Boys soccer: Scouting Northwest

MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Darren Llewellyn (1st year)

Last year: 16-5-1 (9-1-1), MSL East champs

Graduation losses: Kyle Adams (F-MF, all-area, MSL East POY, 16g, Arizona), Michael Botello (MF, Carthage), Jack Keady (D, all-MSL, Northwestern), Manny Mazariegos (MF, Chicago), Eddie Muyobo (Illinois), Tyler Rieger (Bradley), Jake Salzman (GK), Daniel Sempoch (GK, all-area, all-MSL, 0.74, 12.5, playing at Triton), Sam Turusbekov (MF, Harper), Daniel Vidal (F, National Louis).

Returning players: Seniors Kevin Eloiza (MF-F, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, 11g), Brian Hanus (D), Christian Kozaczka (D), Jon Peici (F); juniors Shane Adams (D), Alex Berk (M-F); Marcin Czaplinski (M-D), Ryan Kim (MF), Michael Lollino (D).

New faces to watch: Sophomores Brian Perez (MF), Adam Sempoch (GK).

Outlook: New man in charge Darren Llewellyn takes over for his friend and assistant at Hersey to give the Bison one of the top men defensively in the area, and one that breaks down the game like no other. "Our goal is to play at the highest level, whether it will be at the beginning, or at the end. If we do, then winning should all fall into place," Llewellyn said. Central defenders Hanus and Kozaczka are good on the ball, strong and assertive when going to the ball, which will be helpful in front of a new man between the sticks. But it's the firepower up top that will be the difference should the Bison go on a successful run, beginning with Elioza. He's both elegant and dangerous with and without the ball, and one of the best players in the area. The list of attacking options continues with Berk, Kim, Peici and Perez, making the Bison one of the favorites this fall.

Elk GroveCoach: Alex Stavropoulos (2nd year, 2-12-2)

Last year: 2-12-2

Graduation losses: Angel Cruz (MF-F), Misa Contreras (MF, all-area, all-MSL), Oscar Gonzalez (D), Adi Keserovic (MF), Alex Martinez D).

Returning players: Seniors Paul Jonas (MF), Brandon Lazcano-Llanos (MF), Nazar Peron (F); junior Hector Torres (D).

New faces to watch: Junior Drew Talens (D); sophomore Johnny Rivas MF).

Outlook: Don't let that final record fool you - the Grens were playing well in the final stages of the 2017 season, thanks in part to talented all-area captain Misa Contreras and four other seniors whose effort and work rate left a lasting impression on their teammates. "Those (five) players showed the way, and this year, with several back with a year of varsity play under their belt, we should be able to start to trend in the right direction," says Stavropoulos. "We were very young a year ago, but we're bigger, stronger and faster this time around, and from a defensive perspective, we can compete at a higher level than last season." Seniors Jonas and Lazcano-Llanos will provide balance and stability in the center of the park for the Grens.

HerseyCoach: Michael Rusniak (1st year)

Last year: 4-7-2 (3-6-2).

Graduation losses: Jesse Lopez (Robert Morris University), Kevin Roman (NIU), Mick Santry (D, Wisconsin).

Returning players: Seniors Nick Clarizio (GK), Eddie Martin (F), Trey Schmidt (MF), Kostadin Stoyanov (MF), Jacob Tolwinski (D); sophomores Patryk Bujak (GK), Thomas Steger (D), Ronan Wilcox (MF),

New faces to watch: Senior Majeed 'Major' Hassan (F); junior Adrian Przadka (D); sophomores Jake Sanders (F), Eric Worwa (F).

Outlook: Huskies former assistant Michael Rusniak takes over for long-time head coach Darren Llewellyn, who after retiring from teaching moves over to division rival Buffalo Grove to be in charge of Bison program. Rusniak inherits key players who were schooled in the defensive excellence by the aforementioned Llewellyn, giving the new head coach a base from which to build. "With the core of returning players, along with the specific strengths we have from players coming off the bench, we'll look to play efficient, fast and physical soccer this season," says Rusniak, whose club opened with two consecutive shutouts in the first week of the season.

