Boys soccer: Scouting the Fox Valley
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: Jose Barrientos (4th year, 24-32-4)
Conference: Metro Suburban
2016 record: 12-6-2
Top returning players: Oscar Rodriguez (Sr., F), Kyle Czerak (Sr., MF), Brennan Hare (Sr.,) George Yanez (Sr., MF)
Top newcomers: Daniel Seibert (Jr., GK), Jonas Cebulski (MF)
Season outlook: The Chargers, who graduated their top player and all-area standout in Brett Czerak, a strong midfielder with 11 goals an 17 assists, had their best season under coach Barrientos in 2016 but felt like they let a golden opportunity slide in regionals. After beating Hinckley-Big Rock during the regular season, ACC dropped the rematch in the semifinals so the key come October is to be assertive. "A main goal is to do well in the playoffs," Barrientos said. "We beat a lot of good teams and were upset in the regionals. We're overdue for a regional (championship)." ACC's last title came in 2013 but it feels confident it can end the drought with a solid front line and midfield, as Rodriguez, who scored 7 goals and 7 assists, could be a potential scoring threat along with midfielder Hare, who had a team-high 19 goals to go with 9 assists. But another Czerak, Kyle - who missed 13 games last season with a fractured foot - should bolster the unit now fully healthy along with Yanez, who scored 6 goals but contributed a team-high 20 assists. Coupled with Seibert, a keeper who's been impressive early on and a better stroke of luck in the health department could be huge. "We have quality players, we can score against any team, we can control the tempo, we have an excellent goalkeeper," Barrientos said. "iI we stay away from injury then I'm looking forward to a good year."
Aurora Christian
Coach: Craig Williams (2nd year, 6-11-1)
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
2016 record: 6-11-1
Top returning players: Paul DiCicco (Sr., F), Andrew Steward (Jr., GK), Andrew Hasulube (Sr., F), Clay Monteith (Sr., MF).
Season outlook: Six wins doesn't sounds like success for a first-year program but that's a huge stride for the Eagles, who also won a playoff game beating Elgin Academy in a regional quarterfinal. Only losing one athlete to graduation, the Eagles return with DiCicco up front, who earned all-conference honors with 26 goals as a junior last season. Steward earned honorable mention honors in the NAC in goal. But coach Williams sees better days ahead in year two of the program. "I believe we will be strong in all areas of the game," he said. "We have learned to play with each other and we better understand our strengths and weaknesses."
Batavia
Coach: Mark Gianfrancesco (19th year)
Conference: UEC River
2016 record: 5-12-2
Top returning players: Joe Corno (Sr., F), Brandon Knapp (Sr., F), Garcia (Sr., MF), Adler Palos (Jr., MF), Miguel Garcia (Jr., D).
Top newcomers: Jack Bradle (Sr., D), Nick Canella (Sr., MF), Joe Grendzinski (Jr., MF), Ian Wood (Jr., D), Jacob Mefford (Jr., GK).
Season outlook: The Bulldogs went from back-to-back regional championships in 2014 and 2015 to a 5-win club last season. And as Gianfrancesco alluded to, Batavia has a lot of players with varsity experience who want to flip the script from last season. "On paper we look pretty solid but we will find out if we can push through the challenging times in a match and/or season," Gianfrancesco said. "If we can overcome setbacks and adapt to our opponents we'll be very successful with the personnel we have this season." Included in that group are Corno and Knapp, who contributed on varsity going back to sophomore seasons but now are experienced seniors on the front line.
Bartlett
Coach: Victor Marquez (1st year)
Conference: UEC Valley
2016 record: 1-14-4
Season outlook: Just from his experience alone, new head coach Victor Marquez has a lot of soccer knowledge to give the Hawks, who are on their third coach in four years and coming off a 1-win season compared to their senior-laden state run in 2015. Marquez previously coached the Willowbrook girls soccer team from 2013-2016 and assisted there from 2007-2012. He also coached the boys from 2006 to 2008 and was a former club director of Cruz Azul Soccer Club out of Glen Ellyn. What's his philosophy? A solid defensive game, a quick recoup of the ball, a creative and responsible attack and finishing. "Slowly the group is beginning to grasp the idea," said Marquez, who knows it'll take the team some time. "Overall, they have the skills and from there they have to be able to defend and attack, tactically as a team and that requires time." Returning from last year's squad include seniors forwards Rudy Reyes and Oscar Soto, juniors Kevin Nava (F) and Matt Tobin (D) as well as sophomores Nico Gomez (D), Jeremy Taylor and Zac Rebac (GK). They will need poise and how to handle possession as well as speed to control the ball, as Marquez looks for a high level of skill but really a togetherness as a team. "The most important thing is the whole, the concept of the benefit of the team is more important than whatever any of them get on their own," Marquez said. "Not that an individual can't shine during a specific game. On the contrary it is welcome, obviously."
