All-area team profiles: Fox Valley

C.J. Arenberg Cary-Grove

Arenberg, a senior outside midfielder, tallied 2 goals and 12 assists this season for the Trojans. "He was undeniably a true leader in every sense of the word," said Cary-Grove coach Mark Olson. "He walked the talk. His preparation in leading the summer conditioning workouts to his dedication in the weight room and soccer development throughout the year was truly a big reason for our success. His superior conditioning allowed him to play entire matches at a very high level on the outside (midfield) which for us was a luxury. C.J. is the complete student-athlete. I was truly blessed to have him for the last two seasons." Arenberg was an all-sectional selection.

Josh Beachler Westminster Christian

Just a sophomore, Beachler was a key figure in Westminster Christian's long run in the Class 1A state postseason. A forward, Beachler finished the year with 21 goals to go with 4 assists. He scored 3 goals alone in the sectional portion of the state tournament. "Josh has really stepped up," said Westminster Christian coach Mike Richardson. "He's stepped up his 'A' game each week. He will continue to improve. We're looking for him to maybe be that next guy."

Ryan Beachler Westminster Christian

Ryan Beachler was named the honorary captain of the 2009 Daily Herald All-Area boys soccer team after helping Westminster Christian set a program record for wins in a season (19) and reach the Class 1A sectional final. Beachler, who played a number of critical positions for the Warriors throughout the season, finished his senior season with 18 goals and 5 assists. "If you can say one thing about Ryan, we call him our utility knife," said Westminster Christian coach Mike Richardson. "Whenever we need something, he's more than willing to step up and do it. He's one of the best overall players we've coached here at Westminster. He's very coachable."

Alexis Camarena Burlington Central

Camarena, a junior midfielder-forward, scored 13 goals and 7 assists for the Rockets in 2009. "This is Alexis' first year playing in a Rocket uniform and what a year it was," said Central coach Mike Gecan. "He was our leading goal scorer and was second in assists. Alexis has tremendous speed and he loves to score goals. I look forward to having him again next year."

Brett Dini Bartlett

Dini, a junior stopper, was the defensive captain for the Hawks this season. Dini finished the campaign with 2 goals and 1 assist. "Brett is a powerhouse on defense who gives opponents headaches," said Bartlett coach Ben Beary. "His skill and strength are only surpassed by his intelligence on the field. He always makes good decisions during crunchtime and he shines the brightest when the pressure is on. His leadership has helped form the personality of our defense into the formidable force that it is today."

Kevin Dodgen St. Edward

Dodgen, a senior sweeper, scored 9 goals and added 5 assists for the Green Wave this season. Dodgen, the team captain and a 4-year varsity player, was moved from his midfield-forward positions to sweeper in 2009 and helped anchor a very young St. Edward team. "He's a great ballhandler with a great shot," said St. Edward coach Tim Brieger.

Jon Gutmann Crystal Lake South

A senior forward, Gutmann helped the Gators win their first conference championship in 12 years. A 3-year varsity starter and captain, Gutmann finished the year with 17 goals and 7 assists en route to an all-sectional selection. "Jon also has terrific speed, but can beat you so many other ways as well," said South coach Brian Allen. "He has a tireless work rate up top that forces defenders into making costly mistakes and has one of the most powerful shots I have seen in a long time, which makes him dangerous from a distance as well."

Matt Latawiec Cary-Grove

A senior center midfielder, Latawiec registered 11 goals to go with 6 assists for a Trojans team that went 12-4 this season. "This year Matt helped anchor and solidify the middle for us," said Cary-Grove coach Mark Olson. "His superior conditioning also allowed him to play entire matches at a very high rate. He was dedicated to preparation for his last high school season. Both Matt and C.J. (Arenberg) helped a young team (6 sophomores) come together and gel as a team."

Bart Mazurek South Elgin

Mazurek, a senior forward, finished the season with 22 goals and 2 assists and concluded his run at South Elgin with a school-record 57 goals. This all-sectional honorable mention selection was a 4-year varsity starter and the team captain this year. "Bart was directly responsible for winning (almost single-handedly) close games that we did not win in years past," said South Elgin coach Mark Neville.

Josue Medina Larkin

Medina, a junior defensive midfielder, had 3 goals and 6 assists for a Larkin team that will play for a Class 3A sectional championship today. "He's been our most consistent player all year," said Larkin coach Ken Hall. "He controls the midfield for us and plays good defense. Josue is a ball winner in the midfielder. It is his job to stop the best central mid on the other team. He has scored three goals this year and all of them have been important goals in wins. He plays a defensive role for us, so stats don't reflect his value to our team."