ProspectCoach: Mike Andrews (3rd year, 14-20-3)

Last year: 7-10-1 (3-8-0).

Graduation losses: Nico Mho (F-MF, all-area, all-MSL, playing at Millikin), Kevin Shane (GK), Aaron Whiteman (MF-D, all-area, all-MSL)

Returning players: Seniors Joey Boduch (MF), Patrick Limanowka (F), Tengis Tulga (MF).

New faces to watch: Juniors Edmund Conroy (D), Szymon Mocarski (GK); sophomore Declan Flanagan (F-MF).

Outlook: After a quality start to the 2017 campaign, the Knights fell on hard times, dropping five straight, with two of their losses by 1 goal to eventual Soccer Bowl participants Barrington and Buffalo Grove. Mike Andrews' team will try to improve on both marks this time around, and as the Knights' coach tells it, there's a good chance of that happening. "Last year we had a team with a lot of heart, but we would have too many moments where discipline and awareness would lapse. We've been working hard to prevent such breakdowns, because that will be the key to winning games against quality opponents." Andrews believes his three seniors - Boduch, Limanowka, Tulga - will set the bar for others to reach. Newcomers Conroy, Flanagan and keeper Mocarski have already impressed during the early stages of the new season.

Rolling MeadowsCoach: Brett Olson (2nd year, 7-12-2).

Last year: 7-12-2 (4-6-1)

Graduation losses: Julian Avila (Rockford College), John Pollard, Christian Valladares

Returning players: Seniors Jason Flores (MF-D), Anthony Kozlowski (MF-D), Sergio Lucero Herrera (MF, 10g, all-area, all-sectional), Sammy Olague (MF, 14g, all-area, all-sectional), Michael Taskin (MF); juniors Matt Galvan (GK), Erik Martens (MF), Adan Ramirez (MF), Isaac San Roman (D).

New faces to watch: Senior Cesar Perez (D); junior Kamil Podraza (D); sophomore Ethan Kakavetsis (MF), Luis Marquez (MF-F).

Outlook: A former Mustangs star himself, Olson has assembled a wonderfully talented group in advance of his second season in charge, including the dynmaic duo of all-area and all-sectional choice Sammy Olague and Lucero Herrera. Both can create chances and and influence the game in Meadows' favor. "We return every impact player from a team that jumped from 1 to 7 wins, and with that attacking firepower and terrific depth in the midfield, we should be able to put a lot of pressure on our opponents," suggests Olson. "We know we can score, but that means we'll need to pull together an inexperienced group in the back in order to challenge for the division, and more later on." With his leadership and ability to be a big-time shot stopper, three-year starter Matt Galvan is the player at keeper that Olson will lean on as his defense comes along.

Wheeling:Coach: Kevin Lennon (3rd year, 31-9-2).

Last year: 15-6-1 (9-2-0), regional champs.

Graduation losses: Phil Bucko (F), Vicente Castro (MF, all-state, two-time all-area, all-MSL, MSL East POY, Daily Herald All-Area captain, playing at Dominican University), Robert Cruz, Logan Laude, Jose Mariscal (F, all-area, 23g, playing at Harper), Randy Pietrowski (D, all-area, playing at Dominican), David Soto (D, two-time all-area, all-MSL, playing at Dominican).

Returning players: Seniors Alan Araujo (F), Jesus Avila (D), Jose Flores (MF), Alex Ibarra (D), Miguel Rodriguez (MF), Jared Urueta (MF, all-area, all-MSL, 14g); juniors Pablo Herrera (D), Jason Rivas (MF).

New faces to watch: Senior Dominik Brzostowski (F), Danny Longinos (MF), Bryan Macias (D), Christian Ruiz (GK); junior Joshua Martinez (MF); sophomores Luis Avilas (F), Angel Escobedo (D), Elio Santana (GK), Gabriel Schiavoni (F).

