Boys soccer season preview: Scouting the Fox Valley
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: Jean-Marie Nazareth
Last year’s record: 11-7-1, 4-2 Chicago Catholic Conference (third place)
Top returning players: Alan Acosta, sr., MF; Leroy Arias, sr., MF; Landen Diedrich, sr., D; Omar Flores, sr., D; Christopher Incandela, sr., F; Diego Leon, sr., F; Owen Nordenberg, sr., D
Key newcomers: Dominic Buttice, jr., D; Sam Heinle, fr., MF; Blake Janosek, so., MF; Ryan Mayer, sr., F; Michael Quinlan, sr., MF
Outlook: Seniors Alan Acosta, Christopher Incandela, Diego Leon and Owen Nordenberg have combined for 57 goals and 46 assists. “The outlook for the season is to continue to grow and take that next step forward as a team from the past two seasons, conference and playoffs,” Chargers coach Jean-Marie Nazareth said. “Thriving to continue to improve, grow and develop.”
Bartlett
Coach: Anthony Glorioso (fourth season)
Last year’s record: 15-8-1, 5-1 Upstate Eight West (second place); Class 3A Rockford Guilford regional champions
Top returning players: Max Fowler, jr., CB; Sammy Kopanicak, jr., MF
Key newcomers: Kacper Wrobel, jr., S
Outlook: It’s been pretty impressive these past two seasons for the Hawks, who have posted the best seasons in program history in back-to-back years while winning two straight regional titles. They’ll have a new look after losing 14 seniors, including Oliver Kosciolek and Sebastian Kopanicak who combined for 41 goals. “It’s hard to lose 14 seniors, just from being in the program, competitiveness and leadership, but it’s going to be hard to replace two guys that scored 41 goals for us last year,” Hawks coach Anthony Glorioso said. “We also lost a returning starter to club soccer as well. With all that, we have eight returners coming back that are ‘inexperienced veterans’ that can give us minutes right away.”
Batavia
Coach: Mark Gianfrancesco (15th season)
Last year’s record: 2-16, 0-7 DuKane (eighth place)
Top returning players: Sebastian Conroy, jr., F; Nolan Grimm, sr., MF; Hudson Legut, sr., D; Nathan Nicely, sr., MF; James Sauvageau, sr., D; Connor Verde, sr., F
Key newcomers: Jack Baron, jr., F; Nolan Bryant, jr., MF; Omar Torres, so., D
Outlook: The Bulldogs’ only all-conference player last fall, Nathaniel Barsch, has graduated, but seniors Hudson Legit and James Sauvageau return to a backline that will need to be stingy as the Bulldogs have struggled to find scoring, averaging 21.6 goals a year the previous five seasons. “We are looking to build relationships on the pitch throughout the season,” Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco said. “We have some nice talent that we will work to bring out as the season progresses.”
Burlington Central
Coach: Dean Ames (third season)
Last year’s record: 9-10-1, 4-5 Fox Valley (fifth place)
Top returning players: Zach Batani, sr., MF/D; Jon Franzone, sr., F; Niko Guzman, jr., MF; David Mancera, sr., D
Worth noting: Senior David Mancera, an all-conference selection last season, returns to anchor the back line for a team that will need to rebuild in some places due to graduation losses and now some injuries. The biggest loss was in the midfield with all-conference players Samuel Knych and Noah Rosborough now gone. “After graduating several high level seniors, and with a few key returning players coming into the fall season with injuries, we’ll be looking for our younger talent to quickly come together as a team,” Rockets coach Dean Ames said.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Kyle Knar (second season)
Last year’s record: 3-19-1, 1-8 Fox Valley (10th place)
Top returning players: Cristian Bautista, jr., F; Will Bedoe, sr., MF; Seeley Delgado, jr., D; Matt Kriz, sr., D; Daniel Nunez, jr., MF/D; Arturo Ortiz, jr., MF; Rylan Powers, jr., D; Joe Riedel, sr., D; Brayden Schneider, jr., D; Peter Szentendrei, sr., MF; Daniel Zamora, jr., F
Key newcomers: Oliver Dimas, fr., D; Ruben Dimas, jr., MF; Gio Duran, jr., MF; Adriel Gamboa, fr., MF; Juan Garcia, so., MF/F; Jonny Lazaro, fr., F; Ryan Nolan, sr., D; Julian Silva, so., MF; Joey Skiba, so., GK; Lukas Stanul, fr., MF/D; Hosuan Suarez, fr., MF/D; Alex Zamudio, fr., MF/F
Outlook: The Trojans are younger than a year ago, returning 11 players while adding 12 newcomers, including a half dozen freshmen. “We are looking to Cristian Bautista and Peter Szentendrei to help lead the attack,” Trojans coach Kyle Knar said. “Brayden Schneider and Seeley Delgado will take the centerback roles and look to lead the defense this year.” Knar is emphasizing hard work, aiming to be the hardest working team in the conference. “Despite our poor record, we finished last season stronger than we started, with some one-goal losses, a draw and two wins. We are looking to outwork our opponents and turn some of those close games into wins this year.”
