Boys soccer: Northwest all-area team
Kyle Adams Buffalo GroveNobody could have expected the breakout season this high-energy, two-year starter enjoyed. It began with a 4-goal effort in the season opener. "Kyle's offensive production this year was immense for us, but it was his attitude, both on and off the field, tremendous work rate, and desire to see the team succeed which allowed him to have such a special senior year," said BG coach Brad Abel. The development over one year turned the Bison captain into a lethal striker, and it was his zero-to-full -speed burst which allowed exciting runs up the side to surprise defenders. Just as impressive as his work on the ball was his ability to pressure defensively, which created countless turnovers. Improved from 5 goals a year ago to 16 this season, which helped him earn a bevy of accolades, including: Northside College Showcase all-tournament honors, all-MSL, all-sectional and MSL East player of the year.
Matt Austin FremdThere's no doubt the move of this two-year starter into the middle was key in the Vikings' second half surge. Austin's elite play during that time earned him high distinction as Mid-Suburban West player of the year. "Matt was our leading scorer (13 goals, 7 assists) this season and left his imprint on Fremd soccer through his creative tough play, and ability to create on his own and for others," says Fremd coach Steve Keller. "He likes the ball at his feet, he can penetrate with runs that are often dangerous, he has excellent vision, and he's tough, physical and has an incredible work rate." The all-MSL, all-sectional club captain was most capable of building up play, but even more adept at playing quickly and incisively on the counter. Will attend an American College in Spain and play soccer there as well following his early graduation in December.
Ethan Bank PalatineWhen coach Willie Filian says this Pirates keeper is better prepared to play at the next level more than any other he's ever coached, that's saying something. "Ethan gave us a chance to win any game even when we were out-shot, out-possessed and outplayed, and he was easily the most sure-handed keeper that I saw all-season long," said Filian. "He's intelligent, athletic, vocal, rugged, confident - the whole package." The Pirates co-captain is a classical type of keeper in that he places emphasis on positioning and anticipation. But his reflexes are also exceptional, as he routinely pulled off a variety of breathtaking saves. His calm demeanor and impressive composure solidified his place as the best at his trade in the area. An all-MSL and all-sectional choice, Bank finished with 8 shutouts.
Michael Blanke BarringtonPerhaps no other player on this year's all-area team could stretch and shred a defense better than this junior. He sometimes seemed to find another gear when on the ball, and then used his extraordinary speed get to the end line or simply outrun opponents. "For the past two years, Michael has been a lethal weapon in our attack," says Barrington coach Scott Steib. "A player with great speed and quickness, as well as outstanding technical skill, he's become a real handful for our opponents. Despite missing the last four games to an injury, he still led our team in assists (with 9) while hitting four game-winners as well." After playing the role of impact player off the bench last season for Barrington's 2016 state runner-up team, this first-time all-MSL, all-area forward played more minutes on the wing this fall after netting 10 goals a year ago.
Vicente Castro WheelingWhile it was a big ask to take over the lead of his club after 2016 all-area team co-captain Jonathan Sanchez moved on to play at Loyola, Castro smoothly assumed that prominent role. And he soon showed there was something special about this Wildcats senior. "Vicente had been the key player running our attack for the last three years, and with him on the field we always knew he would give us a chance to win," says Wheeling coach Kevin Lennon. A scintillating senior campaign, in which he had the starring role for the regional champions, was rewarded by area coaches when they recognized his abundant talent by awarding him all-state honors. "He showed everyone that he was one of the best in the state at his position because of his all-around game, which was second to none," Lennon said. "Plus, he has a unique combination of speed, skill, technique - and a desire to make everyone around his better." Castro's 2017 stats: 13 goals and 15 assists, giving him 17 and 28 for his career. With an eye on playing D-1 soccer next fall, both DePaul and Western Michigan are at the top of his wish list for this two-time all-area performer.
