Scouting: Fox Valley area boys soccer teams
Bartlett
Coach: Stephen Buchs (3rd season)
2007 record: 10-12-1, 6-4 Upstate Eight
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Garrett Dini (forward), Mike Kochenski (defender/midfield), Joey Horgan (midfield); junior: Joe McCullough (midfield); sophomore: Alex Ortiz (forward)
Top newcomers: Senior: Robert Reck (forward); junior: Ryan Groeli (defender)
Outlook: According to third-year coach Stephen Buchs, the future of Bartlett soccer is changing. That change starts here and now. Despite losing a handful of key guys to graduation, Buchs expects talent, new and old to quickly fill the gaps. "This group can play well together," said Buchs. "I'd like to see them come together this season and get some playoff success." Playing a tough schedule should only help the Hawks toward postseason accomplishments. As members of the Upstate Eight Conference, tricky opponents always include Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie Valley, St. Charles North and St. Charles East. "Across the board, the Upstate Eight is harsh," said Buchs. "If we can start spreading the field, we'll be successful. Our goal is to stay competitive as we transition."
Burlington Central
Coach: Michael Gecan (4th season)
2007 record: 11-8-2, 5-2-1 Big Northern East
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Kyle DeRaedt (goalkeeper), Charlie Schmidlin (midfield), Logan Krup (midfield), Jordan Werrbach (midfield), Brogan Petersen (midfield), Ryan Warner (forward); juniors: Cameron Ostrowski (forward), Steven Hall (defender), Charles Fletcher (midfield), Stephen Kaynish (forward), John Klopcic (defender)
Top newcomers: Juniors: Brent Ferstl (defender), Alan Avila (forward), Alex Pieper (defender), Jimmy Reuter (forward); sophomores: Cody Neubauer (forward), Zach Jochum (defender), Paul Jerger (defender), Alex Nava (midfield), Matt Dahlberg (goalkeeper); freshman: Chris Gousios (forward/midfield)
Outlook: Running a new defense last year might have proven to be challenging, but this year everything is in place for the Rockets including 4-year varsity goalkeeper Kyle DeRaedt. This year Burlington Central will post a zone defense behind the 2007 Daily Herald all-area keeper, and 2007 Big Northern East all-conference selection. Opposite DeRaedt is power forward Ryan Warner, who will look to lead the scoring assault both mentally and physically. "I have a goalkeeper and a forward that are just phenomenal athletes," said BC coach Michael Gecan. "They will certainly be the strength of this team." Backing the two will be a bevy of talent mixed with returning starters and new threats. "We have a very young team, and this lineup could change on a daily basis," said Gecan. "Our newcomers are working very hard. Guys will compete for both starting time and time on the field." Anticipate impact play from Steven Hall and Logan Krupp and don't be surprised to see new names thrown into the jumble. "We expect to hear a lot of noise by the end of the year," Gecan said. Goals include winning the Big Northern East title and a Class 3A regional.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Mark Olson (3rd season)
2007 record: 15-6, 6-4 Fox Valley (Valley)
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Calvin Brown (forward), Phil Hansen (midfield), Taylor Clarke (midfield), Tyler Cuchna (midfield), Tim Hügel (defender), John Oberlies (defender), Nick McDonald (forward), Ben Alleva (goalkeeper); junior: Elliot Ireland (defender)
Top newcomers: Seniors: Josh Koenemann (midfield/forward), Josh Latshaw (forward), Matt Siggsworth (defender); juniors: C.J. Arenberg (midfield), Matt Latawiec (midfield), Brendan McCarthy (midfield), Will Higgins (goalkeeper)
Outlook: Coming off a 15-6 finish in 2007, Cary-Grove will be fueled by a number of returning starters which place experience in every position of the field. As is becoming tradition, the Trojans will not rely on one or two players but rather expect contributions from everyone on the field, including new faces. "We need to take care of business," said coach Mark Olson. "This is a new year with new challenges ahead. The guys are working harder, they've gotten stronger and we will use experience to our advantage." Bringing a balanced attack to the pitch, the Trojans could find themselves in the running for a Fox Valley Conference Valley Division title as the season winds down.
