Boys soccer: Scouting the Fox Valley
Bartlett HawksCoach: Vince DiNuzzo, 1st year
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2014 Record: 6-14
Top returning athletes: Jake Hasenstein (Sr., GK), A.J. Santori, Jr. (Sr., M/F), TJ Ivkovich (Sr., F), Igor Zwada (Sr., D/M), Oliver Saile (Sr., M), Joshua Merkel (Sr., D), Tim Riordan (Sr., D/M).
Top newcomers: Alexis Contreras (Sr., M), Rudy Reyes (Fr., D/M).
Season Outlook: 2008 Bartlett grad Vince DiNuzzo, who played 4 years for the Hawks earning all-area and all-UEC honors as a goalie, replaces Ben Beary as coach. DiNuzzo, who played at Western Illinois for one season and two at Elgin Community College, coached club soccer for the past 6 years while coaching the Bartlett freshmen in 2012 and the girls' freshman team this past spring. Now overseeing the entire program, he wants to make Bartlett history. "When I was in school we were Daily Herald Top 10, and now they do the seeding early on and you have to play a tough opponent, you get knocked out," DiNuzzo said. "A sectional championship would be making Bartlett High School history. That's our key, that's our goal." Others include the UEC crossover championship and a 1.33 goals allowed average. That latter couples with DiNuzzo's defensive philosophy, and the returning Hasenstein, who spotted the Hawks 4 solo shutouts. "The boys respect Jake and if Jake's keyed in every game, it's hard to beat him," DiNuzzo said. "So the boys feel comfortable with him back there and that's the biggest thing for defenders and midfielders is having that comfort in the back and he provides that for the boys." Merkel will lead the back line, but DiNuzzo is trying to adjust to the team's attacking strengths and that starts with Salle in the middle, and will trickle down to Contreas and Reyes, a freshman. "He's exciting, very fun to watch, plays fast," DiNuzzo said of Reyes. "On the ball he makes pretty good decisions and he's a creative player. Alexis played for JV, took a ton of weight off. He looks unbelievable." The belief is that Bartlett can score, and TJ Ivkovich and Tim Riordan (3 goals, 7 assists) should be in the scoring department a lot to go with Santori, a track and all-UEC standout. "My philospsohy is getting 10 men behind the ball as quickly as possible. And the boys are starting to get familiar with that," DiNuzzo said.
Burlington Central RocketsCoach: Mike Gecan, 11th year (138-71-22)
Conference: Big Northern East
2014 Record: 15-6-2, 12-2
Top returning athletes: AJ Gouriotis (Sr., D), Ryan Fitzgerald (Sr., GK), Cole Tecza (Sr., MF), Jack Schramme (So., F).
Top newcomers: Neil Blankenburg (Jr., D/M), Tyler Chaney (So., D/M), Enrique Garcia (Fr., M/F).
Season Outlook: An early exit in last year's postseason didn't really help things out on Rocket Hill, but Gecan was fortunate enough to sit in on training sessions at NIU this summer to see how they run the men's soccer program in DeKalb to further help the Rockets. "It's interesting how they do things and I learned a lot, I'm using a lot of those techniques in my coaching style," Gecan said. "I was privileged enough to have (head coach) Eric Luzzi let me come in and their assistant coaches Rob Spain and Garrett Biller and all their guys - their coaching staff was super welcoming and opened the door completely to me gave me tons of ideas." With the extra firepower, the Rockets will look for it to boost the talent coming back. It all starts with Gouriotis on defense, a strong sweeper who helped attain 9 shutouts last season. "AJ is our leader on the field, he's the rock for us at center-back. He's the commander in-chief. He's everything for us right now," Gecan said. "AJ's the type of player that makes other people better, he makes it easier to play defense. He even helps with the offense too." Danny Hall at left back will aid on the back line and protecting the pipes once again is Fitzgerald, a 6-6, 215-pound goalie who tallied 7 solo shutouts. Central will hinge its efforts on its senior-laden roster to push the tempo, but offensively you'll have to stop Tecza (10 goals, 1 assist), not to mention the Schramme brothers, Jack and Luke, a dynamic 1-2 sophomore punch. Jack scored 22 goals and 9 assists, a top leader in the area in 2014 as a freshman. "Jack's a special player. There's no reason that kid won't have a 20-30 goal season, and he really could do more. He's that good," Gecan said. "I have Jack at high striker, Luke plays beneath and their combination play and the way they play together is phenomenal." The Schrammes are 2 of 4 sophomores on the roster and 11 juniors are the nucleus of the team, but Gecan hints to the 7 seniors to help create better team chemistry. "It's got to be that family feeling," Gecan said.
