Boys soccer: Scouting DuPage County
Addison Trail
Coach: Ryan Dini (13th season)
Last year: 9-8-1, 3-3
Top returning players: Kevin Beltran, sr., W; Richard Garcia, sr., W; Sammy Garcia Flores, sr., CDM; Johan Lugardo, sr., CAM; Nathan Lugardo, sr., CDM; Kevin Pacheco, sr., W
Key newcomers: Oscar Ceja, jr., CB; Diego Lopez, jr., F; Omar Teran, jr., GK
Worth noting: A strong senior core is back for the Blazers to build on last year’s team that finished just over .500. Johan Lugardo (6 goals, 3 assists) and Kevin Beltran (5 goals, 4 assists) are among their returnees.
Bartlett
Coach: Anthony Glorioso (third season)
Last year: 12-5-5, 3-1-2, Class 3A St. Charles East Regional champions
Top returning players: Raul Arismendi, sr., MF; Omar Castro, sr., MF; Oliver Kosciolek, sr., F; Daniel Martinez, sr., GK; Alex Perez, sr., D
Key newcomers: Ricky De Blas, jr., MF; Sammy Kopanicak, so., MF
Worth noting: The Hawks are coming off a program-best 12-5-5 season and their first regional championship campaign in nine years. “We will look to build on that success with many returning players and with a new set of faces,” Bartlett coach Anthony Glorioso said. Oliver Kosciolek (9 goals, 7 assists) is back to lead the attack.
Benet
Coach: Matt Klosterman (third season)
Last year: 15-5-3, 7-1-0 East Suburban Catholic (co-champions), Class 2A Timothy Christian Regional champs, Class 2A Rockford Boylan Catholic Sectional champs
Top returning players: Matt Beaudoin, sr., GK; Ruslan Holubec, sr., MF; Will Khazen, sr., MF; Jackson Mares, sr., D; Mateo Picha, sr., MF; Sergio Polanco, sr., F; Jack Wesley, jr., MF
Key newcomers: Ryan Benka, jr., MF; Declan Crist, jr., F; Evan Doy, jr., MF; Julian Mehra, jr., D; Brian Mietus, jr., F; Mark Ndrio, jr., F; Alex Snyder, jr., D; John VanWiggeren, jr., MF; Marko Zeba, jr., D
Worth noting: The Redwings return three all-conference midfielders in Jack Wesley, Mateo Picha and Ruslan Holubec (13 assists) as well as all-conference and all-sectional forward Sergio Polanco (15 goals, 16 assists) and third-year center back Jackson Mares. Benet outscored opponents 76-26 last fall.
Downers Grove North
Coach: Rafal Slomba (third season)
Last season’s record: 4-19-1, 1-5 West Suburban Silver (6th)
Top returning players: Oliver Davies, sr., MF; Alex Douglas, sr., D; Greg Onica, sr., MF; Ty Peboontom, sr., F
Key newcomers: Dylan Nelson, fr., D; Braeden Page, sr., F; Dovas Simanskis, fr., D
Worth noting: The Trojans didn’t have a lot of success in the win column last year after a 10-10-1 season in 2023. With some talent back on the pitch, and some ambitious newcomers looking to make an impact, coach Rafal Slomba is optimistic. “I’m really excited about this season,” he said. “We’ve got a good mix of returning players and new guys stepping in, and what I’ve already seen is a group willing to work hard and push each other. The effort during tryouts and practices has been strong, and that’s the foundation of any successful team.”
Downers Grove South
Coach: Chris Hernandez (second season)
Last season’s record: 12-7-3, 4-2 West Suburban Gold (3rd), Class 3A Downers Grove South Regional champions
Top returning players: Brennan Free, jr., MF; Connor Szopko, sr., D
Worth noting: Junior midfielder Brennan Free (five goals, eight assists last year) and senior defender Connor Szopko return to the starting lineup but they’ll have nine new starters around them. The Mustangs only return seven players from last year’s regional championship club, including juniors Samuel Ceballos (seven goals) and Patrick Olczyk (one assist) and seniors Brady Dunlap (one goal, two assists), Omar Flores (two assists) and Cody McCarthy. “We hope to build upon our standards and implement some younger talent to find success.”
