Boys soccer season preview: Scouting Cook and Lake County
MID-SUBURBAN LEAGUE
Barrington
Coach: Caleb Copeland (first year)
Last year: 14-5-4, 5-3-2 (third in the MSL West, regional champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Alex Liapis (MF), Joe Manczak (D), Mitch Vitale (MF)
Outlook: Longtime Broncos assistant Caleb Copeland takes over for Hall of Fame coach Scott Steib, who retired with 426 victories, a state title, and far too many postseason trophies to list. "We have great depth, which hopefully plays well throughout the season, but we're working to strengthen the fitness needed to play all 80 minutes," said Copeland, who will rely on Alex Liapis for his technical and tactical prowess in the middle of the park.
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Ray Krawzak (first year)
Last year: 1-16-3, 1-6-2 (fifth place tie in the MSL West)
Top returning players: Seniors Aaron Bruno (F), Jackson Hill (MF), Christian Tena (D); junior Nick McLean
Outlook: One-time St. Viator star and former Carmel Catholic head coach Ray Krawzak takes over for Darren Llewellyn, who stepped down after leading the Hersey and Buffalo Grove programs to several appearances in MSL Soccer Cup contests during a celebrated career. "We graduated 17, so we'll be a young team looking to rebuild a culture of winning. Our enthusiasm, dynamicism, and the individual skill we have is a strength, but with our inexperience, we will need to learn to level-up our play and work as a unit," Krawzak said.
Conant
Coach: Jason Franco (19th year)
Last year: 8-9-3, 4-4-2, (fifth in the MSL East)
Top returning players: Seniors Marko Gouk (F), Kacper Niziolek (D); juniors Shamus Devine (MF), Denys Lichner (D), Alex Syynalik (MF)
Outlook: The Cougars appear to be the team to watch in the league this season with a terrific quintet back, three quality newcomers and experience at almost every position. "Expectations are high for this group," said Franco. "We have a lot of pieces back from a team that was very competitive in the top half of the MSL. We have five returning players who could all be in the conversation with the area’s best players. Fremd, Hersey, Palatine and Schaumburg will all be solid, so we'll look to push to make the final of the MSL, then hope to make a deep postseason run."
Elk Grove
Coach: Dan Klaus (fourth year)
Last year: 11-5-4, 4-4-2 (tie fourth in the MSL East)
Top returning players: Senior Adrian Strugala (GK); juniors Patryk Dymon (D), Alexis Jimenez (MF), Arthur Mikina (F)
Outlook: The Grens lost their top player, all-state forward Olivier Bielecki to Lewis University. But junior Arthur Mikina should keep the attack ticking at a high level along with plenty of returning players. "We have 10 back from a solid year with a nice influx of young guys joining them, so the potential is there. But right now it's difficult to tell who will emerge as difference makers," said Dan Klaus.
Fremd
Coach: Steve Keller (29th year)
Last year: 11-7-3, 7-2-2 (MSL champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Oliver Chambers (D), Jose Hernandez (F), Hayden Santiago (MF); junior Rafael Abadie-Ramirez (MF)
Outlook: The defending MSL champions have one of the best players on their hands with all-state forward Jose Hernandez (13 goals, 9 assists) who gives Steve Keller an important piece of the puzzle. "We should be a good possession team that will create scoring chances, but we'll need to sort things out along the back with our defense and keeper positions," said Keller. "It's a great group to be around, and I expect to be competitive with just about every team."
Hersey
Coach: Mike Rusniak (ninth year)
Last year: 16-8-2, 6-3-1 (second in the MSL East, regional champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Akram Aloviddinov (D), Johnny Antoniou (F), Adam Myslinski (MF), Teddy Reyes (MF), Patrick Smakowski (GK)
Outlook: The Huskies have two of the very best in the league at their positions in Johnny Antoniou and Teddy Reyes, key figures on the 2024 state championship team, plus all-state keeper Patryk Smakowski. "Our biggest strength is our veteran leadership and bench strength, plus we're fortunate to bring back a strong core of experienced players to give us a solid foundation to build from," said Rusniak.
