Northwest suburban soccer preview

Buffalo Grove

Coach: Rick Schoffstall (fifth year, 40-38-10)

Last year: 8-12-1, 2-3-0

Graduation losses: Brian Olson (Marines), Brian Urban (Purdue), Ryan Franz, Peter Farrow, Byran Soderholm, Dan Wichmann, Joe Duda, Keith Ernest

Ones to watch: Seniors Kyle Fiordaliso (D, 3-year starter), Greg Betz (MF), Vincent Rich (D), Brandon Edelman (D), Matt Tanabe (D)

New faces: Sophomores Markus Fiordaliso (MF), Alex Maciopinto (F)

Lowdown: Aggressive early-season schedule (seven matches before Labor Day) will test Bison youngsters, but fortunately coaching staff has a veteran backline to count on during this 13-day stretch. "Our strength is along the back with four returning varsity players (led by Kyle Fiordaliso) and its a group we're going to count on to get us through some tough times associated with our guys in the middle learning to play together and competing each week in the MSL,'" said Schoffstall. Betz (4 goals, 5 assists) is highest scorer returning.

Elk Grove

Coach: Joe Bush (fifth year, 25-46-9)

Last year: 7-10-2, 2-3-0

Graduation losses: J.J. Lastovich (MF, all-area), Andy Larson (GK), Phil Chen, Alex Montague, Garret Greaves

Ones to watch: Seniors Leif Lundgren (MF, four-year starter), Jon Pachar (MF), Daiki Abe (D), Steven Pruim (MF), Anthony Rogers (D); juniors Cesar Rodriguez (F), Ernesto Rodriguez (F), Irving Cruz (MF), Ben Stram (MF)

New faces: Seniors Mike Monegato (GK), Kevin Moyo (F), Bjorn Struttman (D); juniors Mike Ginter (D), Matt Ginter (D), Nick Jordan (MF), Dan Cardenas (MF), Frankie Ortiz (GK); sophomore Trevor Cwiok (D); freshman Justin Gavros (MF)

Lowdown: Grens have never progressed beyond a regional final during Bush's tenure, so they have a clear target this time fueled by an energetic and talented core of returning players. "Last year we went really young, and we started poorly, but finished strong once the sophomores got established in our first-11 and got over (the) learning curve," says Bush. "I believe we have a couple of legitimate scorers (Cesar Rodriguez, 13 goals) and we have come together as a cohesive group." Chances for the Grens to make its move in the division may rest upon the shoulders of the savvy three-year veteran Lundgren, who now takes over as the player who will be the heartbeat and leader after watching others prior to him do so, including his former mate (Lastovich) who embraced the role last season.

Hersey

Coach: Darren Llewellyn (4th year, 37-22-5)

Last year: 12-6-3, 5-0-0 (MSL East champs, d. Barrington 1-0 (5-4 PKs) to win MSL Soccer Cup

Graduation losses: Rolando Herrera (Illinois), Mike Madsen, Mannes Waterman, Ryan Fox

Ones to watch: Seniors Nick Boyle (D, all-area), Kyle Pietro (F/MF), Alex Gardasevic (F, all-area, 16 goals), Chris Naranjo (F), Greg Janicki (GK, 9 wins, 4.5 shutouts), Eddie Rodriguez (MF)

New faces: Freshman Matt Quick (MF)

Lowdown: The domination of the MSL Soccer Cup during the past three seasons against favored clubs from the West has helped give the Huskies post-season acclaim like none other in the storied history of the conference, but to grab an unprecedented fourth straight title will take some doing. Two-time all-area striker and the Huskies leading scorer Gardasevic suffered a fracture of his right foot late last week and will likely miss the rest of the season, causing Llewellyn, a tactical master, to spend time poundering his next move just one week before the regular-season begins. "We basically played without Alex during the summer (because of another injury) and we found out that we (do) some things in our attack that we hadn't done before." The Huskies will still rely on its superb defender (Boyle) and MSL Cup hero (Janicki) in goal, and a solid defensive base which has confounded the MSL in Llewellyn's tenure.

