Boys soccer: Scouting the Fox Valley
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: Jean-Marie Nazareth (second season)
Last year: 18-4-2, 3-1-2, Class 1A Genoa-Kingston Regional champions, Class 1A Hinckley-Big Rock sectional champions
Top returning players: Alan Acosta, jr., MF; Christopher Incandela, jr., MF; Neil Mayer, sr., MF; Elia Perez, sr., GK; Matthew VanDeman, sr., F
Key newcomers: Brayan Angeles, jr., D; Dominic Buttice, so., D; Ryan Mayer, jr., MF; Ian Piceno, so., F; Adrian Rojas, sr., MF; Jonathan Romero, sr., D
Worth noting: The Chargers won their first regional title since 2017 last year and then went ahead and won a sectional title for the first time ever. Senior Matthew VanDeman (53 goals) is back to add to his school-record total.
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.
Batavia
Coach: Mark Gianfrancesco (16th season)
Last year: 0-18-1, 0-7 DuKane (8th)
Top returners: Nate Barsch, sr., D; Greg Bell, sr., MF; Gabe Diaz, sr., F; Hudson Legut, jr., D; Connor Verde, jr., MF
Key newcomers: Sebastian Conroy, so., MF; Nolan Grimm, jr., MF; Jack Henderson, jr., D; Nathan Nicely, jr., F; Lucas Voelkner, so., MF
Worth noting: The Bulldogs lost four games decided by a single goal last season and only lost five seniors from last year’s young squad. “We are looking to build relationships on the pitch throughout the season,” Bulldogs coach Mark Gianfrancesco said. “We have some nice talent that we will work to bring out as the season progresses.” With 15 goals a season ago, the offense could use a jolt.
Burlington Central
Coach: Dean Ames (second season)
Last season: 7-10-3, 1-7-1 FVC (ninth)
Top returners: Zach Batani, jr., D; Sam Knych, sr., MF; David Mancera, jr., D; Noah Rosborough, sr., MF/D
Key newcomers: Ethan Domaleczny, fr., D
Worth noting: The Rockets were firing on all cylinders early last year, winning five of their first six games. That success then stalled. “In the beginning of the conference schedule the injury bug bit us hard, taking out several key seniors for the season,” Ames said. “Our record down the stretch definitely took a hit due to their absence.” ... Rosborough and Knych (eight goals, eight assists in 2024) earned postseason honors.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Kyle Knar (first year)
Last season: 3-11-2, 0-7-2 FVC (10th)
Top returners: Angel Apaez, sr., GK/W; Theo Demas, sr., W; Jack Donoghue, sr., MF; Ethan Doyle, sr., S; Ethan Ehlebracht, sr., D; Gerardo Garcia, sr., MF; Bryce Nordengren, sr., D; Rylan Powers, so., W/D; Peter Szentendrei, jr., MF
Key newcomers: Cristian Bautista, so., W; Will Bedoe, jr., MF; Chris Hernas, fr., S; Seeley Delgado, so., D; Brandon Freund, sr., GK; Noah Gomez, sr., W; Daniel Nunez, so., D; Arturo Ortiz, so., S; Joe Riedel, jr., D; Brayden Schneider, so., D; Nathaniel Towa, so., GK; Daniel Zamora, so., W/D
Worth noting: Despite what last year’s record shows, the Trojans finished strong going 2-2-1 in the final five matches, which included topping No. 1 seed Grayslake Central in a regional semifinal. ... Apaez, who will also kick for C-G’s football team, is among nine returners, seven which are seniors. ... “Nordengren and Ehlebracht will lead the defense,” Knar said. “Donoghue and Garcia will return as a partnership in midfield. Doyle will look to lead the attack. Delgado and Schneider have impressed over the summer and will help shore up the defense. Hernas has impressed in his first week in the program as an attacking option.”