Burlington Central
Coach: Mick Galeski (2nd year, 10-6-6)
Conference: Kishwaukee River
2016 record: 10-6-6
Top returning players: Jack Schramme (Sr., F), CJ Heinz (Sr., F), Victor Rodriguez (Sr., MF).
Top newcomers: Nick Guy (Jr.).
Season outlook: Depth is abundant on Rocket Hill, as Galeski, who introduced a rigorous fitness program in his first season, looks to try something new despite losing nearly his whole back line from last year. "We are looking to test teams more on the attacking end, which means we have to be good in transition and extremely fit - which we have the later sorted," said Galeski. "But my 15 seniors have showed great leadership." One of those seniors is Schramme, a potent scoring striker who leads the program with 63 career goals. He put up 19 goals and 4 assists in 2016 en route to his second all-area selection. But along with him is Heinz, who's taken on a new role up front after an impressive junior year according to Galeski, and Rodriguez should be a very importance in creating a lot of space and chances for other with his mobility. But despite the early growing pains in the back, there's competition all around. "We have a lot of players and many of them will think they should be starting. I like that," Galeski said. "It keeps everything more competitive and you're required to earn every minute. If we continue to work hard every day and make the commitment to fight for one another every second of each game, we will be a hard team to beat."
Cary-Grove
Coach: Mark Olson (12th year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 record: 4-11
Top returning players: Sam Carhart (Sr., MF/F), Riley Conroy (Sr., MF), Trey Demert (Sr., D), Kyle Ives (Sr., D), Sergio Lemus (Sr., GK), Oscar Leon (Sr., MF), Mike Madrazac (Sr., D), Teddy Price (Sr., GK/F), Oscar Silis (Sr., MF/D), Isaiah Glaysher (Jr., F), Drake Robinson (Jr., D), Drew Szydlo (So., MF).
Top newcomers: Kolin Fadden (Jr., D/F), Ethan Logan (Jr., D), Mike McEvoy (Jr., MF/F), Chase Osimowicz (Jr., MF), Nick Reineking (Jr., GK), Eric Szydlo (So.), Dario Gamboa (Fr., MF).
Season outlook: Although the Trojans are two years removed from their last regional title, a 4-11 season isn't something they're used to, so they've put last year behind them in hopes of better results with more experience in their bag. "Nobody is happy with that kind of a season and the juniors decided to step up and they've done a great job now being seniors," Olson said. "The team is really together so chemistry wise, they've gelled really well. They know it's not about them, it's about the team and that's making a huge difference." From a leadership standpoint, Carhart, Silis and Demert have vocally led the charge while Conory, Leon and Ives have shown a strong work ethic and grind-it-out approach so far.
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Brian Allen (11th year, 137-85-16)
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 record: 13-9-1, lost to Elgin in regional semis
Top returning players: Nikolas Getzinger (Sr., MF/F), Ryan Yazel (Sr., D), Marcin Sliwinski (Sr., D), Brandon Gorka (Sr., GK), Ryan Coughlin (Jr., MF), Brad Grabowski (Jr., F), Jack Wruck (Jr., MF), Alex Canfield (So., F).
Top newcomers: Ryan Osterberg (Sr., D), Nick Landon (Jr., MF/D), Andrew Edge (Jr., D), Sabien Raymond (So., F), Colton Weidner (So., MF).