Prospect

Coach: Kurt Trenkle (fourth year, 22-29-6)

Last year: 5-11-3, 1-3-1

Graduation losses: Spencer Kearney, John Horstman, Caesar Guererro, Mark Ressl, Eliot Bethke, Eric Rusk

Ones to watch: Seniors Sam Slusher (MF), Mike Stankiewicz (MF), Kyle Mataloni (D), Francesco Nunez (F), Victor LaPorte (D); juniors Bryahan Nunez (MF), Will Hall (MF); sophomore Patryk Ruta (F)

New faces: Sophomore Richard Lenke (F)

Lowdown: Word around the MSL is the Knights might be a side to watch in the race for the division crown and first trip to the MSL Cup since 2004. "We return 8 starters who came together really well this summer, our central midfielders are among the best and we have two guys up top who can score," says Trenkle. "We're optimistic, but we also know we have to stay focused and just play the way we're capable of." Knights did so by winning the summer league title at Lake Park, with its duo of (Slusher-Stankiewicz) the authors of some splendid play in the middle of the park. Gutsy performer (Mataloni) will look to keep things sturdy along the back. Early September test against Hersey could set the tone for the regular season.

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Peter Mikulak (sixth year, 41-92-12)

Last year: 2-15-1, 1-3-1

Graduation losses: Paul Zielinski (NIU), Brian Perez (Harper), J.J. McCarthy (Duke)

Ones to watch: Seniors Jake Muszcynski (D), Matt Banczak (D); juniors Kyle Krzeski (MF), Josh Koutas (MF)

New faces: Senior Emmanuel Yanquaye (F); junior Attilio Bonasera (MF), DeClan Delaney (MF)

Lowdown: There must be a concern about the overall lack of depth with Mustangs, who, despite a rather smallish roster a year ago, still showed plenty of energy to give its opponents a tough day at the park after 80 minutes. "Last year we had so many young, inexperienced players on our roster, and not a lot of extra players on the bench to provide (the) rest some of our new guys needed," began Mikulak. "However we have all of (them) back with a year of experience, confidence and a willingness to improve."

Wheeling

Coach: Ed Uhrik (sixth year, 37-44-4)

Last year: 15-7-0, 4-1-0

Graduation losses: Leo Elizalde (All-State, 2008 Daily Herald All-Area co-captain, Dominican University), Joel DelToro (2-time all-area, 23 career goals, Western Michigan), David Aranda (all-area, Triton), Trevor Rubin (all-area, Ohio State), Jesse Astudillo (Triton), Abraham Soto (Harper), Didher Machado, Ricardo Ballesteros (Harper)

Ones to watch: Seniors Ricky Garcia (MF/F), Bryan Rodriguez (D); juniors Danny Speidel (D), Roberto Anaya (MF)

New faces: Junior Yonic Carrillo (MF); freshmen Irving Eloisa (MF), Irving Balboa (MF)

Lowdown: Other than Barrington, no team was hit harder by graduation as it lost all but four from a superb 2008 club, including four all-area players and one of the best in the state in Elizalde. "After graduation took almost all of our team, we hope to get many younger players valuable playing time to help (us) blend together some very talented returning players during the rebuilding process," said Uhrik, who assembled one of the most entertaining sides in recent MSL memory to thrill its fans and help bring interest back after a long dry spell in the sport. A strong underclass program will pay dividends soon for Uhrik and his staff who witnessed a 4-win season in 2006.

Christian Liberty

Coach: Jed Bennett (first year)

Ones to watch: Seniors Greg Macauly (D), Aaron Johnson (GK), Adam Aksnowicz (D), Taylor Crawford (D); sophomores Noah Johnson (MF), Carl Forsythe (D)

New faces: Junior Shamil Tajuddin (MF); sophomores Kiefer Bennett (MF), Gabe Clayborne (F), Mario Castro (D); freshmen Merek Quaglia (MF), David Colbert (F), Jack Salsgiver (D), Alex Kaplan (D), Brandon Lazarrescu (D)

Lowdown: Chargers play for real this fall after state officials approved request of school to become a part of IHSA membership. "It will be great to finally be able to play in a conference and to have all of our results count for something," said Jed Bennett. "The guys are very excited for the season to begin." Bennett's lads, who will compete in the new Northeastern Athletic Conference and in the postseason as a 1A school, will have a handful of returning players from its club team from a year ago, as well as a talented core of rookies who trained and played for Bennett and the school's junior high team.

