Northwest suburban All-Area Boys Soccer Team
.inStory300 {display:none;}
David ArandaWheelingStrong, confident three-year starter helped anchor Wildcats' back line by bringing a combination of speed, quickness and physical play unlike most seen at the sweeper position in the area. "Much of our success this season was due to our improved defense because of David's presence back there," said Wheeling coach Ed Uhrik of his all-conference star who last winter was a state wrestling qualifier. Strong communication skills kept teammates in back organized, while fierce tackling, flawless man-marking, and decision-making led to first all-area appearance.
Josh Beard SchaumburgTwo-time all-state star and last year's all-area co-captain received serious consideration for the same award again this fall. A thrilling attacking player, the four-year varsity starter is equally brilliant when called upon to defend, as he was early by coach Hamid Mehreioskouei while the Saxons sorted out its first-11. "Josh has the ability to make an impact on a match like no other player, yet is able to make everyone around him excel," offered his coach of the UIC-bound, 3-time all-MSL pick. Perhaps the most complete player on both sides of the ball in the area, he will attack and defend with skill and intelligence, with an arsenal of weapons that excite even the casual fan. Scored 19 of his 40 career goals this season and had 24 assists.
Nick Boyle HerseyOnce given the chance with the big club, two-year back-line starter has established himself as a key ingredient in the Huskies run to record-setting third straight MSL championship. Respect for the first time all-sectional defensive captain was evident in his top-eight finish in all-state balloting. "There is not a harder player person in the state than Nick, who truly strives to play at the highest level each time out," says Hersey coach Darren Llwellyn. Prototype sweeper has all the speed and excellent timing to tackle sharply and flawlessly, while directly with a keen eye at all times to ensure the Huskies recent success.
Joel Del Toro WheelingWow factor describes four-year starter for Wildcats who was an important figure in the turnaround of the program. Terrific tactical awareness, and uncanny ability to distribute anywhere on the pitch made this two-time all-conference, all-sectional striker an easy choice to earn a second-straight all-area honor after setting school record of 40 career assists, with 18 this season. "Joel can repeatedly beat any defender, and our tactic was to get him the ball and just let him beat people down the flank and deliever dangerous balls into the box," said coach Ed Uhrik. His 12 goals (23 in career) this season, will help in recruiting, which includes Western Michigan and Dominican.
Leo Elizalde WheelingOne of the premier players in the MSL and the area was rewarded with back-to-back East Player of the Year honors before gaining much deserved all-state honors this fall to help validate his spot alongside Barrington's Ata Ozbay as co-captain of this year's all-area team. "Leo is the heart and soul of our team. Period," said coach Ed Uhrik. "He is an incredible leader, with an exceptional attitude and work rate in which everyone around him admires and looks up to." In his four years, the Wildcats captain managed to move up the statistical history charts, finishing 10th in goals scored in a season (18), tied for eighth in career points (86) and seventh in career goals (34). DePaul, UIC and Dominican are among his college favorites.
Willie Filian PalatineMuch like a top-flight marksman striker, the junior midfielder was just as deadly with his piercing trademark long throws which not only would help the Pirates find the back of the net frequently, but also pin down opponents, while relieving pressure when his club was in trouble in its own end. "His long throw was a nice offensive weapon to have, and it really put goalkeepers and opposing teams on alert whenever we had a throw," said Pirates coach and dad Willie Filian Sr. While mostly a defensive midfielder for the sectional finalists, the two-year starter did well when going forward when needed (10 goals), when not giving the club a high percentage of 50-50 wins and the patience needed to hold the middle while others joined the attack. First time all-conference, and 14 assists were second to Joel Del Toro in MSL.
Alex Gardasevic HerseyTwo-time all-area striker started his varsity career in sensational fashion midway through the 2007 season after his callup led to 15 goals, which the two-time all-conference, all-sectional junior topped this fall with 16 and 5 assists to be among the top scorers in the area. "Alex is the type of prominent figure up front that causes opponents to take note of at all times because of his ability to finish from just about anywhere," said coach Darren Llewellyn. Three victories this season were due to deadly free-kick accuracy, including game-winner against Wheeling to secure Huskies trip to 2008 MSL Cup. Strong and imposing up top, Huskies leading scorer can win plenty of balls in the air and on the ground to help increase his value on the club.
Declan Geraghty SchaumburgHard to imagine a better aerial winner in the area than the two-year starter, and first-time all-MSL, sectional and all-area performer than the Saxons' midfielder who exhibited a work rate and ethic which impressed everyone. "Declan is consistently one of the hardest working players on the field, who has the ability to make an impact on both sides of the ball, and rarely lose a defensive battle before helping transision into our attack," said coach Hamid Mehreioskouei. Saxons' captain possesses wonderful vision and unselfish attitude which teammates respect and follow, while able to make things happen with movement and a comfort level on the ball to be clever and dangerous.
