Northwest suburbs Boys Soccer All-Area Team
Luis Aviles WheelingThere's very little that would intimidate this junior whose terrifying pace, and trickery on the outside made him a creative menace who could single-handedly shred opponents to pieces. "Luis is such a dynamic force in our attack. he's skilled, super quick, and dangerous with the ball, and as the season went on, the player other teams needed to focus on," said Wheeling coach Kevin Lennon. "He's a tireless, unselfish worker who always provides energy and a high work rate." The speedy left winger with a wand of a left foot earned his first all-Mid Suburban League, all-sectional and all-area honors after collecting 11 assists on the season, giving him 24 in his first two years.
Russell Beaupre FremdRare four-year veteran shined with his work rate, which along with his ability to work in tight spaces, take opponents on, and put teammates in spots where they could be dangerous, made him one of the best at this trade. "Russell is technically sound, provides great service on set pieces and deep throws, and is a tireless 80-minute player, who has developed into an excellent player," said Fremd coach Steve Keller. "He can find the player, put him in on goal and create chances with his great vision and high soccer IQ, and has the mental edge to come up big in key situations." Two goals, 11 assists this season for first-time all-area star.
Josh Bennett FremdAside from the constant energy from this three-year starter, it's his speed, quickness, change of direction, and marvelous touch with both feet that allows this Vikings forward to easily turn opponents inside-out. "Josh puts the opposition on edge with his pace and dangerous attacking skill and it's been his ability to run with the ball that has been imperative to our success," said Fremd coach Steve Keller. "He works extremely hard, is very coachable and displays the high character that every coach appreciates." First-time all-Mid-Suburban League, all-sectional, all-area star has come through with big goals in the postseason, including his 2 goals in the Vikings' sectional final victory over Warren. Has 8 goals and 7 assists in his career.
Alex Berk Buffalo GroveThis two-year player's talent went unrealized last year but not this season, according to BG coach Darren Llewellyn. "Alex was the unknown quantity to most opponents in that he wasn't flashy or loud in his actions but he posed a threat because of his speed, dribbling skills, high soccer IQ, tactical awareness and a tenacious style that helped him help others," Llewellyn said. "Alex was a consummate leader and a terrific role model." First-time all-MSL, all-sectional, all-area senior carried his club from a variety of positions all the while through his smooth passing and intelligent runs. Four goals and 10 assists this season give him 11 and 13 in his career.
Josef Cidulka BarringtonOpponents struggled to expose the Broncos all season long, thanks in part to this junior. "Jo is an elite defender because of his intelligence, ability to read the game, and use of his 6-4 frame to dominate in the air," said Barrington coach Scott Steib. "For his size he has excellent quickness and speed, which is a tremendous asset as he patrols the back line." Stylish, comfortable in possession, this two-year starter helped his club tie the program record of fewest goals allowed (14) in a season. Devastating in dead ball opportunities, first-time all-MSL, all-sectional and all-area star scored 8 goals.
Kaelan Conway FremdThis two-year starter is a gem of an outside back in the Vikings' airtight back line, yet versatile enough to play all across coach Steve Keller's back line. "Kaelan is a fierce competitor who has been asked to play outside and center-back, as well as holding-mid this year yet never comprising his defensive principles which are top-notch as the man who marks the opponent's top player," said Keller. "He plays hard, tackles well and is a leader both vocally and through his determination and hustle." Ability to defend, advance along the flank and provide quality service made him a key figure in the Vikings' success this season. First-time all-MSL, all-sectional, All-Area.
Giuliano Corazzina Maine SouthMix of fast and flash with plenty of creativity in his boots made this three-year varsity player a nightmare for defenders en route to the Hawks' captain netting 10 goals this season, giving him 24 (plus 17 assists) in a fine career under coach Dan States. "Giuliano has been the man we came to count on as our target player up top and he certainly delivered in that role," said States. "He brings energy and passion to the attack with his relentless pursuit of the ball and ability to get free around the frame. Silky smooth forward was a master of weaving his way through and into the penalty area, drawing defenders to him to open things up for others. Will play at Marian College in Wisconsin next fall where he will major in marketing. All-sectional, all-CSL, CSL Scholar.