Season outlook: From a record standpoint, the Gators had success in 2016 but finished in the middle of the pack in the FVC and then lost at home to Elgin in regionals to cap off a season that was very Jekyll and Hyde. Graduated striker Andrew Grabowski, who scored 47 goals and 32 assists in his time at South, and Getzinger (38 total goals, 12 assists), a 2-time all-FVC, all-sectional honoree, led the way for the Gators offensively. And while there's a big drop off in scoring with Grabowski gone, South has capable forwards to go along with Getzinger ready to score but wants to get back to a balanced approach and ultimately to their regional championship ways of 2015. "The belief that they can do something that hasn't been done in a couple years will be key," Allen said. "This years team is establishing a team-first mantra and understand that we will be more dangerous when everyone is able to continue in our attack." Look for Coughlin (5 goals, 3 assists) and Canfield (6 goals, 2 assists) to help aid Getzinger, who had 12 goals last season while 3 of the 4 returning starters on defense, including all-conference selection in Yazel and goalkeeper Gorka get South back to being a grizzled defensive unit. "There's a great blend of talented technical players and hardworking warriors in this group," Allen said. "We will look to return to our stingy, hardworking defensive ways with three of our four defenders returning, including both goalkeepers. Hopefully we continue to grow the diversity in our attack each week and game by game so we are playing some of our most complete soccer during conference and playoff time."
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Rey Vargas (13th year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 record: 13-9, lost in sectional semis
Top returning players: Julian Ajroja (Sr., F), Gerardo Estrada (Sr., MF), Ivan Aviles (Jr., D), Jabari Washington (Jr., D)
Top newcomers: Damien Smiech (Jr., GK), Jack Searles (So., D), Calvin Carlos (So., MF).
Season outlook: The boys soccer program at D-C finally got the proverbial monkey off its back after years of frustration when it broke through regionals and came home with its first postseason plaque in 2016. And if losing in a game it controlled against Rockford Guilford in the sectional semifinals serves any motivation, leave it to a group that has many coming back from that postseason run that fell short by a 1-0 score. "I think this group has a lot of potential," Vargas said. "We have some experienced mixed with many newcomers that look to make an impact." One that's back that's made a major impact is Ajroja, a dynamic forward committed to Michigan State. Ajroja scored 18 goals and dished 8 assists en route to his second all-area and all-FVC selections. Estrada in the midfield while Aviles and Washington, all-conference defenders return to D-C should be players to watch this season, as well as Seamless and Carlos, two sophomores who should help keep the Chargers in the thick of the conference race. Elgin
Coach: Dave Borg (16th year)
Conference: UEC River
2016 record: 14-6, lost in regional final to Jacobs
Top returning players: Andy Zavala (Sr., D), Pablo Perez (Sr., MF), Jesus Lopez (Sr., MF), Rafi Perez (Jr. MF), Alejandro Serna (Jr., F), Alex Kunicki (Jr., D), Manny Ramirez (Jr., D), Julian Garfias (Jr., D), Ola Ajayi (So., F).
Top newcomers: Omar Lopez (Jr., F).
Season outlook: It's hard to believe that a bulk of the roster that lost to Jacobs 2 years ago in the first of two straight regional final defeats remains in tact, but the once youthful squad of 2015 isn't so young anymore. A serious soccer window has opened at Elgin as that talented freshman and sophomore group has evolved into bigger, stronger and faster players. That experience along with mental preparation and maturation will be key if the Maroons want some hardware on the third try. "We were a team of sophomores and the minute two goals were in we put our heads down and felt sorry for ourselves," said Borg. "Or the minute we got a couple of cards we tended to do a little pouting." There should be no reason to this year, even if the team lost defensive specimen Eric Whiteman, an all-area caliber player who now attends West Point. Kunicki, Ramirez, Garfias and Zavala might be an even better unit in the back with so many years under their belts and unfinished business. "We won't miss a beat without Whiteman," Borg said. "With Manny and Kunicki in the middle, we won't miss a beat." There's depth for Borg this season and there is also Omar Lopez, who returns to Elgin soccer after a one-year hiatus. Lopez looks to beat Jonathan Ramirez's 36-goals from 2015. During his freshman season, Lopez scored 6 goals in a 2-game stint. "He's not a grinder. He's smooth. He can pass, he can take it by himself, shoot within the 18. He's wants that (school) record of 36 goals," Borg said. Lopez bolsters a front line that will benefit from a midfield back with a lot of experience. Pablo Perez, Rafi Perez, Lopez and Serna all know what it takes in the center of the pitch. "I think if we don't get some IHSA hardware in the next two years I might have to take responsibility on that myself because we have that much talent. I will feel we've let down the school if we don't do something special with this group."
Geneva
Coach: Jason Bhatta (1st year)
Conference: UEC River
2016 record: 8-10-2
Top returning players: Jack Cottrell (Sr., MF), Eric Anderson (Sr., F), Jeffrey Bode (Sr., GK)
Top newcomers: Sean Geimann (Sr., M), Josh Hartsock (Sr., D).
