Scouting Fox Valley boys soccer
Bartlett Hawks
Coach: Ben Beary (second year)
Conference: Upstate Eight
2009 record: 15-7, 7-3 third
Top returnees: seniors Carmelo Abate (M), Brett Dini (D), Eric Kennebeck (F), Tommy Russo (M); juniors David Wade (D); juniors Fabio Aiello (M), Tyler Lake (F), Joey Morgan (D)
Top newcomers: seniors Alex Busch (GK), Andrew Triantos (M)
Season outlook: The Hawks will again be led by returning All-Area defender Brett Dini. "He's a stopper in back and the general of the defense," Bartlett coach Ben Beary said. "As a junior, he was dominating defenders who were bigger and stronger, and he's even better than last year so that's a huge plus for us." Joining Dini on defense is returning stater David Wade. Fabio Aiello moves this season from defense to center mid. He was a key player in the Hawks' season-opening win over Batavia. Tommy Russo (center mid) and midfielders Carmelo Abate, Eric Kennebeck and Fabio Aiello all return. Kyle Lake gained valuable experience last year and will start at forward. Joey Morgan advances from reserve to starter on defense this season. Triantos played JV last year but already has a hat trick to his credit after a successful off-season with Campton United. His continued offensive output will be critical to Bartlett's success, his coach said. Keeper Jeff Gal opted to play club soccer this year, giving former football player Alex Busch an opportunity to take over in net. The Hawks want to go further in the playoffs than last season, when they lost a regional title match to Wheaton North, 2-1. "We have such a strong core returning from a great season last year," coach Ben Beary said. "Last year we were good enough to go further in the playoffs, but it didn't work out that way. With such a veteran squad returning, it won't be a successful season unless we improve on that."
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Mike Gecan (sixth year)
Conference: Big Northern (East)
2009 record: 14-6-2, 8-1-1
Top returnees: seniors Alexis Camarena (D/M), Abelardo Castillo (M/F), Brandon Cesaroni (D/M), Matthew Dahlberg (D/M), Paul Jerger (D/M), Zachary Jochum (D/M), Alejandro Nava (M/F), Cody Neubauer (M/F), Kyle Reopelle (D/M), Erick Uribe (M/F); juniors Rodolfo Camarena (D/M), Ricardo Gomez (D/M), Chris Gousios (M/F), Jonathan Reuter (D/M); sophomore Bryce Warner (D/M)
Top newcomers: seniors Aaron Baltazar (M/F), Michael Parker (GK); juniors Clem Acitelli (D/M), Omar Awad (M/F), Jake Dahlberg (D/M), Parker DeMoss (M/F), Dole Douhterty (D/M), Cameron Lebrecht (M/F), Jimmy Painter (M/F), Daniel Toth (D/M), Cody Wallace (D/M); freshmen John Sespene (M/F), Grant Stoneman (M/F)
Season outlook: The Rockets graduated five senior starters, but a wealth of talent returns to a lineup fortified by promising underclassmen. This team's goals include repeating as Big Northern East champs (after tying Harvard last year) and winning the first boys soccer regional title in school history. Defensive center midfielder Kyle Reopelle is a returning all-BNC, all-sectional and All-Area pick who controls the midfield. All-Area returnee Alexis Camarena led the Rockets in goals (13) and trailed only Reopelle in assists with 7. Central defenders Zach Jochum and Bryce Warner are captains along with Reopelle and three-year varsity midfielder Chris Gousios. Paul Jerger and Brandon Cesaroni were set to return from injuries this week to further solidify the defense. Stoneman is a talented freshman in whom the older players have confidence. Nava, at center mid, works well in tandem with Reopelle. Erick Uribe can be a dangerous forward up top. Matthew Dahlberg and Riley Jensen give the Rockets two capable keepers. Stocked with talent and determined to do great things, Central will be on a mission come playoff time. "Potentially, it should be one of our better years," coach Mike Gecan said.
