Boys soccer: Scouting Cook County and Lake County
MID-SUBURBAN LEAGUE
BARRINGTON
Coach: Scott Steib (26th season)
Last year: 7-12-3 (4-6-1, 9th, MSL)
Top returning players: Seniors Nico Hauser (D), Brian Mazgaj (MF), Pat Tabb (F); juniors Jack Ball (D), Magdiel Magdaleno (MF); sophomore Evan Ryder (GK)
Outlook: The Broncos lost an outstanding defensive duo (Mattie Vitale, Logan Cidulka) who cleaned everything up along the back, and helped the club record 9 shutouts, while providing the type of leadership that was second to none. "We graduated quite a few players who we relied on last year. However we really like the group that returned this fall, and we are hoping to compete in the MSL West this season," said coach Scott Steib, who is inching closer to 500 career victories.
BUFFALO GROVE
Coach: Darren Llewellyn (7th season)
Last year: 9-11-1 (6-5-0, MSL East champs)
Top returning players: Senior Denys Grabchuk (F-MF); juniors Filip Aniecko (D), Roberto Arrebano (D), Jonathan Maradkel (MF)
Outlook: The Bison rarely looked the part of a division champion until the late season helped Darren Llewellyn's men lift its ninth MSL Soccer Cup in program history. "There were times last year when I didn't think we would make it (through) - but this year, with six juniors playing significant minutes last year, four of which who played nearly every minute (we) should be solid along the back, with 2-3 players who I believe can cause some havoc going forward," said Llewellyn.
CONANT
Coach: Jason Franco (17th season)
Last year: 10-11-3 (6-4-1, 2nd, MSL West)
Top returning players: Seniors Danny Flores (D), Krystian Niziolek (F), Ibuki Takahashi (MF); junior Gabe Dobrincu (MF)
New faces to watch: Seniors Jimmy Cirbo (MF), Nick Dragalov (F), Eric Plaza (MF)
Outlook: The Cougars are trending in the right direction, thanks in part to a lethal attacking trio led by two-time all-state senior Krystian Niziolek, and teammates Ibuki Takahashi and Gabe Dobrincu. "We have a very good attacking core of players, Krystian, Gabe and Ibuki might be the best at their positions in the conference, but we'll be very green defensively, so their ability to learn quickly will be key," said Jason Franco.
ELK GROVE
Coach: Dan Klaus (2nd season)
Last year: 6-8-3 (5-5-1, 6th, MSL)
Top returning players: Seniors Kuba Chmielewski (MF), Kacper Jablonski (F), Armando Limon (MF)
New faces to watch: Juniors Olivier Bielecki (MF), Alan Maya-Gonzalez (F), Nick Tekiela (MF)
Outlook: Expectations were high last fall with the Grens coming off of one their best seasons in years when it reached the 2022 MSL Soccer Cup, and finishing with (14) wins - only to see those hopes dashed when finishing in the middle of the league table. "Our day-to-day training habits, work rate and attitude have made a significant leap this year led by our seniors and juniors, and young guys who are following suit," says coach Dan Klaus.
FREMD
Coach: Steve Keller (27th season)
Last year: 5-9-4 (4-4-3, 7th, MSL)
Top returning players: Seniors Kyle Grasse (MF), Nate Schmeling (F); junior Stephan Smolak (D); sophomore Jose Hernandez (F)
New faces to watch: Junior Tyler Roos (MF); sophomores Nick Alex (F), Hector Santiago (MF)
Outlook: On paper, the Vikings should be better than a year ago when the club bagged just 12 goals on the season, while conceding 39 — something rarely seen from a Steve Keller managed club. "We're obviously looking to improve over last year's performance, and with a year of experience, an improved defense, and decent attack, that should happen," said Keller, who is closing in on 350 career victories.