Brandon Chlopek ConantThe first of three Cougars on this year's all-area team who were part of Conant's fourth-place state team from a year ago, this two-year veteran's greatest strengths, among many, were his ability to make sound decisions and notice the runs his teammates made before picking them out with smart passes. "Brandon was an every-minute guy for us in the middle of the park, who we relied on to cover a lot of ground as our holding (mid) - otherwise he might have been better suited at forward," says Conant coach Jason Franco. "He was hard-working, mobile and helped kick-start a lot of our scoring chances, eventually becoming our best overall player." An all-MSL, all-area and all-sectional first timer, Chlopek scored 4 goals this fall.
Max Clark FremdCapable of playing anywhere across the front line, this three-year veteran became the lone forward when Steve Keller switched the look of his formation, which helped inspire a 180-degree turnaround in the Vikings' fortunes in the latter stages of the season. "Max had great presence on the field, was a tireless worker who played with passion and a determination that was contagious for others," Keller said. "He never needed to be motivated, and he always left everything he had on the field in every game and training session. It was that effort, desire, hustle and feisty play that will be missed most." A trademark of Clark's game was his pace and work rate, both tracking back and when pressing the opponent, essential for a top-level striker. Clark finished with 7 goals and 3 assists to gain first-time all-area and all-MSL recognition.
Misa Contreras Elk GroveThis four-year veteran earned his first all-area honor as well as all-MSL and all-sectional selections after being the player coach Alex Stavropoulos leaned on most of all during his first year in charge. "There's so much more than just his talent that stands out," said the Grens coach. "It's not often you see a kid more talented than others who still makes a point of working harder than everyone else, and being the one that leads by example for an inexperienced roster." Tremendous balance allowed Contreras to stay on his feet through tackles, while his technical skill and unselfish play made him the ultimate playmaker, yet he still had a deadly eye on the goal. 10 goals, 9 assists for career.
Ben Cuthbert FremdThis two-year starter was a diligent student as he learned his trade under coach Steve Keller and eventually became one of the top central defenders in the area. "Ben was a steady presence in our central defense, a player who read the game extremely well and who cleaned up penetrating balls while keeping our back line organized," said Keller. "He was a class act, who made my job an easy one through his leadership. His stellar career at Fremd left a mark on our program through his play - physically, mentally and emotionally." The Vikings' captain was both a patient 1v1 defender and capable of initiating the attack with precise passing or with deadly service on dead balls.
Connor Delahunt BarringtonAlong with all-area teammate Nathan Patterson, this varsity veteran made the rebuilding project along the back an easier one for the Broncos' coaching staff. "Connor was our most determined player and often the hardest-working player on the pitch," said coach Scott Steib. "He has great confidence and toughness and always believed he could be the catalyst to our success." No doubt some of that determination came from an equally successful career in wrestling, where last season Delahunt won 17 matches for the state-ranked Broncos. His speed helped him frequently join the attack for Barrington, while his rugged play as a right back made him a handful for opponents. He finished this season with 4 goals and 3 assists along with all-MSL and all-sectional acclaim. Delahunt will enter the U.S. Marine Corps in January.
Kevin Eloiza Buffalo GroveIt is difficult to define this two-year starter, tactically speaking. He is able to perform with a high level of competence on the wings or as an attacking midfielder - and even alongside his teammate Kyle Adams as a second forward. "What else can you say about Kevin, other than he's a special player," said Abel. "He was that X-factor that places him into the elite category of player. Yet he's quiet and humble and does all of his talking with his play." Eloiza has the skills to serve his roaming nature on the field, but he also has incredible agility and pace and is fluent with both feet. Eloiza had two hat tricks, including a spectacular bicycle kick against Hoffman Estates. He finished with 11 goals and also generated 6 penalty kicks for the Bison. Eloiza earned spots on the Northside College Showcase all-tournament team along with first-time all-MSL, all-sectional and all-area honors.
Sebastian Fraczek PalatineOne of just a few repeat choices to the all-area team, this three-year starter led the Pirates in too many ways to list, according to his head coach. "Sebastian was our most dangerous attacking player, but he also never hesitated to trek back to defend in our own third because of his commitment to the team and his mates," said coach Willie Filian. "He was able to consistently create space for himself and others with outstanding runs with the ball. And in my opinion, he was one of the best at striking the ball with either foot from distance." Fraczek has a terrific work rate and keen eye in his all-around game. That produced 18 goals and 19 assists in his career, along with being twice named all-MSL and all-sectional.
