Boys soccer: Lake County previews

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Carmel

Coach: John Halloran (sixth year)

Last year's record: 14-6-2 ESCC conference champions - lost to Deerfield 1-0 Class 3A regional final.

Top players lost: Donald Kolb, Joe Monroe, Nick Sturm, Matt McHugh, Bobby Merlo.

Top players returning: Shane Einloth Sr. D, Phil Gross Sr. D/MF, Ryan May Sr. GK, Tommy Miller Sr. D/MF, Aaron Ogunro Sr MF, Jimmy Ryan Sr, F. Jack Stefanski Sr. D, Ian Heinrich Jr. MF, Sean O'Bryan Jr. MF.

Other notable players: Tommy Miller Sr. D/MF, Joe Purtell Sr. F, Blake Quaiyoom Sr. MF/F, Justin Andreasik, Jr. D, Justin Gibbons Jr. D, Pat Hannon Jr, D, Max Heinrich Jr. MF, Todd Holup Jr. D, Mike Reed Jr. MF, Christian Avalos So. MF, Andrew Harwardt So. GK, TJ Poll So. D.

Outlook: Carmel returns a good number of players this season. But the Corsairs have upgraded their nonconference schedule, which could pose some challenges. "We've brought back the major core of our team back from last year," Carmel coach John Halloran said. "We still need to earn it in every game. Our schedule will be a lot tougher this year."

FOX VALLEY (Fox Division)

Grayslake Central

Coach: Mike McCaulou (seventh year)

Last year's record: 7-17 - lost to Wheaton Academy in Class 2A regional semifinals.

Top players lost: Albert Acosta, Jon Ayala, Sebastian Bibat, Andrew Bryan (Lake County), Jose Roman (Marian), Nick Schneider.

Top players returning: Caleb Longenecker Sr. F, Asa Goldsmith Jr. D, Phillip Longenecker So. MF.

Top newcomers: Jacob Fogarty Jr. D, Indy Reed Jr. MF, James Garcia So. MF, Jason Koziol So. GK, Eder Lopez So. F,

Other notable players: Bryant Olmos Sr. D, Byron Perez Sr. MF, Kevin Anderson Jr. GK, Diego Gomez Jr. MF, Caleb Munk Jr. MF, Ryan Fontana So. D, Kyle Martinez So. D.

Outlook: Grayslake will rely on its youth to turn things around from last year. "We do have a lot of players back," Grayslake Central coach Mike McCaulou said. "Not a lot of the upperclassman. Just youthful players picking up the game." The entire FVC plays a round robin this fall with the best records in each division becomes the champion.

Grayslake North

Coach: Adam DeCaluwe (fifth year)

Last year's record: 6-15 - lost to Class 2A regional semifinal.

Top players lost: Brian Stout (Hamline), Freddy Rosas.

Top players returning: Richard Klarck Sr. GK, Chris Meyers Sr. MF, Carson Klarck So. MF, Claudio Guerrero So. MF/F, Arnold Laroche-Bataille So. MF, Michael Rohrer So. D,

Top newcomers: Cory Homan Sr. MF, Manny Martinez Sr. F, Sergo Mojica Sr. D, Ryan Retzke Sr. MF, Aleks Jovanovic Jr. D, Ibra Perez-Vera Jr. D, Baruk Perez-Vera So. MF, Sintayehu Meyer So. MF,

Other notable players: Andrew Rohrer Sr. D, Daniel Bazan Jr. D, Mark Lewis Jr. MF, Kip Wetter Jr. MF/F,

Outlook: Grayslake North lost 7 games by 1 goal last year, and that left its mark. "We want our close games to be a lot better this year," Grayslake North coach Adam DeCaluwe said. "We're hoping that with another year's experience under these boys' belts, they should be able to handle things a bit better and turn most of the losses into wins. We would like to see our team record back to being above .500 with our schedule becoming tougher."

NORTH SUBURBAN LAKE

Lake Zurich

Coach: Mike Schmitz (fourth year)

Last year's record: 21-5 - Second in state, lost to Lyons 2-1 (OT) in Class 3A championship game.

Top players lost: Jon Cerqua, Bret Harper (Elmhurst), Matt Hussey (Wheaton), Nick Janus (Wisconsin), John Jordan (IUPUI), Tim Kreutz (Michigan State), Max Methling, Eric Pothast (Marquette), Jack Rathe (Concordia-Mequon), Tyler Raineri,

Top players returning: Jose Corral Sr. F, Luis Corral Sr. MF, Mark Osikowicz Sr. MF, Colin Rathe Sr. MF, Kyle Callender Jr. D. Jeff Kreutz Jr. GK, John Pothast Jr. MF, Nate Holicky Jr. MF, Brendan Seeger Jr. MF.

