Boys soccer: Northwest all-area team
Fabian Acosta WheelingOut of necessity, coach Ed Uhrik converted one of his top defenders from last year's MSL championship side into a dangerous player up top, and Acosta successfully adjsuted to become a first-time all-area and all-sectional forward. "Fabian is not a striker, but he openly accepted his new role to help our team, and his combination of great speed, toughness and hard work paid big dividends for us, and Fabian as well," said Uhrik. The two-year starter goes full tilt, and with his marvelous touch with both feet, he frequently turned opponents inside out, creating chances for himself and others. Finished with 11 assists in his career, and 6 goals this season. Earned all-MSL honors this season as well.
Tyler Anderson BarringtonComing up through the program's ranks, this silky smooth three-year starter rose up to become one of the best outside backs during a time when the club produced top-rated defensive units under coach Scott Steib. "In addition to everything else he did on the field, Tyler also served the team with his tremendous leadership, work rate and high-level attitude each time he came out," said Steib. Rarely beat in 1v1 battles, the first-time all-MSL, all-area, and all-sectional choice also provided added value when jumping forward into the attack with pinpoint service. Anderson helped the Broncos' 2013 team set a program record for fewest goals in a season (14). Has Vanderbilt and Washington University on map for next fall. Finished with 4 career goals, 6 assists.
Francisco Arellano WheelingA superbly athletic defender, lightning-quick on his feet and just as nimble tactically, which allowed him to read trouble before it happened while helping an inexperience back line reach an elite level. "I did not see a defender all season long who made such an impact from the position of a sweeper, and one who allowed such a young group to record 8 shutouts at the same time," said coach Ed Uhrik. Arellano's closing speed ended most scoring chances, and his aerial strength and free-kick prowess helped him score 6 times this season (with 13 for his career). Wore the captain's armband with pride while handling himself in a first-class manner. Joined teammate Frankie Estrada on the all-state roster to go along with all-MSL and Mid-Suburban East player of the year acclaim.
Enrique Avellaneda Rolling MeadowsIt's easy to see why the Mustangs have enjoyed their best two years under coach Peter Mikulak with this gifted center back, who is right there as the first choice as top defender in the area. "Enrique is so smart, and he can mark 1v1, chase down players, win everything in the air, hit great free kicks, and is an absolute terrific team leader," said Mikulak. The two-time all-area choice has great speed to get out of tight spaces along with an exquisite touch rarely seen in a 6-2 back-liner, which allows him to join the attack when needed. Can get forward and score goals (finished with 9 in his career) and cross the ball with pinpoint accuracy. Twice named all-MSL and all-sectional.
Ben Borst FremdRight there as one of the best central defenders in the area, this two-year starter formed an air-tight partnership alongside all-state teammate Tomas Peleckas throughout the Vikings' run to an MSL title and sectional championship. "Ben has been a stalwart along the back, and as a holding midfielder when asked to," said Fremd coach Steve Keller. "He and Tomas have were as strong a combination in the center of the defense as I've seen this season." Comfortable with his touch, strong in the air and firm in the tackle, the Vikings' captain has the pace to get forward and quality service. A first-time all-area choice, after earning all-MSL and all-sectional honors following a regular season with 4 goals, and 1 assist.
Tyler Curylo PalatineIt was a breakout season for one of the top scorers in area this season. This two-year starter bagged 16 goals this season (along with 5 assists) to give him 28 (and 11 assists) during a wonderful three-year varsity stint. "Tyler was our most dangerous attacking player, and from the run of play, he was a relentless and constant scoring threat who could finish with both feet," said Palatine coach Willie Filian. A master at weaving his way through and into the penalty box, deadly in one-on-one, his link-up play with teammates was outstanding. This all-MSL, all-sectional first-timer has his eye on attending ISU, Missouri or Dominican next fall.
Sal D'Acquisto Rolling MeadowsOne of the true outside players on the all-area team, this two-year starter has an abundance of skill and trickery, as well as an ability to break into the box, create chances and score goals from his right-wing position. "Sal made the move from outside back this year to become our leading scorer (10 goals) while putting in a number of game-winners or big assists at the same time," said coach Peter Mikulak. "His positive influence comes from his high work rate, focus and great attitude, and he's constantly picking his teammates up when it's needed." The all-MSL, all-sectional senior could pry open opponents with his lung-bursting runs, or well-paced cross-field serves.
