Boys soccer season preview: Scouting DuPage County
Addison Trail
Coach: Ryan Dini (14th season)
Last year: 8-9-2, 3-3 West Suburban Gold (tied third place)
Top returning players: Alexander Berrum, jr., F; Guillermo Castrejon, jr., W; Oscar Ceja, sr., D; Diego Lopez, sr., CMF; Daniel Rojas, sr., CB; Omar Teran, sr., GK
Key newcomers: Filip Makarczuk, jr., W; Enrique Merino, sr., CMF; Xavier Meza, sr., W
Outlook: The last two seasons the Blazers have ended right around .500, but this year they have high hopes for not only a great overall record, but compiling such a mark against another challenging schedule. Welcoming back six starters, the Blazers will receive a jolt from the arrival of seniors Enrique Merino and Xavier Meza, who are coming over from club play. “The coaching staff believes this team will show improvement throughout the season and be ready to make a move when the playoff season arrives,” Blazers coach Ryan Dini said. “Over the last 10 years, the team has won three regional titles and this team has some similar talent as those teams did.”
Benet
Coach: Matt Klosterman (fourth season)
Last year: 11-5-3, 7-0-1 East Suburban Catholic (first place)
Top returners: Declan Crist, sr., F; Evan Doy, sr., F; Julian Mehra, sr., D; Brian Mietus, sr., F; Alex Snyder, sr. D; John VanWiggeren, sr. D; Jack Wesley, sr., MF; Marko Zeba, sr., D; Gray Zmrhal, jr., MF
Key newcomers: Ben Coglianese, jr., F; Marco DeSimone, so., MF; Jake Fitzgerald, jr., F; Hudson Lutfiyya, so., D; Nat Schriedel, jr., MF; Brody Siebert, jr., D; Arjun Verma, so., F/MF
Outlook: The Redwings return nine players who played in a dozen or more games last season. They also welcome back senior Jack Wesley, an all-conference selection his first two seasons before being derailed by injuries last fall. “Jack is a top player who will be the linchpin of a strong Benet team this year,” Redwings coach Matt Klosterman said. “This group has enough experience to be dynamic and exciting to watch.” Benet is no longer in the East Suburban Catholic Conference, merging into the Chicago Catholic League, which Klosterman said makes it “one of the top soccer leagues in Illinois.”
Downers Grove South
Coach: Chris Hernandez (third season)
Last year: 7-14-1, 2-4 West Suburban Gold (sixth place), Class 3A St. Ignatius regional champions
Top returners: Brennan Free, sr., MF; Ezekiel Hall-Taylor, jr., D; Nishant Nambiar, sr., GK; Patrick Olcyzk, sr., MF; Mason Suva, sr., D
Key newcomers: Fernando Duran, jr., MF; Angel Pizano, jr., MF; Jose Velazquez, jr., MF
Outlook: Two-time all-sectional and all-conference midfielder Brennan Free will lead a young, talented group. “This group understands the importance of building a strong foundation for the future while remaining focused on competing in the present,” Mustangs coach Chris Hernandez said. “Our players have embraced the challenge of developing our identity, raising our standards and supporting one another.”
Fenton
Coach: Victor Ruiz (10th season)
Last year’s record: 11-5-5, 4-0-2 Upstate Eight (second place), Class 2A Norridge regional champions
Top returning players: Yandel Hernandez, sr., MF; Yandel Galeana, sr., D; Nate Murga, jr., MF; Denzel Palacios, sr., D; Leomar Ruiz, sr., GK; Leonel Ruiz, sr., MF; Anthony Salgado, sr., D
Outlook: A gut-wrenching 3-2 loss to Chicago Noble/ITW Speer in the Class 2A DePaul College Prep sectional semifinals still kind of feels like it just happened yesterday for the Bison who return and aim for an even deeper playoff run. “We’re looking to rebound from our early exit from our sectional semi,” Fenton coach Victor Ruiz said. “With the core of last year’s group coming back, looking to finish top in conference and win regionals and make a push to sectionals.”
Glenbard East
Coach: Josh Adler (23rd season)
Last year’s record: 8-6-3, 3-2-1 Upstate Eight (third place)
Top returning players: Marco Fernandez, sr., CMF; Charlie Gidcumb, sr., MF; Ryan Kumer, sr., F; Johan Olivero, sr., CMF; Kevin Ramirez, sr., F
Key newcomers: Sam Firnsin, sr., D; Izaac Guzman, jr., D; Matt Hawkins, sr., D; Austin Kitch, sr., MF; Viktor Navarro, sr., GK
Outlook: The Rams are anchored by third-year players looking to finish their swan song senior seasons with a splash. They’ll be supported by a talented and capable roster of players salivating at the chance to make an impact. “While our foundation is set, we know we have plenty of work ahead to prove ourselves on the pitch,” Rams coach Josh Adler said. “Our success will be built on our daily commitment — priding ourselves on being a strong, cohesive unit that relentlessly competes and consistently seeks improvement in every training session and match.”