Top newcomers: Jake Changelon Sr. F (transfer from Carmel), Jorge Bermudez Jr. F, Greg Geimer Jr. D, Alex Skowron Jr. F, Justin Marias Jr. MF, Matt Montemayer So.MF, Caleb Pothast Fr. MF.

Other notable players: Tom Doherty Sr GK, Nate Wille Sr. D, Carlos Fava Jr. D.

Outlook: It was one of the best boys soccer classes in Lake Zurich's school history a year ago. The Bears finished second in Class 3A and will have to replace the outstanding Division I talents of Eric Pothast, Nick Janus and Tim Kreutz to make another run. "We expect hard work and teamwork," Lake Zurich coach Mike Schmitz said. "We do have a young team and good experience from last year. We will be looking for consistency as the season progresses."

Libertyville

Coach: Andy Bitta (25th year)

Last year's record: 7-8-2 - lost to Stevenson in Class 3A regional semifinal.

Top players lost: Andres Alvarez (Lake County), John Clark, Junior Cordova (Lewis), Kevin Fanning, Austin Gearing, Tim Grozier, Tim Kopera, Austin Slone.

Top players returning: Andrew Bitta Sr GK, Miles McNeir, Sr. F, Marshall Hollingsworth Jr. MF, F, Sam Kaplan Jr. D, Joey Ruppert Jr. F.

Top newcomers: Lloyd Chatfield Fr. MF, Austin Bitta So. F,

Other notable players: Landon Eyre Sr. D, Jose Ibarra-Luna Sr. D/MF, Jeff Janousek Sr. GK, Andy Loska Srt. D, Jay Russo Sr. D, Ethan Andrews Jr. D, Ellis Mathews Jr. GK, Griffin Pils Jr. F, Shane Reilly JR. MF, Adam Witucki Jr. D, Keenan Busse So. D, Tyler Gillespie So. MF, Tomide Owlabi So. MF/F,

Outlook: Libertyville has youth and experience on its side this fall. And the Wildcats are setting some lofty goals their way. "Our team goals are for the best record in conference," Bitta said. "We want to go far in the state tournament. But we know it's one game at a time."

Mundelein

Coach: Dave Ekstrom (22nd year)

Last year's record: 5-13-5 - lost to Fremd in the Class 2A regional quarterfinal.

Top players lost: Chris Best, Robert Glod, George Hernandez, Nick Franz, Juan Jaimes, Will Lardner, Nico Monroy, Tyler Neubauer (Lake County) , Kirk Remeikis, Juan Reynoso (Lake County).

Top players returning: Eder Alcantar Sr. MF/F, Jon Dimitriou Sr MF, Saul Figueroa Sr. MF, Zach Guthrie Sr. D, Daniel Marcos Sr. D, Gabriel Marcos Sr. MF, Javier Ramirez Sr F, Nate Brune Jr. D, Chistian Mata Jr. F,

Top newcomers: Matt Iwaniuk Sr. GK, Brandon Asher Jr. MF, Jason Dimitriou Jr. MF, Leo Rodriguez Jr. MF.

Other notable players: Kevin Searle Sr. D, Angel Marcos Jr. MF, Luis Montenegro Jr. F, Alex Nambo So. F.

Outlook: Mundelein made a big change, moving Javier Ramirez out of the back from goalkeeper to scorer up front at forward. Also, Coach Dave Ekstrom has reached his 400th win between boys and girls in the opening week of the season. Meanwhile, the Mustangs several experienced players. "We do have a lot of good players back that play together as a team," Ekstrom said. "As long as we play the system we'll be OK, but if we get away from it things will be difficult for us."

Stevenson

Coach: Mark Schartner (22nd year)

Last year's record: 17-4 - lost to Deerfield in the Class 3A sectional semifinal

Top players lost: Yonda Abogunrin, Greg Golovan, Gordy Gurson (Memphis), Steven Johnson (Trinity), Alan Nadelman, Shawn Singh

Top players returning: Ryan Crane Sr., Peter Gambino Sr., Justin George Sr., Auturo Hernandez Sr., Johnny Watrach Sr.,

Top newcomers: Jr. MF, Robby Thomashow Jr. Scott Miller So. MF, Toshiki Nimi So. MF,

Other notable players: Todd Kevin Sr. MF, Noel Lopez Sr. F, Larry Luna Sr. D, Ben Lund Sr. MF, Avery Rosenbloom Sr. D, Jacob Azriel Jr. GK, Zach Erny Jr. F, Max Gonzalez Jr. F, Joseph Hugener So. F, Rick Lekakh Jr. D, Ryan Lovett Jr. MF, Quinton Low So. GK, Michael Dobin Fr. F.

