Boys soccer: Scouting Lake County

NORTH SUBURBAN LAKE

Lake Zurich

Coach: Michael Schmitz (sixth year)

Last year’s record: 12-6-5, lost to Warren in the Class 3A sectional semifinals.

Top players graduated: Jorge Bermudez (Valparaiso), Kyle Callender (EIU), Nate Holicky, Jeff Kreutz, John Pothast (Marquette), Brenden Seeger, Caleb Pothast (Sockers Academy)

Top returning players: Ian Hesch (Sr. D), Matt Montemayer (Sr. MF), John Repplinger (Sr. MF), Braven Bacardi (Jr. GK), Tim Burroughs (Jr. MF)

Newcomers: Zach Abry (So. MF), Colin Foote (So. D), Ian Murray (So. F), Dan Ross (So. D).

Other players: Kevin Loch (Sr. MF), Will O’Brien (Sr. F), Ryan Roach (Sr. F), Amrit Singh (Sr. D), Ryan Wagoner (Sr. D), James Blasco (Jr. D), Mike Doheny (Jr. MF), Miguel Hernandez (Jr. MF), Mike Savio (Jr. GK), Danny Suerth (Sr. MF)

Outlook: Lake Zurich expects to thrive on what its players do best: “Hard work, team work and improvement,” Lake Zurich coach Michael Schmitz said. “We want to be competitive in tournaments, conference and the playoffs.”

Libertyville

Coach: Andy Bitta (26th year)

Last year’s record: 17-4-1, lost to Fremd Class 3A sectional semifinal

Top players graduated: Marshall Hollingsworth (Wheaton), Sam Kaplan (St. Oalif), Shane Reilly (Carthage), Joey Ruppert (SIU-Edwardsville)

Top returning players: Austin Bitta (Sr. MF), Ryan McKenzie (Sr. D), Tomide Owolabi (Sr. MF), Nick Vogel (Jr. MF/F), Phillip Williams (Sr. MF), Lloyd Chatfield (Jr. F)

Newcomers: Ralf Zehnter (Sr. D), Alex Prillaman (Jr. D), Nathan Edmunds (Fr. MF), Liam O’Connell (Fr. MF), Kevin Reilly (Fr. D)

Other players: Kevin Calamari (Sr. GK), Merek Foster (Sr. D), Connor McNeir (Sr. MF), Michael Ovassapian (Sr. D), Jake Seneczko (Sr. D), Tommy Wagener (Sr. D), Matt Bertler (Jr. MF), Alex Lucas (Jr. D), Ethan Miller (Jr. D), Richard Mundrane (Jr. MF), Tanner Sanks (Jr. D), Alec Schory (Jr. GK), Steve Zarling (Jr. GK), Cameron Fragassi (So. F), Alex Stiber (So. MF)

Outlook: Libertyville’s boys soccer team is ready for another run at state. “We return a number of players up front, midfielders, defenders and have good depth,” Libertyville coach Andy Bitta said. “We might see some losses early on, but we should be much better by midseason. We might have some growing pains and expect to pull together with our good players.”

Mundelein

Coach: Ernie Billittier (second year)

Last year’s record: 5-16-1, lost to Prospect in the Class 3A regional semifinal.

Top players graduated: Brandon Asher (Roosevelt), Jake Cigelnik (Roosevelt), Nick Golebiowski (Trinity International), Leo Rodriguez (Roosevelt),

Top returning players: Alex Nambo Sr. MF, Adam Navarette Sr. D, Harrison Richards Sr. D, Alejandro Terrazas Sr. MF, Carlos Huaracha Jr. MF.

Newcomers: Geovanni Vargas (Sr. D), Adair Lucio (Jr. F), Eric Morales (Jr. D), Lino Garcia (So. MF), Armando Gomez (So. F)

Other players: Alejandro Espinoza (Sr. GK), Luis Marin (Sr. MF), Josiah Ochoa (Sr. MF), Juan Tino (Sr. MF), Jacob Diaz (Jr. D), Efren Mancilla (Jr. D), Mason Homsey So, F), Stephan Wald (So. F)

Outlook: It’s a different look for the Mustangs, as well as a new surface as Mundelein’s home games will be contested on the school’s plush new field turf. “We have a good mix of veterans and newcomers,” Mundelein coach Ernie Billittier said. “We are focused on the team concept first, where everyone is working hard and pushing each other to succeed. I am confident we will get positive results this year.”