Ryan Drum Buffalo GroveA four-year starter, Drum emerged as a strong presence when the Bison lifted the MSL East trophy in 2012, and again during the last two memorable postseason runs, making him a player coach Rick Carlson will find tough to replace. "Ryan's level of understanding of space and timing is demonstrated like few in the area, and he almost never makes a mistake along the back," Carlsona said. "He's a rare and valued player in that way." Reliable in all departments, with a take-no-prisoners attitude, this first-time all-area and all-sectional defender is a solid outlet when his team is attacking thanks to his technical proficiency. Also earned all-MSL honors.
Frankie Estrada WheelingForever working for his team's cause, the Wildcats' co-captain demonstrated incredible leadership to become the key player for the Mid-Suburban East champs this fall after helping his side to a second-place state trophy the previous fall. "Frankie is a gifted, hard-working young man who respects the game and his opponents the way it should be," said coach Ed Uhrik. "We wouldn't be anywhere near the team we were without him." Always aggressive, Estrada's distribution skills were second to none along with his devilish dribbling, which allowed him to slice through the toughest MSL defenses. His body of work impressed area coaches, who chose him for all-state honors to go along with first-time all-MSL and all-area acclaim. His 5 goals and 8 assists this season bring his career totals to 10 and 16.
Gavin Falotico PalatineThe Pirates' team captain has been a stalwart for his club over the past two seasons with his versatile play, but mostly around midfield as kind of a quasi-defensive, attacking force for coach Willie Filian. "Gavin was one of the most dominant midfield athletes on the soccer field that I saw," said Filian. "His outstanding work rate, fitness, tackling and power with both feet were all first-rate." Went about his business quietly, but his ability to win possession in the air and on the turf while distributing with economy were impressive, as were his searing long throws. An all-MSL and all-sectional selection, Falotico's 7 goals and 13 assists this season give him 8 and 24 for his varsity career. Will attend Concordia (Wis.) next fall.
Cesar Franco LeydenThis unheralded junior grew into a first-rate defender for a stingy unit that captured a regional title before dropping a heartbreaker in OT to state-ranked Evanston in sectionals. "Cesar grew as a player and great communicator to help organize things along the back, and his size, strength and speed proved to be the anchor of a defense which limited chances for our opponents," said Leyden coach Mark Valintis. The Eagles' captain scored 6 goals this season as the central figure in set-pieces chances, and his strike against Glenbrook North proved to be the regional game-winner. Added all-conference and all-sectional selections to his resume this fall.
Brett Gibson Rolling MeadowsGibson is perhaps the ultimate all-around midfielder. Few players were capable of switching gears from playmaker to attacker to defensive midfielder as effortlessly as this Mustangs captain. "Brett was a three-year starter who could change the game with his energy and work rate, while his defensive work as an interceptor would help start our attack going," said coach Peter Mikulak. Comfortable with either foot, Gibson's terrific vision helped find teammates wide or over the top to set up scoring chances. A hard-working live-wire of a player who was key in the Mustangs' successful postseason run which went all the way to the sectional final. Finished this fall with 3 goals and 3 assists to earn first-time all-MSL recognition.
Kou Glaser Rolling MeadowsThis active all-around player returned to high school soccer after a year on the club scene to give the Mustangs lineup that extra balance needed in order to come within a penalty kick or two of reaching the Class 3A supersectional round. "Kou is so technically gifted," said coach Peter Mikulak. "He plays a number of different kinds of passes which are paced and weighted correctly to his teammates. He can beat players off the dribble, or in combinations with his teammates, and he is a threat to score from anywhere in the final third." Strong and willing to play with his back to the net, Glaser is a two-time all-MSL, all-sectional, and all-area choice. Meadows' captain was a tough 50-50 ball winner, and full of subtle skills well suited in his side's high-octane attack. His 6 goals and 3 assists this fall give him varsity totals of 18 and 8.