Frank Ingraffia BarringtonAn integral figure in the Broncos' run to a state title a year ago, three-year veteran would once again establish himself as one of the best outside midfieldersaround who would built a reputation for making things happen for the high-flying and scoring Broncos, who fell 2 matches short of a return trip to the state tournament. "Frank is the ever-consistent engine that would drive our team, and a selfless player who would look to set up his teammates, rather than go for his own glory," said Barrington coach Scott Steib. Calm and collected, first time all-sectional, all-area pick enjoys the technical skills others only can dream of having, while having the experience gathered in club play to control the pace and tempo to the Broncos liking and desires. Two goals, 14 assists in career doesn't measure value of talented passer who would break down and expose most clubs on a regular basis.
Sebastian Kieruzal Hoffman EstatesFeel-good story for two-year starter who rose up from sub-.500 club to earn not only all-area honors, but also all-state recognition along with MSL West counterpart Tom Unak of Barrington. "Injuries and inexperience really affected our ability to score all season long, which meant that Sebastian was asked to pitch a shutout almost every time out," said Hawks coach Matt Sriver. Two-time all-conference keeper used his long frame, and cat-like ability to make saves and stops from nearly every angle, distance and point-blank range in stunning fashion to help keep his club in a match longer than they should have. Hawks captain was a tireless worker to set prime example to young roster who would be fueled by spectacular shot-stopping sequences, including 3 saves in its regional opener with Conant that were of highlight-film quality. Five of his 10 career shutouts came this season, which he had a 1.40 goals against average.
J.J. Lastovich Elk GroveAfter being hampered by a foot injury last year, Grens captain came back to play nearly every minute of each match to become invaluable leader of program which appears to have a bright future. "Without J.J. on the field, and during training, I think we'd be hard-pressed to compete in the MSL because he sets the tone with an unbelievable work ethic and attitude that carries over to our young players who we're going to build on," says coach Joe Bush. Battle-hardened three-year veteran began as an outside back, before moved up as a right-sided attacking midfielder and established himself as a terrific two-way player who could create, possess, defend and run all night with energy and pace. All-conference, all-sectional for first time, finished with 4 goals, 7 assists this season.
Ryan Mangone BarringtonFormed an effective and deadly partnership with Ata Ozbay and Frank Ingraffia, while his individual talents and success led the Broncos' run to another yet another MSL West title in his third season with the big club. "Ryan is one of the most outstanding wide midfield players to have played in the MSL, and a player who could dominate matches with his incredible speed, agility and relentless ability to break down the opposition," says Broncos coach Scott Steib. Superb ball control, a very quick mind, and the courage to hold, attack, win balls and wriggle free in the tightest situations made him one of the most exciting and impressive attacking players around. After start along backline, the all-conference, all-sectional star secured his signature on the pitch equally on both sides of the ball. Will take 28 goals in career, 16 this season (9 assists) and 70-pluls points to next level, with Wisconsin, North Carolina and Loyola all on the prowl.
Matt Marturano PalatinePirates' leading scorer this season all struck for amazing 7 game-winners to help club reach sectional semifinals before falling to top-seed Waukegan in OT. Breakout year came for three-year starter after 10 goals last year and 3 in his rookie season. "Matt was easily our most consistent offensive player, who became a great target player and dangerous striker when he would turn and get inside the opponent's penalty area," said Palatine coach Willie Filian. With his deceptive touch, quick feet and composure in close and hunger for the back of the net, junior's razor-sharp reactions in close led to explosive outcomes when least expected. First time all-MSL, all-sectional pick.
Ata Ozbay BarringtonAfter bursting onto the scene one year ago to help Broncos capture a state title, two-year scoring star made a major imprint on the area this season with whopping 25 goals and 11 assists to earn all-area co-captain honors. "An attacking, top-flight striker (like) Ata comes along so few times in a coaching career, and we were fortunate to have such a special player like him these past two seasons," said coach Scott Steib. Gifted with incredible speed, technical skill and the ability to take over a match, two-time all-area senior still managed to find the back of the net or record a helper for others despite several sets of eyes watching him for 80 minutes. Free-kick specialist deadly when given the opportunity, his six this season (3 penalty kicks) helped push him to No. 5 overall in Broncos history (39) and 7th overall (98) in career points.
David Puka Maine WestDespite battling an ankle injury all season long, two-time all-area selection still managed to post impressive numbers with personal-best 12 strikes, to help push the four-year varsity player to second all-time in Warriors history with 68 points after adding 5 assists (30, career). "David is always a threat with the ball, and with young, first-year varsity players around him and being double-teamed, he still found ways to find the back of the net," said Warriors coach Mike Divincenzo. The two-time all-CSL, all-sectional striker accounted for 43 percent of Warriors' offense this season with rampaging runs and the ability to hit a cracking ball from 25 yards when needed. Six game-winners helped Warriors to best record (13-7-1) since 1978.
