The DuPage County boys soccer All-Area team

Jimmy Allen, Timothy Christian

The sophomore scored 36 goals to lead his team to a Class 1A championship last weekend. "He is a forward that completely changes games for our team," Trojans coach Stephen Fernandes said. "He scores goals in big games and often does so with little support. He also hunts the ball well in the box and gets scrappy goals because of his work rate and relentless effort."

Angel Barriga, Fenton

He's only midway through his high school tenure, yet this sophomore has already made a pretty big name for himself. "He is exceptionally skilled technically," Bison coach Dave Alvarez said. "Defenders have had their hands full with Angel." He proved unselfish as a team player who rarely made mistakes. "He has been one of the best players on the field in every game," Alvarez said. He had 3 goals and 7 assists.

Ryan Budicin, Naperville North

This senior may have regretted waiting until his final year to join the high school team, but he made the most of the opportunity. "He was without question the best defensive mid in the area at covering ground, reading the game and distributing out of the back." The Huskies won the DuPage Valley Conference as well as a regional title, and Budicin was a key reason.

Jonathan Burke, St. Francis

Undoubtedly as greedy of a goalkeeper that you'll find in the state, he anchored a Spartans defense that posted 15 shutouts and a GAA of 0.33 through sectional play. "Jon has consistently come up with the big save that has attributed to the success of the entire program," Spartans coach Kevin Ward said. "I always have confidence that with (him) in net the group can protect a one-goal lead in any situation."

Noah Canlas, Naperville Central

Redhawks coach Troy Adams has watched this senior grow into a great player. "Noah has been our most versatile and valuable player this year," he said. "He has played center back, defensive and attacking mid at various times during the year." Canlas has always been skillful, but this year he combined it by playing with a speed he didn't have in prior years to lead the Redhawks to regional and sectional titles.

Nathan Chalus, Glenbard North

As a three-year starter and two-year captain, he helped the Panthers win a regional title for the first time since 2004 while becoming the first all-state goalkeeper in school history. "Nathan is fearless, strong, smart and agile," Panthers coach Gregg Koeller said. "His size and athleticism allow him to absolutely control his box. He has been a rock for us back there for the past three years." Compiled a 1.00 GAA in three years with 18 varsity shutouts.

Ryan Donovan, Metea Valley

The Mustangs (10-11-1) were competitive because they didn't allow much scoring, holding opponents to a single goal or less in 13 of 22 games. "(Donovan's) amazing leadership in the back has allowed Metea to be an extremely difficult team to score on this season," Mustangs coach Joshua Robinson said. "He continually defends a team's best player, and most times comes out on top in the situation." An all-conference, all-sectional pick.

Jacob Graiber, Benet

Good luck in finding anything on the pitch that this senior midfielder couldn't do extremely well. He was recognized as an all-state selection for his prowess. "He's one of the best players in the state," Benet coach Sean Wesley said. "He could change speeds with the ball like a seasoned college player. He's dominant in the air, a force on defense and a playmaking, unselfish catalyst in the final third." He had 12 assists and 5 assists.

Daniel Jaimes, Glenbard North

How important was this junior defender to Glenbard North's success? He played every minute of every game this year. "Daniel's quiet, composed and steady leadership on and off the field is the primary reason for our success this year," Panthers coach Gregg Koeller said. "If you had to create a prototype of the perfect captain and center back, Daniel would be it." He helped the team beat rivals Naperville North and Naperville Central in the DuPage Valley Conference, as well as win a regional title.

Jacob Kapataniuk, Wheaton Academy

As a fourth-year player, Kapataniuk had 7 goals and 14 assists this season. "His leadership on the field is evident as nine new starters have come together for this fall season," Warriors coach Jeff Brooke said. "'Kapi' is technically gifted and constantly works on improving his game. He constantly sets other players up, serves his team and changes games." The Warriors were 87-17-3 during his four seasons, including last year's Class 2A title.

Uriel Martinez, Addison Trail

The undeniable leader of the Blazers' back line, this junior defender and captain helped the team to a 12-7-2 record. "He was the anchor of our defense, while also scoring two goals on set pieces," Addison Trail coach Ryan Dini said. "He has excellent speed, positioning skills and was a leader for us on and off the field." While also serving as team captain, Martinez was named all-conference and all-sectional. "He is one of the best defenders in the area without question," Dini added.