Stevenson

Coach: Mark Schartner (25th year)

Last year’s record: 11-6-2, lost to Libertyville in Class 3A regional finals.

Top players graduated: Jacob Azriel, Constantine Kuhlman, Rickey Lekakh, Ryan Lovett, Robbie Thomashow.

Top returning players: Russ Comitor (Sr. D), Hayden Ford (Sr. F), Quentin Low (Sr. GK), Justin Johnson (Sr. D), Jared Moelart (Sr. MF), Ryan Puszka (Sr. MF), Alex Smith (Sr. D), Toshiki Niimi (Sr. MF), Michael Weinstein (Sr. F), Michael Dobin (Jr. D)

Newcomers: Caesar Navarro (Sr. F), Max Klaber (Jr. MF), Jacob Krause (Jr. MF), Landon Rosenbloom (Jr. GK), Kamal Starks (Jr. MF/F), Jimmy Wang (Jr. MF), Jun Min (Fr. MF/F)

Other players: Chris Boutroos (Sr. GK), Alex Drexler (Sr. D/MF. Jeremy Kleinstein (Sr. D)

Outlook: Stevenson returns a great deal of experienced seniors to its team. “We should have good speed, a deep bench and outstanding goalkeeping,” said Stevenson coach Mark Schartner, whose team finished second at the Glenbrook South Invite starting the season last weekend. “We’re off to an outstanding start with the number of players that we lost. It’s outstanding to see what this team can do already.”

Warren

Coach: Jason Ahonen (fifth year)

Last year’s record: 22-5-3, fourth in Class 3A, lost to Fremd in state semifinals.

Top players graduated: Alex Brunell (Aurora), Billy Eddy (Dominican), Ryan Foster, Ryan Friend, Jeff Kinka, Alex Lopez, Leon Mardehow (Trinity International), Patrick Schulz (Marquette), Brady Walsh (Marquette), Vaso Dragicevic (FC Milwaukee).

Top returning players: Sean Kirwan (Sr. MF), Timmy Pieper (Sr. D), Tony Severini (Sr. MF), Aunor Solis (Sr. F), Daniel Szczepanek (Sr. MF), Nick Wegrzynowicz (Sr. MF)

Newcomers: Ben Skelton (Sr. D), Rafa Marcias (Jr. MF (Fire Academy), RJ Hill (So. D), Nick Haas (So. D

Other players: Nick Hathuc Sr GK), Dan Hengesh (Sr. D), Adam Nielander, (Sr. F), Bryan Santowski (Sr. D/MF), Jin Kwon (Jr. MF), Jon Reyes (Jr. MF), Mikey Cain Jr, MF), Jon Villamil (Jr. MF), Dalton Moffitt (Jr. D), Chris Travis (So. D)

Outlook: Warren reached the Class 3A state semifinals a year ago and would like to make it back — and perhaps improve upon its fourth-place finish. So far, so good. The Blue Devils got off to a great start, winning the Glenbrook South Invite. “The expectation for this year is to build off last year’s state final success and continue our proud tradition with the program,” Warren coach Jason Ahonen said. “We lost a great senior class, but this team has been focused on improving everyday and working on their common goals.”

NORTH SUBURBAN PRAIRIE

Antioch

Coach: Marni Polikow (fifth year)

Last year’s record: 9-8-5, lost to Johnsburg in the Class 2A regional semifinal.