Season outlook: Jason Bhatta slides into the head coach role for the Vikings and inherits a team full of senior experience. Of the 16 total, the team comes with depth at every position, but 3 seniors in particular - Cottrell, Anderson and Bode - are going to be relied on for Geneva to carry the Vikings back to playoff success, which has not been done since 2010. "They are vital for our season this year," Bhatta said. "These three seniors with multiple years at the varsity level can help propel us to success with their performance on the field." Cottrell, a 3-year varsity player, is an all-sectional mid who will be Geneva's playmaker in the middle and the expectation is for him to have a good tally of both goals and assists. In Anderson, the Vikings hope his speed will allows him to get to opposing back lines and create havoc. Anderson scoring is a key whereas Bode to have big success keeping opposing teams out of the net in his final season and help solidify Geneva's back line. "If we are to have success this year, we will need consistency from them," Bhatta added. "Consistent high levels of training and performances will propel us to our goals of making a run at conference as well as a deep postseason run."
Hampshire
Coach: Rick Schuster (1st year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 record: 13-7-1
Top returning players: Braeden Frenette (Sr., D), Andrew Pena (Sr., D), Jason Polletta (Sr., GK), Jack Fairwood (Jr., MF), Michael Curatti (Jr., F).
Top newcomers: Jose Marquez (Jr., F), Ryan Heileman (So., MF), Vince Gonzalez (So., MF), Sawyer Shores (So., MF), Hugo Sztuk Vel Sztukowski (So., MF), James Peters (So., MF).
Season outlook: A familiar face in the Fox Valley area is back in the IHSA circuit. Rick Schuster, who formerly coached Larkin, the Chicago Kickers and is the current president and coach of Fox Valley Bayern, takes over at Hampshire and he brings lots of soccer experience. It'll help the Whip-Purs, who won a regional last season in Class 2A but were bumped to 3A, which goes in line with their FVC schedule this season. What does a smaller school have to do in a larger class? "We have to be defensively stronger and when you play good teams you can't outscore them, you have to defend very well to stay in the game," Schuster said. "So we're working hard on defense and if they don't score we have a good chance to win. Defense comes first and from there we create our offense." And that starts with Frenette, who has received high praise from Schuster, who believes he's the best defender he's seen in league play. Fairwood, a defensive mid, also received favorable words. But gone is Jose Cruz, who led Hampshire with 11 goal and 11 assists. That production is hard to replace but Curatti has stepped up and the hope is the senior leadership and the number of sophomores can come together as a team and promote Schuster's style of play. "It's a lot of teamwork, ball movement, sharing the ball, a German style soccer, that's what I grew up on," Schuster said. "They want to get better, want to have a better year than last year … they want to have a good record, trying instilling in our underclassmen, you're playing for the seniors and you're playing every day we want to be competitive in every game we play … we see where the chips fall."
Harvest Christian
Coach: Sina Vidic (2nd year, 16-3)
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
2016 record: 16-3, lost in sectional semifinals
Top returning players: JT Frantz (Sr., MF), Zach Floyd (Sr., MF), Andrew Beverly (Jr., D), Victor Croitoru (Jr., D), Patrick D'Alessandro (Jr., MF).
Top newcomers: Jacob Thiessen (Jr., D), Hayden Butchko (So., MF).
Season outlook: Last season the Lions marched through the NAC unscathed then won a regional title for the second time in program history. They did so behind the feet of Raphael DeSouza (26 goals, 13 assists), Cesar Velasquez (17 goals, 13 assists) and Antonio Navarez (7 goals). Unfortunately for Harvest, all that firepower is gone - and scoring is now going to be an issue having to replace 50 goals. Frantz, Floyd and D'Alessandro only had 2 goals each last season. "Basically 90 percent of the goals are gone because of the seniors," Vidic said. "Our midfield and our defense - I think we'll be able to hold our own but we will have to come up with some striking." The Lions will look to D'Alessandro, Johnny Constante and Eric Oehler to emerge up front. Positives so far surrounding that group include pace and skill. But Harvest will have a good bulk of midfielders and defense back as Croitoru, Beverly and Frantz, who will be bumped to the back this year, should provide stability. "We have some roles we have to fill but luckily we have most of our defense back, most of our midfielders back, a couple new transfers, so we'll what we can do," Vidic added. "We have 7 returners who are solid but some sophomores that are going to have to step up this year and a couple freshman are going to play."