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Brian Allen (20th season)
Last year’s record: 11-10-1, 4-5 Fox Valley (tied for fourth place)
Top returning players: Dennis Adusah, sr., D; Dustin Banner, sr., D; Noah Dunteman, sr., GK; Josh Moreno, sr., MF; Ethan Nawracaj, sr., F; Kaleb Nunnally, sr., D; Will Prus, sr., MF; Zach Vallicelli, sr., MF; Parker Zilm, sr., D
Key newcomers: Lucas Barreiro, sr., D; Damian Praczkowski, so., D; Myles Stoltman, fr., MF; Jonathan Washington, so., MF
Outlook: Goalkeeper Noah Dunteman (15 career shutouts) and Will Prus (15 goals, 27 assists) return as two-time all-conference selections. “This is our most senior-laden squad since 2018, and we will look to rely on that talent and experience as we test ourselves against a high quality schedule that includes many 3A opponents and participation in the tournament of champions hosted by Naperville North,” Gators coach Brian Allen said. “If we can bring out the best in each other, then we will hopefully be playing some of our best soccer during the competitive FVC portion of our schedule as well as at the end of the year in the postseason when it matters most.” The Gators won the first of their two state titles in 2018.
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Rey Vargas (23rd season)
Last year’s record: 16-6-3, 6-2-1 Fox Valley (third place), Class 3A Dundee-Crown regional champions
Top returning players: Arturo Flores, sr., MF; Angel Landeros, jr., D; Jorge Pacheco, sr., MF; Damian Ramos, jr., D; Ryland Venezia, so., MF
Key newcomers: Diego Ruiz, jr., D; Luis Silva, so., S/M
Outlook: A strong finish last season, including a 9-2 record in their final 11 games, helped the Chargers to third place in conference and a regional title. They outscored opponents 57-25 and will look for continued success. “We have a good core of players returning from last season and will be adding some significant players to the mix,” Chargers coach Rey Vargas said. “As always we expect to be in the mix for conference and then advancing as far as we can in state playoffs.”
Elgin
Coach: Antonio Zavala (second season)
Last year’s record: 8-8-2, 3-2-1 Upstate Eight West (third place)
Top returning players: Yahir Bautista, jr., MF; Emanuel Flores, jr., F; Diego Lopez, jr., MF; Santos Pineda, sr., D; Alexander Villaruel, sr., MF
Key newcomers: Joshua Espinosa, fr., D; Adrian Romero, fr., MF; Damian Serna, fr., W; Auddy Vazquez, so., S
Outlook: The Maroons will participate in a few tournaments, including a trip to Iowa this fall. “One of the biggest challenges this season will be facing the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams in Illinois,” Elgin coach Antonio Zavala said. “Playing some of the best teams in the state will give us a great opportunity to see where we stand and continue improving.” Elgin is young with three freshmen on the squad. “I am excited to see our players develop and reach their full potential,” Zavala said.
Hampshire
Coach: Chayanne Martínez (sixth season)
Last year’s record: 9-6-3, 3-4-2 Fox Valley (sixth place)
Top returning players: Kage Guge, jr., S; Matthew Perez, sr., MF; Jayden Serrano, so., GK; Brian Vega, sr., S
Key newcomers: Momo Allnoch, jr., MF; Miguel Arroyo, sr., S; Jayden Bulger, so., S; Christian Cardenas, sr., S; Daniel Espinosa, sr., D; Bode Licari, so., S/D; Franklin Pacetti, so., MF; Max Rios, so., D; Arian Victoria, sr., D
Outlook: The Whip-Purs return several key players from a year ago. “We will look to compete in every match with good intensity that makes our school proud,” Hampshire coach Chayanne Martinez said. “We are committed to work together as a team in all games in order to compete for the conference title.”