Gio Guarnero BarringtonThe two-time all-area senior was a huge part of the success of his team as he guided the midfield effort with grit and style while making link-up play look effortless at times. "Gio was the rock in our midfield, and also our playmaker and engine in the attack," said coach Scott Steib. "He was the only player on our roster to start every game, and was also one of the most technical players we've ever had. As a three-year varsity player, he became a fixture in the middle and will be greatly missed." Guarnero's quick feet allowed him to change direction and elude opponents,and he had a knack for providing an inch-perfect ball delivered with precise pace behind the defense in the air or through the seam. An all-sectional, and all-MSL choice twice, Guarnero scored final goal of the season for the Broncos in sectional final and finished with 15 career assists.
Eduardo Hernandez LeydenA complete forward in the truest sense, this two-year starter showcased terrific dribbling and finishing skills (17 goals) while his burst of pace pulled him away from even the best of defenders. "Eduardo is one of the most complete players I've ever coached, and a humble one also, who was one of the most talented scorers in the area but was even better at creating because of his terrific vision and touch which allowed him to see things others couldn't," said coach Mark Valintis. "To have a top-flight scorer also have 22 assists this season is unheard of." Brought up halfway through the 2016 campaign, Hernandez quickly proved too difficult to handle and made his mark, earning a spot on the all-state team while adding his first all-West Suburban Gold selection to his resume. The Eagles' star shines bright in the classroom, too, with a 3.90 GPA, a place in the Spanish Honor Society and class rank of 21.
Sergio Lucero-Herrara Rolling MeadowsSince the beginning of Lucero-Herrera's first training session, coach Brett Olson was encouraged for the future. He knew that this junior's emergence, along with that of teammate Sammy Olague, meant the future was bright for the program. "Sergio is a coach's dream," Olson said. "He does whatever is asked of him from every position on the field, and his tireless work ethic and his speed on the outside gave opponents trouble on a regular basis." Lucero-Herrera finished with 10 goals and 4 assists. His speedy changes in direction, instinctive feel for the game and natural poaching ability are just a few of the skills this first-time all-MSL and all-sectional midfielder displays.
Daniel Kulawiak LeydenAnother in a long line of outstanding central defenders to come through the Leyden system, this two-year starter took over the role left from an all-area defender from the previous season, Damian Kosakowski, to become a standout for coach Mark Valintis. "He took over the team last summer and set the tone of accountability amongst his teammates, setting the bar high, which resulted in us being ahead in our development as a team," Valintis said. "He was a solid leader in every sense of the word." Strong and physical, his sharp mind and keen awareness made him one of the best in the area, as did his accuracy and placement of the ball on set pieces. An all-conference and all-sectional choice, the Eagles' captain recorded 10 assists in his career and finished with a 3.0 GPA.
Jose Mariscal WheelingStrong, good under pressure and with an exceptionally sharp turn, Mariscal became that player everyone needs but only Wheeling had this season: a clinical finisher. "Jose was a skilled target forward whose size and ability to finish made him an extremely dangerous player for us and who, for three years, helped lead the dynamic attacking teams we had," said coach Kevin Lennon. Mariscal's clever technique and edgy play up top made him one of the leaders on the scoring charts this fall with 23 goals, giving him 38 in his career. While relied upon nearly always as a goal-scorer, Mariscal also had his moments of selfless inspiration, as witnessed by his 12 assists (23 in his career) and deadly free-kick deliveries. A two-time all-MSL and all-sectional pick to go along with his first all-area selection.
Nico Mho ProspectThis versatile two-year starter and team co-captain ran the Knights' attack and fully understood the importance of his spot at midfield for coach Mike Andrews. "Nico's strength was his vision, creativity, ball control, quick feet and finishing - and he was a natural attacker, whom we often played as our CMF," said Andrews. "He and Aaron (Whiteman) did an amazing job in keeping the motivation, work rate and energy always high, and each gave everything they all season long." Mho finished with 6 goals this season, giving the first-time all-MSL choice 15 in his career to go along with 8 assists.