HERSEY
Coach: Mike Rusniak (7th season)
Last year: 8-6-3 (5-4-2, 5th, MSL)
Top returning players: Seniors Kacper Lechowicz (F), Nate Mabry (D), Ray Reyes (F), Adrian Smakowski (GK); sophomore Johnny Antoniou (MF)
New faces to watch: Juniors Darii Kishchak (MF), Diego Ortiz (F); sophomores Akram Aloviddinov (F), Teddy Reyes (MF)
Outlook: The Huskies lost their terrific central defensive duo from a year ago, but they do return three-year veteran (Smakowski) who will give coach Mike Rusniak a steady force between the sticks. "We have a solid group of players whose leadership has been, and will continue to be exceptional, plus our depth will be a big asset as we get into the heart of the season," sais Rusniak.
HOFFMAN ESTATES
Coach: Sean Armstrong (7th season)
Last year: 6-8-1 (6-10-1, 11th, MSL)
Top returning players: Seniors Joe O'Brien (D), Chris Palmer (MF-F), Amer Sabic (D); junior Luis Maestre-Rangel (MF)
New faces to watch: Senior Couga Kato (GK); juniors Allain Acevedo (D), Benas Varanauskas (MF); sophomore Ahmet Yilmaz (MF)
Outlook: The Hawks come into this season with high expectations according to coach Sean Armstrong. "This is a talented and driven team which is looking to restore Hoffman Estates soccer to a prominent position in the MSL," said Armstrong, whose club played some of its best soccer at the end of the 2023 campaign, and hope to use (that) and a strong offseason to reach its stated goals.
PALATINE
Coach: Aaron Morris (3rd season).
Last year: (20-1-3, 9-0-2, MSL champions, regional champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Jerry Afonrinwo (D), Orlando Angelina (MF), Alexander Ganji (GK), Jackson Post (D)
New faces to watch: Senior Francisco Perez (MF), Joseph Molina Urbina (MF); junior Sebastian Lopez (F); sophomore Brandon Tornez (F)
Outlook: The Pirates were unstoppable last fall and easily one of the top clubs in the state. A late-season ending injury to the 2023 captain of the Daily Herald All-Area team (Karol Noga) was just enough of a loss to send Aaron Morris' club out of the playoffs in the sectionals — and with them most of an ultra talented roster off to college. "We lack the firepower from a year ago, but we'll be organized and able to defend well through the back, and we should be dynamic out wide," said Aaron Morris.
PROSPECT
Coach: Jenna Samp (1st season)
Last year: 7-13-0 (5-6-0, 8th, MSL)
Top returning players: Seniors Michael Casaletto (MF-F), Matthew Fouch (F-MF), Hayden Hoelting (MF), Griffin Whalen (GK)
New faces to Watch: Junior Rique Huezo; sophomore Alan Malikowski
Outlook: The Knights welcome a new coach this fall with Jenna Samp, who starred at Palatine High School under Hall-of-Fame head coach Willie Filian before going on to do the same at UW-Whitewater. Samp will lean on a trio of veterans: Casaletto, Fouch and Hoelting who return to give the club plenty of quality in the middle of the park.
ROLLING MEADOWS
Brett Olson (8th season)
Last year: 10-10-2 (3-7-1, 10th, MSL, regional champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Christian Jablonski (D), Alex Kociubinski (F), Kalvin Lagunas (MF), Marceli Okonski (GK), Eltayeb Mahmoud (MF-F)
New faces to watch: Seniors Aaron Kossack (D), John Rogowski (F); sophomore Emanuil Myrtollari (D)
Outlook: The Mustangs did not meet the lofty expectations set forth prior to the start of the 2023 campaign, but they came alive in the postseason to capture its first regional title since 2014 before taking eventual 3A fourth place state trophy winner Glenbrook North to the brink in the sectionals. "With what we having coming back, I'd like to think we'll be one of the top teams in the conference, but right now we're just cautiously optimistic about our chances," said Olson, who has one of the top keepers in the state in Marceli Okonski, named All-State a year ago.