Matt Riggio St. ViatorSince transfer into Lions program two years ago, this two-time all-area defender moved to elite level with his second-straight all-state honor to go along with co-MVP in the East Suburban Catholic this fall. "Matt is perhaps one of two of our best all-time defenders at this school along with T.J. King (2003)," said Lions coach Mike Taylor, who watched his captain help the Lions hold ESCC opponents to just 4 goals. "If I were starting a team today, I'd begin with Matt to anchor my defense." With a work-rate second to none, the DePaul-bound sweeper is all business, with his drive to win and succeed evident everytime he pulls on the Viator jersey. A fierce tackler and powerful in the air, this back-line expert proved to be a set-piece artist with surprisingly good touch.
Trevor Rubin WheelingAerial presence, mobility in the middle and desire to push attack and play unselfish soccer were only a few reasons this four-year veteran earned his spot on this year's all-area team. "Trevor has such a high soccer IQ which allows him to slow the attack, when to switch the point of attack, and when to counter while providing stability and patience to our offense," said Wildcats coach Ed Uhrik. The all-MSL midfielder, always seemed to offer incisive running with and without the ball, accurate distribution (13 assists in 2008) and free-kick expertise where he struck for 3 goals this season. Had 13 goals, 17 assists (43 points) in career for first-time all-sectional player who will attend Ohio State.
Carlos Trejo Maine WestTwo-year starter exploded on the scene for Warriors after modest rookie season in 2007 saw all-CSL midfielder become coach Mike Divincenzo's second-leading scorer behind David Puka after helping his club win Lake Park tournament and its own tourney. "After we moved Carlos to the center midfield position, his game just took off," said Divincenzo of this 3-sport athlete (basketball and track). Showing a great deal of potential for the future, Warriors staff will look to use his size, speed, strength and range of passing to become one to watch in the CSL and area next season. A big target on set-pieces, his aerial ability is impressive, as was his hat-trick against Mather en route to 8 goals.
Tom Unak BarringtonAttracted a great deal of attention in Broncos' run to its state title in 2007 with a brilliant effort in all three matches at the tournament, including memorable saves in championship match to help club capture big prize. Two-year starter (3-year player) will leave program as Broncos' first all-state keeper and school-record 21 shutouts to shatter old mark of 13. "Tom's shot-stopping ability, excellent play in handling service from both flanks and communication skills have made him a major force along our backline," says coach Scott Steib. His height helped senior make more athletic goal-saving stops, while allowing the all-MSL keeper the opportunity to unveil lightning fast air-to-surface reactions without fear. Had a 1.01 G.A.A. for season and career.
Trevor Wheeler St. ViatorAfter sluggish 0-2 start in Lions season, the move from midfield to up top would unleash some kind of fury on opponents from this dynamic attacking player who would go on to garner all-ESCC honors and all-area honors, after just missing a well-deserved all-state spot. "Trevor really played out of position for us this year, yet proved he belonged there with 14 goals and an amazing 13 assists from that position," said coach Mike Taylor, whose club received a boost when junior returned after four-day tryout stint in Florida with U-16 National Team. Taylor figures his best attacking player could have more than doubled his scoring totals if not so unselfish, nonetheless a joy to watch his exceptional technique, quick feet, precise crosses and composure on the pitch. Compact, sylish and capable of running at defenders with pace, two-year starter will be among area's most destructive returning stars.
All-area roster
Name School Pos. Year
David Aranda Wheeling D Sr.
Josh Beard Schaumburg D/F Sr.
Nick Boyle Hersey D Jr.
Joel Del Toro Wheeling F Sr.
*Leo Elizalde Wheeling MF Sr.
Willie Filian Palatine MF Sr.
Alex Gardasevic Hersey F Jr.
Declan Geraghty Schaumburg MF Jr.
Frank Ingraffia Barrington MF Sr.
Sebastian Kieruzal Hoffman Estates GK Sr.
J.J. Lastovich Elk Grove MF Sr.
Ryan Mangone Barrington MF Sr.
Matt Marturano Palatine F Jr.
*Ata Ozbay Barrington F Sr.
David Puka Maine West F Sr.
Matt Riggio St. Viator D Sr.
Trevor Rubin Wheeling MF Sr.
Carlos Trejo Maine West MF Jr.
Tom Unak Barrington GK Sr.
Trevor Wheeler St. Viator F/MF Jr.
* -- All-area co-captains
Special mention
Alan Aboona (St. Viator, MF, Jr.), Nate Andersen (Maine West, GK, Sr.), Erhan Caglayan (Schaumburg, MF, Jr.), Kevin Cavers (St. Viator, MF, Jr.), Josh Clark (Palatine, MF, Sr.), Hugo Gonzalez (Conant, GK, So.), Angel Herrera (Maine West, MF/D, Jr.), Rolando Herrera (Hersey, MF, Sr.), Andrew Komnick