Boys soccer/Fox Valley all-area team
Josh Beachler Westminster Christian
Beachler, a senior forward-midfielder, tallied 26 goals this season for the Warriors and finished an outstanding varsity run with 101 career goals. “Josh's speed makes him a dangerous player throughout the game,” said Westminster coach Erik Schwartz. “He puts the defense under pressure because he will be able to capitalize on any mistake a defender makes. He helped our team by scoring the majority of the goals this past season. We would have had a completely different team had he not been with us.”
Jason Bishop Hampshire
Bishop, a senior midfielder, had 12 goals and 17 assists heading into Hampshire's appearance in a regional championship game. Bishop's strong play helped Hampshire win a Fox Valley Conference Fox Division title as well as a Class 2A regional title. He had 48 career goals and 37 assists heading into the regional final. “He has been one of the most steady players with a deft touch, great vision and a fifth gear that takes some people by surprise,” said Hampshire coach John Gosling. Bishop was voted the team MVP.
Tommy Breen Cary-Grove
In a season filled with superlatives, Breen, a senior goalie, provided many. This all-sectional selection surrendered just 9 goals all season and registered 13 shutouts for a Cary-Grove team that finished 17-3 and won the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division championship and played for a regional title.
Drew Conner Cary-Grove
A senior midfielder, Conner was named an honorary co-captain of the Daily Herald's All-Area boys soccer team after helping lead Cary-Grove to 17-3 mark, a Fox Valley Conference Valley Division title and an appearance in a regional championship game. Conner, headed to the University of Wisconsin, finished the year with 13 goals and 14 assists en route to earning all-sectional and all-state accolades. “Drew's teammates are gifted and he makes them even better,” said Cary-Grove coach Mark Olson. “They are excited the way we play and a lot of that comes from Drew and his leadership and ability.”
Anthony DiNuzzo Bartlett
DiNuzzo, who did not play for Bartlett his junior year to concentrate on club soccer, returned to the high school arena this season and made a big impact for the Hawks, who won a regional championship. DiNuzzo, a senior midfielder, had 12 goals and 11 assists heading into the regional championship contest against Larkin and had 16 goals and 14 assists in his varsity career heading into the title game against Larkin. “Anthony is one of the most technically gifted midfielders I have ever coached,” said Bartlett coach Ben Beary. “His ability to create opportunities for himself and for teammates in the tightest of spaces is uncanny. He has carried our offense this year by scoring in double digits in goals and assists, a first for Bartlett.” Beary noted DiNuzzo had made the stat sheet for 48 percent of the teams goals (either by scoring or assisting) heading into the regional title game.
Tony Escamilla Larkin
Escamilla, a junior forward, helped Larkin reach the regional championship round of the Class 3A state playoffs this past season. He finished the year with 19 goals and 11 assists and combined with fellow All-Area selection Erik Rodriguez to score a combined 42 goals. “Tony has good speed and he and Erik work very well together up top,” said Larkin coach Ken Hall.
Chris Gousios Burlington Central
Gousios, an all-sectional selection, tallied 12 goals and 4 assists for the Rockets in 2011. The senior midfielder-forward finished his run on Rocket Hill with 45 career goals and 15 assists. “Chris is once again our leading goal scorer this year, but it is his leadership that I believe has helped his team the most this season,” said Central coach Mike Gecan. “His biggest strength would have to be his passion for the game of soccer. Chris also is our go-to player when we need a big goal. We will miss having Chris on the field with us next year, but I know he will move on to do a lot of great things in the future.”
Kyle Hagan Dundee-Crown
Hagan, a senior forward-midfielder, had tallied 16 goals and 5 assists for the Chargers heading into their regional championship match with Jacobs. Those totals bumped his career numbers up to 36 goals and 15 assists. Hagan is a repeat Daily Herald All-Area selection. “Kyle has come up big for us all season,” said D-C coach Rey Vargas. “In my opinion, he is one of the best in the area. He's a hard worker who is good with the ball, sees the field well and is dangerous.”