Sammy Olague Rolling MeadowsCoach Brett Olson saw enough of his two-year star to proclaim this first-time all-area junior to be as dangerous as any he's seen this season when given a dead-ball opportunity from 25 yards or closer. "He can hit an amazing free kick, and because of that when on the ball, he's incredibly skilled with the ability to keep it on a string before striking a cracker from distance," Olson said. The all-MSL and all-sectional team captain enjoys terrific field of vision, especially from a high position, and can pick up places on the wing to stretch defenses, or drop in centrally to show his poaching acumen. Olague finished with 14 goals and had two hat tricks this season.
Sota Ono ConantThis two-year starter burst onto the scene last season to become one of the leading scorers for the Cougars' state Final Four team. He established himself as a player who with every touch and movement made it seem effortless. "Sota is one of the more technically gifted players to come through our program," said coach Jason Franco. "When he's on, he has a flair for the dramatic with some of his goals scored." The junior shows the ability to escape with the ball from double-team situations, while also having the awareness to cut inside when playing out wide in an effort to create scoring opportunities. The results are impressive: 20 goals in his first two varsity seasons, to go along with 16 assists. A two-time all-MSL and all-sectional selection.
Mateusz Pasula ConantPasula scored 5 goals last season, his biggest and best coming when he bagged the opener in a 5-1 supersectional victory which helped the Cougars advance to the 3A state tourney for the first time since 2002. "Mateusz was our most consistent scoring threat," said coach Jason Franco. "He showed a nose for the goal with his ability to finish despite a lack of quality chances during the course of our season. He was also clinicial from the spot where he was 4-for-4." Strength and size allowed the two-year starter to act as a target forward while bringing others into the game. He possessed a nice burst of speed and showed good all-around technique, which allowed him to consistently find goal-scoring spots. Pasula earned all-MSL honors and finished with 16 goals.
Nathan Patterson BarringtonThe emergence of this senior during the Broncos' conference championship season was crucial, as this top-flight defender helped solidify the team after it had lost all of its all-star backline from the state runner-up squad of 2016. "Nathan was an intelligent, hard working center-back who led our team in minutes played (1,946) and was a dependable as any back-line player we've had come through our program," said coach Scott Steib. "Beyond the game, he was an even better person, who carried the banner of character and integrity for us." Patterson showed a nice range of passing skills to help build the attack and was also a quality service provider. Terrific timing in the tackle and aerial strength helped make him a deserving all-MSL and all-sectional choice, in addition to his team captain duties. Trinity International University is among his college options.
Randy Pietrowski WheelingThis first-time all-area and all-MSL selection developed quickly into a tremendous defender and partnered with David Soto to form one of the best center-back tandems around. "As one of our captains, Randy was a leader on and off the field, with his direction and communication while playing as well as in the classroom, where he's been a four-year honor roll student," said coach Kevin Lennon. "With David, he was the anchor along the back for us, and he worked hard to become the player that he is now." One of Pietrowski's top attributes was his ability to anticipate when to tackle. He was also a strong shot-blocker for the Wildcats thanks to his outstanding positional sense. Will attend Dominican University next fall.
Dalton Rogers FremdThis two-year starter enjoyed an exceptional final season, deployed as the holding midfielder in the Vikings' 4-1-4-1 formation. "Dalton excelled at that position for us and led the way a tremendous work rate and tenacity that is unmatched," said Fremd coach Steve Keller. "He leads through his work ethic and example, and was a class act throughout, becoming an extension of the coach on the field. His time with me will be remembered for the tough, workmanlike attitude be brought to every game and training session." Rogers won aerial battles with a high rate of success and also was technically gifted enough to deliver balls into the opponent's box from deep in the Vikings' end. An all-MSL and all-sectional pick, Rogers had 6 goals this season.