Fenton
Coach: Victor Ruiz (ninth season)
Last year’s record: 10-10-1, 3-3, Class 2A Ridgewood Regional champions
Top returning players: Joshua Galeana, sr., D; Yandel Galeana, jr., GK; Patrik Kroupa, jr., MF; Leomar Ruiz, jr., GK; Leonel Ruiz, jr., MF; Anthony Salgado, jr., D; Javier Villarruel, sr., MF
Key newcomers: Luis Aguirre, fr.
Worth noting: The Bison return key players in goal, midfield and defense. “We are hoping to make a run at conference and repeat as regional champs and go deeper in the state tournament,” Fenton coach Victor Ruiz said.
Glenbard East
Coach: Josh Adler (25th season)
Last year’s record: 5-8-4, 2-2-2
Top returning players: Charlie Cooper, sr., CB; Edgar Garcia, sr., CM; Charlie Gidcumb, jr., CM; Ryan Kummer, jr., F; Kallen Reinheimer, sr., CB
Key newcomers: Marco Fernandez, jr., CM
Worth noting: A solid core returns from a team that finished stronger than it started. “The group has high hopes of improving their play and performance from last season,” Rams coach Josh Adler said. “With the mix of some new additions into the group we are hoping to improve our consistency in our play and find ways to be more dangerous in our attack as a unit.”
Glenbard North
Coach: Spero Mandakas (eighth season)
Last year’s record: 5-12-4, 2-4-1
Top returning players: Marcos Hernandez, sr., DCM; Hugo Lopez, sr., CB; Tony Ramos, jr., S; Brandon Tran, sr., OB; Keith Thumutok, sr., W
Key newcomers: Collin Munguia, so., W; Francis Obara, so., W
Worth noting: Senior leadership will be key with six sophomores joining the team. “We have a group of guys that are buying in to push each other in training and build a new identity this year,” Panthers coach Spero Mandakas said.
Glenbard South
Coach: Willie Fajkus (third season)
Last years’s record: 3-13-6, 0-5-1
Top returning players: Musa Afzal, sr., MF/S; Wyatt Bremer, sr., D/MF; Emmett Foster-Simbulan, jr., GK; Devin Knight, S/MF; PJ Lehr, sr., MF; Clayton Nallbani, jr., D/MF; Brian Peshtani, sr., D/MF; Davis Puchalski, sr., MF/S
Worth noting: Many of the team’s seniors have had coach Willie Fajkus since their freshman year when he was serving as freshmen coach. “I think as sophomores they were scared little puppies,” Fajkus said. “But every year they’ve improved in the off-season and they’ll be competent, good leaders and everything else.” Fajkus also said he anticipates a strong season from his keeper, junior Emmett Foster-Simbulan. The Raiders have not won a conference game since 2021.
Glenbard West
Coach: Phil Wicyk (fifth season)
Last season’s record: 15-9-3, 3-3 West Suburban Silver (5th), Class 3A Glenbard West Regional champions
Top returning players: Nolan Borgman, sr., GK; Jackson Chibucos, jr., MF: Alex Ginder, jr., F; Holden Glibkowski, sr., D; Catino Harris, jr., MF; Harrison Olechowski, jr., MF
Key newcomers: Owen Ashmore, sr., D; Diego Navarro-Saavedra, sr., D
Worth noting: The Hilltoppers are vying for their third straight regional championship. They return 13 varsity players after losing nine from a 15-win team. “We are looking to capitalize on some very talented juniors to be relevant in a competitive conference and to make another successful run in the playoffs,” Hilltoppers coach Phil Wicyk said. “Goalkeeper Nolan Borgman (11 shutouts last fall) will anchor us defensively, Jackson Chibucos will act as our conduit in the midfield and Alex Ginder will lead the offensive attack. As long as we stay healthy and play our style of soccer, we should be a difficult team to beat this season.”