Cary-Grove TrojansCoach: Mark Olson, 10th year
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2014 Record: 16-3
Top returning athletes: Esteban Angeles (Sr., F), Michael Arenberg (Sr., F), Brett Schuerg (Sr., MF), Nate Weber (Sr., MF/D), Luis Lemus (Jr., MF).
Top newcomers: Trent Onopa (Sr., GK), Chris Klatwitter (Sr., D), Patrick Kingdon (Jr., MF), Oscar SIlis (So., D).
Season Outlook: The Trojans return a potent attack up front led by Angeles, an all-FVC and all-area selection last season. With an accurate boot and great speed, Angeles scored 11 goals and 5 assists last year. But he comes with ammo in Arenberg, Schuerg and Lemus, who will be there to sweat it out with him up front. This attack will have its moments to lead by example. "They're going to be looked to a ton to go ahead and provide leadership and say 'hey, this is how we do it,' kind of thing," said Olson, who didn't pause to mention his team's flexibility. "Everybody has the potential to contribute. When their number is called, they need to go at it and come through. There will be plenty of chances for them." Maxwell Green and Xavier Nevorsaki return with solid defensive experience and Oscar Silis, Chris Klatwitter and Tomas Kvapil look to add to that. New goalie Trent Onopa will have to take over for all-FVC goaltender Ethan Csoka but already he's showing Olson signs of an ultimate gamer. "I've been real happy with his work, he's a consummate team player," Olson said. "The biggest thing is to build upon the chemistry that was created in the summer. You have to be willing to put team first; if you're not willing to put team first then it's really hard to go ahead and be a part of our team."
CL South GatorsCoach: Brian Allen, 9th year
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2014 Record: 17-6-1 (5-0 FVC); lost 1-0 to Boylan in sectional semifinal
Top returning athletes: Keenan Grisson (Sr., D), Zach Schmidt (Sr., D), Jeff Kirshenbaum (Sr., D), Jake Canfield (Sr., D), Andrew Grabowski (Jr., F), Nikolas Getzinger (So., MF).
Top newcomers: Ben Kassel (Jr., F), Ryan Yazel (So., D/MF), Marcin Sliwinski (So., MF), Brandon Gorka (So., GK), Ryan Coughlin (Fr., MF), Nick Langdon (Fr., D/MF), Jack Wruck (Fr., MF).
Season Outlook: A crossbar stood between the Gators and a sectional final appearance last season. That team graduated 3 dynamic players: Orlando Tapia (St. Xavier), Charlie Ruff and Dalton Kause in goal, but Allen believes he has a more collective group that can fill the shoes. "We think we've got a good core of players coming in that can kind of serve the role to fill it by committee and a strong back line that's very senior-laden," the CLS coach said. "We return our leading goal-scorer in Grabowski so the pieces are there. We have to gel together our youth with our veterans and we have to go back over some of the details of the basics and make sure they're paying attention to those things and not taking anything for granted because the Valley is loaded this year." Grabowski played unselfishly and scored 16 goals and 7 assists as a sophomore, using his IQ, vision, footwork, size and accuracy to his disposal. In some ways, he'll be looked upon to be more selfish. "He's fitter than he was, he's a little stronger than he was, he's a year more experienced," Allen said. "He's just as hungry as he was a year ago if not hungrier. They key is going to be not putting the weight on his shoulders and making sure he leans on his teammates and the teammates have to step up when teams are going to give him a little more attention." The freshman core will be something to keep an eye on, but defensively the Gators posses a senior group that has great potential, and the Gators' vocal leader, all-area/FVC Canfield, returns. "We've never really had all four (senior defenders) together at the same time and I think getting all four together at the same time is going to be a little bit of work but when it gels out it could be pretty special," Allen said.
Dundee-Crown ChargersCoach: Rey Vargas, 11th year
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2014 Record: 11-8-1
Top returning athletes: Freddy Martinez (Sr., F/MF), Carlos Sanchez (Sr., D), Andrew Janikowski (Sr., MF/D), Julian Ajroja (So., F).