SCHAUMBURG
Matt Meyer (1st season)
Last year: 9-9-5 (5-3-3, 3rd, MSL)
Top returning players: Seniors Michael Marczak (F), Brady Phelps (MF), Joey Salatino (D); junior Juan Carlos (D)
New faces to watch: Seniors Mati Krzanowski (MF), Tyler Minniear (MF); junior Anthony Say (GK)
Outlook: Former Conant star Matt Meyer inherits a club that lost 12 seniors, including all-stater Gabe Silva, but the new Saxons man in charge remains optimistic as he begins his rebuilding project. "We need to find a consistent goal scorer, create a cohesive unit within a brand new back four. However, the impressive work rate and relentless drive to create chances in the final third have become a key strength with this team," said Meyer.
WHEELING
Coach: Kevin Lennon (9th season)
Last year: 6-11-1 (3-7-1, 12th, MSL)
Top returning players: Seniors Adan Carillo (F), Roger Cisneros (MF), Damian Feraru (D)
New faces to watch: Senior Geraldo Ramirez (D); junior Chris Conejo (F)
Outlook: With Cisneros running the show in the middle of the park, Feraru keeping things organized along the back, Carrillo providing pace and energy up top, Kevin Lennon believes his club is ready to climb towards the top of the table in the MSL. "We've struggled the past few years, but we have a strong group of seniors, many of whom have been with us since freshmen, so we're looking to get back in the thick of things," said Lennon.
OTHERS
LEYDEN
Coach: Mark Valintis (17th season)
Last year: 18-5-2 (6-0-0, WSC Gold champs, regional champs).
Top returning players: Seniors Christian Esquivel (MF), Daniel Llanos (GK), Fabian Rodriguez (D); junior Diego Esquivel (MF)
New faces to watch: Juniors Rafa Burciaga (MF), Rogelio Herrera (MF), Vladi Martinez (MF)
Outlook: With talent second to none, the Eagles parlayed that into an extraordinary season, coming this close to upending eventual state champion New Trier in its sectional final. "We return several 3-4 year starters, and welcome some very talented juniors to our roster, making us deep and flexible in all positions, and well balanced," said coach Mark Valintis, whose club went undefeated in league play to claim the big trophy over long-time rival, and perennial state power Morton.
MAINE EAST
Coach: Jeff Bishop (8th season)
Last year: 9-11-0 (3-3-0, 3rd, CSL North)
Outlook: The Demons lost their best player to graduation: Chris Domian, who helped the club finish third overall in the CLS North after starting the season 0-4-0. The Demons also improved their win total from six to nine, its best since 2019.
MAINE SOUTH
Coach: Dan States (24th season)
Last Year: 12-8-3 (2-1-2 4th, CSL South)
Outlook: Dan States, the dean of CSL coaches retired from teaching, and the program remains in good hands with States back along the touchline this fall. "As an educator, I have found Dan has used his gifted ability as a natural, observant and talented leader, while as a coach, his uncompromising determination towards creating the best atmosphere for all of his players in second to none," said Tim Spiegel, who led the program to a third place state trophy in 1998 when he was head coach, before becoming States' assistant in 2007. Both coaches will have the task of finding help in the midfield where their dynamic all-sectional duo of Zach Malinski and Sam Middendorf have moved onto college.
MAINE WEST
Coach: Eliades Hernandez (2nd season)
Last year: 2-18-2 (0-4-1, 4th, CSL North)
Top returning players: Senior Kacper Wolinski (MF); juniors Aiden Bialek, Diego Leal
New faces to watch: Sophomore Alex Kula; freshmen Bryan Garcia, Kacper Gucwa
Outlook: After a couple of tough seasons, Eliades Hernandez will look to have his club make another step or two forward this fall. "We have another really young team, but the guys have a strong commitment to the Warriors soccer program," said Hernandez, who has all-sectional senior Kacper Wolinski to lead the way.