Cary-Grove Trojans
Coach: Mark Olson (fifth year)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2009 record: 12-4-0, 8-2
Top returnees: seniors Evan Baker (F), Ryan Borys (D), Ricky Contreras (F), Jacob Cunningham (M), Jon Guay (F/M); juniors Erik Gustafson (D), Michael Loke (M), Aidan McCarthy (F), Robbie Perez (D/M)
Top newcomers: seniors Kyle Bostedt (M), Peter Fisher (M); juniors Tom Breen (GK), Justin Lowe (D/M), Andy Matovina (D/M), Dylan McDonough (GK), Nolan Walsh (M), Eric Wilde (M); sophomore Michael McKune (M)
Season outlook: Cary-Grove graduated its top two scorers from last year's second-place team in the Valley, so the Trojans will need scoring by committee, an attack spearheaded by forwards Evan Baker, Aidan McCarthy and experienced Jon Guay. "We won't count on just one guy to score," C-G coach Mark Olson said. "Everyone needs to capitalize when we get opportunities. Multiple kids can get in dangerous situations. We just have to convert on those dangerous chances. The Trojans received a big lift when junior goalkeeper Tom Breen transferred in from Crystal Lake Central, where he started in net last season. Olson said Breen has "a defensive presence as a keeper." Ryan Borys and Robbie Perez are team leaders. Junior Michael Loke and sophomore Michael McKune will anchor the midfield, joined by Jacob Cunningham, who returns after missing a good portion of last season with a knee injury. Wilde will take an outside mid position. Erik Gustafson will play a key role on defense. "I'm very pleased with the back four," Olson said. "We are a young team in terms of varsity experience but not soccer experience."
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Brian Allen (fourth year)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2009 record: 19-4-2, 9-1, FVC Valley champion
Top returnees: seniors Matt Biederwolf (D), Trevor Bittenbender (M), Adam Gatza (D), Mike Hernandez (M), Jacob Stock (D), Alex Tapia (F); junior Charlie Oliver (F)
Top newcomers: juniors Devon Ross (M), Alejandro Ruiz (D); freshman Sam Murdock (M)
Season outlook: The CL South roster is populated by 11 seniors, nine of whom return from the squad that won the FVC Valley title in 2009 for the first time in 12 seasons. Junior Charlie Oliver's talent is apparent: the All-Area forward scored a team-high 20 goals to go with 9 assists as a sophomore, upping his high school total to 26 goals and 11 assists in two seasons. The Gators are particularly strong in back, where senior defenders Jacobs Stock, Matt Biederwolf and Adam Gatza return. The determined Gators don't intend to rest on last year's press clippings. "An honest work rate at training and paying attention to details will be important for this team to improve upon their accomplishments of last season," coach Brian Allen said. "As always, how quickly the seniors jell with the newcomers is essential, and focusing on improving each day, game, and week technically and tactically will be needed for us to be at our best when it comes time for the state playoffs."
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Rey Vargas (sixth year)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2009 record: 5-11-2, 2-8
Top returnees: seniors Mauricio Arellano (D), Rigo Garcia (D), Jimmy Griffin (D), Juan Lopez (F), Scott Nowicke (GK); juniors Alex Garcia (M), Kyle Hagan (M/F)
Top newcomers: juniors Louis Lopez (M), Adolfo Sandoval (M); freshmen Eduardo Arellano (D), Miguel Conejo (D)
Season outlook: Following a down season in 2009, the Chargers are poised to make a move in the Valley division with returning talent. Mauricio Arellano has two seasons of varsity experience under his belt. His leadership will be key in helping along two freshmen defenders, Eduardo Arellano and Miguel Conejo. Offensively, leading scorer Juan Lopez returns. Coach Rey Vargas has made it clear to Lopez he expects big things from him as a senior. Lopez already has 2 goals in the Chargers' first five games and had 2 other goals called back. D-C will also count on Kyle Hagan to produce up top in his second varsity season. "The strength of this team is probably the passing and communication between the players," Vargas said. "They know each other well and we're pretty good when they're in tune. The potential these guys have is really good. If we can get it together, we could be pretty good and be a forced to be reckoned with."
Elgin Maroons
Coach: Dave Borg (ninth year)
Conference: Upstate Eight
2009 record: 5-9-5, 2-8
Top returnees: seniors Oswaldo Bettencourt (M), Kevin Gonzalez (D), Carlos Moreno (M), Jonathan Rodriquez (D); junior Erwin Hernandez (D)
Top newcomers: senior Angel Dominguez (F); junior Ed Montes (M); freshman Jose Valedez (F)
Season outlook: The Maroons got off to an 0-4 start but have reason to believe things will improve as the season progresses with eight starters returning from a team that lost to Larkin in a regional title game in 4 OTs. Carlos Moreno and Erwin Hernandez return for their third varsity seasons. Each has been nagged by injuries in the early going. Moreno has the ability to score from long range. The Maroons have a solid defense when Kevin Gonzalez is in the back with Hernandez on the outside and Moreno at stopper. Goalkeepers Angel Garcia, Edwin Alba and Tony Benitez have been fighting for the starting role, with no clear winner as of yet. Jonathan Rodriguez is an outside defender who might also play midfield. Things haven't jelled yet, coach Dave Borg said, but they very well may. "We're talented, but we can't seem to find the right formation to suit us the best," he said. "And we lack a little bit of leadership. When we put it together, we're going to surprise some teams."