Leyden

Coach: Mark Valintis (third year, 15-20-9)

Last year: 7-10-2, 2-4-0

Graduation losses: Gerardo Franco (GK, Aurora), Jordan McMillan (Aurora)

Ones to watch: Senior Luis Adame (F, 13 goals); juniors Arnoldo Reyes (MF, 10 assists), David Wisniewski (F), Juan Carlos Duarte (MF)

New faces: Senior Benjamin Ortiz (F); junior Leo Lopez (D)

Lowdown: Eagles' should be in the mix for a West Suburban Gold title with Downers Grove South, Morton and Addison Trail by just turning around a less than sparkling record in 1-goal matches (1-4) and an increase in scoring after failing to find the back of the net five times last fall. "The biggest (thing) for us, will we be consistent enough in the back to limit our opponents chances," says Valantis. "If we can, the experience we have in our attack could lead to a terrific offensive season." Frontline duo of Adame and Wisniewski provided 21 goals between them, while Reyes in the middle created plenty of opportunities for others on his way to double-digit stats in assists.

Maine West

Coach: Mike Divincenzo (ninth year, 69-60-25)

Last year: 13-8-0

Graduation losses: David Puka (Western Illinois, two-time all-area, second all-time scorer in school history), Nate Andersen (Marquette, GK, 16 career shutouts), Alex Esquivel (Oakton)

Ones to watch: Seniors Carlos Trejo (MF, all-area), Angel Herrera (F, three-year starter), Anes Kardric (D), Cody Uidl (D), Pat Pliszka (D), Alberto Sanchez (D); juniors Ryan Ybarra (F), John Contreras (MF); sophomore Frankie Garcia (MF)

New faces: Juniors Emmett Turner-Jackson (MF), Cristian Perez (MF/F), Alex Blancas (F)

Lowdown: Divincenzo likes his club's chances in a conference which sent four teams into the sectionals and produced a state champion (New Trier) when the 2008 season came to an end. Stingy defense (8 shutouts) and nearly everyone returning gives the Warriors perhaps their best opportunity in years to break through the favorites. "Looking over our roster, we have speed, size, skill and depth, and if we have the heart and leadership that it takes, then this fall could be a very special one for us," said Divincenzo, who watched the Warriors capture a summer league title going 7-0-1. Trejo and Herrera can be a real handful when firing on all cylinders, and each appears ready to do so this season.

St. Viator

Coach: Mike Taylor (30th year, 336-105-75, 400-168-94 overall)

Last year: 19-3-0, 9-0-0 (ESCC champs)

Graduation losses: Matt Riggio (DePaul, two-time all-state, all-area), Jack Morsches, Ben Gyuricza, Chris Madro, Francisco Castildi

Ones to watch: Seniors Trevor Wheeler (MF, all-area, 14 goals, 13 assists), Kevin Cavers (MF), Billy Hamilton (MF, 9 assists), Alan Aboona (MF), Brendan King (D), Petar Milenkovich (F, 12goals), Joe Schmidt (F), Patrick Windle (GK); juniors Jack Horvath (MF), Billy Krawzak (MF)

New faces: Juniors Jack Simpson (MF), Matt Morsches (MF), Joe Surdam (D), Daniel Loizzi (D), Tim Hogaboom (D)

Lowdown: Expectations have rarely been higher for the defending ESCC champs after their hits-and-misses the past couple of seasons have helped fuel this well-built club for a long ride in the postseason this fall. "Even before we dropped down to (Class) 2A, I really felt this ball club had the potential to be playing on the final week of the season," said Taylor. "Now, we really shouldn't settle for anything less." With its terrific non-conference schedule to test its mettle, the Lions will look to (Wheeler) to be the pivotal figure in a 3-man midfield, which includes Cavers and Hamilton to help provide quick movement, passing and finding space. Move of the steady (King) into role of sweeper should help ease the loss of the two-time all-state defender Riggio.