Matt Espinoza LeydenTop-flight all around athlete who stars at three sports (soccer, basketball, baseball) was Mr. Everything for Leyden coach Mark Valintis this fall. "Matt can play wherever we need him and he willingly does it because for him it's team first. He is one of the most even-keeled young men during the game, but don't be fooled by that demeanor because he's one of the most competitive players I've ever been around," said Valintis. "He's always at his absolute best during training, warmups, summer camp, everything, and he's looked up to by his teammates." With a soccer IQ off the charts, this first-time all-conference, all-sectional, all-area Eagles captain emerged this fall to become the all-action, box-to-box player every coach wants.
John Kating FremdForever working for the cause, this two-year starter goes full tilt, and is the ultimate all-around man on the Vikings' roster who is capable of switching gears from playing across the back, playmaker or as a defensive-mid for MSL champs. "John plays with passion and grit and as our holding MF, he is asked to do the tireless work that is often overlooked," said Fremd coach Steve Keller. "He loves the competition, has a high work rate, and never backs down from a challenge." Ball winner and ability in the air is an asset on both sides of the ball. All-MSL, All-Area first-timer had 4 goals, 4 assists.
Brendan Lodl Barrington
After missing most of the 2018 campaign to an injury, this second-year player did all the little things for Broncos coach Scott Steib as the player who was the perfect screen for a defensive front that would defend high to the midline with great success. "Brendan's strengths include winning aerial duels, changing the point of attack, and playing absolute shutdown level defense," said Steib. "He is an absolute workhorse whose tireless defending was key for us conceding just 14 goals, while collecting 12 (shutouts) this season." First-time all-MSL, all-sectional, all-area this fall.
Michael Lollino Buffalo Grove
Out injured for most of 2018, this first time all-MSL, all-area center back returned to become one of the best at his position. "Michael is a player who is as tough as they come, but he's disciplined, intelligent and has the ability to read the play coming forward, and anticipate an event," said BG coach Darren Llewellyn. "He's fearless, our best defender in the air and rarely is caught out of position." Bison's quiet leader is aggressive and an expert of wrestling the ball away from the opposition, strong in 1v1 duels, but comfortable should he be asked to defend in wide areas, while also quite capable of providing quality service from the back.
Matt Marchiori St. ViatorIt's often said that having a reliable player between the sticks will keep your team in nearly every game and that's exactly what this two-time all-ESCC keeper did for coach Mike Taylor. "Matt is very unassuming, has range that I have not experienced before and his reflexes and catlike abilities have saved us many times. His hard work has been rewarded and I cannot wait to see how he progresses next year," said Taylor of the Lions' MVP and ESCC co-GK of the year. Team captain's ability to make breathtaking saves is among his best attributes as well incredible consistency, important to a young and inexperienced back line. Has 11 shutouts in two seasons, 5 this year.
Sam McGinnis Maine SouthFierce in the tackle, voracious in the air and quick across the ground, this Hawks captain returned from club soccer and became the player who made his club go with his passing game, while on the other side of the ball, tasked with winning possession and hassling opponents at the base of the Hawks midfield. "Sam is a leader, both on and off the field. He has a tremendous work ethic and is the type of energetic player who inspires those around him with his aggressive and dynamic style of play," said Maine South coach Dan States of the Hawks' MVP. List of honors include: all-CSL, all-sectional, IHSA and CSL Scholar athlete. Also runs track. Will attend Big 10 school to study engineering.
Szymon Mocarski ProspectKnights captain was not only one of the best around, but also the state, where he was a finalist for the 2019 IHSSCA All-State team. "It only takes a few minutes of watching Szymon to realize just how good he is," said Prospect coach Mike Andrews. "His intensity, quick instincts and jaw-dropping saves are first class and although he's easily the most powerful young man I've seen in my 18 years, his technique, and positioning are razor sharp as is his soccer IQ. He was named one of our captains because of the respect he enjoys on and off the field plus he's a hardworking, respectful young man." Great aerial reach, brilliant in 1v1's, and composure beyond his years in and around the box set this two-year starter apart from all others.
Brian Perez Buffalo GroveThis silky smooth junior enjoyed a breakout year after a secondary role a year ago by leading the regional champion Bison in overall scoring with 13 goals and 10 assists. "Brian is a highly skilled and athletic player who was our biggest threat because he forced every opponent to be aware of his presence and had to account for his every move on the field," said BG coach Darren Llewellyn. "He has yet to fully reach his potential in terms of using his speed, touch and dribbling savvy but if he can the best is yet to come." Versatile, dynamic and technically proficient, this first-time all-MSL, all-sectional, all-area varsity veteran already has collected an impressive 22 assists in two seasons of play.