Elgin Academy Hilltoppers
Coach: Aurelio Castillo (third year)
Conference: Independent School League
2009 record: 6-1-9
Top returnees: juniors Tom Tunca (GK), Jonathan Busano (F); sophomore Brandon Perez (M)
Season outlook: The Hilltoppers lack experience overall but not drive. Tom Tunca, a veteran goalkeeper, provides stability in the back. Jonathan Busano was the team's leading scorer last season. Brandon Perez is the leader of a developing midfield that will face 18 opponents before regional play begins in October. "We have a lot of freshmen and a transfer student who is a very good player," 'Toppers coach Aurelio Castillo said. "I definitely expect us to have a better record than last year."
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: John Gosling (third year)
Conference: Big Northern (East)
2009 record: 13-7-1, 7-3
Top returnees: seniors Marcus Quick (GK), Leo Perez (D); juniors Jason Bishop (M), Jared Butler (D), Ismael Morales (F), Andrew Obmalay (M)
Top Newcomers: freshmen Ben Franzen (D/M), Victor Miranda (M)
Outlook: The Whip-Purs hope to make some noise in the Big Northern East, led by a talented junior class that helped the school to a regional title as freshmen in 2008. Sweeper Jared Butler returns to the defense, and Jason Bishop will play center mid and outside mid. Ismael Morales was named all-BNC and all-sectional honorable mention as a forward last year. Marcus Quick lends stability in the back with his 21/2 years of varsity experience. Defensive center midfielder Leo Perez also has 21/2 years of varsity experience. The Whips get a big lift from the return of Andrew Obmalay, who played for his club team last season. He is Hampshire's most skilled and experienced player. He'll play center mid. Freshman Ben Franzen comes from a strong club background with Campton United. "We won the regional two years ago and lost in the first round last year, so we'd like to back to (the 2008) level," said coach John Gosling, who kept is roster this season to 17 players and two keepers. "We'd definitely like to get to a sectional, which I think is a very reachable goal. We'll have to hope things are clicking at playoff time and hope for the best. We have some boys who can play."
Jacobs Golden Eagles
Coach: Anthony Cappello (first year)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2009 record: 6-12-3, 5-5
Top returnees: seniors Matt Ehrhardt (D), A.J. Pfatschabacher (GK) Taylor Pignitaro (M), Ian Treacy (F)
Top newcomers: senior Anthony Capobianco (D)
Season outlook: The Golden Eagles aim for a bounce back season after last year's disappointing finish. Coach Anthony Cappello, also the school's girls soccer coach, enters his first full season with the boys after taking over as head coach late last season. The former assistant can count on some experienced veterans to lead the way. Center midfielder Taylor Pignitaro is a four-year starter, whom Cappello called "the motor and pacesetter for this team." Pignitaro was an all-sectional and All-Area selection after the team captain scored 9 goals to go with 5 assists. Ian Treacy is another four-year starter and has a nose for the net. Pfatschabacher is as sound technically as goalkeepers come, his coach said. Capobianco returns after missing most of last season due to a broken ankle suffered in the season opener. The team's vocal leader adds a physical presence in the backfield and is strong and tough in the air. The Golden Eagles have set high goals for themselves. "I think we should have a successful year," Cappello said. "We have a lot of experience and we have a very hardworking group. We've definitely set our goal to rebound from last year and win conference."