Glenbard North
Coach: Spero Mandakas (ninth season)
Last year’s record: 6-13-3, 1-5-1 DuKane (seventh place)
Top returning players: Adrian Carnalia, sr., D; Andrew Collins, jr., MF/F; Collin Munguia, jr., F; Tony Ramos, sr., D
Key newcomers: Blago Kyusepashev, jr., D; Alex Perez, jr., MF
Outlook: The Panthers return seven starters along with three rotational players who delivered high-value minutes last year. With those 10 back on the pitch, the Panthers are hungry to compete. “In front of our established tandem of Lucca DosReis and Sean Sullivan, we are integrating a completely revamped backline,” Panthers coach Spero Mandakas said. “With our top four goal contributors returning, our attack should be dynamic and the group will look to build upon the experience of last season.”
Glenbard West
Coach: Phil Wicyk (sixth season)
Last year’s record: 19-7-1, 3-3 West Suburban Silver (fifth place)
Top returning players: Peter Alexopoulos, sr., MF; Owen Ashmore, sr., CB; Alex Ginder, sr., F; Catino Harris, sr., MF; Harrison Olechowski, sr., MF
Key newcomers: Axel Brunback, fr., MF
Outlook: With all-state offensive weapon Alex Ginder (17 goals, 20 assists) returning to lead a strong group of returning seniors, which includes midfielders Peter Alexopoulous, Catino Harris and Harrison Olechowski and center back Owen Ashmore, the Hilltoppers expect another strong run. "We are returning a lot of our offensive players who led our team in the most goals scored in my tenure here at West,” Hilltoppers coach Phil Wicyk said. “If our new additions can step up to fill in some of the holes last year’s seniors left then we should be a solid opponent for any team in the area.”
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Michael Wiggins (25th season)
Last year’s record: 8-13-2, 0-6 West Suburban Silver (seventh place)
Top returning players: George An, jr., MF; Kristof Dani, jr., F; Alex Griebenow, jr., F; Arhaan Saini, sr., D
Key newcomers: Caio Davies, so., F
Outlook: After taking third place in the state in 2004, the Red Devils were competitive but didn’t see similar results in the win column last year. They return 13 players this season and welcome another 12. “Competitive group that shows up with energy and enthusiasm everyday makes this year’s team a great one to work with,” Red Devils coach Michael Wiggins said.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Danny Makarcic (10th season)
Last year’s record: 13-11-1, 2-4 West Suburban Gold (fifth), Class 2A Hinsdale South sectional champions
Top returning players: Diego Canas, sr., MF; Aaron Mendoza, sr., D; Sava Nikolic, jr., F
Key newcomers: Payton Balsamo, Yebby Diedrich, Augustas Kirijenka, Angel Krsteyski, Marcelo Kucera, Ethan Tortorich
Outlook: Don’t let last year’s record fool you. The Hornets are coming off a great run as they reclaimed the Golden Belt against Downers Grove South after a 23-year hiatus and won regional and sectional titles, falling a victory short of a state berth. They welcome back eight starters. “We lost four seniors but are bringing in five talented freshmen,” Hornets coach Danny Makarcic said. “Expectations are high. Our goal is to win the regional championship again, and after that, everything is possible.” Sava Nikolic (25 goals, 14 assists), Diego Canas (14 goals, 16 assists) and Aaron Mendoza (4 goals, 10 assists) return. The interest in soccer at Hinsdale South continues to grow at an eye-opening rate. “From 36 players four years ago, we come to 105 this year,” Makarcic said.
Lake Park
Coach: Argirios Gouriotis (second season)
Last year’s record: 14-4-3, 7-0 DuKane (first place)
Top returning players: Denys Klyuchenko, sr., MF; Tyler Kuras, jr., D; Jakub Nowicki, sr., F; Eryk Wolski, sr., W
Key newcomers: Danis Dizdarevic, jr., MF; Nataniel Mroczka, jr., MF
Outlook: The Lancers will look considerably different from a year ago after graduating eight starters from an undefeated, conference championship squad, but “still return a lot of talent,” according to Lancers coach Argirios Gouriotis. “Newcomers will play a big role this year in our quest for another conference title and playoff success,” Gouriotis said. “Senior leadership from (Jakub) Nowicki, (Eryk) Wolski and (Denys) Klyuchenko will be critical to our success. With another productive season, Nowicki will have a chance at being our all-time leading goal scorer.” The Lancers will be hosting the Hillner Classic this year, marking the 33rd time they have hosted a tournament to kick off the season.