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Michael Wiggins (24th season)
Last season’s record: 16-9-1, 5-1 West Suburban Silver (1st), Class 3A Reavis Sectional champions, 3rd place in Class 3A state
Top returning players: Antonio Azzo, sr., MF; Matthew Gantar, sr., F; Milan Puri, sr., D; Arhaan Saini, jr., WB; Braden Tingler, sr., D
Worth noting: The Red Devils welcome back five players from last year’s third place team in the state, including senior forward Matthew Gantar (six goals, seven assists). “This is a group that has shown an energy and enthusiasm that I look forward to seeing grow,” Red Devils coach Michael Wiggins said. “We have several members back from last year’s season that gave a very interesting look at times that were tough and times that were a part of tremendous history our program has. We look forward to competing against the best and making another run not only at the (conference title) but also prepping for the post-season.”
Hinsdale South
Coach: Danny Makarcic (10th season)
Last season’s record: 11-9-1, 2-4 West Suburban Golf (5th)
Top returning players: Yazeed Almatarneh, sr., D; Diego Canas, jr., F; Alexander Damis, sr., MF; Ethan Ebreo, sr., MF; Joshua Enriquez, so., MF; Radoslaw Gorz-Capistran, jr., GK; Jake Lu, sr., F; Aaron Mendoza-Lopez, jr., MF; Chris Nakamura, so., D
Key newcomers: Jacob Arflack, so., D; Leopold Bares, fr., D; Patrick Bares, fr., GK; Bayram Bilazer, so., D; Florian Garro, so., MF; Andre Khasherdene, so., D; Lazar Martic, sr., GK; Sava Nikolic, so., F; Grayson Tokarz, so., D
Worth noting: The Hornets, who celebrated their first winning season in more than a decade, had nine games decided by a single goal in regulation or PK shootout. They scored 51 goals in their 11 wins, but were limited to just eight goals in their nine losses.
IC Catholic Prep
Coach: Miguel Garcia (seventh season)
Last season’s record: 7-6-3, 4-1-2 Chicago Catholic White (2nd)
Top returning players: Matt Denekas, sr., D; Jacob Dominick, jr., MF; Sawyer LaSage, sr., F; Gael Mendoza, jr., D; Aaron Orozco, jr., MF; Alan Salgado, jr., MF; Alex Simkowski, sr., D
Key newcomers: Ryan Braniff, fr., GK; Ryan Grant, jr., D; Sammy Richards, fr., MF/D
Worth noting: Alan Salgado (14 goals, four assists), Sawyer LaSage (six goals, four assists) and Jacob Dominick (four goals, three assists) are among the returnees. “We have a combination of seasoned starters, newcomers and a few existing players trying to battle for a starting position which may or may not make the difference on the field,” coach Miguel Garcia said.
Lake Park
Coach: Argirios Gouriotis (first season)
Last year’s record: 5-11-4, 3-3-1
Top returning players: Jonathan Ademi, sr., MF; Denys Klyuchenko, jr., MF; Dominick Nash, sr., MF; Andrew Nguyen, sr., D; Daniel Niezgoda, sr., D; Jakub Nowicki, jr., F; Adriano Padua, sr., GK; Carlos Ramos, sr., MF; Nolan Strejc, sr., F;
Key newcomers: Andrew Donato, sr., MF; Tyler Kuras, so., D
Worth noting: With a new head coach and nine returning starters, including forwards Jakub Nowicki (12 goals, 6 assists) and Nolan Strejc (6 goals, 3 assists), the Lancers will look to challenge for the DuKane Conference and first regional title in seven years.