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Sean Armstrong (ninth year)
Last year: 11-9-3, 6-4-1 (2nd, MSL West, regional champs)
Top returning players: Senior Matias Silva (MF-F); juniors Jean Maestre Rangel (MF), Kacper Stefańczyk (D).
Outlook: A high octane attack inspired the best season in years for the Hawks who took league power Schaumburg to the brink in penalties in sectional play. "We lost 10 seniors, beginning with all-state forward Lukas Varanauskas plus two transfers from last season, so we'll be in a rebuild this year as we look to develop as a team as the season progresses," said Armstrong.
Palatine
Coach: Aaron Morris (fifth year)
Last year: 9-9-1, 5-4-1 (third in the MSL East)
Top returning players: Seniors Alex Bailon (D), Mario Cruz (F), Brandon Tornez (MF); junior Evan Kasparaitis (F-MF)
Outlook: The Pirates figure to be in the race for the division title in what appears to be a very competitive MSL Division led by the two best clubs from a year ago, Fremd and Schaumburg. "We have a very tight knit group of seniors who have had success together throughout our program. And with our size and strength, we will be dangerous on set pieces,“ said Morris.
Prospect
Coach: Mike Andrews (ninth year)
Last year: 8-6-4, 4-3-3 (fourth in the MSL West)
Top returning players: Seniors Philip Lysek (F), Alan Malikowski (D); junior Jack Naumowicz (MF); sophomore Sebastian Puscizna (D)
Outlook: The Knights conceded just 14 goals in league play a year ago, so the returning defensive duo of Malinowski and Puscizna will look to keep things just as stingy. "This group is building some really exciting chemistry on the field while bringing everything they have to each training session. With their creative, unpredictable and dynamic play, I believe they are going to be a fun team to watch," said Andrews.
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Brett Olson (10th year)
Last year: 4-12-4, 0-8-2 (sixth in the MSL East)
Top returning players: Seniors Patryk Bochonko (D), Dash Lockley (MF), Emanuel Myrtollari (D); junior Tommy Jackman (F)
Outlook: It was a difficult season a year ago for the Mustangs. Despite a relatively young roster, they do boast plenty of technical skill. "We were very young last year, but the heavy core of our team is back with a year of experience. Even though we lack size, we're not hurting for speed," said Olson. A trio of talented sophomores plus veterans Bochonko, Lockley, Myrtollari and Jackman will lead the way.
Schaumburg
Coach: Matt Meyer (third year)
Last year: 15-6-3, 7-1-2, (MSL West champions, sectional champions)
To returning players: Seniors Jesus Rosales (D), Joel Rosales (MF), Dominik Skawina (D); junior Jeremy Garcia (MF); sophomore Filip Tabacynski (F)
Outlook: Led by all-state stars Anthony Say and Matt Krzanowski, the Saxons enjoyed a historic season that saw them just miss advancing to their first state tournament. "We're looking to continue what we started last year with a core group of dynamic players who had a variety of individual and team success. We'll look to utilize the midfield creativity of Jeremy Garcia and Joel Rosales to combine with Filip Tabacynski up top," said Meyer.
Wheeling
Coach: Kevin Lennon (11th year)
Last year: 3-10-4, 1-7-2 (sixth in the MSL West)
Top returning players: Seniors Tomas Aviles (MF), Iggy Jaworski (MF), Aaron Valladares (D-MF), Jesus Zavala (D)
Outlook: With a strong core of returning players, Lennon will rely heavily on a quartet of veterans who will help find a way to more success this fall. "We were competitive a year ago but were unable to garner the result they would wanted. But I believe we can compete to be one of the top teams in our side of the division," said Lennon. Valladares, and Jaworski will be the heart in the midfield, Aviles the attacking mid, and Zavala is the player Lennon will use just about everywhere.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN LEAGUE
Maine East
Coach: Jeff Bishop (10th year)
Last year: 6-11-2, 2-2-1 (fourth in the CSL North)
Top returning players: Seniors Zakhar Bets (GK), Agustin Gines (MF); junior Kevin Londono (D)
Outlook: Bishop will lean on veterans Bets, Gines and Londono to lead the way for a super young bunch that the Demons coach expects to complete hard each time out. "With 12 of our boys first-time varsity players, and six of them just sophomores, we obviously lack experience,“ Bishop said. ”But with have terrific speed and quickness, we'll be quite capable of attacking with speed and numbers."