Huntley
Coach: Matt Lewandowski (eighth season)
Last year’s record: 13-3-3, 9-0 Fox Valley (first place)
Top returning players: Liam Caddick, jr., MF; Nick Duffy, sr., MF; Brendan Freier, sr., D; Cody Hammer, sr., MF; Tyler Murray, sr., F; Liam Nixon, sr., D
Key newcomers: Timi Amu, sr., F; Adrian Luna, jr., MF; Eli Valdez, so., GK
Worth noting: Welcoming back more than half of their goal production from a team that went undefeated in the Fox Valley Conference, the Red Raiders are primed for another strong season. “The returners have a bad taste left over from last season’s regional final with St. Charles North and are looking to repeat last season's success but make more out of our postseason,” Huntley coach Matt Lewandowski said. Seniors Tyler Murray (16 goals, 3 assists last year), Liam Dixon (5 goals) and Cody Hammer (3 goals, 5 assists) are among the leading returnees.
Jacobs
Coach: Brian Taege (first season)
Last year’s record: 5-13-3, 3-5-1 Fox Valley (tied for seventh place)
Top returning players: Ethan Aldrete, sr., W; Jacob Christian, so., W; Jackson Foley, sr., MF/S; Anthony Rodriguez, sr., MF
Key newcomers: Jacob Kania, jr., S; Elliot Ross, jr., D
Outlook: New coach Brian Taege isn’t new to the program as he enters his 17th year with it. “I’m very excited to lead the hardworking boys in the program,” he said. “I couldn’t be more excited to begin the 2026 season.” Seniors Jackson Foley (13 goals), Ethan Aldrete (3 goals, 6 assists) and Anthony Rodriguez (5 assists) will lead the way with sophomore Jacob Christian. “We will be looking to have the senior class guide us this season as many of them have logged three-plus years varsity careers,” Taege said. “They will be supported by a hardworking group of juniors and sophomores looking to earn quality time. The players have committed themselves in the off-season and after a great camp we are eager to get started."
Kaneland
Coach: Scott Parillo
Last year’s record: 8-15, 8-2 Interstate Eight (tied for first place)
Top returning players: Tyler Adams, sr., MF; Michael Painer, sr., F; Dylsn Pilz, sr., D; Eli Stoltzner, sr., MF; Isaac Stoltzner, so., MF
Key newcomers: Gael Cepeda, jr., GK; Aiden Lentz, sr., GK; Owen Scarpelli, sr., D/MF
Outlook: The Knights tied for first place in the Interstate Eight Conference last season with an 8-2 record after opening the season with eight straight defeats. The team graduated four of five all-conference selections, but senior midfielder Tyler Adams returns. “We are hoping to improve from last season,” Knights coach Scott Parillo said. “We have lots of new faces, so we will need to gel quickly. Our effort has been fantastic; we need to see how our execution will be.” The Knights hit the road on back-to-back nights at Geneva and Batavia on Sept. 2-3.
Larkin
Coach: Alex Vazquez Hernandez (first season)
Last year’s record: 9-9-3, 1-4-1 Upstate Eight West (sixth place)
Top returning players: Brian Ceja, sr., S; Leonardo Cervantes, sr., CB; Ulises Flores, sr., CB; Omar Garnica, sr., GK; Gael Villagomez, sr., MF/W
Key newcomers: Juan Pablo Escobar, so., Emilio Goytia, so., CB; Jayden Hernandez, sr., S; Justin Lopez, so., CB; Douglas Rivero, sr., CM
Worth noting: Larkin has a senior-heavy roster with 15 players in their final season, including 11 who played varsity last fall. “We are looking to improve from our previous season,” Larkin coach Alex Vazquez Hernandez said. “With an older core of players, we look to have a strong, mature presence on and off the field. We have a very diverse program housing many students from multiple backgrounds.” Goalkeeper Omar Garnica (75 saves), striker Brian Ceja (5 goals, 2 assists) and center back Leonardo Cervantes (857 minutes played) are a few of Larkin’s top returnees.