Lisle
Coach: Jamie Clemmons (second season)
Last year’s record: 16-3, 5-1 Illinois Central Eight (1st), Class 1A IC Catholic regional champions
Top returning players: Cole Geist, jr., CB; Liam Waggoner, sr., F; Frankie Zifcak, jr., MF
Key newcomers: Sebastian Kowal, sr., F
Worth noting: Senior forward Sebastian Kowal returns from his club team. He scored 20 goals as a sophomore for the Lions in 2023. He’ll work along with senior forward Liam Waggoner (12 goals) and junior midfielder Frankie Zifcak (5 goals) in leading a squad that lost several key seniors.
Naperville Central
Coach: Troy Adams (16th season)
Last year’s record: 16-5-4, 3-2, Class 3A Naperville Central regional champions, Class 3A Naperville North sectional champions
Top returning players: Cal Bohan, jr., D; Bryce Dodsworth, sr., D; Ludo Gallina, sr., F; Ryan Gervase, sr., D; Matis Jacobs, sr., MF; Eli Jarrell, sr., MF; Michael White, sr., F
Worth noting: The Redhawks welcome back seven players from a sectional champion team, but the rest of the roster is new to varsity. “How quickly those players adjust and adapt to the speed of varsity soccer will be a big determination on the course of the season,” Redhawks coach Troy Adams said. Ludo Gallina was injured last year, but is healthy for his senior year. Matis Jacobs (8 goals, 8 assists) was the team’s third leading scorer last fall.
Naperville North
Coach: Jim Konrad (22nd season)
Last year’s record: 20-2-1, 5-0 (DVC champions), Class 4A East Aurora regional champions
Top returning players: Tony Flores, sr., F; Jack Bouska, sr., GK; Luke Bouska, sr., D; Dylan Healy, jr., MF; Andrew Hebron, sr., MF; Sam Hess, sr., MF; Colin McMahon, sr., D; Josh Pedersen, sr., F
Key newcomers: Cam Brown, jr., D Arnav Nagpal, sr., D
Worth noting: Hess (Indiana) and Pedersen (Bowling Green) are among six returning starters. Third-year starter Colin McMahon will anchor a backline that will feature three new full-time starter with Jack Bouska returning in net for his third season.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Arnoldo Gonzalez (11th season)
Last year’s record: 6-8-4, 1-3-1
Top returning players: Wesley Karubas, sr., D; Gavin Majewski, jr., MF; Oskar Marcinkowski, sr., GK; Ricardo Robledo, sr., MF; Alex Serra, sr., D
Key newcomers: Jonathan Zhao, sr., F
Worth noting: The Wildcats are senior heavy, with Wesley Karubas and Robledo returning to lead the way after all-conference seasons. “The spine is solid up through the midfield,” Wildcats coach Arnoldo Gonzalez said. Junior Gavin Majewski’s dad is Plainfield North’s head coach.
Metea Valley
Coach: Josh Robinson (17th year)
Last year’s record: 12-9-4, 2-2-1
Top returning players: Ethan Arbetman, sr., RB; Michael Birkner, sr., F; Eric Jernigan, sr., LB
Key newcomers: Chase Grosrenaud, jr., GK
Worth noting: A young but determined and gritty new crew of Mustangs will look to lead the way. Coach Josh Robinson said he’s got resilient kids “who will make an impact as they gain experience throughout the year.”
Montini
Coach: Mark Kamal (second season)
Last season’s record: 2-17, 1-5-1 Chicago Catholic White (4th)
Top returning players: Christian Aguilera, so., MF; Lukas Cepinskas, so., D; Brayden Curran, jr., D; Owen Ferris, jr., MF; Robert Gutierrez, jr., F; Jonathan Kosinski, sr., MF; Colin Miner, jr., MF; Austin Nelson, so., MF; Max Repasky, sr., D; Ryan Rucinski, jr., GK
Key newcomers: Patryk Baran, fr., F; Ricky Cardona-Tapia, fr., GK/MF; Michael DeFeo, fr., MF; Eliot Rrahmani, so., MF
Worth noting: The Broncos only had a single senior last year so nearly the same squad returns. In addition, some talented underclassmen have made the varsity squad. “A ‘family’ of determined student athletes, who are ready to prove they can compete against anyone, on any given day,” Montini coach Mark Kamal said. “The outlook for this season is to be more competitive and continue to grow the program.”
