Scout NW suburban soccer teams
MSL EAST
Prospect
Coach: Kurt Trenkle (third year, 17-18-3).
Last year: 6-11-1 (3-8-0, 10th, MSL).
Graduation losses: Tom Kujawa (All-Area, 13 goals), Peter McBride, Jose Leguer, Joe Colmone, Tom Slusher.
Ones to watch: Seniors Spencer Kearney (D), John Horstman (MF), Eric Rusk (F), Cesar Guerrero (MF); juniors Kyle Mataloni (D), Victor LaPorte (D)
New faces: Juniors Mike Stankiewicz (MF), Sam Slusher (F), Francisco Nunez (F), Jimmy Brault (GK); freshman Patryk Ruta (F).
Lowdown: It seems like the Knights are always rebuilding with graduation losses taking their toll over the past few seasons. But credit Trenkle and his staff for sending out a strong first-11 during those times that produced several quality victories and hard-fought matches with nearly every opponent. "This is a solid group of guys with real soccer awareness that we have this season," says Trenkle. "We're looking forward to see what they do as a unit when things start for real, but we should be strong in the back with a group comfortable with the ball on their feet and in front of a good goalkeeper in Jimmy Brault."
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Peter Mikulak (fifth year, 39-77-10).
Last season: 3-18-1 (1-9-1, 12th, MSL).
Graduation losses: Chris Olson (Denison College, playing soccer), Blake Olson (Purdue), Saul Baylon.
Ones to watch: Senior Brian Perez (D), JJ McCarthy (MF), Paul Zielinski (MF); junior Jake Muszczynski (MF), Matt Banczak (D); sophomore Carter Gibson (GK).
New faces: Sophomore Kyle Krzeski (MF).
Lowdown: The past few seasons have seen the Mustangs struggle to find the back of the net, and the loss of one of the top MF in area (Chris Olson) won't make it any easier. However, the hope is that its core of MF veterans Zielinski, Perez and McCarthy will ease concerns and help establish more offensive punch. "Our returning players have shown well in camp thus far, and if they can be consistent for 80 minutes, it will allow our younger guys, who are eager to prove themselves, to step in and make positive contributions," says Mikulak. Youth will be served with plenty of sophomores up with the big club for the first time, who all appear eager to make an imprint on this level.
Wheeling
Coach: Ed Urhik (fifth year, 22-37-2).
Last year: 13-12-0 (6-5-0, 7th, MSL).
Graduation losses: Tom Lupa (GK).
Ones to watch: Seniors Leo Elizalde (MF, All-Area, MSL East player of the year), Joel DelToro (F, All-Area, 12 assists), David Aranda (D), Trevor Rubin (MF), Didher Machado (F), Abraham Soto (F); junior Ricky Garcia (MF).
New Faces: None.
Lowdown: Wildcats just missed their first Soccer Bowl appearance on the final day of the regular season, but despite falling short, Wheeling served notice it will contend seriously this fall. "The guys are proud of last season's accomplishments, and it's driven all of them to achieve even more this year," says Uhrik. Elizalde, DelToro and Rubin are the driving force in the attack and will command respect from opponents, while Aranda, a state qualifier in wrestling, provides that rare blend of athleticism and tackling prowess needed in order for the club to challenge division rival Hersey and others. Uhrik's biggest concern will be to tidy up on the defensive side of things, with an eye on cutting its goals-against average in half from last year.
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Rick Schoffstall (fourth year, 32-26-9).
Last year: 6-14-2 (2-7-1), 11th, MSL.
Graduation losses: Frank Atchison (Upper Iowa Univ.), Mike McEvoy (GK), Joey Gasso, Paul Clementi, Ryan Carroll (North Central College).
Ones to watch: Seniors Ryan Franz (D), Peter Farrow (F), Brian Urban (F), Brian Olson (MF), Byran Soderholm (MF), Dan Wichman (MF), Joe Duda (MF), Keith Ernest (D).