Marmion
Coach: Anne Iwinski (second season)
Last year’s record: 15-6-4, 3-2-2, Class 2A Marmion regional champs
Top returning players: Mauro Alanis, sr., MF/F; Patrick Bergeron, jr., D; Jamin Berman, sr., F; Ben Bierman, so., MF; Nathan Voelkner, sr., D
Key newcomers: Dane Feuerborn, jr., GK; Alejandro Saucedo, so., MF/D, Mason Szilage, so., D
Outlook: The Cadets saw their fantastic season come to a close in the sectionals last fall. Marmion enjoyed a 12-game unbeaten streak (11-0-1) and posted 11 shutouts, but lost 10 players from that squad. “We have some big shoes to fill, but we have a great balance of senior leadership and young talent that should help us come together,” Marmion coach Anne Iwinski said. “The boys still feel the sting from our loss to Rock Island in the sectionals last year and are determined to put together another strong season.”
River Valley Christian
Coach: Pedro Assumpcao (sixth season)
Last year’s record: 24-4-1, 8-0 (first place), Class 1A Hinckley-Big Rock regional champions
Top returning players: Lucas Menezes, sr., W/S; Miles Meurer, sr., CMF
Key newcomers: Dani Menezes, fr., MF
Outlook: River Valley Christian is the new name of Westminster Christian and Harvest Christian who merged last year. Coach Pedro Assumpcao lost six starters from last season and is working with a young group with 16 underclassmen and just a pair of juniors and four seniors. “The talent is still there,” he said. “And some newcomers have great potential.”
South Elgin
Coach: Jerzy Skowron (eighth season)
Last year’s record: 22-4-1, 3-3-0 Upstate Eight West (fourth place), Class 3A South Elgin sectional champions
Top returning players: Momo Gonzalez, sr., CMF; Adam Kiel, sr., F; Danny Moscoso, sr., GK; Alan Munoz, sr., F; Joaqin Vega, so., CM
Key newcomers: Max Fowler, jr., FB/F; AJ McDonald, jr., CM; Kobe Nava, jr., F; Julian Torrez, jr., FB; Ryan Weynschenk, jr., GK
Outlook: An unforgettable, school-best season last fall culminated with regional and sectional titles before their bid to get to state was denied in the supersectional. Most of the top players from 2025 graduated and the Storm also lost all-state selection Matt Lipp (FC Dallas Academy), goalkeeper Mikey Nestorowicz (MLS Next) and defender Chris Aguilar. “A very talented group of JV1 players from last season are salivating at the chance to take the mantle left by them and to continue what they started,” Storm coach Jerzy Skowron said. “Graduating mostly defenders and our first-ever all-state player may seem like too much to overcome, but our boys’ summers were very successful and beneficial to how we’re going to look this fall.” Senior forward Alan Munoz scored 22 of his 28 career goal last year.
St. Charles East
Coach: Vince DiNuzzo (10th season)
Last year’s record: 12-6-4, 3-2-2 DuKane (tied for third place)
Top returning players: Sam Arville, sr., MF; Huxley Kapoor, sr., F; Colten Pariso, sr., D; Aidan Richbell, sr., MF; Will Wade, sr., D
Key newcomers: Jacob Aung, so., F; Alaa Dahab, sr., F; Jarratt Tisch, jr., D
Outlook: The Saints welcome back a core of players who already have a couple of years of experience playing varsity soccer, with defenders Colten Pariso and Will Wade, midfielders Aidan Richbell (5 goals, 6 assists) and Sam Arville (12 goals, 4 assists), and forward Huxley Kapoor (5 goals, 8 assists) leading the returnees.“ The team returns a lot of players with a lot of varsity experience,” Saints coach Vince DiNuzzo said. “Staying healthy and working hard to improve throughout the season will be important for our team's success. We have a great group of boys who love the game.” Last year the Saints lost Jack Fitzgerald and Colin Harrington to season-ending injuries during the opening week of the season. Both are healthy and looking to contribute this year.
Note: Geneva, St. Charles North, St. Edward, Streamwood and West Aurora did not provide team information. Aurora Christian is not fielding a team this season.