Top newcomers: Luiz Cruz (Jr., GK), Josh Frantz (So., D/MF), Jabari Washington (Fr., D).
Season Outlook: After two-straight disappointing postseason exits, the Chargers look to be playing their best soccer at the end of the season. "Every season there's a point where guys get tired and injuries start to happen and little things here and there affect the way you're playing," Vargas said. "I would hope by the end of the season we're getting our second wind and we're moving forward. We definitely want to advance as far as we can in the state tournament and the last two seasons it's been real disappointing. Losing to the same team two years in a row is not fun." The Chargers will look to advance with added depth to their bench, but will rely on Martinez and Ajroja to carry the slack. "We're really going to count on those two guys even if they're not scoring," Vargas said. "They're making things happen so they're players we can depend on; they're playmakers." Midfielders Janikowski and Jeremy Jarecki also fit the bill that can make things happen in the center of the field. A senior-laden defense led by Sanchez will help emphasize a team concept of defense, and Harvest Christian transfer Josh Frantz looks to bolster the experience in the back. "I expect us to work hard, be solid and to limit the opportunities that we'd give other teams," Vargas said. "It's just not the defenders defending, everybody needs to do their part on the defensive end. In the back, we expect our keeper to make big saves. And when they happen that's great. But the guys in front of him, they have to do their job, too. And I think Carlos has the most experience out of all them and I expect him to step up to the plate and guide those other guys to that same level." New goalie Luis Cruz will replace the departed Jose Gonzalez in goal, and Vargas' message is simple for the sophomore who has the skills necessary to be a big time goalie: "(Don't) be perfect. Come up with a few big saves and keep us in games."
Elgin MaroonsCoach: Dave Borg, 14th year
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2014 Record: 10-9-2
Top returning athletes: Danny Geary (Sr., F), Pedro Hernandez (Sr., MF), Edgar Rodriguez (Jr., GK) Omar Gonzalez (Jr., MF), Andy Zavala (So., MF), Jose Perez (Sr., D).
Top newcomers: Jonathan Ramirez (Jr., F), Manuel Ramirez (Fr., D), Juan Aguilar (Fr., MF), Julian Garfias (Fr., D), Alex Kunicki (Fr., D).
Season Outlook: Coach Borg had a lot to build on from a 10-win season in 2014 and he's got a group of freshmen that can put the team on the map over the next few years. "The kids that are coming in just have a different work ethic," Borg said. "I've never seen kids that are more serious and focused." A freshman group surrounded by Manuel Ramirez, Garfias and Kunicki will see action along the back line with Perez, their sweeper who solidifies the defense. "He's just relaxed back there," Borg said. "Really, the whole team is like that. They're really quiet, they do their thing. I'd almost like to see them loosen up a little bit." Reinforcing the defense is Rodriguez in goal, who is as solid as you get according to the Elgin coach, but that there's a little goalie battle because Martin Jimenez Estrada, a 6-1 freshman, is showing some edge and flexibility. But their skills and speed will contribute to the forwards and midfielders, and up top Geary and Jonathan Ramirez together could be something this season. "Ramirez next to Geary … I don't believe there are two faster forwards in the conference," said Borg. "We haven't had a pure scorer in a while and (Jonathan Ramirez) is it for us. He's a great kid, too. Just comes to work, doesn't say a lot. Scores a couple and then has a seat. He's a real good kid." Midfield play will be controlled by Zavala, Hernandez, Lopez, Gonzalez and Manuel Ramirez, and this group isn't gun shy; they'll let it rip from anywhere. "I think we're in good shape for the next 2-3 years," Borg said. "I'm trying to keep this group humble. At Elgin, we haven't done anything in a long time. Period. We got work to do every night. I know it's a cliché but we're really going on let's just concentrate on one game, one practice."
Elgin Academy HilltoppersCoach: Kevin Talbot, 2nd year
Conference: Independent School League
2014 Record: 6-10 (1-5)
Top returning athletes: Julian Romano (Sr., F), Patrick Westerhoff (Sr., MF), Drew Wilmington (Sr., F), Elliott Wittmeyer (Jr., MF), Karl Rauschenberger (Sr., MF).
Top newcomers: David Zuzevich (Jr., MF), Simon Balisi (So., MF/D).