Top players graduated: Ryan Geidner, Jake Jost, Billy Mohr, Zak Semitka

Top returning players: Carsen Moore (Sr. D), Jon Bohmann (Jr. MF), Tommy Tritschler (Jr. GK), Iven Hernandez (So. MF), Eric Pedersen (So. D)

Newcomers: Danny Brito Fr. MF), Thomas Furlong (So. MF), Krystian Streit (So. F)

Other players: Nick Brito (Sr. MF/F), Andrew Burton (Sr. D), Josh Hallett (Sr. D), Eric VanTreeck (Sr. MF/F), Christian Vargas (Sr. MF), Danny Lonski (Jr. D), Bobby Miranda (Jr. MF), Jeremy Pasterz (Jr. GK), Brandon Schwarz (Jr. MF), Tommy Tritschler (Jr. GK), Daniel Helgesen (So. MF), JR Lonergan (So. MF), RJ Ruano (So. D)

Outlook: Antioch enters the season on the young side. But there’s some experience mixed in with that youth, and the upshot is a relatively veteran team that’s ready to battle. “I expect us to compete at the top of the division,” Antioch coach Marni Polikow said. “Also, we can contend for a regional championship.”

Grant

Coach: Bryan Mark (first year)

Last year’s record: 11-11, lost to Zion-Benton in the Class 3A regional quarterfinal

Top players graduated: Nick Kramer, Gabe Velarde, Danial Villa, Alex Zepeda

Top returning players: Eric Cahill (Sr. D), Ryan Flores (Sr. D), Raunel Torres (Sr. D), Andres Velarde (Sr. MF), Timothy Oehrlein (Jr. MF)

Newcomers: Adrian Avila (So. MF), Manual Garcia (So. (So. F), Nick Heidenthal So GK), Kevin Peralta (So. MF)

Other players: Keegan Cray (Sr. GK), Marco Delgado (Sr. MF), Antonio Gonzalez (Sr. F), Ruben Morin (Sr. D), Kyle Hatton (Jr. F), Jorge Hurtado (Jr. MF), Aaron Ortiz Jr, D), Joe Osmon (Jr. D), Omar Valadez (Jr. MF)

Outlook: First-year head coach Bryan Mark played soccer for Grant and graduated in 2005. Mark had assisted for the last three years at Antioch, but now takes over on familiar turf for Shane Rivette, who is supervising the development of a bouncing baby boy. “We should have a good mix of veteran leadership and newcomers expecting to have a good year,” Mark said. “Our veteran back line and midfield will be the catalyst for the team’s success.”

Lakes

Coach: Kevin Kullby (eighth year)

Last year’s record: 15-10-1, lost to Marmion Academy in Class 2A supersectional

Top players graduated: Mark Beadle (Illinois Wesleyan), Scott Brugioni (Wis.-Oshkosh), Tom Langbein (Wis.-Platteville), Zach Reimer (Wis,-Whitewater), Jon Stanley (Wis.-Oshkosh), Roberto Tre-Re (Carroll College)

Top returning players: Lucas Istvanek (Sr. MF), Ramon Marin (Sr. D), Trevor Ray (Sr. F.)

Newcomers: Caleb Arnwine (Sr. F), Foster Dore (Fr. MF)

Other players: Mark Gerrits (Sr. MF), Ryan Kostreva (Sr. D), Alex Langbein (Sr. MF), Kenneth Walsh (Sr. D), Jon Borzick (Jr. MF), Richard Galat (Jr. D), Matt Goforth (Jr. D), Kevin Ray (Jr. GK), Joey Savino (Jr. MF), Cameron Tsuchida (Jr. D), Thomas Cyberski (So. MF), Parker Edwards (So. MF), Stefano Quartanta (So. MF), Paolo Quartanta (So. F)

Outlook: Lakes lost quite a bit of talent as 14 seniors graduated after the Eagles’ Class 2A supersectional run. Still, the Eagles appear to have the makings of a complete team that’s ready to compete. Lakes recently won the North Shore Shootout. “We played well in the summer league,” Lakes coach Kevin Kullby said “We should compete well in the NSC Prairie and be in the hunt for both the regional and sectional titles this year.”

Round Lake

Coach: Hugo Tellez (third year)

Last year’s record: 17-3-3, lost to Warren in Class 3A regional final.

Top players graduated: Ivan Gomez (Trinity Christian College), Junior Martinez (College of Lake County), Jordi Rubio (Trinity Christian College), Abraham Valadez (Trinity Christian College), Jorge Vazquez (College of Lake County),

Top returning players: Lorenzo Cortez (Sr. MF), Edgar Rodriguez (Sr. D), Mauricio Salgado (Sr. MF/F), Mariano Narvaez (Jr. MF), Oscar Rodriguez (Jr. D.)