Huntley
Coach: Kris Grabner (15th year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 record: 14-6-1, lost in regional final
Top returning players: Adam Kaster (Sr., MF), Luke Loprieno (Sr., MF), Andrew Fulcer (Sr., GK).
Top newcomers: Sal Arnieri (Sr., F).
Season outlook: Two years removed from their last regional title, the Red Raiders are hungry for not only some postseason hardware but would like to be back atop the FVC as well. They will do so with the services of Loprieno and Kaster back in the midfield while Fulcer brings back stability in goal. Six sophomores will have to shine will have to make their presence felt after Huntley graduated all-area selection Aaron Ruffner and his 18 goals and 8 assists. One player to watch is Arnieri, a forward who played for Sockers FC last season.
Jacobs
Coach: Anthony Cappello (9th year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 record: 16-5-4
Top returning players: Noah Melick (Sr., F), Colin Walsh (Sr., MF), Gabe Swarthout (Sr., MF), Dan Buirge (Sr., MF), John O'Connor (So. MF).
Top newcomers: Jack Rainer (Sr., MF) and Brian Zust (Sr., D), Liam Armstrong (Fr., D).
Season outlook: While the big question mark for FVC champion Jacobs surrounds new goalkeeping and a back line, there's no question about the ability of the Golden Eagles front line, proven by last year's sectional title, a first for the program since 2000. Melick, a 2-time Daily Herald all-area captain who committed to the University of Wisconsin, scored 33 goals and 8 assists with his dynamic play. His goal production has gone up every year, from 6 to 18 to 33 and his long time friend Walsh helps make that happen. Walsh was an all-area selection with 5 goals and with 17 assists. The two can interchange positions at any time and provide the Golden Eagles with ample opportunity. "Noah's ultimate goal was to compete and give his team a chance to go downstate one day. He wrote that on his freshman goals four years ago," Cappello said. "Colin had himself a good summer and developed another level to his game in the offseason and the two of them have been playing together since they were 6 years old, they always feed off each other. " Buirge and Swarthout should also be factors in the midfield but now the seniors find themselves in leadership roles. "The core kids they're coming back as hungry as ever but that's a hard spot to be mentally," Cappello added. "Part of what we're trying to do is get the other kids involved. We have good talented players stepping up and trying to replace the 11 seniors we lost and just getting them to speed sooner or later. And then getting the core kids to own that leadership is different."
Kaneland
Coach: Scott Parillo (16th year)
Conference: Northern Illinois Big 12 East
2016 record: 9-11-2, lost to Benet in regional final
Top returning players: Hunter Smith (Sr., GK), Brian Bartholomew (Sr., F), John McCaffrey (Sr., MF), Zach Smith (So., D/MF/F), Devin Pieczynski (Sr., D).
Top newcomers: Allen Dominguez (So., MF/F), Connor Bottorff (So., MF/F), Gate Marsan (So., D).
Season outlook: After winning regionals in 2010, 2012 and 2014 and a Sweet 16 run in 2012, the Knights have gone through a bit of a drought. And for Kaneland standards, that's not something the Knights are accustomed to. "It's time to bring it back, let's do this," Parillo said. "We're a pretty competitive program. It's not good that we've gone three years without a winning a regional championship." Replacing an all-area player like Angel Escontrias up front is tough, but for a team that a third of which are sophomores, health is a main issue let alone playing at a high level and intensity with the speed they have. Tucker Jahns has been key in the early going and Bartholomew, McCaffrey and Zach Smith, who is multidimensional, can cause teams problems. "We've got some good leadership but on paper we look really good but we have to put it together on the field," Parillo said. "They're eager to learn, they're willing to learn and working hard, we just have to do it when it really counts on the field. That's why we front load our schedule and when you play a team like St. Charles North or West Aurora, you'll know what your weaknesses are."
Marmion
Coach: Jimmy Romano (1st year)
Conference: Chicago Catholic League
2016 record: 5-13-1
Top returning players: Matt Lagman (Sr., MF), Johan Muscutt (Sr., MF), Luke Salamon (Sr., F), James Serrano (Jr., F), TJ Laurich (So., MF).
Top newcomers: Aidan Reynolds (Jr., D), Jason Baker (So., GK), CJ Sowers (So., MF).