Season Outlook: Second-year coach Kevin Talbot will rely on experience coming back in 2015, including the team's leading goal scorer in Romano, who scored 18 goals and 5 assists. "Our top seven leading point-getters are returning," Talbot said. Along with Romano will be Wilmington with his 11 goals and 9 assists, while the midfield will feature Westerhoff (4 goals, 11 assists), Wittmeyer (6 goals, 1 assist) and Rauschenberg's 8 goals and 11 assists. The Hilltoppers should be strong up front, especially with experience. "Our strength will be that we have a large amount of upper classmen," Talbot said. "We will start 10 seniors and juniors, so experience is our strength." After that, according to Talbot, the club lacks depth and will need players to step up in positions that don't have experience.
Hampshire Whip-PursCoach: John Gosling, 8th year
Conference: Fos Valley Fox
2014 Record: 8-14-2, 3-3
Top returning athletes: Michael Boutin (Sr., D), Jose Cruz (Jr., MF), Brendan Lucenter (Jr., D), Chip Piazza (Jr. D), Nico Barrientos (Jr., F).
Top newcomers: Brenden Frenette (So., D), Alex Walker (Sr., MF).
Season Outlook: Hampshire was expected to be one-and-done the last postseason but won a regional play-in and then did the unthinkable by ousting top-seed and archival Burlington Central in the semifinal. That win set the tone for this season. "All summer and preseason have been on a high, they've worked their (tails) off, I haven't had any issues of slacking off, the kids are hungry," Gosling said. In recent years, the Whip-Purs have depended on all-area selection Jose Hernandez (9 goals, 5 assists), who's now playing at Dubuque. The Whips will change things around. "Last year we played a 5-3-2, and we were just direct," Gosling said. "We've changed things up, we're in flat-back 4 and 4-5-1 and within that it kind of evolved into a 4-4-3." It starts with Boutin and Frenette, the latter who Gosling says is one of his fittest players. Boutin will move from midfield to sweeper, but the tandem read each other very well and so far Gosling has seen solid results in the early going. They're going to have to play bigger and better against the bigger schools but they won't shy away from physical play. "I'm going to play guys and I'm going to give them opportunities," Gosling said. "I don't think there will be too much of a drop off in how we play, which is always great. Whether we can play like that among the bigger schools, who knows? I think skill-wise we're deeper than we've been in the past."
Harvest Christian LionsCoach: Nate Baron, 1st year
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
2014 Record: 12-4-3
Top returning athletes: Basilio Salazar (Sr., MF), Joe Hackl (Sr., D), Rafa DeSouza (Jr., F), Cesar Velasquez (Jr., MF), Antonio Navarez (Jr., MF), Aaron Ptak (Jr., MF), Zach Floyd (So., D).
Top newcomers: Dane Crouse (Fr., MF), Matthew Baron (Fr., GK), Andrew Beverly (Fr., D), Jacob Thiessen (Fr., D).
Season Outlook: Nate Baron takes over the program for Jason Acres, who was promoted within the Harvest Christian congregation. But Baron inherited a special squad that won its first regional and lost in sectionals to Hinckley-Big Rock. The Lions couldn't retain Austin White and his 16 goals/5 assists from last season, but a dynamic forward in DeSouza returns. This forward last year scored 14 goals and 3 assists en route to his first all-area selection. Velazquez (9 goals, 5 assists) and Navarez (3 goals, 7 assists) are major parts in the midfield who can create and get the attack going. But Baron says the team enters the season with a renewed sense of urgency, determination and team unity, forged in hard work and excruciating workouts. "Our focus this year is simply to develop toward being better in each practice and do our absolute best in each game," Baron said. "Our goal is to consistently play with effort, integrity, awareness, physicality with sportsmanship, and skilled creativity." One game at a time is the central message, and Baron will have to incorporate 10 freshmen with of a mix of 10 juniors and seniors who must be able to come together.
Huntley Red RaidersCoach: Kris Grabner, 12th year (96-110-12)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2014 Record: 10-13-3 (0-5), lost to Streamwood 1-0 in sectional semifinal
Top returning athletes: Michael Zembrzuski (Sr., MF), Kyle Carberry (Sr., D), Alessandro Vergara (Sr., F).
Top newcomers: Jason Zobott (Sr., D).