Barrington

Coach: Scott Steib (11th year, 194-42-10; 229-68-25 overall).

Last Year: 19-6-0, 5-0-0 (MSL West champs, lost 1-0 to Hersey in MSL Cup, sectional semifinalist)

Graduation Losses: Ata Ozbay (All-Midwest, All-State, Daily Herald all-area co-captain, 39 goals, 98 points, playing soccer at Wisconsin), Ryan Mangone (All-Area, running track at Clemson), Tom Unak (All-Area GK, school-record 21 shutouts, playing baseball and soccer at Illinois Wesleyan), Frank Ingraffia (All-Area), Tim Rudnicki (ACL, out for season), Andrew Kommick, Shawn Deacon, Kyle Breckan, Noel Irion, Tommy Arns (club soccer), Charlie Giovenco (club soccer).

Ones to Watch: Seniors Will Farrell (D), Greg Navitsky (MF/D), Andrew Krissinger (MF); juniors Taylor Williams (F), Dan Barber (MF), Ryan Foley (D), Joe Micci (D), Max Mohr (MF), Tony Shin (MF).

New Faces: Senior Marc Drouin (D/MF); juniors Will Cotopolis (GK), Mason Gott (D), Nikko Maher (MF), David Pacheo (MF), Steve Polasik (GK); sophomores Jacob Dreiling (GK), Grant McAndrew (MF); freshman Craig Zahour (F).

Lowdown: The Broncos will be a completely different side this season after saying so long to superb collection of talent which accomplished enough memories together and as a team to fill a television mini-series, including a state title in 2007. "The loss of eight starters is something that will be tough, as they were a very special group for us and the program," began Steib. "This year's team has come together very well so far, and has shown great chemistry and work ethic, which we hope will allow us be competitive in the MSL and help continue the tradition of Barrington soccer." Three-year starter and leader (Rudnicki) will be missed but the senior will be on the sidelines to offer support and guidance.

Conant

Coach: Jason Franco (second year, 22-15-13)

Last Year: 9-8-3 (1-4-0).

Graduation Losses: Tony Rizzo, Kevin Stack, Derek Wojcik, Hugo Gonzalez (GK, club soccer).

Ones to Watch: Seniors Kevin Reddington (F); junior Shivam Patel (F).

New Faces: Seniors Alex McKenna (D), Dan Kitzinger (D), Matt Manka (MF); junior Michael Zentner (D).

Lowdown: Much like division rival Fremd, the Cougars have slowly seen its program struggle to overcome major graduation losses in consecutive seasons, making the climb back up the hill that much harder. "We have a bunch of fresh faces in the lineup after graduating 13 seniors, and if this group of newcomers, which has had underclass success can adapt to the speed of varsity soccer, then we should be competitive this season," said Franco. Perhaps the biggest loss not only to the Cougars, but the fans of the MSL, was the move of the spectacular shot-blocker (Gonzalez) to the club side as the ODP (Olympic Development Player) keeper looks to fine-tune his skills as he looks to his future.

Fremd

Coach: Steve Keller (12th year, 146-84-44).

Last Year: 2-13-4, 1-4-0.

Graduation Losses: Robert Hurwitz, Sam Dillon, Matt Mayer, Nick Stoner.

Ones to Watch: Senior Michael Heika (MF), Sal Aiello (F); juniors Lorenzo Savino (F), Spencer Filosa (MF); sophomores Brian Hindle (MF), Garrett Peters (D).

New Faces: Juniors Alex Bochat (D), Alex Prelipceanu (D), Jake Nedza (MF); sophomore Yusuke Kanada (F/MF).

Lowdown: There were few bright spots for a Vikings' side which listed many newcomers to its club and suffered its toughest run under Keller, who insists on hard work for 80 minutes on both sides of the ball, and has always been a trademark from this club. "This season we are a year older and wiser, and hopefully this will translate into more victories when it's all said and done," says Keller. As a sophomore (Savino) became the focal point of the Vikings attack finding the back of the net 7 times, and will likely draw more interest from opponents inside the 18 because of his scoring ability.