Outlook: Stevenson had a great run last season and graduated some pretty good players. The Patriots will need to regroup with some younger players. "Although we lost some great talent, we have a very talented group of young men this season," Stevenson coach Mark Schartner said. "We will have to replace almost our entire defense and more than half our midfield. I expect our forwards to be talented this year."

Warren

Coach: Jason Ahonen (third year)

Last year's record: 12-7-3 - lost to Palatine in Class 3A regional final.

Top players lost: Thiago Ganancio (De Paul), Ruben Gayton (Lincoln College), Michael Hanacheck (Lake County), Zack Nitch.

Top players returning: Brandon Brown Sr. MF, Andrew Piotrowski Sr. MF, Patrick Schulz Jr. MF, Jon Trout Jr. D, Brady Walsh Jr. GK, So. Danny Szczepanek So MF.

Top newcomers: Billy Eddy D/MF, Kyle O'Hara Jr. D, Gabe Neiderlander Jr. MF, Hunter Wilkerson Jr. MF.

Other notable players: Alex Buvala Sr. GK, Michal Sczcepanek Sr. D/MF, Alex Brunell Jr. MF, Ryan Foster Jr. MF/F, Leon Mardehow Jr. MF.

Outlook: Warren wants to build on last year, with 13 returning players. The Blue Devils already captured the Glenbrook South Warm-up Invitational last weekend. "The bar with the returning players has been raised," Warren coach Jason Ahonen said. "The boys have been looking forward to the season and reaping benefits from last year to move up."

NORTH SUBURBAN PRAIRIE

Antioch

Coach: Marni Polakow (third year)

Last year's record: 16-7, lost to Wheaton Academy in the Class 2A sectional semifinals.

Top players lost: Robert Nogle (Milwaukee School of Engineering) and Andre Sippy.

Top players returning: Alex Grimm Sr. GK, Taylor Krumpos Sr. D, Juan Perez Sr. D/MF, Oscar Segura Sr. F, Ryan Geidner Jr, F.

Top newcomers: Jon Bohmann Fr. MF.

Other notable players: Jesus Castillo Sr., Jordan Frazer Sr., Julio Martinez Sr., Dave Mrnak Sr., Jessie Sanchez Sr., Danny Vargas Sr., Jacob Jost Jr,. Billy Mohr Jr., Zak Semitka Jr., Carson Moore So,. Eric VanTreeck So., Robert Miranda Fr., Jeremy Pasterz Fr.

Outlook: Antioch keeps on improving, and this year the Sequoits have set their sights even higher than normal. "I expect us to contend for the North Suburban Conference championship and another regional championship," Antioch coach Marni Polakow said. "Our goal is a sectional championship."

Grant

Coach: Shane Rivette (eighth year)

Last year's record: 6-15-1 - lost to Jacobs in the Class 3A regional quarterfinals.

Top players lost: Tim Burns, Franceler France. Shane Hunter, Jack Kramer, Alex Kupinski, Darrin Schrmpf, Josh Tapia, Josh Wigutow, Luis Zhagui.

Top players returning: Estaban Diaz Sr. D, Andrew Noda Sr. F, Emilio Salinas Sr. MF, Gabriel Valarde Jr. D, Andres Valarde So. MF

Other notable players: Steven Cervantes Sr. MF, CodyColbert Sr F, Christian Medrano Sr. D, Anthony Pecorini Sr. GK, Jessie Aranda Jr. MF, Nick Kramer Jr. MF, Eric Ortiz Jr. D, Ryan Patterson Jr. GK, Piotr Staron Jr. D, Daniel Villa Jr. F, Alex Zepeda Jr. MF, Ricky Zamora Jr. MF. Ryan Flores So. D.

Outlook: Grant wante to take a different direction this fall and already had some good results starting the season. "We've got more experience than previous years," Grant coach Shane Rivette said. "We're hoping things come together so we can establish something and battle for the division. I see this group as hard-working and hope it continues throughout the season."

Lakes

Coach: Kevin Kullby (sixth year)

Last year's record: 11-6-6 - lost to Marmion Academy in the Class 2A sectional semifinals.

Top players lost: Joel DeGrave, Steven Korosis (De Paul), Ben Goforth, Andrew Larsen, William Lebavitz, Alex May, Ben Pierce, Mitchell Post, Peter Shane,

Top players returning: Matt Dexheimer Sr. MF, Nate McMahon Sr. D, Brandon Stanley Sr. MF, Mark Beadle Jr D,

Other notable players: Joey Burchard Sr. F, Joey Istavanek Sr. D, Scott Brugioni Jr. MF, Sean Donovan Jr. MF, William Hill Jr. GK, Morgan Hannum Jr. F, Allen Johnson Jr. D, Tom Langbein Jr. F, Kevin Nadelhoffer Jr. D, Kyle Neeve Jr. MF, Zach Reimer Jr. D, Jonothan Stanley Jr. F, Mathew Whipple Jr. MF, Bojan Zgonjanin Jr. MF, Lucas Istavanek So. MF, Ryan Kostreva So, MF, Ramon Marin So. MF, Jonathan Borzick Fr. MF, Brian Werchek Fr. F.