Tim Griffin HerseyA fearless three-year starter, Griffin served as the Huskies' captain, a role coach Darren Llewellyn says the senior embraced to the hilt. "Tim showed his maturity by playing at a very high level all of the time, and as our field general by motivating his teammates to maintain their work rate," Llewellyn said. Extremely mobile and quick, the Huskies' defensive midfielder made it impossible to penetrate the final third thanks to his sharp tackling and sticky man-marking skills. That was difficult to mark in the scorebook, but opponents who found the going tough in the middle of the park surely noticed. An all-MSL, all-sectional, and all-area first-timer choice, Griffin was flexible enough to play a variety of positions based upon the needs of the team.
Zach Gyurizca St. ViatorOne-half of a dynamic scoring duo along with teammate Aidan Williams, this three-year veteran has scored plenty of important goals during his time under coach Mike Taylor - perhaps none bigger than his supersectional game-winner against East Moline United to send the Lions into the 2A state final four last season. "Zach has been a key figure since he came up during his sophomore year, and his pure speed and great skill had made him a game-changer," said Taylor. "We'll miss him dearly, and he'll leave the same legacy as his brother (Jordan), who was here during our 2009 championship year." Guyricza's deadly speed and pace threatened the best of defenders, as did his ability to strike a wicked ball on frame and excel on corners. Finished with 17 goals and 14 assists while earning first-team all-ESCC, all-sectional and all-area recognition.
Chase Hermanson ConantAn unusual mix of fast and flash made this hard nosed out-and-out striker one of the top scorers in the area, and a nightmare for defenders en route to him bagging 16 goals. That gives the Dominican-bound three-year starter 23 goals over the past two seasons. "Chase was the reason why we were able to stay competitive in the rough and rugged MSL, and his combination of speed and physical play allowed him to make something out of nothing every night," said Conant coach Jason Franco. The Cougars' captain, Hermanson score in 9 of the team's 11 league matches. Earned second consecutive all-MSL, all-area and all-sectional honors.
Konrad Kieruzal Hoffman EstatesA two-year starter for coach Matt Sriver, Kieruzal dominated the midfield with his ball-winning skills while using tremendous vision to seek out teammates in the attack. "Konrad was the leader of our team, who not only is our most dominant player on the field, but one who leads our offense and defense as well," said Sriver. "He's an absolute joy to coach." A hard-working, fierce tackler, Kieruzal can intimidate with his 6-foot-4 frame, but can also get his name in the scorebook as proven by a 3-goal, 8-assist campaign that led to first-time all-area, all-MSL and all-sectional acclaim.
Jessie Lopez SchaumburgA player of immaculate technique and skilled with both feet, Lopez's array of skills led to a long list of postseason honors, including all-state, all-American and an all-area co-captaincy alongside Buffalo Grove's Zach Masciopinto. "Jessie is the ultimate playmaker, and clearly in a class by himself," says his coach, Hamid Mehreioskouei. "His ability to change the point of attack, spin defenders, beat double teams and thrive in 1v1 situations is second to none, and his knowledge and under-standing of the game is a marvel to watch." Finished with 5 goals and 7 assists this season to give him 11 and 10 thus far in his career, but those numbers don't completely tell the story for this three-time all-MSL choice.
Zach Masciopinto Buffalo GroveIt's hard to imagine where the Bison would have been during the last three seasons without Masciopinto running the show for caoch Rick Carlson. "Zach has been our MVP the last two years, a starter for three, and he is clearly the driving force during training sessions, and then our matches," Carlson said. "His work rate is incredibly high, yet he never leaves the game, and he carries himself and plays with so much class and respect, making him an absolute joy to coach and be around." The words of his coach and opponents led to Masciopinto's all-area team co-captaincy, adding to a growing list of honors with includes two all-MSL and all-sectional selections. Masciopinto has played just about everywhere during his three seasons; this year it was mostly defensive midfielder with the freedom to still get forward and dictate the tempo while making everyone around him better. Finished with 25 career goals and 14 assists.
Tomas Peleckas FremdIn the year of back line stars, this Vikings two-year starter shined brighter than the rest. Named MSL West POY one week before earning All-State honors, Steve Keller's captain grabbed his first all-area award in helping his club lift a MSL, and sectional trophy. "Tomas in the anchor and glue to our defense, and an absolute shut-down defender, who eats up any ball which penetrates our back line, and along with Ben Borst, they have become as strong a combo in the center of defense as I have seen this year," says Keller. All-MSL two-timer is a master at keeping his position, and his biting tackles make him one of the most combative, intimidating defenders around. 11 shutouts on his watch this season.