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Matt Sriver (sixth year, 34-60-13).

Last Year: 7-14-1, 1-4-0.

Graduation Losses: Sebastian Kieruzal (All-State, All-Midwest, All-Area, GK, Lewis), Brian Dussard, Salih Golotic (Rockford College), Edison Arzate, Ivan Roa, Leinn Roa (club soccer).

Ones to Watch: Seniors Brad Powszok (F, three-year starter), Michael Mertel (D), Reona Oishi (MF), Fernando Reyes (MF), Luis Vargas (MF); juniors Sishuh Zerihun (MF/F), Gilberto Cuellar (D), Taras Makskymovych.

New Faces: Sophomore Alejando Corona (MF).

Lowdown: On the eve of what could have been a breakthrough season for the Hawks, disaster struck when one of its best (Zerihun) suffered a season-ending ACL injury sending the attack off course and unable to find its pace for the rest of the way with 21 goals in just 22 matches. That meant far too much pressure on its defense and all-state keeper Kierzul, who stood on his head to help keep things close in each and every match. The Hawks were 3-8 in 1-goal matches with five 1-0 losses. "Expectations? - if we stay healthy this season we feel we can compete with anyone in the MSL," offers Sriver. The duo of Powszok-Zerihun can inspire the Hawks attack, while Mertel will be the glue along the back.

Palatine

Coach: Willie Filian (19th year, 238-104-42).

Last Year: 18-4-1, 3-2-0 (sectional semifinalist)

Graduation Losses: Glen Arnold, Kyle O'Meara, Todd Leitgeib.

Ones to Watch: Seniors Matt Marturano (F, all-area, 10 goals, 7 game-winners), Willie Filian Jr. (MF, all-area, 10 goals, 14 assists), Josh Clark (F), Kyle Held (GK, 9 shutouts), Tim Conklin (D), Josh Feldman (D), Dan Schweikert (D), Jacob Velinski (MF), Jeff Burda (D); junior Kosta Ristecki (F); sophomore Jon Clark (MF).

Lowdown: Anointed the role of favorites in the division with the return of all but three of its first-11, the Pirates are eager to erase falling just short of trip to MSL Cup, and later defeat, at the hands of Waukegan in sectional play en route to a well-deserved 18-win season. "Hopefully, experience will be our strength, as well as our guys up top, and a very solid keeper in Held," says Filian, who is anxious to see how his team adjusts to its new artificial turf this fall. Pirates possess two of brightest attacking talents in the area in Marturano-Clark, as well as the set-piece brilliance from Filian and a roster that works hard, tackles with gusto and will compete with an intense zest for 80 minutes on both sides of the ball.

Schaumburg

Coach: Hamid Mehreioskouei (sixth year, 62-40-5).

Last Year: 18-8-0, 4-1-0 (sectional semifinalist)

Graduation losses: Josh Beard (UIC, 2-time all-state, 2-time all-area, 2007 Daily Herald captain), Josh Halter (Robert Morris), Mike Czarny, Lucas Portuese.

Ones to Watch: Seniors Erhan Caglayan (F/MF, 12 goals), Declan Geraghty (MF, all-area), Maciej Herda (MF), Mike Grassa (F), Jimmy McFarland (F), Blake Nelson (D); sophomore John Franco (MF).

New Faces on the Pitch: Junior Mark Bielanski (D/MF); sophomore Jake Savino (MF).

Lowdown: Beard confirmed his importance to his side immediately after being handed captain's armband from Mehreioskouei and signaled a wonderful two-year run which brought the Saxons this close to playing on the last weekend of the season. "I am not sure if just one person can ever replace Josh, but (Erhan) Caglayan has been playing at the highest level (ever) since he's been here," says the head coach, who knows the collective talent of Caglayan and all-area back-liner (Geraghty) gives his club one of the best dynamic duos in the area. Early season injuries has threatened the depth for now, and will be a cause for concern if a few cannot free themselves from the infirmary in short time.