Outlook: Lakes returns from a great run last year into the Class 2A Sectional semifinals. The Eagles lost a number of dependable and experienced players to graduation. Seniors such as Nathan McMahon and Brandon Stanley will provide some leadership on a team that features a deep group of juniors.

Round Lake

Coach: Hugo Tellez (first year)

Last year's record: (10-5-3) - lost to McHenry in the Class 3A regional semifinals.

Top players lost: Gilbert Alfaro (Lake County), Alex Murua (Lake County), Carlos Salgado, Eli Martinez, Miguel Miranda, Fernando Tovar (Lake County), Jose Landa (Lake County), Jimmy Ramirez Sr. D.

Top players returning: Jose Garcia Sr. MF, Jordi Rubio Jr. F, Mauricio Salgado So. MF.

Top newcomers: Armando Alvarez Sr. D, Jorge Vazquez Jr. MF, Jose Sevano So. D.

Other notable players: Eduardo Sanchez Sr. F, Abraham Valadez Jr. D, Andres Gomez Jr. MF, Lorenzo Cortez So. D, Edgar Rodriguez So. F.

Outlook: Hugo Tellez takes over as head coach for Mike Hruska, who had a recent addition to his family. Round Lake has been like a family itself for the last couple of years with a couple of winning campaigns. "We want to keep on winning and make it a tradition, "Tellez said. "We want compete in every game and the kids are working hard to keep things going." The Panthers already opened the season by winning the Crystal Lake South tournament last weekend.

Vernon Hills

Coach: Shannon Etnyre (fifth year)

Last year's record: (3-16-1) lost to Grayslake Central in regional quarterfinals.

Top players lost: Joel Bissell, Brandon Goldstein, Philemon Hayibor, Kyle Miller, Cole Moffatt, Peter Otoo, Spencer Raak, Matt Robb,

Top players returning: Andy Clark Sr. GK, Matt Tomback Sr. MF, Evan Bordon So. F

Top newcomers: Allen Kwon Sr. MF, Jeremy Cohen Fr. D/MF,

Other notable players: Kamil Kapica Sr. MF, Aaron Melcer Sr. D, Misha Pavelko Sr. MF/D, Gideon Yim Sr. D, Tim Allen Jr. D, Shaun Aumiller Jr. MF, James Lee Jr. MF/F, Justin Moon Jr. F, Martin Niemczewski Jr. GK/F, Eric Lang Jr. MF, Nathan Lightman Jr. D, Paul Yoo Jr. D, Brad McGee So. D, Matt Tabrizi So. MF, David White Fr. F.

Outlook: The Cougars plan to take some steps forward being better this year. "We expect to be competitive in every game this season and have a much improved division record," Vernon Hills coach Shannon Etnyre said. "We're looking to win our own tournament (Cougar Classic) and just want to finish our opportunities in front of the net. That's something we struggled on last fall."

Wauconda

Coach: Terry Stevig (10th year)

Last year's record: (6-12) - lost to Crystal Lake Central in the Class 2A regional semifinal.

Top players lost: Eric Gomez, Kevin Hernandez, Darren Llewellyn, Axel Madison, Hector Madrigal, Mike Mantes, Austin Moskal, Jesus Rodriguez, Eddie Sepulveda, Taylor Stellwag

Top players returning: Christian Avitia Sr. MF, Gerard Ledvora Sr. MF, Luis Rodarte Sr. MF.

Top newcomers: Jesus Marquez So. D, Nick Ledvora Fr. D.

Other notable players: Tyler Carolin Sr. MF, Rolando Hernandez Sr. GK, Riley McLean Sr. D, Eric Morales Sr. MF, Zach Auerbach Jr. D, Krzysztof Buchowicz Jr. D, Irving Ramirez Jr. MF, Marco Arreguin So. F, Alan Avitia So. D, Rogellio Gonzalez So F, Valentin Ramirez So. MF, Tim Worzala So. D, Brandon Morales Fr. F,

Outlook: Expectations are on the hig side for Wauconda this fall. "We're working to be better this year," Wauconda coach Terry Stevig said. "We've got a younger group. but they're a hard-working group, support each other and can work the ball. I expect this to be a good year ahead for us."