Giles Phillips BarringtonA big, strong, two-year starter, Phillips had the physical presence to survive in and around the area as he adjusted to the demands of playing in the center of the park after sparkling along the back line last season while earning his first all-area honor. "Giles was easily noticed due to his work rate and imposing stature, and we will sorely miss his box-to-box presence and passion for competing," says coach Scott Steib. Skillful and armed with a high soccer IQ, this two-time all-sectional and all-MSL senior was never shy in the air or in the tackle. Had 7 goals and 6 assists this season to conclude his career with 11 and 12.
Ben Poder FremdPoder came on strong during the second half of the season to become a key figure in much of the Vikings' success, including scoring the game-winner against Libertyville to fuel a sectional championship. "Ben's speed and finishing ability made him one of the most dangerous attacking players in the area, and his play toward the latter half of the season helped give us the goal-scoring presence we needed to continue to advance," said coach Steve Keller. Perhaps Poder's best attribute is his quick reaction in and around the penalty box, using his quick feet and sneaky-fast speed to manufacture opportunities for himself by shifting the ball or his direction effortlessly. Had 14 goals before Tuesday's supersectional on the way to earning first-time all-MSL and all-area honors.
Zach Schoffstall FremdThis three-year veteran is the model high school soccer player: fast, strong, competent on the ball, and a fierce competitor who can go 80 minutes from box-to-box. "We've asked him to play the central playmaking role for much of the season," said coach Steve Keller, "but at times, we've moved him up top, where he can and has been very dangerous for us. His outstanding ability to distribute, along with his deep throws and goal scoring talents, have helped guide us through a successful season." Never afraid to receive the ball, Schoffstall's tactical awareness in and out of possession and his superb tackling and defensive ability made him a most valuable commodity. Finished this season with 6 goals and 15 assists to give the Vikes' team captain 13 and 22 in his varsity career while earning all-MSL and all-sectional selections.
Jason Schoo SchaumburgStationed just in front of the back line and behind standout teammate Jessie Lopez for the Saxons, this senior provided exactly what his coach needed and asked for on match day. "Jason was our midfield general, and tracing back to Declan Geraghty and Joey Faleni (both former all-area players) he has continued the tradition of excellence at that spot," says coach Hamid Mehreioskouei. The Saxons' captain had a superb work ethic, showed great all-around athleticism and was a key figure in transition. His no-nonsense approach helped set the tone for the program while setting a fine example for others in the classroom as well, according to his coach. An all-MSL, all-sectional and all-area first-time honoree.
Casey Slingo Barrington
Slingo started each game this season, mostly at midfield but on occasion along the back when the club lost three of its starters due to various injuries. "Casey's hard work and disciplined play made him of the better midfielders in the area, and his leadership and ability to make him teammates better will be difficult to replace," said Barrington coach Scott Steib. Slingto excelled at disrupting the opponent's attack and used his great range to initiate his own side's forays upfield. His team-high 11 assists were the most in the program in a single season since 2003. This gritty, classy senior garnered all-MSL recognition to go along with an all-sectional honor.
Christian Sosnowski LeydenAfter a year away in club soccer, this senior returned to be an important figure in the Leyden attack while allowing others to excel during a highly successful Eagles season. "Christian was the catalyst in our attack, and as an extremely talented technical player, he had the ability to work in tight spaces, take opponents on in 1v1 and put his teammates in spots where they could be dangerous when we got forward," said coach Mark Valintis. Highly competent on the ball, this center midfielder was tactically aware in and out of possession, helping create a superb senior year that included 9 goals and 14 assists to help him earn all-conference and all-sectional accolades.
Campbell White HerseyA mainstay of the Huskies' back line since joining the starting lineup three years ago, White's leadership has been second to none as Hersey's captain provided 80 minutes of committed play each time out. "With Campbell at the helm, our defense has given up an average of just one game per game playing some of the best teams around, but it's his athletism and great ability to make quick adjustments based on the movement of our opponents which sets him apart from others," said Hersey coach Darren Llewellyn. This two-time all-MSL and all-sectional choice provided an accurate long ball in dead-ball opportunities, and his stealthy tackling usually ended any trouble along the back as well. Twice named to the all-area team.