Lisle
Coach: Jamie Clemmons (third season)
Last year’s record: 9-13, 2-4 Interstate Eight (fifth), Class 1A IC Catholic regional champions
Top returning players: Alex Bakowicz, sr., D; Lucas Cates, sr., D; Cole Geist, sr., D; Mati Iwanski, jr., MF
Key newcomers: Gabe Grant, sr., MF; Arminas Peciulis, so., F; Liam Weaver, so., F
Outlook: A year ago, Lisle welcomed senior Sebastian Kowal from his club squad and he proceeded to lead the team with 20 goals. This fall, senior Gabe Grant returns to the team after a club stint. Just two years ago, he was the conference player of the year. Grant’s addition along with a solid core returning should have Lisle battling deep into the postseason again. “We have a solid group of returning starters and great senior leadership,” Lisle coach Jamie Clemmons said. “We will be looking to create good chemistry and look for a group of players who can score goals for us this season.”
Metea Valley
Coach: Josh Robinson (18th season)
Last year’s record: 6-14-2, 2-3 DuPage Valley (fourth place)
Top returning players: Chase Grosrenaud, sr., GK; Tyler Johnson, sr., D
Key newcomers: Andres Morris, fr., F
Outlook: The Mustangs scored 50 goals in 2024 while going 12-9-4, but suffered through a 6-14-2 season last fall while scoring just 23 times and surrendering 44 goals. Incoming freshman Andres Morris and some of the young talent around him will have opportunities. “(We’re) a young team that is returning five starters who will be eager to compete,” Mustangs coach Josh Robinson said. “We had four freshmen in the starting lineup to finish last year, (and now) as sophomores (they) will continue to grow and mature.”
Montini
Coach: Mark Kalal (second season)
Last year’s record: 2-17-1, 0-5 Chicago Catholic League (sixth place)
Top returning players: Patryk Baran, so., MF; Michael DeFeo, so., MF; Owen Ferris, sr., MF; Robert Gutierrez, sr., MF; Austin Nelson, jr., D
Key newcomers: Charlie Howenstein, fr., MF; Julian Meier, fr., MF; Eliot Rrahmani, jr., F
Outlook: Senior Gavin Durkin, a multisport athlete who earned Chicago Catholic League academic all-conference honors, will lead what Broncos coach Mark Kalal calls “a tight knit group of players who are looking to turn years of development into results.” The Broncos have only picked up a pair of wins during the past two campaigns so they will look to surpass that behind Durkin’s leadership and mix of returning players and new ones.
Naperville Central
Coach: Troy Adams (17th season)
Last year’s record: 16-3-1, 4-1 DuPage Valley (second place), Class 3A Naperville Central regional champions
Top returning players: Jacob Adams, sr., D; Calum Bohan, sr., D; Logan Godfrey, sr., MF; Knox Held, jr., D; Jay Larson, sr., F; Pierre Mazza, jr., MF; Brady Strang, sr., F
Outlook: Having lost a lot of offensive firepower (55 goals from players who graduated), the Redhawks will look for their defense to be especially tight behind All-DVC senior Calum Bohan. “The defense should be stout this year with a senior heavy group and some promising underclassmen,” Redhawks coach Troy Adams said. The attack features senior Brady Strang (12 goals, 6 assists last year) and junior Pierre Mazza (5 goals, 2 assists) returning to lead the offense while they’ll be joined by senior Jay Larson who missed most of last season recovering from a knee injury.
Naperville North
Coach: Jim Konrad (23rd season)
Last year’s record: 25-0-4, 5-0 DuPage Valley (first place), Class 3A state champions
Top returning players: Will Boniface, jr., MF; Dylan Healy, sr., MF
Key newcomers: Zidan Elganzouri, jr., Carter Joseph, so.