Daniel Sempoch Buffalo GroveThe rise of this four-year veteran coincided with a memorable run toward the Mid-Suburban East title. By season's end, he found himself in the top five in goals against (0.74) and shutouts (12.5) in the area. "Daniel really had a season to remember," says coach Brad Abel. "With his quiet demeanor and team-first mentality, he established himself as one of the best keepers around, while being a key figure down the stretch for us when we 10 of 11 and 9 by shutout." The senior reacted well to dangerous situations very well, displaying impressive reflexes inside the box and a willingness to come off his line. He was also ultra-confident in point-blank reaction saves, especially when called upon in rapid succession. The first-time all-MSL and all-area selection will join the Marines after graduation next May.
Joey Sopikiotis Hoffman EstatesA three-year veteran, Sopikiotis possessed all the qualities you could possibly want from your top player and team captain. He was an unselfish box-to-box warrior. His strength and accuracy in the tackle allowed him to make numerous interceptions and spark the next wave of attack. He will be remembered for his positional excellence - and so much more, according to Hawks coach Matt Sriver. "Joey is 100 percent all the time," Sriver said. "He's big, strong and fast and sticks to the opponent's best player and shuts him down. What he's meant to the program since becoming a starter is he just makes everyone around him better. Joey is a born leader, and it's been an honor to have been his coach." Twice named all-MSL, this Wheaton College-bound National Honor Society member finished with 21 career assists.
David Soto WheelingThe work rate, stamina and speed of the center-back was integral to a team such as Wheeling and its intense, fact-paced pass-heavy offense. A veteran of three seasons, Soto accepted his responsibility and became a standout performer. "David is as tough and durable a defender as anyone around," said coach Kevin Lennon. "With his skill, quick feet and ability to read and anticipate the game, he was the man we often asked to mark the best player on the other team. He was a great captain and he led the team on and off the field." Though his defensive talents perhaps drew the most praise, the two-time all-area and all-MSL choice was also a great attacking outlet for his team, sporting a nice completion rate with his passes and enough pace to get forward and add to the attack.
Francisco Toral LeydenKnown for his obvious ability to finish (he had 15 goals), this two-year starter wasn't just a poacher around the goal. He regularly initiated chances for teammates through solid all-around skills. But it's certain true that he had a knack for scoring important goals in what became a stellar season for Leyden. "Francisco might be the most difficult player we have to defend due to his size, strength, speed and overall toughness," said coach Mark Valintis. "He takes a lot of hits during the game, but he doesn't miss any time, and for that matter, during his three years, he's never missed a day or training, camps, games - anything related to soccer. He might be the hardest worker in our program," says Valintis. With 19 career goals, Toral is a first-time all-West Suburban Gold and all-area selection.
Jared Urueta WheelingCapable of playing on either flank with proficiency despite being a natural left-footer, this junior was very much a threat from wide areas, thanks to his endless energy and technical expertise. "Jared is a skilled player who we asked to play a variety of positions, and it was this versatility and desire which helped the team and made him such a huge asset this season," said coach Kevin Lennon. While Urueta preferred to possess the ball and create chances for others, perhaps the best part of his game was a willingness to take defenders on directly. Urueta was skilled at receiving passes and, without taking a touch, displayed excellent shooting range. He will be a key returning player next year for the Wildcats after scoring 15 goals (with 4 assists) in his first full varsity season.
Aaron Whiteman ProspectThe Knights' co-captain was a mainstay on the back line, combining voracious tackling, air superiority, work rate and leadership to earn his first all-area, all-MSL and all-sectional honors. "Aaron played with composure yet was extremely aggressive," said coach Mike Andrews, "and his versatility allowed us to use him as a center-mid in addition to being our center-back. Plus, he was the consumate captain and team leader." With his ability to move the ball in different stages and ranges, this two-year starter could settle quickly, then target his midfielders or front-runners with accuracy. All three of Whiteman's goals this season came on corners.