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Kris Grabner (eighth season)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2009 record: 9-12-2, 3-7
Top returnees: seniors Matt Heiden (D), Mahi Islam (F), Eduardo Mejia (M), Kevin Montelongo (GK), Dimitri Tsoukoulos (D); juniors Javi Diaz (F), Kareem Rassas (M); sophomore Lucas Baker (M/F)
Top newcomers: sophomore Lucas Baker (M/F); freshmen Niko Mihalopoulos (MF/F), Christian Ramos (M), Scott Dorvilier (M), Leo Mueller (D)
Season outlook: Returning All-Area goalkeeper Kevin Montelongo (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) won't be cleared to play in net for another three to four weeks due to a broken hand, coach Kris Grabner said. In the meantime, the senior is contributing in the field while wearing a splint. Aleks Rys is the keeper for now and will move to defender or defensive center mid once Montelongo is cleared to reclaim his position. "Aleks has done a nice job, but we'll take a huge step when once we get Kevin back in goal," Grabner said. "We're talking about one of the best keepers around with size, great hands, agility, quickness and excellent distribution of the ball." Diaz is a fine technical player who strikes the ball as well as anyone in the area, his coach said. Diaz scored 3 goals in Huntley's first three games. Baker possesses quickness and tactical ability as a defensive center mid, the likes of which his coach said he has not had in the program during his eight years as boys coach. The freshmen call-ups are making an impact right away. Scott Dorvilier can "jump through the roof." Niko Mihalopoulos is strong and quick with sound technique. Leo Mueller is an exchange student from Germany with an excellent understanding of the game. Huntley's final third is inexperienced but progressing. "I'm hoping people overlook us," Grabner said. "This team could be very good at the end of the season. We just need the defense to improve to compete the way we can. I'm as excited as I've been with any one of my teams since I've been here."
Larkin Royals
Coach: Ken Hall (10th year)
Conference: Upstate Eight
2009 record: 11-15-2, 3-6-1
Top returnees: seniors Ivan Maldonado (F), Josue Medina (M), Tony Mendoza (M), Alex Sanchez (D); juniors Santiago Guerrero (GK), Jose Huertado (D); sophomores Manny Aguilar (M), Michael Gomez (M), Tony Hernandez (M), Danny Ramirez (D), Erik Rodriguez (F)
Top newcomers: junior Danny Valdez (F); freshman Freddy Alvarez (M)
Season outlook: The Royals hope to build on the momentum from last year's surprising run to the sectional title game. The Royals are young but talented. Sophomore Erik Rodriquez led Larkin in scoring last season with 14 goals. Ivan Maldonado also has scoring punch. Josue Medina is a returning All-Area midfielder. He was the team's most consistent player last season and contributed 3 goals and 6 assists. Tony Mendoza also returns to the midfield, joined by junior Roberto Torres and sophomores Michael Gomez, Tony Hernandez and Manny Aguilar. Alex Sanchez is a technically sound sweeper. Outside defender Jose Huertado and Danny Ramirez help anchor the back third. The Royals enjoyed a great summer, beating teams like Neuqua Valley and defending Class 2A champion Quincy Notre Dame. Can this young team repeat it's deep playoff run of a year ago? "We still have a lot of youth and inexperience, but I expect us to do better than last year," Larkin coach Ken Hall said. "Leadership will be a key, but those freshmen from last year are now sophomores and they're a little older, a little wiser and a little better."
St. Edward Green Wave
Coach: Tim Brieger (16th year)
2009: 5-16
Top returnees: seniors Hector Alvarez (D), Alex Koller (D), Mark Olenek (M); juniors Austin Davis (D), Carlos Moreno (F), Johnny Shepherd (M); juniors Logan Johnson (M), sophomores Efrain Franco (D); sophomore Nicholas Semler (M),
Newcomers: senior Jack Sutherland (F); sophomores Alex Lobo (M); freshman Kyle Dicristofano (D)
Season outlook: St. Edward is undergoing a youth movement. Eight sophomores are on the 19-man roster; four will start. "We have a lot of youth," said Green Wave coach Tim Brieger, who enters his 16th season. "This is going to be a growing pains year. We're really inexperienced so we'll just have to learn how to play the game and build for the future. Our seniors and juniors are doing a great job with the young guys. I'll take effort every day of the week as long as they work their butts of and continue learning." Olenek will pull double duty as a soccer midfielder and football team kicker on Friday nights. Johnny Shepherd came back a much improved player after a productive off-season, his coach said. Koller is a four-year starter, whom Briger called "one of the more underrated defenders around" due to his solid play and good speed.