Erwin Hernandez Elgin
Hernandez, a senior outside defender, started on the Maroons' varsity all four years Hernandez earned all-tournament honors at the St. Patrick Lasalian Cup. “Erwin is like having an additional midfielder,” lauded Elgin coach Dave Borg. “He is able to push the ball up and make runs.” Teamed with fellow All-Area selection Carlos Moreno to lead the Elgin defensive unit. “Carlos and Erwin are extremely fast and unrelenting defenders,” said Borg. “I knew they were going to be good in their first game as freshmen.”
Mike Kozielek South Elgin
Kozielek, a senior striker and a team captain, finished the year with 11 goals and 7 assists and had 26 goals and 12 assists over the last two seasons. “Mike consistently generates offense and is, in my opinion, the best offensive/defensive player I have ever seen,” said South Elgin coach John Uveges. “His fitness level is unmatched by any other player. He's a team-leader.”
Carlos Moreno Elgin
Moreno, a senior sweeper, was a four-year starter for Elgin. This season, he recorded over 90 slide tackles. Moreno was an all-tournament selection at the St. Patrick's Lasalian Cup. Combined with fellow All-Area selection Erwin Rodriguez to fortify the Maroons' defense. “Both are four-year starters, good students and good guys,” said Elgin coach Dave Borg. “Both are quiet guys and lead by example.” Borg noted Moreno is drawing collegiate interest from several schools.
Ismael Morales Hampshire
Morales, a senior forward and an all-sectional selection, helped Hampshire win a Fox Valley Conference Fox Division championship and a Class 2A regional title. Morales had 20 goals and 10 assists heading into the regional title game (career totals of 74-40). “Ismael is our goal scorer and I believe one of the top ones in the area,” said Hampshire coach John Gosling. “In our all-state meeting, his goal totals were more than any other player that was up on the ‘board.'” A three-time all-conference pick, Morales was voted the team's top offensive player this year.
Charlie Oliver Crystal Lake South
Oliver, a senior forward, was recently named to the elite NSCAA Region V all-Midwest team after earning his second all-state selection. Oliver had 27 goals and 9 assists this season and finished his outstanding career with 81 goals and 31 assists. Oliver helped South reach the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division championship match against Cary-Grove. “Charlie led us to the championship match with his never-quit attitude and tremendous work rate,” said South coach Brian Allen. “His stats as a forward speak for themselves, but he spent six-plus matches as our sweeper as well where he led the defense to a minuscule 0.50 goals-against average (when he played the position) as opposed to the 2.25 GAA. Overall, he is as versatile and dynamic a soccer player as it gets in the state, having the total soccer package of skill, smarts, speed footwork, finishing ability and defensive tenacity.”
Mario Rako Jacobs
Rako, a junior midfielder, had 8 goals and 7 assists heading into the regional championship match. Rako's play helped the Golden Eagles win a Class 3A regional championship. Rako's 8-7 stat totals followed a 5-3 effort his sophomore year (missed first part due to injury) and a 7-2 showing freshman year. “Mario is one of the most complete players in the area,” said Jacobs coach AJ Cappello. “He's a natural striker who has been converted into a center midfielder for this team. He has not only created numerous opportunities for the team and himself, but has been one of our strongest defenders holding the middle of the field. His understanding of the game is unparalleled at this level.”
Jose Resendiz Streamwood
Resendiz, a senior goalie, played a huge role in Streamwood being competitive in matches throughout its schedule this season. “Jose is the main reason why we were in so many games this year and had 11 one-goal games this season,” said Streamwood coach Matt Polovin. “He has made huge saves when needed and made a spectacular save (recently) on a penalty kick against Lake Park in the last 5 minutes of regulation.” Resendiz will continue his soccer career at Dubuque next season.