Season outlook: The Cadets are with a new regime and first-year coach Romano brings an impressive body of work. A 2006 Streamwood grad, Romano won all-area, conference and sectional honors during 3 varsity seasons under current Sabres coach Matt Polovin. Romano also played 3 years at Judson, winning a national championship his senior year. He also assisted at Streamwood from 2010-2014, the latter year placing fourth at state where he helped coach the defense. It's no surprise what his thoughts are on defense. "You can always develop a strong defense no matter wherever you're at and that's my number one priority coming in," said Romano, whose style is mix of possession, creative attacking and developing a strong back line. "I know Marmion is passionate about their sports and takes it seriously. It's my first head coaching position and I'll take what I've learned from the past and kind of start my own thing and steer a program in the right direction and start a solid foundation and get Marmion back on track." The Cadets return Lagman and Salamon, two captains that are interchangeable at center back or forward. Romano will look at those two to be leaders while hoping Serrano can give the team a lot of goals. Baker, a new varsity goaltender, has been tossed into the mix in goal and has impressed early on. Overall, Romano feels he has a good core that will mix well with his style. "I'm fortunate enough that the quality of players allows me to play the style I'd like to see them play," he said. "It's a learning process for them to see the way I want to play and we're trying to get that instilled in them and they're picking up on it. It's a very young team that's still learning."
South Elgin
Coach: Simon Brinklow (2nd year)
Conference: UEC Valley
2016 record: 9-10
Top returning players: Alex Kirkby (Sr., MF/D), Eduardo Carrillo (Sr., D/MF) Sergio Briones (Sr., D), Brian Dykstra (Sr., GK), Fernando Rivera (Sr., GK).
Top newcomers: Elijah Patrick (Fr., D), Nick Young (Fr., F).
Season outlook: The Storm learned a few lessons after a hot start in 2016, two which concerned depth and health. With a roster of 22 this season, the Storm shouldn't run out of gas toward the end of the season, utilizing a bevy of players into the mix to keep them fresh. "The most important thing is to make sure we're rotating players and keeping them in good shape because it's a long, 19-game season," Brinklow said. A strong back line returns headlined by Briones and Patrick, a freshman in the mix, while Kirkby will be used on defense and in the midfield. The idea is to quickly get the ball up to their forwards with speed but South Elgin won't have the scoring prowess of Derek Baker and Javy Lujan up top this season. Baker, a past all-area selection, provided a lot of pop but in a way, Brinklow looks at it as a positive to get players involved, as another freshman in Young looks to contribute. "We'll have no goal scorer that's going to score 10 or 15 goals but I think it's important to for all of our team members to be chipping in and scoring this season," said Brinklow. "Last year we put too much pressure on Derek and Javy and we've emphasized the importance of defenders chipping in with goals, corners, midfielders adding goals and sharing it around the seams. Hopefully we see some fruition and it be a positive thing and other players stepping up."
St. Charles East
Coach: Vince DiNuzzo (1st year at SCE, 16-15-6 overall)
Conference: UEC River
2016 record: 18-3-2, lost in sectional semis
Top returning players: Colin Coine (Sr., F), Rajin Bains (Sr., MF), Riley Arnold (Sr., D).
Top newcomers: George Maridis (Jr., F), Zachary Kennedy (Sr., GK).
Season outlook: For the first time in 9 seasons the Saints don't have a guy named Paul Jennison coaching the boys program. An instrumental success over the years Jennison, who took an assistant role for the Northwestern women's soccer team, brought regional titles to East in 2012, 2013 and 2016, while 2012 resulted in their last Sweet 16 appearance. East though, hasn't been to state since 1997. So when East reached out to DiNuzzo, not only did they get a young, respected coach to replace a well-respected coach, DiNuzzo has state experience despite coaching only 2 years at the varsity level. As an assistant, DiNuzzo was a part of Streamwood's 2014 fourth place run. In his first varsity coaching appearance at Bartlett in 2015, DiNuzzo guided the Hawks within 2 minutes of the Class 3A championship game at Hoffman. Unfortunately the Hawks lost the semifinal in overtime and came away with a fourth place trophy, but DiNuzzo knows how to get the job done and is eager to play in October. "I'm excited for the challenge, it's a program with tons of history. It's exciting and the next step," DiNuzzo said. "I want (East) to continue to be a program that challenges for state titles, that's the goal. I want to continue to do what Jennison did and he did a great job and have a lot of respect for him and everybody that's been here in the past. They've built something great here." DiNuzzo also hopes to be built well out of the back along with being well-organized - pillars he's taught previous teams. Arnold is back to captain the show in the back. DiNuzzo also noted that Kieran Patel, Bains, Maridis and Coine have all shown good things up top and in the midfield that helps their game plan. "I want a team that's organized, who's hard to break down and can go and grab the goal," DiNuzzo added. "We have some pace and some exciting play from a few of these guys. It's an exciting group."