Season Outlook: Without a win in the FVC last year, Huntley rattled off an impressive postseason run that included a regional title and a hard-fought defeat to Streamwood in sectionals. The Red Raiders struggled to score early in the season, but saved their best for last. "It's weird, we just started out so bad last year," Grabner said. "We really weren't a bad team. We were making a lot of mistakes. We had a ton of injuries last year. But at the end of last year we just started playing the way we knew we could play." And if that carries into the beginning of this season, teams will recognize the names. Zembrzuski, a technically-skilled, all-area selection with 5 goals and 8 assists out of the midfield, headlines a group of 11 seniors, and the Vergara twins (Alessandro and Mario Carlo) in the midfield and up top can make the ball explode off their foot according to Grabner. The hope is that with senior Travis Walsh and junior Allan Josue Barrientos, both forwards, the Red Raiders may not have trouble scoring like last year. "We still need to get better at scoring," Grabner said. "That's something we've put a ton of time into now, I think when we start scoring goals, people are going to take notice if they haven't already." Anywhere from 12 to 14 players can score Grabner believes, and defensively although Angel Sanchez and Manuel Menjivar were solid on the back line but lost to graduation, the returning Zobott, after a junior-year absence, along with Carberry and Alex Ligeza, the defense shouldn't falter. "Carberry is a strong kid, Zack Whitaker is a big strong kid. Both of them are pretty technical," Grabner said. "I think we're going to be strong defensively and both goalies (Andrew Fulcer and Michael Parks) are strong, so that helps."
Jacobs Golden Eagles Coach: Anthony Cappello, 5th season (49-58-2)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2014 Record: 5-15-1 (2-3)
Top returning athletes: Chris Rigby (Sr., D), Jacob Moser (Jr., D), Noah Melick (So., F)
Top newcomers: Dan Buirge (So., M), Patrick Murphy (So., M).
Season Outlook: The Golden Eagles came on strong at the end of 2014, giving CL South all it could handle in the regional final. But if there's any team with dissatisfaction about how last season went down, it's Jacobs, which felt it could have fared much better. "The boys were very frustrated with their results last year," Cappello said. "We lost 10 of those 15 games by 1 goal. They're working hard this year and they want to prove that last year shouldn't have happened, they should have been a better team than they were last year." Summer training has paid dividends for Cappello's group, and 22 players return. Depth will be an advantage in all phases, but Noah Melick, a freshman last year who scored 8 goals and 4 assists, will be someone who takes charge offensively with his pace. "He's the one guy when things maybe aren't looking right he can find a seam and he can get into the box. He's definitely someone who has the ability to make something happen when there's not anything going on. He's definitely a good spark for us." Buirge and Murphy are also sophomores who will aid Melick in the attack, and already Buirge has shown he can play the Eagles out of some situations while Murphy's ability is his speed and staying composed on the ball. "Patrick does his job back there, and lets us attack because he's so calm and composed back there," Cappello said. "He really makes the best of the back line that much better." Rigby, an experienced defender with a strong boot, scored 5 goals and 2 assists last season and will add some offensive dynamic from the back line as well. "He kind of makes forwards defend when they don't want to defend, so he can take some players out of the attacking sense," Cappello added. If all phases gell this season, it can be one of the more competitive Jacobs squads that could challenge for the program's first FVC title since 2002. "I think the boys would definitely be pretty disappointed if they don't end up with a better spot than they did at the end of last season. They really want to make a run at conference and they really put a priority on that which is kind of cool," said Cappello.
Larkin RoyalsCoach: Ken Hall, 15th year
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2014 Record: 8-11-5
Top returning athletes: Diego Ramirez (Sr., M), Ricky Nava (Sr., F), Abel Saenz (Sr., M), Chris Plantz (Jr., MF/D).
Top newcomers: Eleno Montes (Sr., GK), Sam Renteria, Jr. (Sr., F), Pierre Black (Fr., D).