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Brian Allen (19th season)
Last season: 11-9-1, 6-2-1 FVC (tied for third)
Top returners: Dustin Banner, jr., F; Noah Dunteman, jr., GK; Pierce Johnson, sr., D; Josh Moreno, jr., F; Kaleb Nunnally, jr., D; Will Prus, jr., MF; Will Witak, sr., D
Key newcomers: Ameer Ahmed, fr., F; Brady Hasselhoff, so., F; Charlie Oughletree, sr., GK; Jaidyn Rodriguez, jr., MF; Jonathan Valencia-Vargas, jr., F
Worth noting: Dunteman (1.03 GAA, 8.5 shutouts last year), Johnson (70 career starts at center back) and Prus (five goals, nine assists last year) are three of the top starters coach Allen has back this fall. Johnson, Dunteman and Prus were named to the All-FVC team. ... Altogether, the Gators welcome back seven to the starting lineup. ... “A cohesive group that will look to get better each week,” said Allen, “and challenge each other to bring out the best in their abilities as people and players, so we can hopefully be playing some of our best and most consistent soccer come late September and October.” ... Banner and Moreno are back on the attack, which could get a boost from a few new forwards as well.
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Rey Vargas (22nd season)
Last season: 7-12-1, 4-5-1 FVC (fifth)
Top returners: Hugo Arista, sr., F/MF; Arturo Flores, jr., MF; Manuel Hernandez, sr., GK; Moises Rodriguez, sr., MF; Mauricio Ruiz, jr., MF; Sebastian Sanchez, sr., MF
Key newcomers: Angel Landeros, so., D; Guadalupe Martinez, sr., D; Ryland Venezia, fr., F/MF
Worth noting: Losing 2-1 to the hosts in the Class 3A Hampshire regional semis certainly stung the Chargers late last October. They’ll look to turn that sting into inspiration to recharge them for a new season. ... Ruiz was named All-FVC. ... “We are looking to bounce back from a bad season and grow as a team,” Vargas said. “Losing in the regional last season left a bad memory for these boys, and having the majority of them back (including all-FVC player Ruiz in the midfield), they have something to prove.”
Elgin
Coach: Antonio Zavala (first season)
Last year’s record: 15-4-2, 5-1, Class 3A Larkin Regional champions, Class 3A Streamwood sectional champions
Top returning players: Antonio Hernandez, sr., D; Antonio Ochoa, jr., GK; Jayden Plancarte, sr., MF; Xavier Salinas, sr., D; Greg Suarez, so., D; Alex Villaruel, jr., MF
Key newcomers: Daymien Belman, so., MF; Yahir Bautista, so., MF; Emanuel Flores, so., MF
Worth noting: Maroons new coach Antonio Zavala inherits a program that’s found great success with three sectional titles in as many seasons, but is now young and a little inexperienced after graduating 10 seniors.“Our focus is on building chemistry, improving communication and growing as a unit,” Zavala said. “The goal is to compete with discipline and energy while laying the foundation for long-term success in the program.”
Geneva
Coach: Jason Bhatta (ninth season)
Last year: 13-6-2, 5-1-1, Class 3A Glenbard East Regional champs
Top returners: Xavier Ebert, sr., D; Charlie Fisher, sr., D/MF; Alec Graham, sr., MF; Caleb Kelly, sr., F; Nathan Leake, sr., MF; Chase Marquardt, sr., MF; Justin Meives, sr., D; Spencer Meservy, sr., F; Ben Murphy, sr., MF/F; Ryan Myatt, sr., MF; Evan Reynolds, sr., D/MF; Cole Steben, sr., MF/F; Max Sliwa, sr., MF
Key newcomers: Gabe Barwiolek, jr., F; Ben Raby, jr., MF; Keegan Stredde, so., MF; Finn Tomko, jr., MF
Worth noting: The Vikings lost Reece Leonard to graduation, but they’ve got a lot of talent returning, including senior forward Caleb Kelly and senior midfielder/forward Ben Murphy. The Vikings are switching to Class 2A and have a strong senior class back which could bode well for a deep post-season run, especially after advancing to the 3A sectional finals last year. “Looking to build on the post-season run last year with a large senior class returning,” Vikings coach Jason Bhatta said. “Excited to see guys who have had to wait their turn with a strong senior class last year taking important starting spots to have an impact in their senior year and see the step they make to be important players for us.”