St. Charles North
Coach: Eric Willson (14th year)
Conference: UEC River
2016 record: 15-4-3
Top returning players: Jake Persenico (Sr., F), Bernard Elegbede (Sr., F), Peter Willis (Sr., D).
Top newcomers: Logan Michels (Jr., F), Matt Beaulieu (Jr., F).
Season outlook: The North Stars ended a 5-year regional title drought last year behind the likes of Ryan Olson, Jon Acevedo and David Gorniak and look to be the favorite again in the grueling UEC River. North will go through a gauntlet of a schedule, with FVC teams Huntley and Jacobs on the docket along Conant, with a tough Barrington and PepsiCo tournaments, but there's no doubt with the firepower up top with Persenico and Elegbede and the defense of Willis in the back that the North Stars will make their presence felt at the end of the season. "This team will work very hard to be the best teammates they can be. We will do our very best to compete with some of the best competition in the area and state," Willson said. "Look to the seniors to emerge as leaders to help keep this team unified throughout the season."
St. Edward
Coach: Tim Brieger (23rd year, 187-270-20)
Conference: Metro Suburban
2016 record: 19-5, lost 1-0 to Normal U-High in supersectionals
Top returning players: AJ Franklin (Sr., F), Will Gaston (Sr., MF), Zach Olenek (Jr., MF), Uriel Carachure (Jr., F), Carson Scarnegie (Jr., D), Chase Brieger (So., MF), Evan Sajtar (So., GK), Josh Johansen (So., F)
Top newcomers: Jackson Godfrey (Fr., MF), Eric Puquirre (Fr., MF).
Season outlook: The Green Wave's boys program made some serious history by making its first Elite Eight appearance last year. While the Green Wave lost 1-0 to Class 1A champ U-High, the idea on Locust Street is that it has every intention to not just get back to the Elite Eight, but go further. There's 40 reasons why that could be achieved, and it starts with area-leader AJ Franklin, who led the area in scoring while dishing 9 assists en route to all-area, all-sectional and all-conference selections. Another 21 goals and 7 assists came from Gaston and 19 goals and 16 assists from Johansen. The dean of the coaches in the Fox Valley area knows where his bread is buttered. "We return our most potent offense ever," Brieger said. "Probably the most dynamic offense I have ever had in my 23 seasons. AJ will most likely set all the scoring records and then Josh will challenge or break many of them by the time he is done. AJ is size, strength, a cannon for a shot and crafty. Josh is speed, skill, vision and accuracy. Will is strength, energy, toughness and the best vertical I have had." The key for the Wave is to offset the losses of their entire back line, which included Isaac Jordan, Sebastian Mozdzen and Alex Uscila. Scarnegie, and Michael Lopez will assume those roles in the back while Adam Davis, Emilio Martinez, Max Lindermann and Christopher Sajtar will be asked to help out on a deep Wave roster. "The new back line is rounding into form," Brieger said. "Plus, we can be more creative in our style coming out of the back this year with so much experience. We are still making a few mistakes getting to gel, but have high hopes for this group." Evan Sajtar, who posted a 1.43 goals allowed average in 24 starts last season. "They know we lost to the eventual state champion, they know that U-High also rolled to state title," Brieger said. "The boys have worked hard all summer, we strengthened up the schedule (PepsiCo, Herscher Shootout and Marian Central) and are focused."
Streamwood
Coach: Matt Polovin (18th year)
Conference: UEC River
2016 record: 11-6-4, lost to Dundee-Crown in regional semis
Top returning players: Aldo Lazaro (Sr., F), Daniel Dominguez (Sr., GK), Gregorio Esteves (Sr., D), Rafa Gil (Sr., D/MF), Oscar Chavez (Sr., F), Tony Hodzic (Sr., MF), Chris Pelico (Sr., D), Kristian Niemiec (Sr., MF), Carlos Gonzalez (Sr., D/F), Alex Herrera (Sr., F), Bryan Mora (Jr., MF), Jesus Limon (Jr., F), Jorge Bracamontes (Jr., D), Mike Rubio (Jr., D/MF/F).
Top newcomers: Christian Lopez (Sr., F), Salvador Solis (Jr., F), Jose Ibarra (Fr., D).
