Boys soccer notes: ‘More disciplined and resilient’ Maine West squad taking its game to next level
Until its 8-7-4 record a year ago, Maine West had not been close to recording a .500 or better record since 2019.
This season, the Warriors (5-2-1) have enjoyed a stellar opening to the 2026-2027 campaign highlighted by a five-game win streak.
"We've been building with this core group for the last couple of years, but injuries and players committing to club has made it difficult to keep a consistent, strong lineup together," said third-year coach Eliades Hernandez.
"This season we brought back key veteran players alongside a few talented additions who chose to play high school soccer. It’s the balance of depth and overall skill that has allowed us to compete with top programs."
"It is such a different culture to be around,“ junior Bryan Garcia said. ”We're so close, both in and out of school, and because we are more disciplined and resilient, it helps make us a creative team in our games and in training.“
The all-sectional junior has been in the Warriors starting lineup since his rookie season, playing as the primary attacking midfielder and creative force alongside Arath Rivera and Aleks Ganchovski in a 4-3-3 formation.
"The experience Bryan brings is really paying off for us. (Aleks) has been a dominant force in the midfield as well, and Arath, back from a two-year hiatus, earned his spot in the midfield through hard work and strong play," said Hernandez, who adds the leadership provided from Matthew Kros has helped strengthen the backline.
The Warriors played reigning CLS North champion Niles North to a 1-1 draw Friday night with Garcia scoring the lone goal.
"We hosted a Friday night game last year during Hispanic Heritage Month, and the turnout completely blew past our expectations," said Hernandez.
"The atmosphere was incredible and electric, so the plan is to schedule more Friday night games because the energy is contagious."
Mustangs make their move: While Hersey (6-0-0) continues to show why it deserves its lofty status in the state polls as the Huskies sit atop the MSL West along with Fremd (3-2-1) at 2-0-0, Rolling Meadows has delivered some terrific soccer of its own to earn the top spot in the MSL East — and its place in this week’s Daily Herald Top 20.
"(This) is the start we expected, and we knew those on the outside might not have been expecting much from us this fall, but there are three reasons for our success thus far," said Mustangs coach Brett Olson, whose club won just four games a year ago.
"First, we have a lot of experience back from last year, and the total buy-in of the big time adjustments in style of play on both sides of the ball,“ Olson said. "(We) might just have the greatest quality of depth on our roster than I've had in 10 years. Guys come off the bench and there is not a drop (off) in our play.
“I am also fortunate to have two great assistants in Darren (LaRocque) and Gage Lockley who have taken a huge ownership in their roles and made quite the impact on what we look like on the field."
Olson praised his backline duo of Patryk Bochonko and Miko Grzanka for their terrific work, as well as Dash Lockley, who has kept things organized in the middle of the park.
Forward Tommy Jackson has put his fair share into the back of the net, and Olson said the junior hasn't hit his stride yet.
NSC season starts with a bang: No doubt the race to the top of North Suburban Conference will be a spirited one with Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Stevenson, Warren and Zion-Benton all laying claim to being the best in one of the best soccer conferences around.
Defense should ultimately decide who lifts the championship trophy, but so will quality play between the sticks.
With his return from club after being away for three years, Jackson Platt gives Libertyville that extra edge along with his terrific back-four.
Opening night in the NSC saw a spectacular free kick goal from Warren’s Logan Ahonen, followed by a penally kick conversion by Platt's teammate Andrew Snow, secure an important 1-1 draw, helped along with terrific play from Platt.
"Jackson is easily the best keeper we've had here at Libertyville in quite a long time," said coach Kevin Thunholm.
"It's great to be back playing with my friends and for our program. I really enjoy being a strong leader on this team," said Platt.
The senior has set his eyes on attending the Naval Academy in the fall, and is deep into the process of an application that evaluates academics, leadership and physical fitness.
"I want to serve my country, put my 10 years (in) and eventually be a pilot," said Platt, who hopes to either play soccer or rugby at the Academy.