Sabres have every reason to be optimistic

Walking the hallways of Streamwood High School as the head boy's varsity soccer coach for the past 7 years, Physical Education teacher Matt Polovin made an astonishing observation.

Upon the walls and amid the trophy cases that line the twists and turns of Streamwood's hallowed halls, there does not lie a single trophy or plaque representing the boys soccer program.

According to Polovin, the only representation of accolades for the boys program is a team photograph from the 1988 season, which pays tribute to a co-championship title in the Upstate Eight Conference. At that time, the UEC's eight members included DeKalb, Elgin, Larkin, East Aurora, West Aurora, Lake Park, St. Charles and Streamwood.

As the Sabres enter the 2008 campaign, which happens to fall on the 20-year anniversary of that photo, Polovin feels Streamwood is ready to make history.

While changes have changed the face of the Upstate Eight, including the departure of West Aurora (1997) and DeKalb (2005), the split of St. Charles (now St. Charles East and North) and the addition of Waubonsie Valley (1991), Bartlett (1998), Neuqua Valley (1998) and South Elgin (2005), changes have also transpired on the Sabre soccer field.

Welcoming back six starters from last year, including three 4-year varsity starters in co-captains Alex Aranda and Matt Rasinski as well as Alex Lopez, this could be the year of the Sabre in the UEC.

And that is hardly the only thing Streamwood has to be excited about.

Backing the trio are strong, experienced returns in juniors Alex Perez, Mike Chwistek and Roma Patino.

The Sabres also emphatically receive newcomers Oscar Campos (junior), seniors Lenis Beltran and Christian Perez and junior Edgar Leyva.

"Overall, the experience with these guys exceeds that of any Streamwood team that I have coached," noted Polovin. "It is the most complete, most talented team I've ever had on the field.

"This team has the making to be the best team to ever come out of Streamwood High School from our goalkeeper all the way down to our forwards."

In Aranda, the team has a 4-year starter in the center midfield who might not be the biggest guy out there, but who plays like a giant. Deceptive, quick and a precision passer, Aranda is playing both for his team and for the opportunity to continue his career at a Division I college.

"Aranda's nickname is speedy," said Polovin. "He has all the intangibles of a center midfielder. He is the type of player you wish you had ten more of. His philosophy is pass first, then shoot. But, he will shoot the ball if we need him to."

At stopper, senior co-captain and 4-year starter Rasinski awaits opponent's attacks. Known for his aptitude in the air, Rasinski wins balls, gets through defenders and loves to make the occasional run.

In addition, his 4 years of hard work might surprise people this year.

"After losing to Larkin in the regional final, Matt went straight to the weight room," said Polovin. "He has grown. With that, he takes the field with the attitude that he is the best one out there. It's your job to beat him. Matt has worked his butt off for four years to become what he is today."

Alex Lopez is the remaining 4-year starter who has played the forward position since his freshman year.

"Alex gets the ball, takes men on and shoots with an explosive shot," Polovin explained. "He plays the ball to his feet incredibly well, and his movement away from the ball is a huge part of his game. What he does with the ball is simply impressive."

Polovin describes Chwistek as his best overall defender. A sweeper who is always the first to 50-50 balls, he is as smooth in the air as a bird in flight and he constantly awaits the counter. Once he has possession, there isn't a doubt in Polovin's mind that he won't do what it takes to clear the ball out.

"I call him my general," said Polovin. "He's in charge of the entire defensive unit. Every guy on this team respects him, and what he says goes. Nobody doubts Mike's ability."

Beyond that is Perez who, as a junior, has already proven himself as a commodity at every position. Brought up in the middle of last season to fill a void at forward, Perez nabbed 5 goals and 3 assists in 3 games including a hat trick against South Elgin.

Later, he was tested in goal scoring an A-plus with shutouts against Waubonsie Valley, Larkin and Leyden in as many games. Already this season, the natural forward has tallied Streamwood's first goal of the year.

"The scary thing about Perez is that he played club ball in the off-season and returns even better than before," said Polovin. "He is my Mr. Everything. He will give up his entire body to score a goal, and is just a special player."

Not only does this core group of returnees enter 2008 more talented, but they also come in more prepared.

"There is just a very different feel this year," noted Polovin. "Following some tough losses last year, these guys are back with a chip on their shoulder. They are more focused, more attentive and harder working. I expect it to show."

Streamwood's co-captains expect the same.

"There is a ton of talent here, but it's more than that," said Aranda. "There is more flare and more effort. The guys know we can be great and everybody wants to be a part of that. In the past, guys were just here to be here. This team has a lot of heart. We all want to give one-hundred percent and we all want to achieve things together."

Rasinski reflects on years past when summing up his thoughts about the 2008 season.

"Throughout the years, I have seen the program changing for the better," said Rasinski. "With this team, I see more enthusiasm, more focus and more excitement which is new for us. We're not a team, we are a family. No player is better than the other. We all give the same, and that is how it should be."

That sentiment applies to players old and new.

This year's additions have quickly joined the ranks and are on board to help the Sabres toward their ultimate goal.

Leading that innovative cast is junior center midfielder Oscar Campos.

"Oscar is a prototypical center mid," said Polovin. "He is everything a coach could want. His anticipation is phenomenal, he boots the ball around quickly and precisely, and he is unbelievably smooth. Having him and Aranda together will be lethal."

There is also outside left midfielder Lenin Beltran ,who has already tallied 2 goals via the header in the opener versus Glenbard West.

So what exactly is Streamwood's ultimate goal in 2008?

For Rasinski, it all starts on the pitch.

"A good performance on the field is the most important thing," he said. "Overall, I would like to win state of course."

Polovin won't argue with that.

"These guys want to be the first guys to bring some trophies home," said Polovin. They want to win everything. I can't say I'd be happy with just a regional title, not with this team. I want it all, and I want it now. I'd be selling these guys short if I asked for less."