Season Outlook: The Royals' 2-year reign as regional champion ended last year, and in the process Larkin also lost a 4-year varsity standout in Hector Mendoza. But Larkin is filled with speed and depth, which should help balance things out in 2015. "We have a lot of guys who are of equal talent and when we sub we really don't go down in quality," Hall said. "I think we're a very deep, deep team. I think we have a lot of guys can score goals but not that one guy who score a lot of goals." In that mix will be Ramirez, Nava and Saenz, who are all experienced up front. Larkin poses a combo of 9 freshmen and sophomores and the key on defense is the youth, where Hall has already made adjustments. "We have a lot of young guys back there," Hall said. "We decided to move Chris Plantz back to central D and I think he's going to bring a little more stability back there. We'll have the younger guys on his right and left and having his leadership and his soccer IQ out there with them will help solidify us in the back." Montes, a transfer from Elgin, brings a solid frame of 6-foot-4, 240 pounds to be a protector and intimidator in goal. But Hall's central message is simple with this group and it begins with "a consistent effort and playing hard every single game," Hall said. "I think any team that does that you have a chance in any game."
St. Edward Green WaveCoach: Tim Brieger, 21st year
Conference: Metro Suburban West
2014 Record: 11-9 (2-3)
Top returning athletes: Alex Semler (Sr., M), Jacob Tywara (Sr., M), Isaac Nordan (Jr., D), Alex Uscila (Jr., M), Sebastian Mozdzen (Jr., D), AJ Franklin (So., F), Will Gaston (So., M).
Top newcomers: Peter Cholewa (Fr., GK), Carson Scarnegie (Fr., M), Jacob Shepherd (Fr., M), Michael Lopez (Fr., D), Uriel Carachure (Fr., F), Carlos Ibarra (Fr., M), Zach Olenek (Fr., F), Christopher Semler (Fr., D), Emilio Martinez (Fr., D).
Season Outlook: For the first time since 1997, the Green Wave will feature a JV schedule. It goes to show you how far St. Edward soccer has come, and with 28 players (5 upperclassmen), Brieger has young depth he can develop for years to come. Three freshmen will start, and as many as five could follow, but according to the dean of coaches in the Fox Valley, they're ready to go and the upperclassmen welcome it. "It's really created an atmosphere with the team with great training sessions," Brieger said. "In fact, it's not like we're throwing the older kids under the bus, they're like, 'this is great.' Joe French had to shoulder so much last year." French, an all-area selection last year, led the area with 27 goals, but those goals this season will not go all to one guy, but to an array of Wave forwards, none bigger than Franklin and Gaston, who started as freshmen last year "AJ and (Gaston) have just elevated their game, and (Semler) and (Uscila) in the middle are just playing outstanding," Brieger said. "All summer long they went to camps, open gyms and training. We really never had to choose starters. This is the first time since '97 we had two teams that we had to choose starters." Defensively, the Wave will run four flat, as juniors Nordan and Mozdzen will man the middle while Chris Semler and Martinez understand the system Brieger's taught on the wings since they were 8 years old. They are among the freshmen starters who will have to understand the physicality of the varsity level, to which Brieger said, "let's just throw them out there and let them (get acclimated) and get tougher. And (so far) they've responded," Brieger said. "This is the beginning of something special on Elm Street. The key this season will be how quickly the team meshes together."
South Elgin StormCoach: Collin Hayes, 1st year
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2014 Record: 7-7-2
Top returning athletes: Isaac Perez (Sr., F), Zachary Matustik (Sr., D)
Top newcomers: Derek Baker (Jr., F), Diego Fuentes (Jr., D), Jimmy Kelleher (Jr., M), Alex Kirkby (So., D).
Season Outlook: 2006 Bartlett graduate Collin Hayes takes over the helm at South Elgin, where he's been a varsity assistant the last 3 years. The one time assistant at Freeport who played 4 years at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, likes a free-flowing, possession-laden style and to his luck, he has the skilled players to fulfill that liking. "We really want to have a team that prides themselves on being defensively sound across all 11 players. We defend as a team," Hayes said. "And we build from there, where we win possession of the ball, look to go east-west up the field until we can get some small, quick touches around the box. We're not looking to play the dump-and-chase game." Defensively, 3 sophomores are across the back line including Fuentes, Kirkby, and Matustik, the Storm's vocal leader, and they must continue their cohesion and discover how quick and physical the varsity game is. If they keep their end of the bargain, the midfield of Uly Flores, Javier Lujan, Chris Stanczyk and Jimmy Kelleher will help everything open up for Perez, a creator in the box and Baker, who is a speedster. "Derek and Isaac are our guys who are looking to get a lot of goals this season," Hayes said. Another luxury for the Storm is its flexibility in net, as talented sophomores Brian Dykstra and Fernando Rivera have quite the keeper competition going, according to Hayes.