Daniel Morefield, Benet

This senior midfielder was fantastic all season, especially in East Suburban Catholic Conference play, where he led Benet in scoring with 16 goals and 7 assists overall. "He had a dream season in conference," Redwings coach Sean Wesley said. "Scoring 2 goals against Carmel at Carmel in a 3-2 win and scored 3 goals in a 3-2 win against St. Viator for a share of the conference championship. He scored the third goal in the second OT with only seconds left in the game."

Anthony Passi, Lake Park

This senior all-sectional and all-DuPage Valley Conference selection worked well in tight spaces and displayed great field vision to lead the Lancers. "He's an unselfish player who looks to combine in the final third of the field," Lake Park coach and Anthony's father, Anthony Passi said. "Anthony was my leading scorer on the team this year." Passi finished with 9 goals and 3 assists for the 11-4-4 Lancers.

Nicholas Roehl, St. Francis

The Spartans carried a 16-game winning streak into the Class 2A Peoria Notre Dame supersectional and Roehl's leadership was instrumental. During the past two seasons he has 26 goals and 15 assists. "You can always count on Nick to give his very best no matter what," St Francis coach Kevin Ward said. "His leadership, athleticism and influence with our team will surely be missed (next year)."

Rigoberto Rojas, Hinsdale Central

Rojas scored 18 goals, 10 of which were game-winners. The kid got it done all the time and often against excellent competition. "Rigo is a special player who led our team in scoring," Red Devils coach Mike Wiggins said. "It's a treat for us as coaches when you get a talent who is an incredible team player and extremely coachable." Rojas enjoyed several personal accolades, including all-state recognition.

Ty Seager, Wheaton Academy

As good of a four-year player who DuPage County has ever seen, he surpassed 100 goals earlier this season and was selected for the All-America High School game in North Carolina later this year. "Ty continues to work on his game and is one of the most humble people I have been around," Warriors coach Jeff Brooke said. "His performance this season is remarkable due to his constant performance on a team that lost nine starters. The Northwestern recruit finished with 34 goals and 16 assists this season.

Douglas Smith, Neuqua Valley

It was an up-and-down year for the Wildcats (10-9-1), but this senior was consistent all year long. "Smith's quiet leadership has been the backbone of this year's team," Wildcats coach Arnoldo Gonzalez said. "He communicates encouragement and critiques when needed. He has been willing to adjust to defense or midfield depending on the squad's needs." He was especially productive on free kicks.

Louis St. John, Hinsdale Central

This all-state selection and Dayton recruit set a school record for assists during a season with 21. "Louis figured in over one-third of our team's scoring this fall and made an impact in our midfield on both ends of the field," Red Devils coach Mike Wiggins said. "Louis brought us leadership and a competitive edge that made everyone around him better."

Chris Sullivan, Naperville North

This year's captain of the All-Area team scored 19 goals and had 12 assists for the 17-5-0 Huskies. Perhaps most impressive, though, is the timeliness of his games. He scored in overtime to help the Huskies beat Batavia in a sectional semifinal and finished with 7 game-winning goals. Finished the season with 12 goals in the team's last seven games and he'll back for his senior year next fall.

Stasiu Szudrowicz, Willowbrook

Willowbrook fell short of its first regional title, but had a successful 11-7-0 season overall. As a senior defender and all-conference and all-sectional selection, Szudrowicz kept the Warriors in most games. "He has been a tenacious defender with a unique ability to come forward in the attack," Willowbrook coach Peter Ginter said. "He has very good decision-making skills when in possession of the ball and he stands out as a defender with anticipating the opponents' passing patterns and often winning 1v1 situations."

Honorable mention

Belgoni Basunda, Jr., Glenbard East, Anthony Berardi, Sr., Wheaton Warrenville South, Keenan Corrigan, Sr., St. Francis, Ryan Dittmer, Sr., Waubonsie Valley, Gio Duenas, Sr., Glenbard North, David Gianos, Sr., St. Francis, Josh Guercio, Sr., West Chicago, Brandon Howard, Sr., Metea Valley, Danny Koeller, Jr., Glenbard North, John Kolzow, Jr., Neuqua Valley, Enrique Luna, Jr., Addison Trail, Connor Mote, Jr. Benet, Michael Passi, Sr., Lake Park, Michael Plaff, Jr., Wheaton North, Nick Rohl, Jr., Downers Grove South, Jakub Slomkowski, Sr., Fenton, Juan Torres, Sr., Glenbard East, Seamus Ward, Sr., York, Riley Wiest, Sr., Naperville North, Nate Zain, So., Naperville Central.