Hampshire
Coach: Chayanne Martinez (fifth season)
Last season: 11-12-2, 3-6 FVC (tied for seventh), Class 3A Hampshire Regional champions
Top returners: Kage Guge, so., F; Gavin Hedderich, so., MF; Grayson Hedderich, sr., MF; Lukianos Petropoulos, jr., MF; Edgar Perez, so., D; Matthew Perez, jr., MF; Brian Vega, jr., F; Kain Zavala, jr., D
Worth noting: Grayson Hedderich, Matthew Perez, Petropoulos and Zavala are in their respective third seasons with the Whip-Purs, while Gavin Hedderich, Vega, Guge, and Edgar Perez are back for their second while over a dozen new players are gearing up for their first season. ... Martinez said the team will welcome 16 new players. ... “We’re looking forward to starting a new season with a good size returning group,” Martinez said. “And a new group that is hungry for varsity soccer.”
Harvest Christian/Westminster Christian
Coach: Pedro Assumpcao (fifth season)
Last year’s record: 6-13-1, 3-4 (Harvest Christian only)
Top returning players: Jake Arnold, sr., CB; Heitor Bannwart, sr., CDM; Luke Bartolome, sr., GK; Oliver Beckett, so., CM; Lucas Menezes, jr., LW; Miles Meurer, jr., CM; Brian Powers, sr., F
Key newcomers: Nehemiah Meurer, fr., CDM
Worth noting: This is the first year of the merger between Harvest Christian and Westminster Christian as the schools are in the process of becoming a single school. The team boasts a bigger roster of around 25 kids as a result and will compete in three in-season tournaments.
Huntley
Coach: Matt Lewandowski (seventh season)
Last season: 14-7-4, 7-2 FVC (second), Class 3A Huntley Regional champions
Top returners: Lazar Karanovic, sr., D; Max Bauer, sr., MF; Max Connell, sr., MF; Noah Gomez, sr., D; Aktai Mametjanov, sr., F; Tyler Murray, jr., F; Daiven Trivedi, sr., MF; Finley Williams, sr. MF
Key newcomers: Cody Hammer, jr., MF; Liam Nixon, jr., D; Oliver Sutyniec, sr., D
Worth noting: Huntley won its third regional title in four seasons, then lost to Elgin 4-0 in a Class 3A sectional final. ... All-FVC selections Bauer and Gomez (All-Area honorable mention) are among what coach Matt Lewandowski said is a “really strong core contingent of players that are hungry for success.” ... Mametjanov had seven goals for the Red Raiders, Connell added four goals and two assists, and Murray had three goals and two assists last season. ... “The boys have their sights set on being extremely competitive within the FVC and using those high-intensity games to take the next step into the postseason,” Lewandowski said.
Jacobs
Coach: Colin Brice (eighth season)
Last season: 7-10-6, 3-3-3 FVC (sixth)
Top returners: Ethan Aldrete, jr., MF; Noah Anderson, sr., F: Andrew Deegan, sr., D; Jackson Foley, jr. F; Israel Guerrero, so., MF; Victor Stoian, sr., MF
Key newcomers: Jacob Christian, fr., MF; Brayden Foley, fr., D
Worth noting: Losing all-conference goalkeeper Maksym Kharchenko certainly hurts the Golden Eagles, but with some strong talent back after another year of experience should bode well for them in the FVC. ... “We have a solid young core returning and believe we will be extremely competitive this season,” Brice said. “We have a tough nonconference schedule and believe that will help us out to compete in the FVC and the postseason.” ... Deegan was named All-FVC.