Season outlook: It's no secret at Streamwood: the 5 senior holdovers who were freshmen on the Sabres' 2014 state run want to make one last appearance in Hoffman Estates. And one of those seniors coming back is Lazaro, an all-area selection, who garnered first team all-state honors and makes the Sabres' offense click as shown by 17 goals and 10 assists last season. Lazaro leads a 3-headed monster along with Gil and goalkeeper Daniel Dominguez, who just missed making the all-state team. And they've set the tone early on as far back as the summer. "They were on the team as freshmen and of course that's their tone every year and it's their last year and they want to get back to it," Polovin said. "This is their last chance. They really have their heads set on it, quote on quote, "the Promised Land," at Hoffman, so all summer they've put in the work. You can tell they gave that extra effort when they showed up for conditioning." And conditioning also leads to speed, obviously a Streamwood signature. Defenders Bracamontes and Esteves can fly down the line which only helps bolster the Sabres attack, as Gil, Chavez, Herrera and Limon can certainly put it on goal along with Lazaro. Esteves and Bracamontes are a part of a deep defensive group that includes Pelico, Ibarra, and Gonzalez that will look to compete. "We have a good core of defenders," Polovin said. "With a top goalies around behind them, they feel very confident."
Westminster Christian
Coach: Chris Hines (1st year)
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
2016 record: 11-9-1
Top returning players: Ben Versluys (Sr., D/GK), Zach Zeimen (Sr., D), Will DeHaan (Sr., MF/F), Lee Grasemann (Sr., MF/F), Will Kmeciak (Jr., F), Jacob Guge (Jr., GK).
Top newcomers: Gavin Versaw (Fr., MF).
Season outlook: After 15 years coaching travel soccer, Chris Hines, a Delaware native, takes over as coach of the Warriors. Hines, who played at Palm Beach Atlantic, retired from the Crystal Lake Force after 10 years to pursue the ministry, which ultimately led him to Elgin. "With our whole thing it's more about discipleship and sportsmanship since we're a Christian school," Hines said. "It's all about the Christian discipleship and as a new coach I've been pleased with the senior leadership and the leadership from all four captains, and very very pleased with their game play." Those senior leaders are captains Zeimen, DeHaan, Grasemann while the biggest boost is getting back captain Will Kmeciak up front, who broke his ankle just prior to the start of last season. Kmeciak was a 25-goal scorer during his freshman year in 2015. "He's going to be a huge factor for us," Hines added." One change will see Versluys, an all-conference goalie, in the field more often as Guge will take over in goal. Depth is always a factor at Westminster and injuries must be avoided in order for the Warriors to compete in the NAC. "My school only has 160 students so we're real limited in having a lot of options so we'll do the best with what we can, pray, get through it and hopefully and our goal is to win conference and go from there."
West Aurora
Coach: Joe Sustersic (17th year)
Conference: UEC Valley
2016 record: 9-7-5, lost in regional final
Top returning players: Renato Cruz (Sr., MF), Emanuel Acosta (Sr., MF), Santiago Barrios (Jr., MF).
Top newcomers: Ulises Guerrero (Sr., MF), Andy Emile (Jr., F),
Season outlook: While the Blackhawks were spoiled last year with a stout defensive group that posted at least 6 clean sheets, that prime defensive group is gone. And while West Aurora plans to still be defensive minded, there's more offense going around this year than in years past and it can come from an array of players. "I thought we were going to be a complete rebuild but all these kids are offensive minded … they know how to attack, they know how to dribble," Sustersic said. It's a diverse group with kids from all over the world, including countries like Iraq, Congo, Tanzania, Somalia, Kenya, Nepal and within Latin America. But as Sustersic noted, "it doesn't matter what (they) speak, it's how (they) play as a team." And they'll really depend on Barrios, a rare junior captain, who'll move to center back and help orchestrate the defense. "He's a captain, a junior, a born leader, who started every game last year as a sophomore and he reads the game well. Just a leader by example," Sustersic said. "And of six guys on defense last year, one came back as a non-starter so putting Santi back there, he gets the results." Cruz, Acosta and Emile should help the Blackhawks on offense while Sustersic converted a lot of midfielders into defenders and took a lot of role players who wouldn't have seen time up front and converted to defense, along with JV players from last year who's time to shine is now in front of Ivan Burciaga, a senior goalkeeper who's a year removed from club action and received high praise so far.
Elgin Academy and Larkin did not provide information for this preview.