Outlook: Most of the players from last year’s undefeated, state champion squad have graduated which leaves the Huskies with what coach Jim Konrad said will be the least experienced Naperville North team in over a decade with only one full-time starter back. “ They will need several rising juniors and sophomores to fill in roles left by last year’s special senior class,” Konrad said. "Many talented goalkeepers in the program will try to fill (Jack) Bouska’s shoes. This year’s group will have to return to old-school Huskie soccer of defending with 11 and looking for opportunities to score on restarts and counterattacks.” Seniors Cam Brown and juniors Leo Palacios and Misael Gonzalez also return.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Arnoldo Gonzalez (12th season)
Last year’s record: 5-11-3, 1-4 DuPage Valley (fifth place)
Top returning players: Brendan Bauer, jr., GK; Oliver Brosnahan, sr., D; Kalen Davis, sr., F; Gavin Majewski, sr., MF
Key newcomers: Dominic Noonan, sr., F; Noah Stocker, sr., W; Blake Taylor, so., F
Outlook: Senior Gavin Majewski, a Loyola commit, will look for a strong final season while enjoying the opportunity to play with his younger brother, sophomore Nolan Majewski. Players like the younger Majewski will have an opportunity to make an impact after the Wildcats had 11 players graduate from last year’s team. Junior goalkeeper Brendan Bauer made 72 saves last season while Kalen Davis (8 goals, 3 assists) and Gavin Majewski (5 goals, 4 assists) are the team’s top threats on the attack. The Wildcats are shooting to get above .500, something they last did in 2023 with a 9-7-2 mark.
St. Francis
Coach: Jim Winslow (sixth season)
Last year’s record: 8-4-3, 3-2-1 CCLW (4th place)
Top returning players: Ryan Callender, sr., D; Brady Hamman, jr., F; Brody Jochum, sr., MF
Key newcomers: Cullen Katzfey, jr., GK; Santino Pignatelli, jr., MF
Outlook: The Spartans bounced back from a four-win season in 2024, doubling up their wins last year. With more depth than in the past, the Spartans will look to continue their winning ways. Junior forward Brady Hamman (15 goals, 8 assists) had nearly twice as many goals as any other Spartan last fall. “If we can get newcomers on the same page, we should be solid,” Spartans coach Jim Winslow said. A pair of newcomers, Cullen Katzfey and Santino Pignatelli, are multisport athletes with Karzfey transitioning to the hardwood and Pignatelli to the indoor mats for basketball and wrestling in the winter.
Timothy Christian
Coach: Joel Zielke (ninth season)
Last year’s record: 16-7-1, 6-1 Chicagoland Christian (second place), Class 2A Timothy Christian regional champions
Top returning players: Zach Baker, sr., CMF; Dylan Barr, sr., GK; Caleb Bechtel, jr., CMF; Dylan Drye, sr., F; Owen Hoving, jr., W/D; Andrew Lumkes, sr., F; Andrew Nulty, sr., DMF
Key newcomers: Travis Huiner, jr., D; Wilder Laning, fr., W
Outlook: The season ended for the Trojans with a loss to Class 2A state champion De La Salle in the sectional finals. Timothy Christian returns 12 players, including eight starters. Andrew Lumkes (16 goals) is back as the team’s top returning scorer while its assist leaders are back as well, junior Caleb Bechtel (5 goals, 8 assists) and senior Zach Baker (9 goals, 13 assists). Defensively, goalkeeper Dylan Barr and a backline featuring seniors Charles and Lewis Rieger and juniors Owen Hoving and Travis Huiner will look to thwart any threats. The Trojans have won 11 of their 15 regionals since 2012.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Jose Garcia (13th season)
Last year’s record: 8-9-4, 3-2 DuPage Valley (third place)
Top returning players: Lucas Garcia, sr., F; Rihaan Gupta, sr., D; Evan Wojtowich, sr., D
Key newcomers: Nolan Watt, sr., GK
Outlook: It’s been awhile since the Warriors reached double digits in victories during a season, although they have come up just short by two wins a season ago and were a victory away after going 9-7-5 in 2024. Perhaps the Warriors will reach double-digit win land and match the 12-6-4 season of 2019? “We are looking for our seniors to be leaders this year,” Warriors coach Jose Garcia said. “We have a lot of returning players who have improved throughout the summer.” One of those seniors is Garcia’s son, senior Lucas Garcia. His other son, Alex, will play on the JV squad.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Jeff Brooke (15th season)
Last year’s record: 20-4-1, 7-0 Chicagoland Christian (first), Class 2A Wheaton Academy regional champs
Top returning players: Mason Brooke, sr., MF; Jared Jardis, sr., GK; Andrew Lopez, sr., MF; Jackson Snider, sr., MF; Paul Stefurak, so., D
Key newcomers: Davi Mascarello, jr., D; Landon Mathews, sr., D
Outlook: The Warriors lost six starters from last year’s squad, which lost in the sectional finals, but they return two-time all-state senior Mason Brooke (66 goals, 42 assists in his career) along with goalkeeper Jared Jardis, among others. "We are optimistic and hope to play a great style of soccer,” Warriors coach Jeff Brooke said. “We hope to compete at a high level in conference play, the Body Armor, Great River Classic in Iowa and in nonconference games. We have a good group of guys who will work hard and should believe in each other.”
