Scouting Tri-Cities boys soccer
Aurora Central
Coach: Jose M. Barrientos
Last year: 9-12-0, 1-6-0 in Suburban Christian Conference, lost 1-0 to Genoa-Kingston in Class 1A Genoa-Kingston sectional semifinal
Top players: Fernando Barrero, sr., F; Jared Friedrich, sr., MF; Alexis Yanez, jr., MF
Outlook: There's been quite a face-lift with the Chargers. Veteran coach Jose M. Barrientos, who has compiled a 361-181-43 record, was named the new head coach, while the schedule had to be reworked now that Aurora Central has switched to the Metro Suburban Conference, where the Chargers will face teams like Elmwood Park, Fenton, Glenbard South and Riverside-Brookfield. "Our main objective is to strengthen the defensive unit and the control of the possession of the ball, as well as to improve a speedy offensive attack with balancing the scoring contribution from several players," Barrientos said. Seniors Victor Franco and Alex Vonderhaar will work with freshman Brennan Hare and others to try to improve the back line of defense. Incoming freshmen George Yanez and Kyle Czerak will be asked to contribute right away. Forwards Jordan Montana and Fernando Barrero will look to finish, while Jared Friedrich and Alexis Yanez have big responsibilities in the midfield. The Chargers are coming off a regional title season.
Batavia
Coach: Mark Gianfrancesco
Last year: 16-4-2, 5-1 in Upstate Eight River Conference, lost 4-0 to Waubonsie Valley in Class 3A Waubonsie Valley regional final
Top players: Nathan Carey, jr., D; Kevin Collins, sr., F; Adam Heinz, sr., MF; Ian Larson, sr., MF
Outlook: Batavia is coming off a fantastic season that sadly came to a surprising end in a regional title game against Waubonsie Valley, which coincidentally handed the Bulldogs half of their losses all season. Circle Oct. 6 on the calendar as that's when they'll meet again. A good chunk of players from last year's team return, including six starters. Senior midfielder Larson, arguably the top player in the area, will look to finish his high school career with a bang. Forward Kevin Collins, midfielder Adam Heinz, defenders Nathan Carey and Nick Konopacki and goalie Jon Faraone all return to the starting lineup, and all but Carey is a senior. Davis DiBiase, Joe Jorgensen and Brandon Yunker all saw valuable playing time last fall and will look for more minutes now. "We look pretty solid on paper but we have to get out there and perform," Bulldogs coach Mark Gianfrancesco said. "We look promising going forward with those returnees and even the guys who didn't necessarily play a lot last year but got some minutes."
Geneva
Coach: Ryan Estabrook
Last year: 7-11-0, 2-4-0 Upstate Eight River, Lost 1-0 to Neuqua Valley in Class 3A Geneva regional semifinal
Top players: Calen Colbert, sr., MF; Jason Lagger, sr., MF; Duncan Turnbull, jr., GK; Matt Waldoch, so., F
Outlook: After winning regional titles from 2006-2010, the Geneva program has struggled. Its last winning season came in 2010. Could this be the year they get back to their consistent winning ways? "If we hope to be successful this year, we're going to have to make sure we can play a whole game of soccer because that (2-1 loss to St. Charles North on Aug. 28) was disheartening." The loss was eerily similar to many from last year when the Vikings lost six times by the score of 1-0. With 6-foot-6 junior Duncan Turnbull in goal and an experienced defense, led by Matt D'Onofrio, Ethan Nims, Drew Klaus and Matt Sweet back, the Vikings are optimistic that they can get on the other side of those low-scoring matches this year. "We think we will be able to compete with anyone since we return so many players," Estabrook said. Senior midfielders Jason Lagger and Calen Colbert also return while Estabrook expects nice things from incoming junior midfielder Derik Rush.
Kaneland
Coach: Scott Parillo
Last year: 10-6-4, 7-2-1 in Northern Illinois Big 12 East, lost 1-0 to Burlington Central in Class 2A Sycamore regional title
Top players: Jason Carlquist, sr., D; Angel Escontrias, so., F; Drew Franklin, jr., MF; Michael Meisenger, sr., MF; Jack Wolf, sr., D
Outlook: The Knights have been on a very good run lately, advancing to a sectional title match two years ago and to a regional title match after a successful conference campaign a year ago. The team has lost nearly 30 players from those two squads though, so some newer players will need to step up this season. "We should be competitive," Knights coach Scott Parillo said. "We will have to work on speed of play and get that going quickly to have a successful season." Juniors Mark Dhom, Andrew Mathys, Felipe Speragy and Andy Tovar will look to make good impressions as newcomers, while seniors Jack Wolf and Jason Carlquist are back to anchor the defense. Sophomore Angel Escontrias contributed some scoring as a freshman last fall and will look to continue the trend. Midfielders Drew Franklin and Michael Meisenger have also returned.
