and he has a good look he scores goals," Allen said. "I have coached some great strikers that were just pure goal scorers but someone as efficient in front of the net as he is, it's hard to put into a description how good he is."

Jose Hernandez HampshireA first time all-area selection, this natural forward who was moved to center back will be remembered for his heroics in a Class 2A regional semifinal against rival Burlington Central. The senior's goal with 8 minutes remaining in regulation forced overtime and his goal in the first overtime during the 83rd minute upset the top-seeded Rockets on Rocket Hill. "They were late goals," Whip-Purs coach John Gosling said. "He's the one reason teams would throw two guys at him and unfortunately we didn't have a whole lot in and around him to support him up top." An all-sectional honorable mention and all-FVC nomination Hernandez notched 9 goals and 5 assists and shared double duties for Hampshire's football team as the kicker, making 8 extra points and 3 field goals. Hernandez did win regional titles in his freshman and sophomore seasons, the latter with South Elgin. "He's always impressed me up top with his numbers and his ability," said Gosling, who praised Hernandez's flexibility to center mid. "Quality players can make those transitions quickly and easily."

Stefan Jochum Burlington CentralWith 15 goals and 5 assists, this first-time all-area selection was dynamic as much as he was gutty. Jochum, an all-sectional and all-Big Northern East selection played for the most part with a broken nose, which didn't stop him from displaying his abilities. "Stefan is the fastest player that I have ever coached," Rockets' coach Mike Gecan said. "Honestly to me, it goes Ty Seagar from Wheaton Academy then Stefan Jochum as the fastest kids and I'd love to put anybody on a track and let them race." Jochum controlled the tempo for the Rockets, who primarily set up freshman Jack Schramme up top throughout the season. "This season (Stefan) was able to break teams down from the middle of the field. He's one of best players to ever wear a Rocket uniform. Also 15 goals and 5 assists is pretty good for a center midfielder."

Hector Mendoza LarkinAnother first-time all-area and all-Upstate Eight selection, this Benedictine-bound 4-year varsity player was the jack of all trades for the Royals. Along with taking all free kicks, Mendoza went from leading the Royals in scoring during the playoffs last year as a forward to leading the team again in scoring this fall with 12 goals and 6 assists from center defense. "The one thing about him that is probably the best is that he's very versatile," Larkin coach Ken Hall said. "We played him in the midfield, we played him at forward. We played him in center defense. He's very versatile and wherever we needed him the most he was willing to play he played there and played well." Hall also says that Mendoza, who's quick and good in the air, is a balanced player who does whatever he can to help the team win and that shows in Larkin's trophy case with two regionals and a sectional championship.

Edwin Rueda StreamwoodThis junior midfielder had the uncanny task of filling the void left by Nestor Ascencio, one of the best players in the country last season. Rueda, a first-time all-area selection, didn't score any goals but his 8 assists helped guide Streamwood's attack, as he controlled the tempo and found open avenues in helping the Sabres to a Class 3A Final Four berth. "Living in the wings of Nestor, (Rueda) really learned how to play the game at a top level as a center mid," Sabres' coach Matt Polovin said. "What he does on the field which is distribution, awareness, speed with the ball, defense without the ball, free kicks, corner kicks, he's done it all. He's a tireless worker and can go all 80 minutes if needed without an ounce of sweat."

Charlie Ruff CL SouthThis 4-year varsity starter, 2-time Gators' captain, 2-time all-FVC selection and an all-sectional honorable mention in 2014 becomes a Daily Herald All-Area selection for the first time. Ruff notched 5 goals and 12 assists to finish his Gator career with 10 goals and 29 assists. "He was our rock this year, he was our most consistent player this year on the pitch. We were going to go where he was going to go. He had the whole package," Gators' coach Brian Allen said. "He's one of those box-to-box midfielders that doesn't always show up in the stat line but if he doesn't show up you can tell the whole team dynamic changes because he controls the whole game." Steady and consistent, Ruff was solid at turning players in tight space and wasn't afraid to be creative and do the little things right.