ST. VIATOR
Coach: Byron DeLeon (4th season)
Last year: 7-10-5 (4-2-2, 4th, ESCC)
Top returning players: Seniors Joey Salatino (MF); Thomas Westerkamp (D); junior Diego Garcia (MF-F); sophomore Miles Waddell (MF-F)
New faces to watch: Freshmen Owen DeBruyne (MF), Cole Dudley (MF), Patrick Jonski (MF-F), Jack Strahammer (D-F)
Outlook: To say the Lions are not in the midst of a full blown youth movement would be an understatement. Byron DeLeon has surrounded his best two players: Joey Salatino and Thomas Westerkamp with 13 underclassmen, including a quintet of freshmen on the 2024 roster. "Our attack should be a force, along with our players in the middle, but we will be very young," said DeLeon.
Lake County
Northern Lake County Conference
ANTIOCH
Coach: Maddie Lyon (2nd season)
Last year: 5-14-0 (1-6-0, 7th, NLCC)
Top returning players: Senior Cade Ternes (MF); juniors Max Mehring (MF), Liam Palbicke (F)
New faces to watch: Senior Daniel Valdez (D); freshman Jack Nelson (D)
Outlook: Injuries took their toll a year ago on the Sequoits, so good health is one request coach Maddie Lyon hopes is fulfilled. "This should be a pretty good season for us if we can stay away from injuries," said Lyon, who lists Round Lake, Wauconda and both Grayslake Central and North as the best of the best in the NLCC. "Our overall numbers are down a little, but we have an older team that is motivated and ready to go this season."
GRANT
Coach: Benjamin Burnet (2nd season)
Last year: 12-9-3 (4-3-0, 4th, NLCC)
Top returning players: Seniors Diego Bueno (F), Jordy Torres (MF), Diego Vazquez (MF), Anthony Villegas (MF), junior Emilio Vargas (D); sophomore Alex Luna (MF)
Outlook: The Bulldogs under Burnet saw his club record their best winning percentage in decades. "We had a good year a year ago, and our strength this season is having a lot of returning players, and some impressive individual creativity," said Burnet, who lost a trio of all-NLCC players to graduation.
GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL
Coach: Keith Andersson (7th season)
Last year: 12-5-0 (5-2-0, 2nd, NLCC)
Top returning players: Seniors Jaziel Alonso (MF), Jake Clement (MF), Anderson Chevier (D); junior Ivan Sereno (F)
New faces to watch: Senior Evan Swiderski (F); junior Mike Taradys (GK); freshmen Ulysses Garcia Perez (F)
Outlook: During their sensational three-year stint with the Rams, two-time all-state GK Uriel Garcia Perez (Carroll University) and all-state MF Mitchell Fein (Case-Western), among others, helped the team enjoy a marvelous run that led to a 45-15-6 overall record and 2A third place state finish in 2022. "We lost a lot of talent, and experience, but I've been excited to see with a turnout in a group that likely has the most talent we've seen in tryouts for quite awhile," said coach Keith Andersson.
GRAYSLAKE NORTH
Coach: Adam DeCaluwe (19th season)
Last year: 21-9-0 (3-4-0, T5, NLCC, regional champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Sam Soriano (F), Chris Von Briesen (D); juniors Danny Fabela (MF), Alonso Morales (D), Steven Valdivia (MF), Javy Villegas (F); sophomore Max Dupor (MF)
New faces to watch: Seniors Luis Gonzalez (D), Gio Rodriguez (GK); sophomores Mikey Cordova (MF), Christian Carvalho (F), Brady Ronin (F)
Outlook: The Knights led the area in victories with 21 a year ago, and despite losing 9 to graduation, it appears as if Adam DeCaluwes' club has the pieces in place for another successful campaign. "We have a really nice mix of experience and youth, with a group of boys that have been willing to work hard, and do everything they can with the goal of competing with the top teams on our schedule," said the Knights coach.