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Bryan Allen (2nd season)
2007 record: 13-9-1, 6-4 Fox Valley (Valley)
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Jordan Innis (forward), Zach Dalzell (goalkeeper), Kevin Novak (forward); juniors: John Gutmann (midfield)(, Carey Bienert (defender)
Top newcomers: Sophomores: Adam Gatza (defender), Jacob Stock (defender), Cole Edstrom (midfield)
Outlook: While the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division title eluded Crystal Lake South last season, returning coach Bryan Allen feels that the foundation was implemented for success in 2008. With 12 players from that roster back, including 10 starters, the Gators will proceed with full force. Two-time leading scorer Jordan Innis revisits the pitch for his senior session, and despite being a marked man, he should continue to stump defenses. "Jordan will rely heavily on his teammates, and this year we have more balance around him," Allen said. "Defensively, we are strong again. This defense will keep us in every game." All-conference (Fox Valley - Valley) and all-area selection, Zach Dalzell returns to net duties. "A couple of tough losses from last year have become motivation for us this year," said Allen. "Improving every day in every game is our primary goal."
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Rey Vargas (5th season)
2007 record: 9-9-2, 4-6 Fox Valley (Valley)
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Julio Salas (center midfield), Luis Bahana (defender), Eugen Zao (midfield), Wyatt Vucic (midfield)
Top newcomers: Seniors: Roger Brado (forward), Ricardo Carrillo (forward); juniors: Tom Hanley (defender), Casey Vickstrom (defender)
Outlook: Dundee-Crown undoubtedly suffered a big blow at the end of last year having to say goodbye to 14 graduating seniors. However, head coach Rey Vargas expects that the 2008 team can stay above water behind work ethic alone. "These guys work hard and because of that, they will be very competitive," Vargas said. "Our strength is going to be the our midfield, but we are balanced and I am looking for a lot from our forwards." Defensively, 3-year varsity starter Luis Bahana will be the anchor. "Despite what we lost, I am looking for some great things out of this group," said Vargas. "Everybody is going to have to step up to the challenges."
Elgin
Coach: Dave Borg (6th season)
2007 record: 11-10, 4-6 Upstate Eight
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Kevin Rodriguez (stopper), Joel Montes (sweeper), Pedro Rodriguez (center midfield), juniors: Jose Quevado (midfield), Charlie Camargo (outside midfield), Omar Jasso (forward), Nikel Satish (goalkeeper), Ocsiel Ravadan (goalkeeper)
Top newcomers: Sophomores: Raul Hernandez (forward), John Rodriguez (defender); freshmen: Raul Rodriguez (all-positions), Erwin Hernandez (midfield/forward), Josue Chavez (forward)
Outlook: Elgin takes the field every bit as good as last year and looking to improve on its 11-10 season. To achieve new highs, the Maroons plan to throw tradition out the window. "We're coming off the best preseason we've ever had," said sixth-year coach Dave Borg. "We are more prepared than ever, and we're using all new strategies." Enabling the Maroons to experiment is team depth. "We can fill any position off the bench," Borg said. For example, Elgin will spend the early part of the season with goalkeepers Nikel Satish and Ocsiel Ravadan sharing time in the net as both are playing extremely well according to Borg. Ahead of them, Kevin Rodriguez returns to the sweeper position for his fourth year at the varsity level. Capping off a solid core of returnees, Borg expects several freshmen to contribute quickly. "I feel that we have every component," Borg said. "We have good balance, great maturity and we won't get pushed around by anybody."
Elgin Academy
Coach: Aurelio Castillo (1st season)
2007 record: 1-16-1
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Nick Gracia (midfield/forward), Christopher Theodorou (defender); juniors: Adam Neuman (midfield), Jason Diaz de Leon (defender); sophomore: Aaron Thomas (all-positions)
Top newcomers: Sophomore: Chris Kokkelenberg (midfield)
Outlook: With a difficult 2007 season behind it, Elgin Academy will look ahead as the Hilltoppers take the field with some solid experienced players returning. Core players Nick Garcia, Adam Neuman, Jason Diaz de Leon, Christopher Theodorou and Aaron Thomas have a new resource to consult in first year coach, Aurelio Castillo. Castillo comes in with a bevy of soccer experience most recently leading the Elgin Pumas to both state and regional titles. "This group is still young, but very coachable," said athletic director Kristy Ross. "We're looking for this group to make positive strides for the entire program. They are working very hard, and they are each showing continual improvements."