Jack Schramme Burlington CentralNot many freshmen can produce like Schramme, who's a first-time all-area and all-Big Northern East selection with 53 points (22 goals and 9 assists). This forward broke the single-season record for goals at Central (previously 21) and BC coach Mike Gecan believes he's one of the top forwards in the area. "That's insane. I've been doing this for over 10 years and I've never had a freshman score eight I think. That's like a running back in football running for 2,000 yards. If he scored 10 as a freshman that would have been amazing," said Gecan. "It's impressive. I can't say enough about Jack. He has a very bright future and we look forward to watching him score a lot more goals for us over the next three years."

Brad Sigsworth Cary-GroveThis 2-year varsity starter earned his first all-FVC accolade and all-area selection this season as the Trojans' captain, which was an easy choice according to coach Mark Olson. "I anointed him captain just because of what type of individual he is," Olson said. "Just an outstanding character and somebody I thought would do a fantastic job not only representing himself but representing us, me and our school." C-G's defensive anchor, who helped the team amass 11 shutouts and allow just 13 goals this season, possessed great vision and a real understanding of the game. He also gave the Trojans some enticing situations strictly from his competitive nature. "He's kind of nasty competitively," Olson said. "He wasn't dirty. He just wasn't going to get beat. It was that attitude he played with - I'm going to run him down, I'm not going to give up. Just his competitive desire along with his skill."

Orlando Tapia CL SouthAnother 4-year starter for the Gators, this midfielder was decorative and speedy. A 2-time all-FVC and all-sectional pick, he gained his first all-area bid with 11 goals and 6 assists this year to finish his career with 22 goals and 21 assists. Tapia played basically every position on the field besides goalie. "He played forward the first couple years in the our program, we switched him over to a midfielder last year and he's a kid that'll play anywhere for you. We needed him as an outside back in the Jacobs regional game and he'll do anything you ask him to do," South coach Brian Allen said. "He's the guy that's going to make something happen out of nothing. He creates his own space. You give him an inch or two and he turns it into a couple yards and he's by you in a blink of an eye." What Tapia specialized in was his ability to finish, first touch, taking free kicks or putting a ball across the box. As his coach says, "he scored highlight reel goals and he played like it this year and took his game to another level. He's got the complete technical package."

Austin White Harvest ChristianOne of the cooler stories in the Fox Valley area is this first time all-area and all-NAC first team selection originally out of the state of Washington. White, a forward who transferred from the greater-Seattle area, had little trouble fitting in. He led Harvest in scoring with 16 goals to go with 5 assists in its regional title run and while some opponents complained that he was a bit physical at times, it wasn't a problem for the Lions. "Austin being a senior helped a lot, he's got a bit of tenacity about him," Lions' coach Jason Acres said. "He's not dirty, he just plays with a great deal of intensity that during the regular season can get just a bit clouded, where you say 'wow he's being way too aggressive.' He was just a natural leader and the guys really were inspired by him playing and he stayed injury free. That just added to the overall dynamic of the team." White was fast, and according to Acres could connect with the ball so well "there's not a goalkeeper who could stop his shot. He just has a wicked, wicked shot." He also used his ability to get around guys that allowed other teammates to have the pressure off and contribute.

Michael Zembrzuski HuntleyThis 2-year varsity player stepped away from the shadows of a stacked 2013 Huntley squad and scored 5 goals and 8 assists while taking care of all the Red Raiders' set pieces. Whether it was free kicks, corners or indirects, this junior had great confidence on the ball and brought the Raiders confidence, poise and control. "I don't know if there's a more technically skilled player in our conference from what I saw unless there was someone on the Fox side," Huntley coach Kris Grabner said. "We knew when the ball was on his foot it was going to be taken care of and that he could create for us and get everybody involved."