Joe McCullough Bartlett

A senior and the offensive captain, McCullough tallied 3 goals and 3 assists for a Bartlett team that finished the season 15-6 and 7-3 in Upstate Eight Conference play. "Joe is the leader of our team," said Bartlett coach Ben Beary. "He is the only returning varsity starter from last year and a large part of the success Bartlett has had this season." This center midfielder helped Bartlett increase its win total from 6 games in 2008 to 15 in 2009 (with only 5 returning varsity players). "Joe is the tenor setter for our team," said Beary. McCullough was an all-sectional selection for the Hawks.

Kevin Montelongo Huntley

A junior goalie, Montelongo registered 7 shutouts in goal for the Red Raiders. "I don't think his stats show how good he actually is," said Huntley coach Kris Grabner. "We didn't play against a better keeper all year."

Robert Murphy Hampshire

Murphy, a senior center midfielder, was an all-sectional selection for the Whip-Purs. Murphy finished his Hampshire career with 9 goals and 15 assists. Murphy was a 3-year varsity player and a team captain. "They are not great stats, but he is one of those players that is doing a lot of things to help us be successful," said Hampshire coach John Gosling. "He has played every position except for goalie and brings the smarts for every position and the energy needed for a full 80 minutes. He has the touch needed to play those positions."

Charlie Oliver Crystal Lake South

Oliver, a sophomore forward, was an all-sectional selection for a Gators team that advanced to a Class 3A sectional semifinals and finished the year with a 19-4-2 record. Oliver finished the 2009 season with 20 goals and 9 assists and already has 26 goals and 11 assists in his two-year career. "Charlie has terrific speed and skill that can beat players a number of ways. He has been our leading scorer with usually two-three defenders following him all season," said South coach Brian Allen. "He has scored goals this year that I'd label as 'world class,' whether it is chipping a keeper on a bouncing through ball, outside of the foot from the end line, or with two defenders sandwiching him and falling down/fading away from the goal. His soccer IQ is phenomenal."

Mike Pagan Dundee-Crown

Pagan, a senior center midfielder, was a key contributor for the Chargers this season. "Mike is a hard worker. He was the centerpiece of our team," said Dundee-Crown coach Rey Vargas. "Mike is one of my team captains and pretty much played every minute of every game. It was through his hard effort that we were able to stay in games. If compared to the rest of the area players in his position, I would say he was near the top of the list."

Alex Perez Streamwood

Perez, a senior forward, tallied 6 goals to go with 22 assists for the Sabres. Perez wrapped up his career with 37 goals, 48 assists and also registered 7 shutouts during his time as a goalie. "Alex is still considered one of the best players in the area with his overall game," said Streamwood coach Matt Polovin. "He changed his style a bit this season and became a great passer, but was still deadly when shooting on goal." Perez, the 2008 honorary co-captain of the Daily Herald All-Area team, was an all-sectional selection this season.

Taylor Pignataro Jacobs

Pignataro, a junior midfielder and team captain, finished the season with 9 goals and 5 assists en route to an all-sectional selection. "Taylor is an all-around player," said Jacobs interim coach AJ Cappello. "He defends tough and controls the attack. He is one of the hardest working players I have seen. He has great vision for the game both offensively and defensively. He has a remarkable shot in which he has hit some of the deadliest free kicks I have seen. Above all else, Taylor has an immeasurable passion for the game. He is a true competitor. Taylor has also developed into a strong, confident leader."

Osiel Ravadan Elgin

Ravadan, a senior goalie, helped the Maroons advance to a Class 3A regional final. Ravadan averaged over 12 saves per game and notched 3 shutouts this season. "He is as athletic as any goalie in the area and has yet to reach is potential," said Elgin coach Dave Borg.

Kyle Reopelle Burlington Central

A junior defender-midfielder, Reopelle played a major role in the function of the Rockets squad this year. "Kyle was the backbone of our team this year," said Central coach Mike Gecan. "He was the one player I had a hard time substituting out all season. Kyle has a gift of serving balls into his teammates on a platter (thus leading our team with 8 assists this season). Next year is that much more exciting knowing that I have him back controlling the midfield."

Ishmeal Yemoah Westminster Christian

A senior forward, Yemoah played a major role in the Warriors advancing all the way to the Class 1A sectional final. Yemoah, a native of Ghana, finished the season with 17 goals and added 12 assists (2 assists coming in the sectional portion of the state tournament). "He's a natural," said Westminster Christian coach Mike Richardson. "He's naturally gifted with speed and quickness and awareness. He's a complete team player who is very coachable. He has no ego. He's the kind of kid you don't have to tweak because it's already there. He brought his talents and helped the team be successful."