Wheaton North
Coach: Joe Klingelhoffer (fourth season)
Last year’s record: 6-13-2, 1-4-2 DuKane (sixth place)
Top returning players: Lucas Carey, so., MF; Armando Jarquin, jr., MF; Rocco Johnson, sr., MF; Ray Novakowski, sr., D; James Wall, sr., GK
Key newcomers: Ryan Birt, jr., D; Camden Mackinnon, jr., F; Nathan Negusse, jr., F; Vince Terranova, jr., D; Joseph Thang, jr., F
Outlook: A strong finish, which included a win in the postseason, has the Falcons excited about their progress. “Many of the players who were growing and improving last year are returning, and we will go into this season with more varsity playing experience than any other time in the last three years,” Falcons coach Joe Klingelhoffer said. “We return most of our key midfield pieces from last year.” That includes a veteran like Rocco Johnson (10 career goals) and a sophomore such as Lucas Carey (3 goals as a freshman). Goalkeeper James Wall returns in net while fellow senior Ray Novakowki will anchor the back line. "The team is motivated, hard working, and hopes to compete with the top teams in the DuKane,” Klingelhoffer said.
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Guy Callipari (36th and final season)
Last year’s record: 8-10-2, 3-2-1 DuKane (third place)
Top returning players: Matti Abay, sr., F; Gavin Calabrese, sr., F; Will Freeding, jr., D; Logan LaFratta, sr., F; Alex Waterman, sr., D
Key newcomers: Robby Benson, so., MF; Mason Boemmel, jr., D; Luke Smeir, jr., MF; Will Waterman, sr., MF
Outlook: Pay phones were still popular when Tigers’ longtime coach Guy Callipari was first getting started at Wheaton Warrenville South. The Tigers only return nine players from a season ago. “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,” Callipari said. “Our goal is to better our third place finish in the DuKane Conference. We are coming off an 8-10-2 campaign which is an incentive to reach the 15-win mark in a season.” The Tigers will need to find offensive leadership now that All-American Semin Razman is playing at UIC. Look for Gavin Calabrese to step up there and for returning left back Alex Waterman to lead the backline.
Willowbrook
Coach: Al Ramirez (third season)
Last year’s record: 5-14, 3-3 West Suburban Gold (fourth place)
Top returning players: Brayden Dotson, sr., F; Vinny Prenant, jr., MF; Miko Sokolowski, jr., F; Szymon Sokolowski, jr., CB
Key newcomers: Tommy Basista, so., MF; Joshua Castro, fr., MF; Ale Chirinos, so., MF; Brody Downs, fr., MF
Outlook: The Warriors welcome back a strong core with varsity experience led by senior forward Brayden Dotson and a talented group of juniors who played significant minutes a year ago. “We also have a promising group of young players who will have opportunities to make an immediate impact,” Willowbrook coach Al Ramirez said. “Our focus this season is on continuing to raise the expectations and standards of our program. We want to be more consistent, compete at a high level every game, and continue to improve within the conference.”
York
Coach: Jordan Stopka (seventh season)
Last year: 9-9-1, 3-3 West Suburban Silver (fourth place)
Top returning players: Patrick Nazar, sr., MF; Moses Palaci, so., MF/W; Jacob Roubitchek, sr., MF/D; Cole Shearer, sr., W
Key newcomers: Benjamin Flores, so., MF/D; Jair Hernandez, so., F; Will Roubitchek, so., W
Outlook: Returning captain Jacob Roubitchek played center back last year but will most likely be in the midfield while fellow senior Patrick Nazar will be the engine for the offense. The Dukes are young but talented so it should be interesting to see how the pieces come together, especially with sophomores Will Roubitchek, Jair Hernandez and Benjamin Flores joining the squad. “It is looking like the beginning of the season might be tough sledding for this team as they have an extremely difficult schedule and nine sophomores on the roster,” York coach Jordan Stopka said. “The quicker the younger players gel with the older guys the better the year will be.”
Note: Downers Grove North, Glenbard South, IC Catholic Prep, West Chicago and Westmont did not provide team information.