All-area team profiles: DuPage County
Keegan BalleNeuqua Valley
The senior central defender was named an all-stater, and he it was a well-deserved honor. "He's the guy who runs the back from the back for us," coach Tony Kees said. Balle was one of the key reasons the Wildcats are undefeated so far this season and nationally ranked. He has 3 goals and 10 assists entering Saturday's sectional final.
Andrew BellmerWW South
The senior team captain had 19 goals and 20 assists going into Saturday's sectional final. He's an all-DuPage Valley Conference, all-sectional and all-state player. "Drew has an uncanny way of finding opening's in and around the vital area," coach Guy Callipari said. "Most of our attack ends up going through him, utilizing his ability finish or to serve others into play. We have scored 63 goals this season, and Drew has figured into two-thirds of them."
Chris BoswellNaperville North
The senior midfielder scored 12 goals and had 4 assists, but his contributions went well beyond statistics, and he's been recognized for those contributions. He was named all-DuPage Valley Conference for the third straight season, unanimous elections the last two seasons. He also is all-sectional and all-state two years running. "He has been wonderful for us this year," coach Jim Konrad said. A team captain.
Bryan Ciesiulka Neuqua Valley
The senior's 15 goals and 22 assists only begin to touch on his value to the undefeated Wildcats. The DuPage County All-Area team captain, he also earned all-state honors for the way he directed the club on the field. He will play at Marquette next season.
Scott DavisNeuqua Valley
It's hard for one team to get three all-state selections in one season, but Davis certainly had a deserving season. Through Wednesday he has 24 goals and 16 assists playing up top for the undefeated Wildcats entering Wednesday's sectional semifinal. "He spearheads our attack," coach Tony Kees said. The senior earned all-Upstate Eight Conference and all-sectional honors and was a constant threat.
Tim DanielsWheaton Academy
The attacking center midfielder has a whopping 35 goals and 12 assists entering Saturday's sectional final. He's the Suburban Christian Conference player of the year as a junior. "Daniels has turned into one of the best to come through Wheaton Academy," coach Jeff Brooke said. "His creativity on top of the ball and ability to score goals has fueled our team's success this season. His humble demeanor makes his talent that much more remarkable."
Angel EscobedoGlenbard West
The senior co-captain ran the Hilltoppers attack from his central midfield spot. He scored 8 goals and assisted on 4 more. "Angel displays great technical and tactical abilities as well as great knowledge and understanding of the game," coach Maciej Kusmierz said. "Besides being technically sound and tactically aware, Angel possess great sense of creativity on the field. The 2009 Glenbard West varsity team was build around Angel's talents experience and perseverance."
Art GarzaNaperville Central
Garza was one reason coach Jay Konrad extolled the character of his team. The team never gave up, and with Garza and running mate Chris Prince on the field they never were out of the game. "If people weren't sure how good Chris and Art were, I think this season, on the big stage, they really showed that they are legit, top-flight talented kids," Konrad said. Garza is a unanimous all-DuPage Valley Conference player headed to DePaul.
Mike KeaneLake Park
The senior midfielder was the clear team MVP, controlling the attack and playing a key role defensively. He was a two-year starter for the Lancers and earned all-sectional and all-Upstate Eight Conference honors. He's all No. 9 in a class of 760 with a 5.42 GPA.
Josh KremersWheaton Academy
The senior team captain played at midfield and defender, totaling 2 goals and 4 assists and having a big hand in the team's 11 shutouts through Tuesday's sectional semifinal. "Josh is an outstanding player who will excel at the next level," coach Jeff Brooke said. "His intensity and commitment to fast paced, one- and two-touch soccer allows him to play at the highest of levels. He drives our possession-focused squad." He won all-Suburban Christian Conference honors.
Pat Langan Wheaton North
The senior played a key role for the Falcons in center midfield, often matching up against an opponent's top player. He wins a lot of 50-50 balls with his tenacity, but he also has good touch. "Pat's work rate is tremendous," coach Bryce Cann said. "He never comes off the field for us. ... He covers a tremendous amount of ground because we ask him to and he just does it."
Oliver MayerWaubonsie Valley
The midfielder earned all-sectional honors and finished with 15 goals and 6 assists. "He was our best two-way player with a desire of attacking the defenders, taking them on and scoring goals," coach Angelo DiBernardo said. "Oliver is very good in the air offensively and defensively. I have not seen a better two-way player in the area."
Dylan MilkentGlenbard South
The senior goalkeeper has been the one constant for the resurgent Raiders, who had one of their best seasons ever. He's come up with some big saves in big games. "He's for real," coach Bob Blecher said. "He's a complete keeper. He's got experience, he's strong, he's a leader, he can handle the ball."
Ricky MunguiaWW South
The senior forward is a three-year letterwinner who had 16 goals and 16 assists going into Wednesday's sectional semifinal. He earned all-DuPage Valley Conference and all-sectional honors. "Ricky has a tremendous first touch which at speed eludes the best and most organized of defenses," coach Guy Callipari said. "He responds to the opportunities that are created in the 1v1 environments. He has scored a team high 8 game-winning goals this season."
Dan O'BrienGlenbard South
O'Brien was one of the main reasons the Raiders had one of their best seasons in school history. "He's just dangerous," coach Bob Blecher said of the senior striker. "He'll attack anybody and he's fast. He'll take anybody on." O'Brien had 28 goals, setting the Raiders' single-season scoring record.
Michael Olesziewicz Hinsdale Central
The senior has 16 goals and 5 assists on the season. "Michael Oleszkiewicz has become over the course of our season the difference maker that we needed up front," coach Mike Wiggins said. "His teammates have come to count on him in close games, knowing that he can change a game at any moment."
Jamie PigottSt. Francis
The senior forward played a key role in the Spartans' attack this season, providing creativity and persistence in making the offense go. He had 14 goals and 8 assists despite missing a couple of weeks ue to injury. "It was a combination of being a team leader on and off the field, and no matter what area of the field he played, he provided a spark for us. ... He was able to be wherever we needed him."
Chris PrinceNaperville Central
The all-DuPage Valley Conference player holds several school scoring records and proved to be a threat every time he touched the ball, often combining with teammate Art Garza. "Those two are special players," coach Jay Konrad said. "They have completely rewritten our record book. They are great leaders. They have put a stamp on our program." He will play at Wisconsin next season.
Jack TuranchikNeuqua Valley
"A lot of times goalkeepers on good teams get overlooked because they don't get a lot of action, but he came up big for us," coach Tony Kees said. The senior has 13 goals allowed in 26 games entering Saturday's sectional final, including 17 shutouts. He earned all-Upstate Eight Conference and all-state honors.
Mike WiestNaperville North
The senior goalkeeper always seemed to come up with the great save in the big game, and that earned him all-DuPage Valley Conference, all-sectional and all-state honors. In 23 games Wiest allowed 12 goals. He had 14 shutouts. "We have a great record because of Mike," coach Jim Konrad said.