Kevin Reynolds PalatineTradition says the Pirates always have a first-class center back and during the past two seasons Reynolds has been just that for coach Willie Filian. "The center-back, sweeper position is the backbone to our system and Kevin played it about as well as anyone could. He's an excellent organizer, terrific tackler, has deceptive foot skills, is outstanding in the air and most of all a terrific captain with a great personality whose shoes will be difficult to fill," said Filian. Two-time all-MSL, all-sectional senior who also excels at lacrosse reads the game superbly and has an underrated passing range. Is a 2019 National Business Honor Society recipient.
Jason Rivas WheelingMSL East Player of the Year is a highly rated defensive player who also became a lethal finisher when needed by his team. "Justin is a skilled player who can score, defend, and win balls in the air and was a key figure in our run to advancing into the MSL Soccer Cup," said his coach Kevin Lennon. "Early in the year, it became clear we needed him in a defensive role, yet he was still able to score multiple goals after winning the ball in the midfield, beating a defender then finding the back of the net." Although often asked to mark the opponent's best player, the Wildcats' captain still was able to show his creative talents to earn all-state honors, while bagging 16 goals to give him 26 for his career.
Jake Schoffstall FremdOne of the hallmarks of Fremd soccer under coach Steve Keller is to have a dominate, confident figure in the center of the Vikings' back line. Schoffstall is that player and for his efforts this season and laundry list of postseason honors he's claimed, the senior has been named the captain of the 2019 Daily Herald Northwest suburbs All-Area team. "It's not often a player comes around with the physical tools, mental toughness and inner will to win but that's what we're fortunate to have in Jake," said Keller. Part of a ferocious defensive unit, this three-year starter typifies the uncompromising style of a hardworking footballer of days gone by. The free kick artist has an unheard of 31 goals from his position to go along with being named MSL West POY, All-State and All-Area twice.
Jared Schoo SchaumburgThis box-to-box four-year starter is a fierce competitor who makes the Saxons tick. "Jared is a strong, well-rounded player, and a great leader who has made a commitment to our program and it's going to be very difficult to replace someone of his skill and character," said Schaumburg coach Eric Sorby of his all-MSL senior. "He's a fantastic ball winner, creates many opportunities as a target off our set pieces and he's been the backbone of our team." Terrific vision and awareness, the Saxons' captain can dominate play with his aerial superiority, and exceptional high interception and tackling percentage. Seventy career starts, 9 goals, 13 assists. Will attend the University of Illinois.
CJ Steib BarringtonThe player who made the Broncos go with his passing range, this two-year starter and first-time all-MSL, all-sectional, all-area midfielder enjoyed his best season under his coach and father Scott Steib. "CJ is a strong, skillful and intelligent footballer who always plays with high intensity and work rate, which led him to being one of our most dangerous attacking players," Scott Steib said. "He has excellent vision, can play a variety of balls that made him among the best in the area." An outside back the last three years for club and high school, Steib was deployed as a wide attacking player and would combine with Nico Arrgyros to become a constant threat in both possession and transition. Scored 7 goals and had 4 assists.
Ryan Stubistch Rolling MeadowsFirst time all-MSL, all-sectional, all-area junior remained the heartbeat of the Mustangs after spending his sophomore year as a reserve for coach Brett Olson. "Ryan really got after it during the offseason, hitting it hard in the weight room which paid dividends for him on the field. His confidence has been at such a high level, and he's become very comfortable being a leader," said Olson. The captain solidified the back line after Olson moved him in as his center back, which translated into 260-plus minutes without conceding a goal. Aerial prowess, warrior mentality and ability to recover and react ensures he'll be one of the best at his craft in 2020.
Ronan Wilcox HerseyHersey junior has the potential to be among the best at his position next fall following a brilliant season in which he emerged as one of the brightest lights in the MSL and in recent Hersey soccer memory. This CMF injected vigor, pace and style to the Huskies' attack this fall while impressing those around him including coach Mike Rusniak, who was thrilled his captain earned a well-deserved spot on the 2019 all-state team. "His technical ability, and creative skills would control the middle of the park for us, and he was an essential part for every scoring opportunity we had," Rusniak said." Of the 27 goals Hersey scored this season, 22 came through Wilcox (10 goals, 12 assists). His 27 career helpers places him second in program history.