Outlook: The defending divisional champs were hit hard by the graduation bug, losing no less than six standout starters, including one of the top attacking players in the state, Castro, and Soto, who ranked among the best back-liners. "We're going to go through some growing pains for sure in the early going," said coach Kevin Lennon, "so we'll need to count on a terrific core of veterans to lead the way while an exciting group of newcomers find their way as first-year varsity players." Senior Jared Urreta appears ready to carve up opponents just as Castro had done in the past; Urreta scored 5 goals against Cary-Grove in the season opener, with Miguel Rodriguez ready to lend a hand alongside his teammate. Jesus Avila is a first-rate defender who is ready to assume more responsibility as the anchor of a back line filled with fresh faces.

MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Scott Steib (19th year, 334-102-40 (394-130-47 career).

Last year: 20-1-4 (11-0-1), MSL West champs, beat Buffalo Grove (1-0) in MSL Soccer Bowl, regional champs.

Graduation losses: Connor Delahunt (D, all-area, all-MSL, U.S. Marines), Jose Esparza (D, playing at Harper), Ryan Ford (F, San Diego), Charlie Frank (D, Villanova), Justin Funk (MF, Texas A&M), Gio Guarnero (MF, two-time all-area, all-MSL, playing at Oakton), Ethan Lew (F, UC-San Diego), Klaus Pallan (F, U.S. Navy), Nathan Patterson (D, all-area, all-MSL, playing at Trinity International), Enrico Ruffalo (MF, Illinois, all-MSL), Brett Sprengel (GK, playing at Illinois Wesleyan).

Returning players: Seniors Michael Blanke (F, all-area, all-MSL, 9g, 9a), Bryan Guarnero (MF), Omkar Prabhavalkar (F, 7g), Noah Sebens (D), C.J. Steib (D), Cal Uhryniak (GK), Colton Wever (MF); sophomores Daniel Hesselbein (GK), Aidan Lew (F).

New faces to watch: Senior Cesar Campuzano (GK); juniors Justin Affinati (D), Brian Coble (D), Efren Vega (MF), Caleb Wilson (F); sophomores Niko Argygos (MF), Jo Cidulka (D), Junior Hernandez (F), Nathan Horn (D), Michael Horak (MF), Brendan Lodl (MF), Matty O'Toole (D).

Outlook: The Broncos follow up a memorable 2016 run to a Class 3A state runner-up trophy with a nearly perfect season a year ago that included lifting its first league trophy since 2004. But heavy graduation losses in back-to-back seasons leaves the reigning MSL champs short on experience with about a dozen new faces, nine of whom are sophomores. "We're faced with replacing another excellent group of players," said coach Steib, who is closing in on 400 career wins. "We have a returning group that has quality about them, but we'll have to work extremely hard in order to jel and become a side that can play and compete together against our league fixtures and tough nonconference schedule." Steib says his three-year forward, Michael Blanke, is looking motivated, which might be trouble for Broncos opponents as the senior is highly capable of scoring any type of goal using his elite speed, quickness and elusive pace.

ConantCoach: Jason Franco (11th year, 104-95-34).

Last year: 8-10-1 (5-5-1).

Graduation losses: Tommy Biernat (D), Brandon Chlopek (F-MF, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, playing at Lewis), Harris Dibek (F, all-MSL, playing at Augustana), Mateusz Pasula (MF, all-area, all-MSL, 16g).

Returning players: Seniors Kyle Armando (MF), Eduardo Dorado (F), Mauricio Flores (F), Soto Ono (F-MF, all-area, two-time all-MSL, all-sectional), Piotr Pyz (GK); juniors Andrew Bittner (MF), Josh Kaye (D)

New faces to watch: Juniors Ethan Angelos (D), Dan Takamoto (D); sophomores Nick Frank (D), Maciej Matusiak (F); freshmen Ruben Zarate (F).