New faces: Seniors Jon Sesterhen (MF), Clinton Bugno (GK); juniors Nick Rajner (F), Dan White (F), Onur Hacioglu (MF), Brandon Edelman (MF), Kyle Fiordaliso (D).
Lowdown: A promising start last season quickly saw the Bison go into a tailspin they were unable to reverse. They dropped their last six matches while scoring just 5 goals. Injuries and youthful mistakes played a key role, and while the club lacks a true finisher, six returning veterans, mostly from the middle up top, should help Schoffstall's club find the back of the net with more regularity. "There's more skill in the midifeld this season, and I believe everyone is anxious to put last season behind them," says Schoffstall. All-MSL defender Franz is a first-rate backline veteran who will anchor the club's biggest strength.
Elk Grove
Coach: Joe Bush (fourth year, 18-36-8)
Last year: 6-12-1 (2-8-0, 9th, MSL)
Graduation losses: Billy Hubly (two-time All-Area, playing basketball at St. Francis College), Anthony Vasquez (all-sectional, Harper), Mike Karwoski (Harper, track), Joey Randle, Robert Pechacek, Jon Manna.
Ones to watch: Seniors J.J. Lastovich (D), Andy Larson (GK, 5 shutouts), Shawn Jaworsky (D), Garrett Greaves (D), Phil Chen (MF); juniors Leif Lundgren (MF, three-year starter, 8 goals, 6 assists), Daiki Ake (MF).
New faces: Seniors Alex Montague (MF), Jimmy Boffice (F), Matt Bizjack (GK); juniors Jon Pachar (MF), Steve Prium (MF), Anthony Rogers (D); sophomores Cesar Rodriguez (F), Christian Soto (F), Rafal Borys (D), Ben Stram (F).
Lowdown: Grens will miss the leadership and work rate from all-area Hubly and the creative ability from Vasquez, who each gave program three terrific years before moving on. The once-struggling program has grown increasingly to afford the staff the luxury of a deep roster, which Bush has used to its fullest. "We're returning all of our defensive players, including our GK (Larson), so that experience, should help keep us in matches early on while our core group of sophomores get over the learning curve of varsity soccer," said Bush. Three-year starter Lundgren might be ready to step out of the shadows of others before him as he appears ready to make a big impact as the central attacking figure.
Hersey
Coach: Darren Llewellyn (third year, 25-16-2).
Last year: 10-9-2 (5-4-2, 6th MSL), defeated Barrington to win Soccer Bowl
Graduation losses: Griffin Dwyer (7 goals), Mike Mueller (two-year starter, Illinois), Kent Busse (two-year starter).
Ones to watch: Seniors Mannes Waterman (D), Orlando Herrera (MF), Shane McGuinness (GK), Mike Madsen (MF), Ryan Fox (MF, D); juniors Alex Garadesevic (F, All-Area, 15 goals), Nick Boyle (D), John Sauer (MF), Kyle Pietro (F), Mike Ozga (MF), Tom Moody (MF, D).
New faces: Seniors Eddie Hernandez (F), Chris Naranjo (F).
Lowdown: Huskies have become a regular in the last three Soccer Bowl matches, including the thrilling PK shoot-out victory over eventual state champion Barrington, but club will be hard-pressed to duplicate 2007 due in part to emergence of Wheeling and the loss of two-thirds of the backline in Mueller and Busse. The return of Soccer Bowl GK hero McGuinness along with plenty of the core make the Huskies still capable of frustrating opponents with their disciplined style of play. "We'll be able to compete, but we're untested in some spots, which may require some time to sort things out for awhile," says Llewellyn, whose club turned the corner in the final eight matches to go 6-0-2 and secure another MSL postseason berth. Super-soph Garadesevic will command respect up top from opposing defenders.
MSL WEST
Barrington
Coach: Scott Steib (10th year, 175-36-10 at Barrington, 210-62-25 overall).
Last year: 25-2-0 (11-0-0), Class AA state champions, MSL regular-season champs.