St. Francis
Coach: Jim Winslow (fifth season)
Last year’s record: 4-11, 3-3
Top returning players: Ryan Callendar, jr., D; John Coco, sr., MF; Junior Diaz, sr., MF; Brady Hamman, so., F; Brody Jochum, jr., MF
Key newcomers: Christian Cage, jr., D; Kevin Galas, jr., F; David Kap Van Lian, jr., MF; AJ Vega, so., MF
Worth noting: Experience gained last year should pay off. “We should be better this season since we took our lumps last year with a lot of underclassmen,” Spartans coach Jim Winslow said. “All of my returning guys are better players due to putting in a lot of time in the off-season playing and or honing their skills.” A handful of newcomers should bring athleticism, attacking flair and size.
Timothy Christian
Coach: Joel Zielke (eighth season)
Last year’s record: 14-5-4, 6-0
Top returning players: Zach Baker, jr., CM; Matthew Buikema, sr., W; Wes Hueber, sr., CB; Ben Schroeder, sr., CM
Key newcomers: Dylan Drye, jr., W; Caleb Bechtel, so., MF; Andrew Nulty, jr., MF
Worth noting: The Trojans had 14 seniors a season ago. They return four starters. “But don’t count them out this season,” Trojans coach Joel Zielke said. “A core group of nine juniors that saw a record of 19-6-3 the last two seasons have been patiently awaiting their opportunity.” The Trojans are vying for their 13th regional title since 2008 and 15th overall.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Jose Garcia (12th season)
Last year’s record: 9-7-5, 3-2
Top returning players: Lucas Garcia, so., F; ebastian Herrera, jr., GK; Cole Onsrejcak, sr., MF
Key newcomers: Rihaan Gupta, jr., D; Evan Wojtowich, so., D
Worth noting: Last year the Warriors were undefeated through their first five games, but finished 1-5-2 in their final eight matchups. “We will be a young team, but have created a pretty good team chemistry in the last two weeks,” Warriors coach Jose Garcia said.
West Chicago
Coach: Jose Villa (15th season)
Last year: 11-9-2, 4-1-1
Top returning players: Enrique Correa, so., MF; Aiden Durbin, sr., MF; Angel Fernandez, jr., D; Julian Lopez, so., MF; Leo Posada, sr., F; Kuba Slupski, sr., F; Dimitry Stetsik, sr., D
Key newcomers: Luigi Izidio, sr. MF; Abraham Salinas, sr., MF
Worth noting: More than 150 athletes tried out for the soccer program. The Wildcats return quite a bit of varsity minutes and experience. “Along with the returners and some new additions, this team will be able to compete against our tough schedule this season,” coach Jose Villa said.
Westmont
Coach: Francisco Delgado (eighth season)
Last season’s record: 11-12-1, 6-4 Chicago Prep (3rd)
Top returning players: Martynas Bobrevicius, sr., F; Juan Bolivar, jr., D; Adam Dubiel, so., D; Edwin Rodriguez, so., D; Declan West, sr., MF
Key newcomers: Derek Schwegman, fr., MF; Ian Tazic, fr., D
Worth noting: Seniors Martynas Bobrevicius (13 goals) and Declan West (five goals) are two of only three seniors on the roster of this young squad. “We are feeling very positive about the athletes committed to our program,” Westmont coach Francisco Delgado said. “We have a lot of games on our schedule with a lot of players doing double duty (varsity and frosh team). We are expecting to gain a lot of experience this year with all the minutes available.” Junior Juan Bolivar has grown exponentially the past two years so Delgado expects a big year from him on the backline.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Jeff Brooke (14th season)
Last year: 21-4, 5-1, Class 2A Glenbard South Regional champions
Top returning players: Mason Brooke, jr., MF; Carlton McClure, sr., D; Gabe Stein Rodrigues, sr., F; Luke Rodriguez, sr., F; Caleb VanderVelde, sr., D
Key newcomers: Jared Jardis, jr., GK
Worth noting: Junior Mason Brooke had 27 goals and 18 assists a year ago. Seniors Luke Rodriguez (5 goals, 7 assists), and Gabe Stein Rodrigues (8 goals, 7 assists) are back to join in the attack.