Outlook: Yet another side from a West Division that was bitten hard by the graduation bug, with the Cougars losing four key figures from its fourth-place state team in 2016. "This group is skilled and hungry, but our new guys will need to adjust to the speed and power that is MSL Soccer," said Franco. "Ono (20 goals in two seasons) is a very gifted player, but he must stay healthy in order to be the focus of our attack, while Piotr is a very experienced keeper (as a three-year starter) and excellent shot-stopper who will be called upon regularly as we train a relatively brand new back line."

FremdCoach: Steve Keller (21st year, 251-158-66).

Last year: 12-9-0 (8-3-1)

Graduation losses: Matt Austin (F-MF, MSL POY, all-area, all-MSL,13g, playing at Harper), Max Clark (F-MF, all-area, 7g, playing soccer at Guilford College, England), Ben Cuthbert (D, all-area, all-MSL, Iowa State), Jules Koautchou (D), Vania Martin (F-MF, Millikin), Matt Mayer (MF), Dalton Rogers (MF, all-area, all-MSL, Arizona), Jack Taraszka (GK), Vania Martin (playing at Millkin), Angel Virgos (MF).

Returning players: Seniors Ryan Cox (F), Yoshi Otani (D), Connor Sapiente (MF), Jake Scesniak (D-MF); juniors Russell Beaupre (MF), Josh Bennett (F), Artur Cholewa (GK), Kaelan Conway (D), Cole Jackson (D); sophmore Jake Schoffstall (D-MF).

Fresh faces to watch: Vince Daidone (MF), Matt Glabinski (MF-D), Dorian Lesiuk (MF), Anthony Tambellini (MF), Yuma Yamamoto (D); junior John Katin (MF), CJ Williams (MF); sophomores Nick Austin (MF), Aidan Johnston (D), Kyle Johnston (F); freshmen Eli Schoffstall (F).

Outlook: It was a whirlwind season for Steve Keller's men last fall, as they slowly made the climb up the ladder with nine consecutive victories in the MSL heading into the postseason, where the hopes of a long ride in the playoffs ended abruptly at Carmel. Gone from that side are four all-area players, including Matt Austin, voted the best in the West by Keller's coaching counterparts. "We lost a lot, but return several with experience, including four back from club soccer," said Keller. "With that, our expectations are high for this group - but only if they can focus and play for one another. If we're mentally strong, sharp and able to reach our potential, then the sky is the limit."

Hoffman EstatesCoach: Sean Armstrong (1st year).

Last year: 3-13-1 (3-7-1)

Graduation losses: Omer Ansari (D, playing at Aurora), Nelson Diaz (D), Daniel Rocha (M, playing at Aurora), Ben Palacios (MF), Joey Sopikiotis (MF-F, all-area, playing at Wheaton College).

Returning players: Seniors Michael Ameen (D), Tony Cabral (MF), Jose Flavela (F), Zach Freye (D), Alex Gonzalez (MF), Tyler Kelly (GK), Derek O'Brien (MF), Edson Orantes (F), Alex Soto (F); junior Simeon Georgiez (F).

New faces to watch: Senior Enrique Bravo (D); juniors Carlos Borja-Fernandez (D), Eric Flores (MF), Jesus Martinez (MF), Siva Nakka (D), Julian Rios (D); sophomores Georgi Kyosez (MF), Erik Morales (MF).

Outlook: The Hawks' surprising opening-night defeat of MSL champion Barrington sent shockwaves through the league, while giving hope for Hoffman Estates that better times are ahead under new coach Sean Armstrong, who's been a part of the program for over 20 years. "We played together as a team against Barrington to finally turn things around against them, with Simeon Georgiev rewarded for his hard work all night by scoring the game-winner," said Armstrong. "We started way back on March 1 when I took over with the theme 'Win the Pitch' with our returning players, and the response to that theme was instantaneous and overwhelming, with everyone in the program buying into it." Armstrong likes what he sees thus far from his backline of Ameen, Freye, Nakka and Rios, and adds his players' work during the off-season can help turn things around for Hawks soccer.

PalatineCoach: Willie Filian (28th year, 360-163-53).

Last year: 11-9-1 (5-5-1).