Maine South
Coach: Dan States (26th year)
Last year: 17-5-1, 3-1-1 (CSL South co-champions, regional champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Maximus Lagis (MF-D), Michael Plaza (MF); juniors Matthew Becker (D), Piotr Haniaczyk (F)
Outlook: The Hawks have won a lot of games during the past four seasons, including their best last season with 17 wins and a share of the CSL South title and a regional trophy. "We have a solid nucleus of 10 returning players, but the key will be how well that group blends and leads with the incoming young players," said States. "We will be tested early with our usual strong schedule, so the challenge will be to meet our high expectations and compete at a high performance level."
Maine West
Coach: Eliades Hernandez (fourth year)
Last year: 9-7-3, 2-3-0 (fifth in the CSL North)
Returning players: Seniors Leland Giacchetti (F), Matthew Kiros (D); junior Bryan Garcia (MF)
Outlook: The Warriors graduated all-state forward Bryan Romero (Oakton College). But they are fortunate to have the talented all-sectional Bryan Garcia back to run the show, with Giacchetti standing up top, while Kiros gives coach Hernandez a first rate central defender. "Our core identity lies in experience, tactical maturity, and technical proficiency. With a seasoned nucleus back with us, we'll play fluid, possession orientated styled soccer," Hernandez said.
Vernon Hills
Coach: Mike McCaluwe (25th year)
Last year: 3-13-2, 1-4-0 (sixth in the CSL North)
Top returning players: Seniors Alex Agam (MF), Connor Finn (MF), Max Gral (GK), Isaac Simpson (F)
Outlook: The Cougars have quality between the sticks with all-sectional senior Max Gral as well as plenty of experience with Connor Finn and Isaac Simpson. "We will be upperclass dominant, which will help with leadership and experience as we look to compete to win in the CSL, and have a deep run in the playoffs," said McCaluwe.
WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Leyden
Coach: Mark Valintis (19th year)
Last year: 19-4-1, 5-1-0, (second in the West Suburban Gold, regional champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Christian Diego (D), Josue Fajardo (F); junior Francisco Almazan (MF); sophomore Dylan Huitron (MF)
Outlook: The Eagles stand out as one of the consistent teams in the area, regularly dominating the top of their league, securing high point tallies, and setting the gold standard for victories and postseason success while maintaining an attractive style of soccer. "We graduated 16. We will rely on heavily talented but inexperienced newcomers, but we're fortunate to have a core group of experienced players that can really play," said Valintis.
CHICAGO CATHOLIC LEAGUE
Carmel Catholic
Coach: Colin Spude (third year)
Last year: 14-6-2, 6-2-0 (third in the ESCC)
Top returning players: Seniors Brady Del Carmen (D), Vinny Fiore (GK), Sean Hagel (MF-F), Austin Paras (D), Garryn Thornberry (D)
Outlook: The Corsairs are now part of a new 26-team megaconference after the ESCC dissolved after 52 years to combine with the Chicago Catholic League. While Colin Spude's club will no longer play longtime league rivals Benet Academy and St. Viator, they instead meet Class 2A powers Providence Catholic and DePaul Prep. "We have strong senior leadership, nearly all of our backline returning (including All-Area center-back Paras) and more quickness in our attack to help us fulfill the same accomplishments from a year ago, and then exceed them," Spude said.
St. Viator
Coach: Byron DeLeon (sixth year)
Last year: 12-7-1, 5-2-1, (fourth in the ESCC)
Top returning players: Senior Miles Waddell (MF); junior Patrick Jonski (MF).
Outlook: The Lions also are part of the Chicago Catholic League. "This will be a great season for us as we begin play in our new conference, which will go a long way towards putting us in a strong position to compete when it matters most," said DeLeon. "Our roster will be balanced and our attack should be strong." All-sectional MF Miles Waddell will be the inspiration in the attack.
NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY CONFERENCE
Antioch
Coach: Maddie Lyon (fourth year)
Last year: 3-14-0, 1-6-0 (seventh in the NLCC)
Top returning players: Senior Matthew Miller (GK); junior Jack Nelson (D); sophomore Noah Styx (F)
Outlook: Despite having a young and inexperienced club, Lyon is in high spirits in advance of the new season. "This is the most excited I've been about the direction of our program in a long time. We have terrific numbers in our program, a great group of returning players along with some very talented young players who are all ready to compete."
Grant Community
Coach: Benjamin Burnet (fourth year)
Last year: 5-14-2, 2-5-0 (sixth in the NLCC)
Outlook: The Bulldogs lost two all-NLCC players, Liam Palbicke and Emilio Vargas. They do return their all-NLCC and all-sectional midfielder Alex Luna, a high-output attacking midfielder who will bring creativity and terrific playmaking skills.
Grayslake Central
Coach: Keith Andersson (ninth year)
Last year: 15-6-0, 7-0-0 (NLCC and sectional champions)
Top returning players: Juniors Matthew Drakeley (D), Jake Perioni (MF), Emili Ramirez (D), Chino Garcia Perez (MF)
Outlook: The Rams graduated the all-state duo of 2025 Daily Herald Lake County All-Area captain Ivan Sereno and his cousin Damian who led the Rams to within one victory of reaching the Class 2A state tournament. "We're a young team, but it will up to our returning players who experienced that tough supersectional loss to lead the way, and be a big source of motivation for their teammates," said Andersson, who likes the strength, speed and technical skill of his team.
Grayslake North
Coach: Adam DeCaluwe (21st year)
Last year: 15-6-1, 4-3-2 (fourth in the NLCC, regional champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Christian Carhalvo (F), Mikey Cordova (MF-F), Maksim Dupor (MF), Santi Juarez (F), Brady Ronin (F); junior Nate Aguirre (MF)
Outlook: The Knights were the best in overall goal differential (62-23) in the NLCC, and really came on strong down the stretch with a 12-game win streak that ended in heart-breaking fashion to crosstown rival Grayslake Central in a sectional final, 2-1. "We graduated some very talented players who have been leaders for the past several years. But we have a strong group back who will be joined by an exciting group of newcomers who have already shown tremendous potential and could make a significant impact this season," said DeCaluwe, whose trio of Dupor, Carvalho and Aguirre will be among the best in the NLCC.
Lakes Community
Coach: Kevin Kullby (22nd year)
Last year: 10-13-1, 4-3-0 (fourth in the NLCC)
Top returning players: Seniors Brett McCabe (MF), Rollin Smolin (MF), Grant Summy (D)
Outlook: The addition of transfer Lukasz Ciszewski, a two-year starter from Carmel Catholic, will help in the middle of the field as will the return of veterans McCabe, Smolin and Summy. "We'll have a fair amount of experience both in the middle and along the backline, so our hope is to get victories over teams we are comparable with and compete against our better opponents," said Kullby.
Round Lake
Coach: Hugo Tellez
Last year: 9-8-0, 5-2-0 (second in the NLCC)
Top returning players: Seniors Jaden Albarran (MF), Eduardo Gonzalez (D), David Rodriguez (D)
Outlook: The Panthers feature a terrific All-Area, all-sectional midfielder Jaden Albarran (11 goals, 13 assists last year) who will run the attack on a club that welcomes back nine sophomores. "With those nine players back from a year ago, who have worked hard to become fit, stronger mentally and more focused, we feel like we can make a deep run," said Tellez.
Wauconda
Coach: Tim Miller (ninth year)
Last year: 13-6-1, 5-3-0 (third in the NLCC)
Top returning players: Seniors Paxton Chartier (GK), Nathan Pakosta (GK), Brandon Palestina (F); junior Aiden Werner (MF)
Outlook: The Bulldogs have been at the top of the NLCC for quite some time now, thanks in part to a steady flow of quality players. This year they are led by the two-time all-sectional attacking midfielder Aiden Werner, who will take over for Mario Torres, an all-stater last year. "We are fortunate to be to lean on our two strong keepers (Chartier, Pakosta) as well as Werner, who should be considered a contender for NLCC player of the year," said Miller. "Our league has become a powerhouse soccer conference, so the challenge is to get through a grueling regular season, stay healthy ahead of the playoffs, and to score goals in bunches to compete against so many great teams in the NLCC."