Streamwood SabresCoach: Matt Polovin, 16th year
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2014 Record: 17-7-2 (2-3-1), fourth place at Class 3A state finals
Top returning athletes: Edwin Rueda (Sr., M), Donnie Sosa (Sr., F), Erie Ortiz (Sr., D), Aaron Villegas (Sr., D), Ivan Gonzalez (Jr., D), Alex Perez (Jr., M), Aldo Lazaro (So., M), Alex Herrera (So., F), Rafa Gil (So., D), Jair Zuniga (So., D).
Top newcomers: Armondo Sanchez (Sr., M), Brian Benitez (Sr., F), Luis Segura (Sr., F), Edgar Escobar (Sr., D), Joaquin Cabello (Jr., F), Daniel Dominguez (So., GK), Jesus Resendiz (So., D), Kristian Niemiec (So., M), Carlos Gonzalez (So., F), Bryan Mora (Fr., M), Jorge Bracamontes (Fr., F), Martin Munoz (Sr., D), Alex Chavez (Fr., M).
Season Outlook: No team in the Fox Valley last season was as compelling as the Sabres, who had a dream season end at the state finals in Hoffman Estates with a fourth-place trophy. All-area captain and all-state forward Alan Camarena (23 goals, 12 assists), all-state defenders Mike Delaney and Christian Balbino, as well as goalkeeper Sergio Blanco have graduated, but as he always does, Polovin reloads every season with fresh talent, headlined by Rueda manning the midfield. But the state fever remains high. "They know what they want - which is such a great feeling at Streamwood," Polovin said. "They want to go back to state. I don't think they'll be satisfied with anything but getting back to state and obviously winning the championship this year." Summer fitness programs were stepped up and Rueda has taken this season to heart. A 3-year starter and all-area selection had 8 assists last year, and shows great touch, knows how to distribute and has good speed on the ball. Along with Sosa (9 goals, 2 assists) up front who was Mr. Clutch in the playoffs, that tandem will look to lead the Sabres back to state. Except for Gil's 5 goals, many returning players had no more than 1-2 goals, but their scoring load will open up with Camarena's absence and it could come from anybody according to Polovin, including Lazaro, who came up injured in sectional, and Herrera. Speed and midfield play will be key for this group. "I'm in a very different situation probably than other teams around here," Polovin said. "(We're) very young but they're listening already, learning, working hard. And then you have those leaders like Edwin and Donnie, Villegas, even Rafa," Polovin said. The loss of Balbino and Delaney will be offset by 8 guys who can step in at a high level, led by Villegas, Ortiz, Gil and Zuniga, who moves from the midfield. New in goal is Dominguez, but already he's shown good footwork and mobility. All in all, it's a good blend for the Sabres, and it's not just the vets who want to go back, the rookies want it, too. "They want to feel that experience as well," Polovin said of his underclassmen. "They're walking around the hallway where the trophy case is and they see the trophy with all the names on it and they want to have a chance to do the same thing."
Westminster Christian WarriorsCoach: Erik Schwartz, 5th year
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
2014 Record: 10-9-1
Top returning athletes: Nick Kleczynski (Jr., D), Ben Versluys (Jr., MF), Will DeHaan (So., MF), Zach Zeiman (So., MF), Lee Grasemann (So., MF).
Top newcomers: Caleb Thomas (Jr., D), Logan Harbaugh (Jr., GK), JT Stoll (So., D), Will Kmeciak (Fr., F),
Season Outlook: The Warriors graduated one of their better classes from last year so the youth movement will be a presence at Westminster, which has just 1 senior, 5 juniors, 3 freshmen and 9 sophomores. "They're young, there's some talent there," Schwartz said. "They have the potential to be great if they come together and play together. It all depends if we defend well as a team. We're going to roll with the punches." Westminster will hinge on the leadership of captain sweeper Nick Kleczynski, a good athlete, and hope there's good presence in the upfront based on a 3-3-1 or a 4-6-1. "We shouldn't lose any midfield battles based on that, that's for sure," Schwartz said. "I think they'll be able to score more than defending, which they're going to have an issue with. And really just being physical." To find a strength or weakness is still to be determined with this group since the team is relatively new after graduating Robbie Kleczynski, Sam Carani and Noah Gannon. "We have so much turnover, we're just looking to see how they'll play together," Schwartz said.