Newcomers: Edgar Nieto (So. MF), Raul Albor (So. MF), Freddie Ramirez (Fr. F)

Other players: Sergio Gomez (Sr. MF), Balam Mena. (Sr. MF), Ab Murua (Sr. D), Jose Portilla (Sr. (Sr. F), Mikie Salgado (Sr. MF), Jose Sedano (Sr. D), Sergio Valdivia (Sr. D), Cesar Garcia (Jr. D), Christian Lopez (Jr. F), Ferman Martinez (Jr. D), Christian Navarro (Jr. MF), Jose Martinez (Jr. GK. Eddie Ramirez (Jr. MF), Adis Sator (So. GK)

Outlook: Round Lake expects to be strong once again and add to the success its found over the last few years. Keys this season are captains Mauricio Salgado, Lorenzo Cortez and Edgar Rodriguez, each third-year varsity performers. “Their knowledge of the last few years should help the rest of the guys,” Round Lake coach Hugo Tellez said. “We would like to make a trip to state. It’s something the guys want to do every year. We’ve got guys that would like to see us get there.”

Vernon Hills

Coach: Vince DeLuca (fourth year)

Last year’s record: 5-11-1, lost to Deerfield in Class 2A regional final.

Top players graduated: Tim Allen, Shawn Aumiller, David Goldberg, Eric Lang, Nathan Lightman, James Lee

Top returning players: Evan Borden (Sr. F), Bradley McGee (Sr. D), Mathew Tabrizi (Sr. MF), Jeremy Cohen (Jr. MF), David White (Jr. MF.)

Newcomers: David Caiolino, (Sr. F), Michael Hayibor (Sr. F), Nicholas Bryson Jr, D), Ryan Bryson (Jr. D), Ricardo Ceja (Jr. F), Samuel Veren (Jr. D), Matthew Hong Fr. MF), Jose Perez Silva (Fr. F)

Other players: Roger Ramirez (Sr. D), Jared Stern (Sr. D), Jessie Orozco (Jr. F), David Ortiz J. GK), Jonathan Ramirez (Jr. GK), Jonathan Veloz (Jr. MF), Randy Veloz (Jr. MF), Bradley Burrows (So. MF)

Outlook: A few changes have happened at Vernon Hills. First, Vince DeLuca makes his return as head coach, replacing Shannon Etynre. Second, The Cougars will be playing on new artificial turf this fall, and they seem quite at home with the change after having won their own Cougar Classic last week. “We do have a lot of growing pains to go through,” DeLuca said. “We have a group that works hard and we want to change the attitude of the program. We’re making them more responsible for the team, and we’re off to a good start.”

Wauconda

Coach: Patrick Heckman (second year)

Last year’s record: 4-20, lost to Deerfield in Class 2A regional semifinal.

Top players graduated: Irving Ramirez

Top returning players: Rogelio Gonzalez (Sr. MF), Jesus Marquez,(Sr. MF), Tim Warzala (Sr. D), Nick Ledvora (Jr. F), Brandon Morales (Jr. MF

Newcomers: Jose Dorado (Sr. D), Jake Ortiz (Jr. GK), Mitch Sollenberger (Sr. D), Alex Bueno (Jr. MF), Jake Sullivan (Sr. MF. Max Berman Fr. D), Teddy Kolarov (Fr. F), Jovanni Lazaro (Fr. MF)

Other players: Marco Arreguin (Sr. F), Alan Avitia (Sr. D), Chris Kastern (Sr. D), Valatin Ramirez (Sr. MF), Cristian Tapia (Sr. GK), Tommy Fox (Jr. MF), Eric Berg (So. D), Giaovanni Marquez (So. F)

Outlook: A host of returning players should equate to improvement this season for the Bulldogs. “Expect a better team this year over last year,” Wauconda coach Patrick Heckman said. “We just want to finish our scoring opportunities that we can create up top.”

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Carmel Catholic

Coach: Ray Krawzak (first year)

Last year’s record: 12-6-3, lost to Buffalo Grove in the Class 3A regional semifinal.