Hampshire
Coach: John Gosling (1st season)
2007 record: 14-7-2, 5-3 Big Northern East
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Ryan Ponomar (sweeper), Phil Bracke (defender/center midfield), Austin Buck (forward); junior: Robert Murphy (center midfield)
Top newcomers: Juniors: Geza Kogler (forward), Kyle Bracke (midfield)
Outlook: Long-time coach of both the boys and girls soccer teams at Hampshire, Patrick O'Brien has handed the reins of the boys program over to former Glenbard West coach John Gosling. Behind new philosophy and a desire to play the game right, Gosling will look to compile a winning season. After all, he knows a thing or two about success having coached at Wheaton Warrenville South for nine years before spending two seasons heading the Hilltoppers program. A Judson graduate, Gosling played professionally for in Illinois (Rockford Raptors), Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. He steps in at a crucial time as Whip-Pur athletics flourish alongside the opening of a new and expanding high school. "We graduated 10 seniors, but we still have excellent leadership and a great work ethic here," he said. "We're looking to catch some teams off guard." Inexperience will be an obstacle for Hampshire, but new additions could catch on quick. Notables include juniors Geza Kogler and Kyle Bracke. "Geza likes to work," said Gosling. "He never stops, and he will be a big impact player." Co-captains Ryan Ponomar and Austin Buck will look to lead the revamped roster joined by veterans Phil Bracke and Robert Murphy.
Huntley
Coach: Kris Grabner (6th season)
2007 record: 10-10-1, 6-4 Fox Valley (Fox)
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Niko Carbonara (forward), Jesus Alejos (center midfield); sophomore: Kevin Montelongo (goalkeeper)
Top newcomers: Freshmen: Javier Diaz (midfield/forward), Kareem Rassas (midfield/forward)
Outlook: With leading scorer and 4-year varsity forward Niko Carbonara returning to the field for his senior crusade, Huntley will look to push through Fox Valley Conference Fox Division opponents behind a solid attack. "I really like what I'm seeing in our offense," said coach Kris Grabner. "We're moving the ball really well." Don't be surprised to see freshmen newcomers Javier Diaz and Kareem Rassas alongside Carbonara early. "Our newcomers should contribute quite a bit," Grabner said. "Jesus (Alejos) is looking phenomenal in the midfield, and Niko is stronger than ever." While Grabner expects the conference battle will be tough with very strong opponents in Prairie Ridge, Grayslake North and Grayslake Central, he hopes to see the Red Raiders in the hunt as the season closes. "I think winning a conference title is a realistic goal for us," said Grabner. "I would also like to see us strive for a regional title."
Jacobs
Coach: Jim Dzialo (8th season)
2007 record: 10-16, 1-9 Fox Valley (Valley)
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Mark Kyzska (midfield), Matt Bliznick (defender), John Ward (midfield), Sam McKee (striker)
Top newcomers: Seniors: Luis Cabral (midfield), Mike Wallace (striker)
Outlook: Rostering one of the area's top midfielders in returning senior Mark Kyzska, Jacobs will look to build off a late-season run last year which included wins over Fox Valley Conference Fox Division champs Prairie Ridge, a No. 2 ranked (Daily Herald Top 20), unbeaten St. Viator and Cary-Grove en route to a sectional semifinal. "We have some very strong players here anchored by a solid core of returnees," said coach Jim Dzialo. "Staying focused and utilizing maturity should prevail." Competing in an evenly matched conference, the Fox Valley Valley Division, Dzialo expects Crystal Lake South and Cary-Grove to be strong as well as crossover opponents Woodstock and Prairie Ridge. "We will take it one day at a time," Dzialo said. "Our game plan is to work hard and take nothing for granted."
Larkin
Coach: Ken Hall (3rd season back, 7th overall)
2007 record: 18-6-3, 7-2-1 Upstate Eight
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Fernando Alvarez (sweeper), Raul Sandoval (forward), Danny Hinterlong (center midfield), David Hernandez (outside midfield), Raziel Somarriba (goalkeeper)
Top newcomers: Senior: Michael Berequin (forward), Salvador Vargas (outside midfield/defender)
Outlook: Coming off an 18-6-3 campaign in 2007 which included a trip to the sectional championship contest, Larkin welcomes back nine starters from last year. Many of those starters have been varsity members for back-to-back trips to the sectional final as the team went in 2006 for just the second time in program history. Expectations are high and are only exceeded by desire to get to the next level. "If we play to our capability, we're going to be tough to beat," said head coach Ken Hall. "We are 15-16 deep, and having a lot of quality players will be our biggest asset." Heading that list of quality returns is all-state selection Fernando Alvarez, who will anchor the defense at sweeper. Danny Hinterlong returns to lead the midfield, while Raul Sandoval will run opponents up front. Also back is goalkeeper Raziel Somarriba. "We've got five guys who played on a state cup championship club team, and they've developed a real chemistry with one another," said Hall. "Last year, these guys came to play great soccer. This year, they came to win."