NORTH SUBURBAN CONFERENCE
Lake Forest
Coach: Rob Parry (21st year)
Last year: 9-10-1, 3-3-1 (tied for fourth in the NSC)
Top returning players: Senior Luke Elsen (D); juniors Nico Angel (MF), Alex Russo (MF), Lucas Whiteley (MF)
Outlook: Scouts have one of the top players at the six in defensive midfielder Lucas Whiteley, one of only five back this season. "We lost 20 varsity players, so we will obviously be young, inexperienced and likely struggle to score goals, so we'll take a few hits in an always tough NSC," said Parry.
Lake Zurich
Coach: Mike Schmitz (20th year)
Last year: 8-10-2, 5-2-0 (second in the NSC)
Top returning players: Seniors Matthew Bergfeld (F), Jan Pelic (D), Trevor Smith (MF-F)
Outlook: Lake Zurich’s season a year ago might have been different if not for six one-goal losses, two of which came in league play to dash its hopes of a lifting the championship trophy. "We lost some very good players, but we return a strong core with nine of the 13 back seniors with all of them playing important minutes last season, which we hope to see that experience pay off," said Schmitz.
Libertyville
Coach: Kevin Thunholm (10th year)
Last year: 2-15-2, 1-6-0 (eighth in the NSC)
Top returning players: Seniors Max Murabio (D), Cam Howell (F), Drew Snow (D)
Outlook: The Wildcats were never able to get on their collective front foot a year ago, as they struggled to find the back of the net that kept them out of the league race from the very beginning. "Libertyville soccer has always had high expectations. We had a rough go of things last season, but we now have a team that has played together for several years, and the boys really are a family and just enjoy playing together," said Thunholm. Senior center-back Drew Snow and newcomer keeper Jackson Platt are two to watch.
Mundelein
Coach: Sebastian Falinski (seventh year)
Last year: 4-19-0, 2-5-0 (seventh in the NSC)
Top returning players: Seniors Nithal Joshy (MF), Damian Wydra (MF); juniors Cristos Acosta (MF-F), Valentino Acosta (MF-F), Israel Villegas (D)
Outlook: Like its NSC counterpart Libertyville, the Mustangs endured a tough season including going winless in the first two months of the 2025 campaign. "We all know we underperformed, and that our record did not reflect we believed we can be, so the motivation is there to prove we are capable of much more," said Falinski. "With nine returning players, our strength will be experience and leadership which should help us get out to a strong start, while the 22 on our roster will give us depth and balance."
Stevenson
Coach: PepeJon Chavez (seventh year)
Last year: 14-5-2, 3-3-1 (tied for fourth in the NSC, regional champions)
Top returning players: Seniors Joniel Dizon (MF), Jacob Goldstein (D), Sashin Kistanna (MF); junior Asher Lee (F)
Outlook: Even the overtime loss to eventual Class 3A third place finisher Glenbrook North in a sectional final could not take the gloss off a 2025 campaign that would feature plenty of thrilling individual and team achievements along the way. The Patriots lost five quality players but return a wonderful core back, beginning Dizon. "Our backline with be very solid and with depth, plus we have a tight knit, tough and experienced group with lots of technical players," said Chavez. "Expectations are always to win, do well in the NSC, go far in the playoffs. It will not be easy, but that is the culture of Stevenson soccer."
Warren
Coach: Jason Ahonen (19th year)
Last year: 13-8-0, 4-3-0, (3rd, NSC)
Top returning players: Seniors Angel Garcia (D), Quinn Lockwood (F), Charlie Ogren (F), Andrew Olmos (D), Luis Sandoval (MF), juniors Logan Ahonen (MF), Christian Ortiz (GK).
Outlook: The Blue Devils were the stingiest of all in the NSC, and they could very well be again with the return of an impressive supporting cast. "Our biggest strength is our depth and the high number of varsity players coming back," said Ahonen. "We had a fully committed team this summer that would train together more than most teams we've had in the past. And because of that commitment and experience we bring back, expectations are high that we can take that next step." Few will have the attacking prowess of Lockwood, Ogren, Sandoval and Logan Ahonen.