LAKES
Coach: Kevin Kullby (20th season)
Last year: 5-14-2 (3-4-0, T5, NLCC)
Top returning players: Seniors Chase Jeffries (F), Jason Klimas (D); juniors Sean Collins (D), Jorge Castilla (MF)
New faces to watch: Sophomore Brett McCabe (F)
Outlook: The Eagles struggled to find the back of the net last fall, scoring just 20 on the season which led to far too many shutout losses to the liking of long-time coach Kevin Kullby. "Defense will have to be our strength in order to hold up, and compete in games this season, while our attack with be to play on the counter with long balls up field to catch our opponents off guard," said Kullby.
ROUND LAKE
Coach: Hugo Tellez (15th season)
Last year: 16-6-1 (6-0-1, NLCC champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Alex Corona (MF), Cristian (Yahir) Hernandez (MF), Sebastian Herrera (D), Jorgie Morales (MF), Iroel Velazquez (D).
New Faces to Watch: None at time of press.
Outlook: The Panthers have been a cut above the rest of the NLCC ever since the league began in 2016 — lifting 6 trophies either shared or outright including last fall. "We have a lot of experience in the midfield and along the back, and even though we lost our starting keeper to a transfer, on this team, it's always the next player up to step in," said Hugo Tellez, who rely heavily on his magnificent all-state MF Jorgie Morales, who bagged 18 and helped on 11 others.
WAUCONDA
Coach: Tim Miller (7th season)
Last year: (13-3-2, 6-2-0, 2nd, NLCC)
Top returning players: Seniors Freddy Barnshaw (F), Tyler Jacobs (GK), Sam Jurczyk (F); junior Mario Torres (MF)
New faces to watch: Sophomores Ilan Erickson (D), Brandon Palestina (MF); freshman Aiden Werner (F)
Outlook: The Bulldogs were right in the NLCC race until the very end with a roster filled with talent from front-to-back, beginning with NLCC POY, and all-state defensive midfield Karsten Ternes, who is now playing at Purdue-Fort Wayne. "One area of concern is of course finding someone to replace Karsten, but in my opinion we have two of the top players in the conference: Freddy Barnshaw (3-time all-NLCC) and Sam Jurczyk, plus a terrific mix of young players who are back this fall," said coach Tim Miller.
North Suburban Conference
LAKE FOREST
Coach: Rob Parry (19th season)
Last year: 8-11-1 (2-4-1, 5th, NSC)
Top returning players: Seniors Tyler Bernstein (MF), Ryan Knight (MF), Boden Rupprecht (MF)
New faces to watch: Juniors Connor Gustafson (D), George Thomas (F)
Outlook: The Scouts play a 3A dominated schedule all season long in advance of their play in the 2A postseason. "We'll take a few lumps against the bigger schools in the NSC, but I'd like to believe it will toughen us in order to have a chance to go further in the state tournament," said Scouts coach Rob Parry, who will have 14 back including the standout senior trio of: Bernstein, Knight and Rupprecht.
LAKE ZURICH
Coach: Mike Schmitz (18th season)
Last year: 12-5-1 (4-1-2, NSC champions)
Top returning players: Seniors: Ben Lowe (D), Brandon Taboada (D), Caden Wits (MF), Karsten Zettlmeier (GK)
Outlook: The Bears had the type of firepower to keep their opponents on high alert last season en route to their NSC title thanks in part to all-state forward, and NSC POY Ethan Goldberg, who scored 18 for coach Mike Schmitz. "We have 10 players back from our championship team, so there's plenty of experience, and at this point we just need our new players to blend into the team as they all work towards playing together as a team," said Schmitz.
LIBERTYVILLE
Coach: Kevin Thunholm (8th season)
Last year: 7-8-0 (1-3-3, 7th, NSC)
Top returning players: Seniors: Harry Bownas (D), Max Doshi (F), Noah Finniman (F), Nick Snow (D), Matthew Underwood (MF)
Outlook: A quick glance at the results from a year ago revealed the Wildcats were in nearly every contest but just one — which bodes well for a club which returns 9 starters including two terrific defenders (Harry Bownas, Nick Snow) and one of the best midfielders around in Matthew Underwood. "We have 17 players back, most of our starting eleven, plenty of experience, a very strong backline, and a group of guys who like to play soccer together," said coach Kevin Thunholm, who figures his men as one of the favorites in the NSC.
