Scarnato opts for high school experience at LZ

Over the years, kids, parents and coaches have had to deal with club soccer bouncing around and into the high school season.

Taao Scarnato, an all-state goalkeeper last year from Lake Zurich, is one player who had to make a pivotal decision this summer

Like many other high school soccer players, Scarnato had to decide whether playing high school ball this fall was the right choice for him.

Some players also have the option of playing in developmental soccer programs.

Scarnato, a senior, decided to play for Lake Zurich.

"Actually, I wasn't planning on coming back until one of the last weeks of club season," Scarnato said. "We actually have six kids coming back from the Soccers program and seven from the academy program.

"We all came together and said, 'Let's go back and play high school.' It was a group decision. What we want to do is to prove to our club that we're working hard this season."

Scarnato has been on the Bears' varsity the last three years. He put up great numbers a year ago, posting a 0.39 goals against average with 15 shutouts.

"I definitely came back because I love this program at Lake Zurich," Scarnato said. "Our defense has been the top of the line and I wanted to come back and contribute."

Club and developmental soccer certainly has its supporters. They help players become better by understanding the game better.

Scarnato appreciates the experience of playing high school ball and representing his school.

"I love playing with all my friends," he said. "I have a closer connection when I'm playing, but the level of play is different and the style of play is different. I really enjoy playing both (high school and club).

"I was looking for my future and club would be a head start for next season. As it came down to it, I wanted to play here."

Lake Zurich has had quality teams in the past. The Bears have reached state and won numerous conference, regional and sectional titles along the way.

"We've always had good teams," Scarnato said. "We've got a little bit more experience (this season). We're aiming for state."

Lake Zurich coach Mike Schmitz is one of many coaches who deals each year with players trying to decide whether to play club or high school soccer. He understands the tough spot they're in and was supportive of Scarnato.

"He's looking to do what is best," Schmitz said. "The ideal thing would to have club and high school complement each other."

"(Scarnato) sees the benefit of both. He sees the opportunity to play a competitive schedule and season. There really is no issue with it. He's a team leader."

New Class system: Starting this fall, the Illinois High School Association is shifting from two classes to three in boys soccer. Which means there will be more competition early on in the regional going through the sectional and reaching state.

Classification for Class 2A will be schools with enrollments from 754 to 1,651, while in Class 3A it will 1,652 and higher. There will be a number of schools in the Lake County area getting the opportunity to move into 2A. The smaller schools (753 and under) will be 1A.

It will open the door for the smaller schools to go farther in the state tournament.

"There's a lot of enthusiasm about it," said Wauconda coach Terry Stevig, whose team will be in Class 2A. "We're not the biggest school, but we should be right in the middle. Most of the teams will be on an equal playing field. It should be more exciting at the end of the year."