South Elgin Storm
Coach: John Uveges (sixth year)
Conference: Upstate Eight
2009 record: 11-6-3
Top returnees: senior Ryan Piszczek (M)
Top Newcomers: juniors Danny Fry (M), Erwin Hernandez (F), Bret Hildebrandt (D), Bryan Irwin (M), Mike Kozielek (F), Brett Musnicki (F), Andrew Perry (GK), Ben Rodriguez (M), Jarod Scheiler (GK), Vince Szalay (M), David Velazquez (D); sophomores Alberto Bustamante (GK), Phil Saccameno (F)
Season outlook: The South Elgin program moves in a new direction under the guidance of former Elk Grove coach John Uveges. The new coach inherits a very young team with promise. Midfielder Ryan Piszczek is the only bona fide returning starter, though co-captain Bryan Irwin and Mike Kozielek each played varsity minutes last year. Stopper Piszczek, captain Bret Hildebrandt and outside David Velasquez form the heart of the defense. Goalkeeping is a strength: Jarod Scheiler is the starting keeper but Andrew Perry "is right there," Uveges said. Brad Musnicki is a physical player with a scoring touch who worked hard to gain a starting role. Danny Fry and Irwin control tempo as midfielders. The Storm's best player is arguably Kozielek, a junior captain who has found the net regularly during South Elgin's 2-2 start to the season. "He has tremendous speed, the ability to close on a ball defensively and just wreak havoc on opposing defenses," Uveges said. "He's amazing to watch." Erwin Hernandez is a striker with speed and gaining confidence by the day. Bustamante is a speedy, skilled sweeper. He and forward Phil Saccameno have earned starting positions as sophomores. "We're small and we're young, but if we can match the speed of the opposing team and play the way I think we can play, we could become conscious of how good we are. The goal every day is to climb that ladder and get to that level."
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: Matt Polovin (ninth year)
Conference: Upstate Eight
2009 record: 5-15-3, 0-7-2
Top returnees: seniors Victor Aguilar (D), Gilberto Alba (D), Ivan Arce (F), Ramon Gonzalez (D), David Perez (M); junior Jose Resendiz (GK); sophomore Alejandro Avalos (F), Mario Rodriguez (F), Logan Thompson (D)
Top newcomers: sophomores Luis Rodriguez (D), freshmen Nestor Ascencio (M), Brandon Malpartida (F), Christian Vences (M),
Season outlook: After a disappointing 2009 in which the Sabres weren't able to live up to lofty preseason rankings, they look to fly under the radar and surprise teams, like they did Monday by nipping Geneva by a goal. Five sophomores and three freshmen fill out the 19-man roster. "And they can all play," Sabres coach Matt Polovin said. Ivan Arce and Gilberto Alba are the only two returning senior starters, though others saw playing time. Alejandro Avalos and Mario Rodriguez were elevated to the varsity midway though last season and both have improved, coach Matt Polvin said. Logan Thompson will play in central defense. Victor Aguilar scored the game-winning goal late against Geneva. David Perez starts at outside mid. Three freshmen will play pivotal roles: natural left-hander Christian Vences is "going to be something special" in the midfield, according to his coach; another natural lefty, Nestor Ascencio will play left mid; Brandon Malpartida is a forward with speed. Strong goalkeeper Jose Resendiz stabilized the netminding position in the playoffs last year and keeps the job after a solid off-season of work with the Chicago Fire Academy. "We don't have any rankings this year; we just want to go out and play and get better every day," Polovin said. "We're so young I call this team my Play-Doh group. I want to work with them, break them apart and mold them back together. We'll have bumps and I expect it. As long as we learn from our mistakes and come out the next game and play better we'll be OK."
Westminster Christian Warriors
Coach: Mike Richardson (third year)
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
2009 record: 17-4-1, 5-1
Top returnees: seniors Luke Carani (D), Ian Dutcher (GK), Pierce McKenna (D), Chris Richardson (M); junior Josh Beachler (F/M); sophomore Tim Rogers (M)
Season outlook: The Warriors graduated some top talent from a team that reached a Class 1A sectional final before falling to Timothy Christian, 2-1. But the cupboard isn't bare. "I have a group of seniors who have been with me for four years as an assistant or head coach, so they know what to expect from me and I know what to expect from them," said Westminster Christian coach Mike Richardson. The Warriors return junior Josh Beachler, a talented forward who will again play up front. He notched hat tricks in his first three games this season. Senior Ian Dutcher (6-foot-81/2) becomes the starting goalkeeper after playing a backup role last year. He can guard the net from top to bottom. Also the center for the school's basketball team, Dutcher posted shutouts in the Warriors' first three games, which they won by a combined score of 17-0. Chris Richardson is a track athlete who "runs like the wind," his coach said. His job will be to get up the sideline fast and knock the ball inside. "We have some talent, but we're not overly talented," Mike Richardson said Tuesday. "At Westminster, we figure out ways to be successful. That's what we're hoping for if everything pulls together. We look good on paper so far, but we really haven't been tested yet."