Kaneland
Coach: Scott Parillo (24th season)
Last year: 16-7-1, 8-2 Interstate Eight (2nd)
Top returners: Jackson Boryc, sr., D; Noah McKittrick, sr., MF; Abe Paulino, sr., MF
Key newcomers: Gael Cepeda, so., GK; Aiden Lentz, jr., GK; Leo Ruiz, fr., MF/F; Isaac Stoltzner, fr., MF/F
Worth noting: Losing eight starters from a 16-win team is certainly going to change the make-up of the Knights. Still, they welcome back a few starters and have some exciting new talent looking to step up and make an impact this fall. “We will have a lot of new starters this season,” Knights coach Scott Parillo said. “So we must be a cohesive unit as quickly as possible. We are very excited about this season.”
Marmion
Coach: Anne Iwinski (first season)
Last year: 6-9-3, 3-3-2 Chicago Catholic League (6th)
Top returners: Mauro Alanis, jr., CMF; Andres Alvarez, sr., F; Patrick Bergeron, so., CB; Jamin Bermin, jr., W; Emilio Morones , sr., CDM; Jordan Peinado, sr., F; Nate Voelkner, jr., OB
Key newcomers: Sebastian Alcaraz, fr., W; Ben Bierman, fr., CMF; Jayden Linares, so., CMF; Chris Tapia, sr., GK: Edu Zepeda, jr., CMF
Worth noting: New coach Anne Iwinski was a tremendous player and has been inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at both Naperville Central and NIU. She said senior goalkeeper Chris Tapia has not played high school soccer since his freshman year but will look to make a big impact now. “We have a lot of returning experience this year,” Iwinski said. “Lost some very talented players but might have more depth than we have had in the past.” The Cadets have seven starters back, including senior forward Jordan Peinado (12 goals, five assists in his career), Jamin Berlin (eight goals, three assists), Mauro Alanis (nine assists) and Andres Alvarez (five goals, five assists).
South Elgin
Coach: Jerzy Skowron (seventh season)
Last year’s record: 7-12-1, 1-3-1
Top returning players: Pablo Correa, sr., CB; Momo Gonzalez, jr., CM; Matt Lipp, jr., F; Alan Munoz, jr., F ; Danny Moscoso, jr., GK; Javy Orjuela, jr., CM; Jack Schmidtke, sr., CB
Key newcomers: Chris Aguilar, so., CM; Jacob Buthman, sr., F; Max Fowler, so., FB: Santi Lomperski, jr., FB; Chris Patino, so., FB
Worth noting: Momo Gonzalez, Matt Lipp and Alan Munoz are expected to carry the heavy lifting when it comes to scoring goals while third-year starters Jack Schmidtke and Pablo Correa will lead the backline. With 14 players back, the Storm will look to get on the other side of .500 this fall.
St. Charles East
Coach: Vince DiNuzzo (eighth season)
Last year: 6-13-4, 2-3-2 DuKane (5th)
Top returners: Sam Arville, jr., F; Jack Fitzgerald, so., D; Colin Harrington, so., D; Huxley Kapoor, jr., F; Carter Newell, sr., MF; Colten Pariso, jr., D; Freddy Porcayo, so., F; Volodymyr Pauchok, sr., MF/D; Aidan Richbell, jr., MF; Connor Sychowski, sr., MF; Will Wade, jr., D
Key newcomers: Oleksii Pauchok, fr., F/MF; Anthony Sanfilippo, so., F/MF; Anthony Sirit-Mesa, jr., MF; Jason Striegel, jr., GK
Worth noting: The Saints are still young again this spring, but a big difference now is that a good chunk of the youth gained a lot of experience last year as well as into the brief summer season. “We will have to build off of this summer and continue to find ways to become the best version of ourselves,” Saints coach Vince DiNuzzo said. “The group is motivated to demonstrate their competitive spirit.” Finding goals will be crucial. The Saints only scored 19 goals last year after averaging 67 in the previous five seasons.