Graduation losses: Ethan Bank (GK, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, Indiana), Miguel Barrrera (D, Harper), Kevin Filian (F, playing at Loras College), Griffin Falotico (D), Sebastian Frazcek (MF-F, two-time all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, playing at Northern Arizona), Luke Garrett (D, playing basketball at Rockford College), Conor McGarvey (D, two-time all-MSL, Northwestern), Chris Munoz (D, two-time all-MSL, playing at Harper), Connor Nix (D, Indiana), Will Riordan (F, Illinois State), Ricky Tovar (MF).

Returning players: Seniors Jorge Corona (MF-F), Angel Prudente (MF), Aaron Spaletto (MF); juniors James Hawran (MF), Patrick Rajchel (MF).

New faces to watch: Seniors David Gutierrez (GK), Joe Geisel (F); juniors Connor Aikman (MF), Bryan Lucero (D), Kevin Reynolds (MF-D), Hogo Tierrablanca (D), Konrad Zygier (F), sophmore Aaron Bustamante (MF).

Outlook: Of all the clubs in the division, the Pirates took the biggest graduation hit of them all. Eleven players, most of whom were full-time starters have moved on, including superb GK Ethan Bank plus standous Sebastian Frazcek, Conor McCarthy and Chris Munoz, who gave their teammates a chance at winning every time out. "We have pretty good depth in regards to attacking players, but our inexperience at most positions, especially between the sticks and along the back line, is something of a concern here at the onset," says Filian, who along with his long-time assistant and friend, Charlie Gries, always find a way to for their lads to be competitive.

SchaumburgCoach: Eric Sorby (2nd year, 4-10-1).

Last year: 4-10-1 (3-8-1)

Graduation losses: Eric Pawlowski, Anthony Spadafore (D, two-time all-MSL All-Academic, playing at Benedictine University), Edwin Suresh (Chicago).

Returning players: Seniors Nick Marino (F-MF), Edwin Zuniga (MF); juniors Sam Bogner (D), Jason Schoo (MF, all-MSL).

New faces to watch: Junior Daniel Moskal (D); sophomore Phil Hassman (MF).

Outlook: Familiar faces dot the Saxons' lineup this season, particularly those with the potential to attack and get their teammates forward following Eric Sorby's first season in charge. He'd taken over for long-time coach and former Saxons star Hamid Mehreiouskouei, now an adminstrator at Fremd. "We now have players back who are familiar with the style of the way we want to play, and with the upperclassmen doing a great job of mentoring the younger players, the expectations this time around to be better and the chances at having a winning season are much higher," says Sorby, who says this edition of Saxons soccer will be more organized defensively and harder to break down this season.

NORTHEASTERN ATHLETICChristian Liberty AcademyCoach: Jed Bennett (2nd year, 8-11-1).

Last year: 8-11-1 (3-4-0).

Graduation losses: Jesse Castro (F, Olivet Nazarene, all-NEA), Isaiah Jaime (MF, playing at Harper, all-NEA), Matt Schuster (D-MF, Harper), Alex Tolford (F, Valley Forge Military Academy).

Returning players: Senior Gabe Jimenez (D); juniors Titus Bennett (F), Adam Kania (D), Andres Kim (D-MF), Justin McHugh (D), Miguel Perez (MF); sophomores JD Elleson (MF), Ryan Reyes (MF), Dylan Veigel (MF).

New faces to watch: Juniors Breckin Aiello (F-MF), Ethan Oskroba (GK).

Outlook: Nearly 40 goals from Jesse Castro and 20-plus assists by Isaiah Jaime last year were not enough for the Chargers to equal the banner season of 2011, when the program enjoyed its finest season in its history. "It looks like we'll be scoring by committee this fall," said Jed Bennett, who was head coach in 2011, then returned last season just days before the Chargers' opener. "We lost four top seniors, so we'll be young in spots - especially in the middle where sophomores Ryan Reyes and Dylan Veigel will be counted on to run our attack," said Bennett, who figures on IMSA and Harvard to be the conference favorites.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Mark Valintis (12th year, 151-71-29).