Marmion
Coach: Ricky Del Toro
Last year: 13-8-2, 5-2 in Suburban Christian Conference, lost 3-0 to Metea Valley in Class 3A Metea Valley regional semifinal
Top players: Matt Fletcher, jr., GK; Trevor Jones, sr., MF; Gavin Sanchez, sr., F; Tim Wheeler, jr, MF
Outlook: Marmion makes the transition from the Suburban Christian Conference to the Catholic League this season. The Cadets have encountered their fair share of changes in recent years, with longtime coach Kevin O'Connor retiring a few years ago as well as the team making the leap from 2A to 3A. So, you could say the program has gotten used to change and now will have to adapt to a new schedule, which will include opponents such as Providence Catholic and Bishop McNamara, among others. Is there anything better for team bonding than a bus trip all the way to New Lenox and Kankakee? The Cadets have one of the area's top players in Gavin Sanchez (16 goals, 15 assists last year) who will undoubtedly garner a lot of attention, while keeper Matt Fletcher's stock has risen and gives the team a great stopper and communicator. Overall, the squad welcomes back seven starters and 13 varsity athletes so they will have an experienced bunch on the field.
St. Charles East
Coach: Paul Jennison
Last year: 20-2-4, 5-0-1 in Upstate Eight River, lost 1-0 to Lake Park in Class 3A Schaumburg sectional championship
Top players: Evan DiLeonardi, jr., MF; Zach Manibog, sr., F; Jordan Moore, sr., MF; Taylor Ortiz, sr., MF; Tyler Robbins, sr., F; Brandon Villanueva, sr., D; Robert Wolak, sr., D
Outlook: It would be remiss not to mention that the Saints lost some outstanding players from last year's team. Scorer Daniel DiLeonardi, the goalie tandem of Mike Novotny and Chris Lucatarto and defensive anchors Kevin Heinrich and Jacob Sterling were some of the key losses to graduation. Still, the Saints have a lot of experienced talent returning, including 18 seniors. "The guys that have come in are very clear that we left a lot out there that we should've finished," Saints coach Paul Jennison said. "It's definitely on their mind. When they take the field they want to right that wrong." Sophomore Steven Owens started in goal in the team's opener last Tuesday. Once again the Saints look to have great balance all over the field. Zach Manibog could put up some big scoring numbers, while Jordan Moore, Evan DiLeonardi and Taylor Ortiz are extremely talented at midfield and Brandon Villanueva, Robert Wolak and Ryan Stackhouse should work extra hard to protect the inexperience in goal. "I'm very optimistic. It's how I like to look at things in life in general," Villanueva said. "We've got a lot of experience. Even the seniors who are up from JV this year can play at a nice level and they'll fit in. I know we can use our team chemistry to get to the next level."
St. Charles North
Coach: Eric Willson
Last year: 3-13-1, 0-5-2 Upstate Eight River, lost 2-0 to St. Charles East in Class 3A St. Charles East regional semifinal
Top players: Lorenzo Estrada, sr., F; Nick Graham, sr., D; Colin Kraft, sr., D
Outlook: St. Charles North lost its first three games last season and never seemed to get going. A better start was needed this season and the North Stars have come out strong, winning twice and settling for a tie in their first three games this fall. "I think we've started off with all three of our games playing really well," North Stars coach Eric Willson said. "I think our intensity has been fantastic." This is a very young group with four sophomores and eight juniors. The North Stars only have five seniors on their roster. "We have a team that believes in and has already displayed unity and work ethic," Willson said. "We hope those two qualities can help us succeed this year." Seniors Colin Kraft and Nick Graham will look to solidify the back line while the sophomores and juniors will look to mature quickly and make it a special season for the seniors.
West Aurora
Coach: Joe Sustersic
Last year: 11-7-3, 2-5-0 DuPage Valley Conference, lost 3-2 to Waubonsie Valley in Class 3A Waubonsie Valley regional semifinal
Top players: Jose Gallegos, sr., MF; Oscar Gaytan, sr., MF; Robert Marquez, jr., GK; Geo Martinez, sr., MF
Outlook: The Blackhawks are loaded with senior experience so expectations are very high for a program that's also making the jump from the DuPage Valley to the Upstate Eight Conference. "With 17 seniors on a team of 23 players, West Aurora plans to reach new heights this season," Blackhawks coach Joe Sustersic said. "With 14 players back from the 2013 group, competition was fierce to make the team and is even harder to earn playing time and a starting position." Senior midfielders Oscar Gaytan, Jose Gallegos and Geo Martinez will lead the Blackhawks. All offer versatility and should be able to assist the backline as needed, as well as transition to the offensive attack when the opportunity is available. Junior Robert Marquez is back in goal. "We've had very talented teams before but no one's ever made a run. It's always been could've, should've, would've," Gaytan said. "This year it's no excuses. A lot of guys are back and we have as much talent as I've ever seen at West Aurora. I think if we get together and all play our roles, we can go far."