Aidan Williams St. ViatorDeveloped into a top attacker this fall after serving as a key figure off the bench the previous season for coach Mike Taylor's state-qualifying club. "Aidan has grown so much in the last year, maturing into a great partner for Zach (Gyuricz) while working hard to earn the respect of his mates and our coaching staff while playing both ends of the field," Taylor said. "He has very good skills, which should translate over to the college game, where he has some very good days ahead of him." Williams' swashbuckling displays on the flank frequently broke down opponents, as did his work in and around the box on set pieces. Finished with 17 goals and 10 assists to help net him all-ESCC and all-sectional honors.
All-area roster
Player School Yr. Pos.
Fabian Acosta Wheeling Sr. F
Tyler Anderson Barrington Sr. D
Francisco Arellano Wheeling Sr. D
Enrique Avellaneda Rolling Meadows Sr. D
Ben Borst Fremd Sr. D-MF
Tyler Curylo Palatine Sr. F
Sal D'Acquisto Rolling Meadows Sr. MF
Ryan Drum Buffalo Grove Jr. D
Frankie Estrada Wheeling Sr. MF-F
Gavin Falotico Palatine Sr. MF
Cesar Franco Leyden Jr. D
Kou Glaser Rolling Meadows Sr. F
Bret Gibson Rolling Meadows Sr. MF
Tim Griffin Hersey Sr. MF
Zach Gyurizca St. Viator Sr. F
Chase Hermanson Conant Sr. F
Konrad Kieruzal Hoffman Estates Jr. MF
*Jessie Lopez Schaumburg Jr. MF
*Zach Masciopinto Buffalo Grove Sr. MF
Tomas Peleckas Fremd Sr. D
Giles Phillips Barrington Sr. MF
Ben Poder Fremd Sr. F
Zach Schoffstall Fremd Sr. F
Jason Schoo Schaumburg Sr. MF
Casey Slingo Barrington Sr. MF-D
Christian Sosnowski Leyden Sr. MF
Campbell White Hersey Sr. D
Aidan Williams St. Viator Sr. MF-F
* all-area team co-captains
Special mention Remzi Ahmeti (Hoffman Estates, Jr., F), Chris Beiersdorf (St. Viator, Sr., D), George Boyle (Hersey, Sr., MF), Kevin Burke (Palatine, Sr., D), Jose Castillo (Wheeling, So, GK), Alberto Centeno (Elk Grove, Sr., GK), Alexis Flores (Schaumburg, Jr., GK), Tim Griffin (Hersey, Sr., MF), Austin Grzebieniak (Barrington, Sr., MF-F), Hans Haller (Buffalo Grove, Jr., D), Hector Herrera (Leyden, Sr., D), Will Lefevre (Fremd, Sr., GK), Sean Lonigro (St. Viator, So, D), Miles McDonnell (St. Viator, Jr., MF), Matt Moglia (Conant, Sr., MF-D), Liam Obernesser (Palatine, Jr., D), Alfredo Recendez (Leyden, Jr., GK), Javier Romero (St. Viator, Sr., D), Adam Schultz (Hoffman Estates, Sr., D), David Zarate (Rolling Meadows, Sr., MF).
Honoroable mention Alex Alfaro (Buffalo Grove, So., MF), Conor Geraghty (Schaumburg, Sr., D), Victor Gomez (Wheeling, Sr., D), Mike Kotlyar (Buffalo Grove, Sr., D-MF), Allen Mancilla (Wheeling, Jr., D), Hans Pallan (Barrington, Jr., F), Anthony Pineda (St. Viator, Jr., MF-F) Nick Pisani (Maine West, Sr., GK), Jesus Rivera (Maine West, Sr., D), Angeal Sarti (Hoffman Estates, Sr., F-MF), Jonathan Sanchez (Wheeling, So., MF), Danny Silva (Maine West, Sr., MF), Adam Szymaszek (Hersey, So, GK), Dominick Taldone (Prospect, Sr., MF), Fabian Tovar (Palatine, Sr., F), Misael Vargas (Schaumburg, Sr., MF), Alex Whiteman (Prospect, Sr., F)
Selections and profiles by Mike Garofola