Last year: 18-4-2 (5-1-1), WSC Silver Division champs, regional champs.

Graduation losses: Oscar Cifuentes (MF, playing at Elmhurst), Adrian Flores (D), Daniel Kulawiak (D, all-area, all-WSC, playing at Domican University), Matt Makowiec (F), Moises Perez (D), Francisco Toral (F, all-area, all-WSC, 15g, playing at Morton), Oscar Cienfuentes (playing at Elmhurst).

Returning players: Seniors David Duwal (GK, all-WSC, 0.78), Eduardo Herandez (F, all-state, all-area, 17g), Jesus Mancha (GK).

New faces to watch: Junior Maks Haruk (D); sophomores Ozzie Pacheco (MF), Jesus Recendez (D), Alan Vazquez (F); freshman Pablo Mancha (MF).

Outlook: Mark Valintis' club enjoyed a memorable 2017 season, winning a 12th regional title in program history, a division title and putting together a 14-game unbeaten streak that included a dazzling goal diffential of 47-11. The Eagles accomplished all this with one of his strongest, deepest clubs in quite some time - but this year's roster is almost completely new. "Basically, we're starting from scratch after losing nearly everyone from a year ago, and having so many players who have never played a varsity minute," said Valintis. "We do have quality seniors to lead the way, and talented players who performed well during the summer, but we'll experience some growing pains early on for sure." One big advantage: All-State senior Eduardo Hernandez is an offensive force.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Alan Matan (6th year, 42-60-16).

Last year: 11-7-2 (4-1-1).

Graduation losses: Ozzie Espinoza (MF, playing at North Park), Alex Marron (MF-D), Cory Scholler (MF-D, Western Michigan), Osmar Vega (D).

Returning players: Seniors Jason Ybarra (MF, all-area, all-sectional, all-CSL, 11a), Emerson Herrera (MF, all-MSL).

New faces to watch: Juniors Julio Pereznegron (D), Cristian Correa (F).

Outlook: Alan Matan will hope this club can produce the same late-season storybook surge of a year ago, when the Warriors were playing superb soccer down the stretch to earn a second-place finish in the CSL North and nearly upset Leyden in a regional final. "We lost 13 seniors and have 16 first-year varsity players and return just four seniors, so we'll look to jell quickly as a unit to get ready for the season," says Matan, who picks both Glenbrook North and Highland Park as the teams to beat in the division. The Warriors have a marvelous talent in Jason Ybarra, who can influence the final outcome with his passing range, playmaking ability and all-around masterful play in the center of the park.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Mike Taylor (39th year, 480-163-95), 544-224-116 (career).

Last year: 12-9-3 (5-2-2).

Graduation losses: Jack Hartman (F), Drake Imhoff (D), Brady Mulligan (MF, playing at Bradley University), David Petrovich (GK, Bradley University).

Returning players: Seniors Nick DeMarco (D), Patrick Hammarlund (D-MF), William Hartman (F, all-ESCC), Kentro Lim (D), Michael Tangredi (MF, all-ESCC), Zaul Perez (MF, all-ESCC); juniors Francisco Campos (D), David Stahl (MF-F).

New faces to watch: Junior Christen Castro (MF); sophomores Sebastian Howarth (MF), David Lavendar (D), Matthew Marchiori (GK), Joey Taylor (F).

Outlook: Lions look the part of a side that can play deep into the postseason according to head coach Mike Taylor, who has seen plenty during his brilliant career in the Lions program. "It will take some time to sort out our defense, but we have the type of players that will work hard, and know what it takes to compete against a difficult nonconference schedule which should get us ready for the playoffs," says Taylor, whose club will be a part of the 2A state series come mid-October. Can opponents cope with the talented Zaul Perez? Taylor will deploy him as an attacking midfielder, and along with teammate Will Hartman they'll provide the type of pace, creativity and scoring potential to impact the final scoreline, while senior Michael Tangredi gives the Lions work work and leadership in the middle of the park.