Jason Ybarra Maine WestThis silky-smooth two-year starter used his technical ability on the ball to mesmerize most of the defenders he encountered. But Ybarra's undertanding of his position, his high soccer IQ and his incredible passing accuracy in the final third of the field is what truly set him apart. "Jason was such a talented player, with a real passion for the game," said coach Alan Matan. "His field vision was outstanding, as was his touch, which was a thing of beauty. It allowed him to come away with possession in 1v4 situations." A first-time all-CSL and all-sectional choice, Ybarra is second on the Warriors' all-time assists list with 21 after recording 11 last season.
All-area roster
Player School Yr. Pos.
Kyle Adams Buffalo Grove Sr. F
Matt Austin Fremd Sr. MF-F
Ethan Bank Palatine Sr. GK
Michael Blanke Barrington Jr. F
Ben Cuthbert Fremd Sr. D
*Vicente Castro Wheeling Sr. MF
Brandon Chlopek Conant Sr. MF-F
Max Clark Fremd Sr. F
Misa Contreras Elk Grove Sr. MF
Connor Delahunt Barrington Sr. MF
Kevin Eloiza Buffalo Grove Jr. F-MF
Sebastian Fraczek Palatine Sr. MF-F
Gio Guarnero Barrington Sr. MF
Eduardo Hernandez Leyden Sr. F
Sergio Lucero-Herrera Rolling Meadows Sr. MF
Daniel Kulawiak Leyden Sr. D
Jose Mariscal Wheeling Sr. F
Nico Mho Prospect Sr. MF-F
Sammy Olague Rolling Meadows Sr. MF
Sota Ono Conant Sr. MF
Mateusz Pasula Conant Sr. F
Nathan Patterson Barrington Sr. D
Randy Pietrowski Wheeling Sr. D
Dalton Rogers Fremd Sr. MF-D
Daniel Sempoch Buffalo Grove Sr. GK
Joey Sopikiotis Hoffman Estates Sr. MF
David Soto Wheeling Sr. D
Francisco Toral Leyden Sr. F
Jared Urueta Wheeling Jr. MF
Aaron Whiteman Prospect Sr. D-MF
Jason Ybarra Maine West Sr. MF
* All-area captain
Special mentionJesse Castro (Christian Liberty Academy, Sr., F), David Duwal (Leyden, Jr., GK), Emerson Herrera (Maine West, Jr., F), Patrick Limanowka (Prospect, Jr., F), Conor McGarvey (Palatine, Sr., D), Andy Moreno (Leyden, Sr., MF), Zaul Perez (St. Viator, Jr., MF), Enrico Ruffalo (Barrington, Sr., MF), Mike Santry (Hersey, Sr., D), Jared Schoo (Schaumburg, So., MF), Osmar Vega (Maine West, Sr., D)
Honorable mentionMiguel Barrera (Palatine, Sr., D), Tommy Biernat (Conant, Sr., D), Sam Bognar (Schaumburg, So., D), Michael Botello (Buffalo Grove, Sr., MF), Phil Bucko (Wheeling, Sr., F), Oscar Cifuentes (Leyden, Sr., MF), Robert Cruz (Wheeling, Sr., MF), Harris Dibek (Conant, Sr., F), Ozzie Espinoza (Maine West, Sr., MF-D), Luke Garrett (Palatine, Sr., MF), Oscar Gonzales (Elk Grove, Sr., D), Will Hartman (St. Viator, Jr., F), Jack Keady (Buffalo Grove, Sr., D), Ryan Kim (Buffalo Grove, So., MF), Jessie Lopez (Hersey, Sr., MF), Matt Makowiec (Leyden, Sr., F), Nick Marino (Schaumburg, Sr., MF-F), Ben Palacios (Hoffman Estates, Sr., MF), Piotr Pyz (Conant, Jr., GK), Adan Ramirez (Rolling Meadows, So., MF), William Riordan (Palatine, Sr., F), Jake Schoffstall (Fremd, So., D-MF), Cory Scholler (Maine West, Sr., MF), Brett Sprengel (Barrington, Sr., GK), Michael Tangredi (St. Viator, Jr., MF), Nelson Diaz Velasquez (Hoffman Estates, Sr., D), Angel Virgos (Fremd, Sr., MF).
Selection and all-area profiles by Mike Garofola