Graduation losses: Francisco Furio (2-time All-Area, 44 career goals, Cincinnati), Brian Bernal (All-Area, Calumet College of St. Joseph, IN), Cameron Reilly (Kentucky), Ryan Nolan, Jack Valentine, Matt Beightol, Jack Deroche (GK, 5.5 shutouts).
Ones to watch: Seniors Ata Ozbay (All-Area, 13 goals), Tom Unak (GK, 8.5 shutouts, 0.50 GAA), Ryan Mangone (F, MF), Frank Ingraffia (MF, 8 assists), Tim Rudnicki (MF), Andrew Kommick (D); junior Will Farrell (D).
Lowdown: The Broncos realized their dream last November, capturing the Class AA state championship trophy when they defeated Neuqua Valley in the longest finals match played in state history. The Broncos' dressing room was filled with a blend of veterans and rookies, as well as highly skilled players to complement a 9-to-5 attitude which saw the club yield just 17 goals in 27 matches, while winning every way possible en route to the title. As with most clubs which achieve this success, graduation plays an important role in the fortunes of the season following. The club sustained heavy losses all over its first 11, but has a terrific quartet to build from with seniors Ozbay, Mangone, Ingraffia and Unak (GK) all in place. After that, Steib will count on a few other solid returning players, and several first-time varsity imports to help. "This team is so much different (than) last year in that we are younger and are not nearly as physically imposing. We have a solid nucleus (returning), and will look to some new players to grow and improve throughout the year."
Conant
Coach: Jason Franco (first year)
Last year: 13-7-0 (7-4-0, 3rd, MSL).
Graduation losses: Eric Marofske (All-Area co-captain, All-American, All-State, Loyola), Zach Reitzman (All-Area, NIU), Tim King (All-Area, NIU), Tony Varnava, Bryan Neubauer, Scott Majercik (GK), Tim Holmer, Brian Stack, Mike Marks.
Ones to watch: Seniors Tony Rizzo (D, MF), Kevin Stack (MF), Kevin Reddington (F).
New faces: Junior Kyle Reid (D)
Lowdown: Former St. Charles star and Cougars girls coach Franco takes over for coaching legend Tony Kees, who moved on to the Chicago Fire Academy after 22 brilliant seasons at the helm. The Cougars' new coach inherits a club which said goodbye to some of the most superb tecnhical and tactical players in the state and welcomes just a handful of returning starters, including potential back-line star Rizzo. "We have a deep, athletic, hard working team, which is loaded with seniors who are used to being successful," said Franco. "If this group can adjust to the level, we should be able to compete in the MSL this season."
Fremd
Coach: Steve Keller (11th year, 144-71-40).
Last year: 9-8-1 (6-4-1), 5th, MSL.
Graduation losses: Cory Degrave (All-Area), Richard Podjasek (All-Area, GK, 8.5 shutouts, DePaul), Michael Ballschmiede, Victor Canestrini, Joe Derkits, Matt Leonard (club soccer).
Ones to watch: Seniors Robert Hurwitz (F), Sam Dillon (MF), Matt Mayer (MF).
New faces: Senior Nick Stoner (GK); juniors Michael Heika (D), Eric Ciura (GK); sophomores Spencer Filosa (MF), Alex Prelipceanu (D), Lorenzo Savino (F), Jake Nedza (MF,F), Jeff Pearson (GK); freshman Brian Hindle (MF).
Lowdown: Always a side which could play with great pace for 80 minutes while combining physical and technical strength, the 2008 Vikings may find it difficult to match their usual victory total. With the loss of nearly its entire backline, including its GK (Podjasek) to the collegiate ranks, some major rebuilding will need to take place in that area to help one of three players who are vying for the starting keeper job. "We're young, lack experience, and are not particularly deep, but we have a lot of skill, and we'll try to take advantage of that," Keller said.
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Matt Sriver (fifth year, 27-46-12).