St. Charles North
Coach: Eric Willson (22nd season)
Last year: 10-4-4, 4-0-3 DuKane (3rd)
Top returners: Kale Syzdek, jr., GK; Wicho DelaPaz, jr., MF; Ashton Goettel, sr., Oliver Longosz, jr., F; Nolan Shoenholz, sr., MF; Dino Valenti, jr., F
Key newcomers: Alex Darie, fr., D; Max Dzioban, so., MF; Justus Emery, fr., MF; Jayden Serrano, fr., F
Worth noting: The North Stars only yielded 15 goals last year, but all-state defender Casey Kriz and all-sectional goalkeeper Osman Ahmed closed the chapter on their high school years after graduating in May. Senior defender Ashton Goettel and junior forward Oliver Longosz were all-sectional selections and are back. Defenders Henry Dodd, Carter Notebaert and Jacob Piper also return along with senior midfielders Alan Gomez and Danny Maxwell and junior forward Eddy Torres. “This is a team with a solid group of returning, veteran varsity players combined with new, young talent,” North Stars coach Eric Willson said.
St. Edward
Coach: Tim Brieger (31st season)
Last year’s record: 8-15-0, 1-5
Top returning players: Ben Aguirre, jr., F; Kaden Bergholt, sr., MF; Marcus Fazel, jr., D; Omar Garcia, jr., MF; Christian Guerrero, so., MF; Drew Kapetan, sr., MF; Axell Mangana, sr., F/GK; Tristan Menendez, sr., F/GK; Mateo Perez, sr., D; PJ Tinajero, jr., D
Key newcomers: Will Kindelin, fr., D; Francisco Valencia, fr., F; Zach Wojtas, sr., MF/D
Worth noting: The Green Wave had one of its smallest turnovers in coach Tim Brieger’s 31 years, losing just two players to graduation and relocation, although another player (Cristian Guerrero) is expected to be out until at least mid-season with an injury. All but one starter will be in their third or fourth season. Drew Kapetan (15 goals) and Ben Aguirre (8 goals) are back while Guerrero (6 goals) is sidelined to start.
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.
Streamwood
Coach: Matt Polovin (26th season)
Last year: 11-7-2, 2-3-1
Top returning players: Sergio Barrera, sr., F; Andy Benitez, sr., F; Emiliano Bermudez, sr., F; Aiden Caldera, sr., F; Adrian Chavez, so., MF; Max Galvan, sr., MF; Alex J. Garcia, sr., GK; Josue Lopez, sr., F; Justin Rosales, sr., F
Key newcomers: Edgar Avalos, jr, D; Jesse Cervantes, sr., D; Alex Garcia, sr., D, Jovanni Garcia-Rubio, so., D; Carlos Goya, sr., MF; Gio Ledesma, jr., F; Josh Perez, fr., D
Worth noting: With returning players at all positions, several newcomers and an opportunity to compete in the 2A postseason looming late this fall, the Sabres have reason to be optimistic.
West Aurora
Coach: Joe Sustersic (25th season)
Last year’s record: 19-5-0, 5-1-0, Class 3A Bolingbrook Regional champs
Top returning players: Mason Aguirre, sr., DM; Noe Del Rio, sr., MF; Luis Garcia, sr., GK
Key newcomers: Andy Lopez, sr., Gl; Lalo Lopez, sr., F
Worth noting: With standouts Pas Ndayishimiye and Power Selemani graduating, the Blackhawks will look to reload rather than rebuild. Welcoming back 13 lettermen, including 11 seniors, the Blackhawks will look to continue their winning ways. “Many (players) will smoothly step into bigger roles for the 2025 season,” Blackhawks coach Joe Sustersic said. “We’ll also have new role players with enthusiasm and talent who will complete the roster.”
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.