St. Edward
Coach: Tim Brieger (14th season 116-167-10)
2007 record: 3-19
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Clayton Pfeiffer (forward), Lucas Belcher (sweeper), Luke McCullagh (midfield), Miguel Martinez (midfield), John Currie (defender); juniors: David Smith (midfield), Jim Cholewa (defender), Alex Ptak (defender), Kevin Dodgen (midfield); sophomore: John Duggan (goalkeeper)
Top newcomers: Senior: Ian Koller (forward); sophomore: Alex Koller (midfield/defender); freshmen: Ryan Frank (forward/midfield), Logan Johnson (forward/midfield)
Outlook: With eight returning starters, primarily 3-year varsity starters, experience will be key for St. Edward. "Hopefully the growing pains are over for the Wave," said long-time coach Tim Brieger. "Both defense and play in the midfield will be strong with Lucas, Alex, Miguel and David Smith anchoring the middle.
Streamwood
Coach: Matt Polovin (7th season)
2007 record: 11-13-1, 4-6 Upstate Eight
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Alex Aranda (center midfield), Matt Rasinski (stopper), Alex Lopez (left wing); juniors: Alex Perez (forward), Mike Chwistek (sweeper), Roma Patino (forward)
Top newcomers: Seniors: Lenin Beltran (left midfield), Christian Perez (forward); juniors: Oscar Campos (center midfield), Edgar Leyva (goalkeeper)
Outlook: Streamwood nearly doubled its win tally between 2006 and 2007 and the Sabres will look to add to that win column more in the weeks ahead. Leading the way will be three 4-year varsity starters in Alex Aranda, Matt Rasinski and Alex Lopez. "We're stronger and deeper than ever," said coach Matt Polovin. Joining the ranks at Streamwood will be Oscar Campos, Lenin Beltran and Christian Perez who are each already contributing like seasoned veterans.
South Elgin
Coach: Mark Neville (3rd season)
2007 record: 4-14, 1-10 Upstate Eight
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Alex Walter (defender), Ernesto Caballero (forward); juniors: Bart Mazurek (forward), Ben Kantor (defender)
Top newcomers: Junior: Dan Bohlin (forward); sophomore: Ryan Pizczek (defender)
Outlook: South Elgin enters the 2008 campaign looking to raise the bar. In its second season with a varsity roster, the Storm collected a program-best four victories last year, including a single win in Upstate Eight Conference action. This season, they anticipate a higher tally in the win column. "These guys are bigger, stronger and faster than ever," said head coach Mark Neville. "We're just looking for that killer instinct." Ball control will be a strength, and finishing problems of years past might just be a distant memory this season. Talent and experience will be another driving factor pushing the Storm to the next level. "Mentally, our training is structured, but the guys can be a bit laid back," said Neville. "I would like to see intensity on game day."
Westminster Christian
Coach: Mike Richardson (1st season)
2007 record: 3-19
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Dan Graves (defender), Jake Moeller (defender), Brady Huddleston (forward); junior: Ryan Beachler (defender)
Top newcomers: Sophomore: Scott Saturik (goalkeeper); freshman: Josh Beachler (midfield)
Outlook: While long-time coach Josh Guge has elected to step down as head coach, Westminster Christian does welcome a familiar face to the helm in Mike Richardson. In addition to being an assistant to the varsity program last year, Richardson has worked with the junior high program. Preceding that, his extensive background includes being an all-state performer at Lake Park High School and one season at Illinois State University before turning pro in 1987 at the age of 19 to play with the Chicago Sting of the Major Indoor Soccer League. He also played with the Chicago Power of the NPSL from 1988-1994. In 1995, he signed on with the Milwaukee Wave of the same league and played with that club until 2000, when Milwaukee won the NPSL title. Richardson also played with the outdoor Chicago Stingers of the USL from 1995-98, and has worked extensively with one of the premier club teams in the Chicago area, Sockers FC, most recently as youth development coordinator. He currently runs a soccer school in Palatine called Soccer Enterprises. At Westminster, Richardson takes on a young roster boasting just three seniors. "How this group comes together as a team will be key," he said. "Our emphasis will be on defense first, and making the most of opportunities." In addition to veterans Dan Graves, Jake Moeller, Brady Huddleston and Ryan Beachler, Richardson hopes to see the Beachler era continue as Josh Beachler takes the pitch for his inaugural campaign.