Last year: 6-10-4 (3-7-1, 8th, MSL).
Graduation losses: Brian Neu (All-Area, 4-year starter, St. Mary's (Minn.).
Ones to watch: Seniors Brian Dussard (D, 3-year starter), Sebastian Kieruzal (GK, 2-year starter), Salih Golotic (MF), Edison Arzate (F), Omar Sanchez (MF); juniors Brad Powszok (F, 6 goals), Patrick Scully (D), Mike Mertel (D); sophomore Sishuh Zerihun (F).
New faces: Freshman Leanie Roa (MF).
Lowdown: The Hawks may be on the move this fall as they return core players at each position, especially up top were the 1-2 punch of Powszok and Zerihun appear ready to provide the pace, trickery and finishing skill to help their club reach double-digit victories and perhaps more. "We were very young last year, and at times, when we were good, we were very good. When we weren't, we struggled. We are still young, but there's more experience, and the hope is the guys are ready to use what they have learned and go forward," says Sriver. Better depth in the program has finally worked its way to the big club to provide its coach more options than ever before.
Palatine
Coach: Willie Filian (18th year, 220-100-41).
Last year: 16-9-0 (9-2-0, 2nd MSL).
Graduation losses: Sean McLoraine (All-Area, UW-Whitewater, playing soccer), Haris Haskovic (All-Area, 46 career goals, Aurora College), John Castellano (Illinois), Ben Calvopina (Marquette, 7 shutouts, playing soccer), Omar Herrera (Oakton, playing soccer), Luis Vargas, Zach Compton.
Ones to watch: Seniors Glen Arnold (F), Kyle O'Meara (MF), Todd Leitgeb (D); juniors Matt Marturano (F), Josh Clark (MF), Willie Filian (MF), Dan Schweikert (D).
New faces: Juniors Tim Conklin (D), Kyle Held (GK), Jacob Velinski (MF), Jeff Burda (D), Josh Feldman (D); sophomore Kosta Risteski (F).
Lowdown: Pirates long time coach Willie Filian enters this season cautiously optimistic as a solid group of juniors who play club soccer together and a potentially strong attack-force all lend themselves what may help validate the positive feelings from the coaching staff. "There's some very good players who know how to attack, and we've got solid people in the middle and at keeper," says Filian. "However, we need to address an inexperienced backline before we get too far into the season." Three-year starter Marturano (9 goals, 6 assists) appears ready to shine up top with hard-running Arnold, while the midfield group of Clark, Filian and Leitgeb all add extra value after solid first-year success last season.
Schaumburg
Coach: Hamid Mehreioskouei (fifth year, 44-32-5).
Last year: 15-5-1 (6-3-0, 4th, MSL), lost to Rockford Boylan in Class AA supersectional match.
Graduation losses: Tim Piotrowski (All-Area, 39 career goals, Elmhurst College), Wesley Hollis (All-Area, Oakton JC), James Rion (Illinois), Jordan Sandberg (GK, 6 shutouts), Jose Reyna, Alex Christy.
Ones to watch: Seniors Josh Beard (F, All-Area co-captain, All-State), Mike Czarny (MF, D), Josh Halter (D); juniors Declan Geraghty (MF), Erhan Caglayan (MF), Josh Piramadi (MF), Jimmy McFarland (D).
New faces: Senior Steve Greishaber (D); freshmen John Franco (MF).
Lowdown: The Saxons were thisclose to joining MSL West rival Barrington in the Elite Eight had it not been for a stunning 2-1 OT loss to Rockford Boylan at the NIU supersectional last October. Despite the loss of six key figures from last year's club, the Saxons return nine back from the big club and look to continue a recent surge under former star alum Mehreioskouei. "There's always a lot of expectations placed on a team after the type of success we enjoyed last year," the coach said, "but that's all it is, and the players know that what happened was last year, and we've need to look ahead to this year." Few players in and around the state can match what Beard can bring on both sides of the ball, and his move up top instantly give the Saxons a dangerous weapon in the other end. Same thing goes for the midfield duo of Geraghty and Caglayan who will be asked to run the show out of the middle and provide much needed leadership after solid sophomore seasons.
WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Leyden
Coach: Mark Valintis (second year, 9-10-5)
Last year: 9-10-5 (4-2-1, WSG)
Graduation losses: Rafal Zalewski (All-Area, 42 career goals, Carthage College); Eddie Adame (All-Area, 14 goals), Arturo Robles (Triton JC), Jose Gonzales (Triton JC).
Ones to watch: Seniors Gerardo Franco (GK), Manuel Paz (MF); sophomores Arnoldo Reyes (MF), David Wisniewski (F).
New faces: Junior Javier Romano (D); sophomore Juan Carlos Duarte (MF).
Lowdown: The trio of Zalewski, Adame and Gonzalez will be tough to replace for Valintis, whose squad was 6-8 in matches that were decided by 1 goal last fall. "This club has a lot of individual talent, which will create chances on a regular basis all throughout the year," says Valintis. "What we really need to do as a team is to tighten things up defensively if we want to compete night in and night out."
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH
Maine West
Coach: Mike Divincenzo (eighth year, 56-52-25).
Last year: 12-6-4 (overall), regional champions
Graduation losses: Austin Newbury (All-Area, Judson College), Stewart Turner-Jackson, Emsad Zahirovic.
Ones to watch: Seniors David Puka (F, All-Area, 14 assists), Alex Esquivel (MF), Nate Andersen (GK, 1.00 GAA, 8 shutouts); juniors Angel Herrera (D), Cody Uidl (3-year starter), Carlos Trejo, Pat Pliszka, Alberto Sanchez, Nick Stanfa.
New faces: Juniors Chris Garcia, Anes Kadiric, Mike Bednarz (GK); sophomores John Contreas, Jayson LeSeth, Ryan Ybarra; freshmen Frankie Garcia, Tryge Jensen.
Lowdown: The Warriors raised a few eyebrows last season when they reeled off 5 straight victories to start the year with a win in their own tournament. They went on to capture a regional title before falling to Larkin 2-1 in the sectional. Most are back from that club, including all-area standout and career assists leader Puka, who is versatile and talented enough to initiate the attack from anywhere on the pitch. Coupled with the return of Herrera, who takes over at sweeper in front of all-CSL keeper Andersen and MF mate Esquivel, the Warriors have the makings of something special. "If things go well and we stay healthy, our focus and hunger to excel will allow this team to do some damage before it's over," says DiVincenzo.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC
St. Viator
Coach: Mike Taylor (29th year, 317-105-75), 381-165-94 (career).
Last year: 18-1-3 (6-1-1, ESCC champs)
Graduation losses: Jonathan Harris (Northwestern, two-time All-Area, all-state), Victor Mendoza (All-Area, 13 goals), Josh Concon (10 goals), Alec Simpson, Ryan Cortese (11 goals), Shane Owens, Mike King.
Ones to watch: Seniors Matt Riggio (D, All-Area, all-state), Jack Morsches (D); juniors Trevor Wheeler (MF), Alan Aboona (F, MF).
New faces: Senior Chris Madro (F); juniors Kevin Cavers (MF), Billy Hamilton (MF), Brendon King, Petar Milenkovich (F).
Lowdown: For the first time in recent history, Lions will be without an all-state caliber GK after the departure of four-year star Harris to Northwestern. Along with the loss of its top three scorers, added pressure will be put on the trio of Wheeler, Cavers and Hamilton, who will be asked to shoulder the load through a typically brutal nonconference schedule. "Those three are not physically imposing and we lack that all throughout our roster, but what they do have is terrific skill, great chemistry and might be as technically sound as any group that I've ever had in the midfield," says Taylor. The long-time coach has enjoyed watching his all-state defender Riggio and Morsches operate along the backline and knows they will be there while he searches for a desired rotation after his first 11.