Wheaton North
Coach: Joe Klingelhoffer (third season)
Last season’s record: 2-15-2, 1-5-1 DuKane (7th)
Top returning players: Zayo Farris, sr., D; Ryder Froebe, sr., MF; Rocco Johnson, jr., MF; Chris Mann, sr., D; John Thawng, sr., F
Key newcomers: Armando Jarquin, so., MF; Miguel Maldonado, so., F; Sam Morici, jr., MF; Rafa Roa, jr., D; Michael Shebar, sr., F
Worth noting: There were exactly two dozen Falcons who graduated at the end of the last school year so there certainly will be plenty of new bodies patrolling the pitch this fall. “Some players will be stepping up into new positions and roles,” Falcons coach Joe Klingelhoffer said. “Our senior class this year is much smaller, but features a tight knit core who are excellent leaders and on field contributors. Our junior class will feature heavily with a lot of exciting players who earned roles late in the season last year.”
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Guy Callipari (35th season)
Last season’s record: 11-6-5, 6-0-1 DuKane (1st)
Top returning players: Leo Kise, sr., MF; Logan LaFratta, jr., MF; AmZa Lian, sr., MF; Semin Razman, sr., F; Nathan Vassios, sr., MF; Jay Weber, sr., D
Key newcomers: Gavin Calabrese, jr., MF; Will Freeding, so., D; Joaquin Martinez, jr., F; Alex Waterman, jr., D
Worth noting: Who can provide the defensive leadership in the final third of the field? That’s the biggest question coach Guy Callipari has coming off a conference championship year in which only 10 players return. “We will get out slowly while trying to develop continuity in our ideas given the majority of players are new to the level of play,” he said. “Our goal is to repeat as champions in the DuKane.” All-State Senior Semin Razman (21 goals last year) is one of the top goal scorers in the state.
Willowbrook
Coach: Allan Ramirez (second season)
Last season’s record: 2-18, 0-6 West Suburban Gold (7th)
Top returning players: Javier Almarza, sr., MF; Brayden Dotson, jr., F; Hector Garcia, jr., MF; Oscar Martinez, jr., D; Aaron Mendoza, sr., MF; Ian Mueller, jr., D; Mikolaj Sokolowski, so., F; Szymon Sokolowski, so., D; Dean Soltys, sr., D; Brayan Vazquez, sr., F; Diego Villegas, sr., GK
Key newcomers: Hamza Abdoussi, fr., F; Vincent Prenant, so., MF; Oliver Soltys, fr., F
Worth noting: The Warriors are looking for a huge turnaround with hopes of a .500 record. They went 11-8-3 in 2022. “We have our goal to be .500 this year,” Willowbrook coach Allan Ramirez said .”We had a strong camp this summer so we are expecting to be a bit more competitive this season. We are looking to redeem ourselves from a less than stellar 2-18 campaign in 2024.” Ramirez said the program has a huge talent pool from the Firebirds Soccer Club so there is excitement about the freshmen class and upcoming seasons beyond this fall.
York
Coach: Jordan Stopka (sixth season)
Last season’s record: 7-7-3, 4-2 West Suburban Silver (4th)
Top returning players: Quinn Stratton, sr., F
Key newcomers: Dominic Gold, sr., Jacob Roubitchek, jr., Colton Skinner, sr.
Worth noting: Senior forward Quinn Stratton (four goals, three assists) is the lone returning starter for the Dukes so there are plenty of opportunities for players to make an impact right away. “We have 10 new starters in the starting lineup and are strong in the midfield,” Dukes coach Jordan Stopka said. “We can easily go two directions and it depends on the cohesiveness and teamwork. These boys can do something special this year, but they are going to have to buy into the system and work for each other.”