MUNDELEIN
Coach: Sebastian Falinski (5th season)
Last year: 10-9-4 (4-2-1, T2, NSC)
Top returning players: Seniors Wyatt Griffin (GK), Luke McCaulou (D), Chris Martinez (F), Chris Rivas (MF), Diego Sanchez (MF-F), Rian Xu (D); juniors Leonardo Rendon (D), Brandon Reyes (D).
Outlook: The Mustangs had their best chance to claim their first NSC title since 2018 until a late season 2-0 defeat to eventual champ Lake Zurich dashed their hopes. "We will carry a senior heavy team with a strong group of returning players that bring with them plenty of experience and a hunger to compete at a high level," said coach Sebastian Falinski, who lists Sanchez, Rivas, McCaulou and Reyes as those he will lean on heavily all throughout the season.
STEVENSON
Coach: PepeJon Chavez (5th season)
Last year: 16-3-1 (4-2-1, 3rd, NSC, regional champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Jack Bachar (F), Mohit Damodaran (D); junior Matt Rutcosky (GK)
New faces to watch: Seniors Jack Brickman (MF), Victor Landa (MF); juniors Navaan Kistanna (MF), Brady Meng (D)
Outlook: The Patriots lost plenty of talent and depth including all-state defender Alex Huisman. However, PepeJon Chavez does return a first class finisher (Jack Bacher) and three from the 2022 state team which finished third that season. "We have a strong family with a deep running culture, and a group of young men we'll look to possess and win as a team," says Chavez, who despite losing 5 players to MLS Next is considered one of the favorites to lift the NSC trophy. MSL Next is basically a reserve league which serves as a bridge from academy to the MSL.
WARREN
Coach: Jason Ahonen (17th season)
Last year: 12-10-2 (2-4-1, 6th, NSC)
Top returning players: Senior Ethan Cole (GK); juniors Christian Albarran (F), Charlie Crowson (MF), Gunnar Zajac (D)
New faces to watch: Senior Pablo Garcia (MF); junior Charlie Ogren (MF)
Outlook: The always well coached Blue Devils will be in the mix for the NSC along with their aforementioned league rivals Libertyville and Stevenson with talented junior Charlie Crowson running the show in the middle of the park. "The overall depth we have is deeper than in recent years, and (it) would show during an extremely competitive tryouts where the boys really got after it," said coach Jason Ahonen.
OTHERS
CARMEL CATHOLIC
Coach: Colin Spude (1st season)
Last year: 8-10-2 (4-3-1, 5th, ESCC)
Top returning players: Seniors David Fajardo (F), Zach Grzesiak (D) Luke Reynolds (GK)
New faces to watch: Juniors Jaiden Fajardo (F), Gustavo Ramos (F); sophomore Lukasz Ciszweski (MF)
Outlook: Former assistant Colin Spude is now the Corsairs’ man in charge who will chase league champion Notre Dame, and long-time rival Benet Academy, for the top prize in the ESCC this fall. "We have strong senior leadership, an experienced defensive unit, and up top, but we're a younger team with not a lot of experience on the varsity level," said Spude, who lost three all-ESCC players to graduation.
VERNON HILLS
Coach: Mike McCaulou (22nd season)
Last year: 11-6-1 (4-1-0, 2nd, CSL North)
Top returning players: Seniors Manny Botello (MF), Brandon Grunfeld (GK), Ocho Finn (MF), Muxe Marhanele (MF)
New faces to watch: Junior Daniel Odhiambo (D-F); Damian Tavevski (D)
Outlook: The Cougars stayed on the heels of eventual division champion Niles North all throughout last season thanks in part to all-state defender Nikita Stepanov (now playing at Eastern Illinois) and veteran keeper Brandon Grunfeld, who is back between the sticks for Mike McCaulou. "We will be disciplined and organized, but we're hoping to find a threat up top this year in front of the goal," said the Cougars head coach.