Top players graduated: Justin Andreasik, Gabe Brouilette, Justin Gibbons, Pat Hannon, Ian Heinrich, Max Heinrich, Todd Holup, Mike Reed, Mike Reed, Steve Sliwa.

Top returning players: Stephen Feely (Sr. D), Billy Kloss (Sr. MF), Peter Kolb (Sr. MF), Shea Ronayne (Sr. MF/F), Adam Cloe (Jr. MF/F), Jeremy Jenich (Jr. D)

Newcomers: Jacob Gromola (Sr. MF), Michael Georgen (Jr. MF/F), Nick Groenke (Jr. D), TJ Johnson (Jr. D), Timmy Karich (Jr. MF), Evan Potter (Jr. D), Michael Zucco (Jr. GK)

Other players: Luciano Consdorf-Mozzone (Sr. MF/F), Kevin DeLaMar (Sr. GK), Tommy Paslaski (Sr. D/MF), Keenan Walsh (Jr. MF/F)

Outlook: John Halloran stepped down as coach as his family added a baby boy to the roster. Ray Krawzak has moved up from the sophomore level to take over varsity. “There’s a lot of new and different responsibilities, with off-season lifting and running programs,” Krawzak said. “I had a number of the boys (now on varsity) at the sophomore level. I expect the boys to come together as a cohesive unit working together. Once we get things worked out, we should be a powerful unit by the end of the season.”

FOX VALLEY Fox Division

Grayslake Central

Coach: Mike McCaulou (eighth year)

Last year’s record: 9-12-1, lost to Deerfield Class 2A Sectional semifinal.

Top players graduated: Diego Gomez (College of Lake County), Asa Goldsmith (St. Mary’s, Minn.), Caleb Munk, Manny Trujillo.

Top returning players: Ryan Fontana (Sr. F), Phillip Longenecker (Sr. MF), Kyle Martinez (Sr. D), Nate Cerquone (Jr. D), Alex Stickler (Jr. MF), Jacob Swearingen (Jr. D), Isaac Longenecker (So. MF. Johnny Madrid (So. F)

Newcomers: Ryan Spradlin (Sr. D), John Moroney (Jr. MF), Nick Nayersina (Jr. D), Paul Kulis (Fr. MF)

Other players: James Garcia (Sr. MF), Steven Anderson (Jr. GK), Anthony Betancourth (Jr. MF), Jackson Frey (So. D), Joey Mudd (So. F)

Outlook: The Rams have high expectations this fall and fully intend to meet them. “Quality soccer every game, and compete for conference,” Grayslake Central coach Mike McCaulou said. “We want a championship and move on far into the playoffs. We’ll have a high work rate and discipline all year long.”

Grayslake North

Coach: Adam DeCaluwe (seventh season)

Last year’s record: 8-13, lost to Marian Central Class 2A regional semifinal.

Top players graduated: Daniel Bazan, Claudio Guerrero (College of Lake County), Mark Lewis, Ibra Perez-Vera, Marco Rodriguez, Stevie Streeter, Kip Wetter, Carson Klarck (Magic Academy)

Top returning players: Dennis Biesiada (Sr. MF), Sean Blashe (Sr. F), MF), John Derando (Sr. D. Arnaud Laroche-Bataille (Sr. MF), Colin Grever (Sr. D), Sintayhu Meyer (Sr. MF/F), Baruk Perez-Vera (Sr. MF/F), Michael Rohrer (Sr. D), Jake Hensley (Jr. MF), Nick Rice (Jr. D), Andreas Thedorf (So. D)

Newcomers: Ty Malone (Sr. MF), Matt Kizhakkadathu (Jr. GK), Nick Nikolov (Jr. D), Gavin Amburn (So. F), Luke Buckels (So. D), Dean Jones (So. GK), Zach Kottmer (So. D), Fernado Sanchez (So. MF), Chris Zamora (Fr, MF),

Other players: Nabojsa Markovic (Jr. MF), Jordan Richards (Jr. MF)

Outlook: Finding the right blend of talent is key for Grayslake North this fall. “I really think this team has a great mix of experience and youth,” Grayslake North coach Adam DeCaluwe said. “That will help us compete in every game we play. I expect us to be organized and work hard. We have a lot of good characters on this team and I really look forward to a good year.”