Erik Rodriguez Larkin
Rodriguez, a junior forward, was named an honorary co-captain of the Daily Herald's All-Area boys' soccer team after helping lead Larkin to a successful season that included an appearance in the regional championship game. Rodriguez finished the season with 23 goals and 14 assists. Teamed up with fellow All-Area selection Tony Escamilla to give the Royals a potent 1-2 scoring punch. “Erik and Tony are as good at passing as they are at scoring,” said Larkin coach Ken Hall.
2011 Fox Valley All-Area Boys Soccer Team
Josh Beachler Westminster Christian Sr. F/MF
Jason Bishop Hampshire Sr. MF
Tom Breen Cary-Grove Sr. GK
*Drew Conner Cary-Grove Sr. MF
Anthony DiNuzzo Bartlett Sr. MF
Tony Escamilla Larkin Jr. F
Chris Gousios Burlington Central Sr. F-MF
Kyle Hagan Dundee-Crown Sr. F-D
Erwin Hernandez Elgin Sr. D
Mike Kozielek South Elgin Sr. F
Ismael Morales Hampshire Sr. F
Carlos Moreno Elgin Sr. D
Charlie Oliver CL South Sr. F
Jose Resendiz Streamwood Sr. GK
Mario Rako Jacobs Jr. MF
*Erik Rodriguez Larkin Jr. F
* Honorary co-captain
Honorable mention
Bartlett: Ramiro Arroyo (Sr., F), Fabio Aiello (Sr., D), Charlie Sordini (Sr., F)
Burlington Central: Brad Yarwood (Jr., D), Riley Jensen (Sr., GK), Buddy Toth (Sr., D), Christopher Rodriguez (Jr., MF)
Cary-Grove: Erik Gustafson (Sr., D), Mike McKune (Jr., MF), Zach Solarte (Sr., MF), Eric Wilde (Sr., MF), Mike Loke (Sr., MF), Kevin Wilde (Soph., F)
Crystal Lake South: Roberto Albuquerque (Sr., MF), Sam Murdock (Soph., MF)
Dundee-Crown: Anthony Meza (Sr., MF), Luis Lopez (Sr., D), Christian Martinez (Jr., GK)
Elgin Academy: Tom Tunca (Sr., GK), Brandon Perez (Jr., MF)
Hampshire: Andrew Obmalay (Sr., MF)
Harvest Christian Academy: Connor Kearns (Sr., F), Andrew Hempel (Sr., MF)
Huntley: Kareem Rassas (Sr., MF), Lucas Baker (Jr., MF), Niko Miholopolous (Soph., F)
Jacobs: Matt Taflinger (Sr., D)
Larkin: Tony Hernandez (Jr., MF), Tito Valezquez
St. Edward: Austin Davis (Sr., D), Logan Johnson (Sr., MF), Efrain Franco (Jr., D)
South Elgin: Bret Hildebrandt (Sr., D), Jarod Schieler (Sr., GK), Danny Fry (Sr., MF), Brian Irwin (Sr., MF)
Streamwood: Mario Rodriguez (Jr., F)
Captain's honor roll
1995 — Peter Takacs (Larkin)
1996 — Nick Dudziak (Elgin)
1997 — Sean Rafferty (Elgin)
1998 — Ryan McKenna (Larkin)
1999 — Ryan McKenna (Larkin) and Blair McLaughlin (Cary-Grove)
2000 — John Dahlquist (Bartlett)
2001 — Matt Grimmer (Bartlett) and Mark Sommerville (Jacobs)
2002 — Jeff Diehl (Jacobs)
2003 — Dan Breen (Cary-Grove)
2004 — Mike Stumpf (Crystal Lake South)
2005 — Joe Keating (St. Edward)
2006 — Christian Meza (Dundee-Crown) and Tyler Beachler (Westminster Christian)
2007 — David Rodriguez (Larkin)
2008 — Alex Perez (Streamwood) and Raul Sandoval (Larkin)
2009 — Ryan Beachler (Westminster Christian)
2010 — Charlie Oliver (Crystal Lake South)
2011 — Drew Conner (Cary-Grove) and Erik Rodriguez (Larkin)
All-area selections and capsules by Mike Miazga