Boys soccer: Scouting Lake County

FOX VALLEY FOX

GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL

Coach: Tom Hamilton (first year)

Last season: 15-6, lost to St. Viator Class 2A regional final

Top players lost: Eric Abascal, Jackson Frey, Isaac Longenecker (Goshen College), Johnny Madrid (Greenville), Joey Mudd

Top returning players: Josh Garcia Sr. D, Conner Gossell Sr. GK, Paul Kulis Sr. D, Chris Quiroz Sr. F, Ethan Rockel Sr. MF, Ben Sizelove Sr. D, Randy Betancourth Jr. D/MF, Richard Cruz Jr. MF, Leo Orozco Jr. F, Trevor Veenstra Jr. MF, Bryan Wehde Jr. D, David Young Jr. GK, Ethan Mendoza So. MF

Newcomers: Joel Carreon Sr. MF, Evan Cavalier Sr. MF, Abdiel Espinoza Sr. D/F, Matt Kozak Jr. D, Juan Mata Jr. F, Nick Walker Jr. MF, Sebastian Hinestrosa So. MF, Tanner Manley So. D, Daniel Orozco Fr. D

Other notable players: Eric Abascal Sr. MF, Jackson Frey Sr. D, Josh Garcia Jr. D, Chris Quiroz Jr. MF, Ethan Rockel Jr. MF, Trevor Veensrtra So. D, Bryan Wehde So. D

Outlook: Former Rams player Tom Hamilton takes over as coach at his high school alma mater. He has coached on the lower levels under former coach Mike McCaulou. Hamilton replaces Steve Feldman, who took an administrative position at another school. "I'm grateful and honored for the job," Hamilton said. "I'm blessed to work with such an exceptional group of young men." The Rams recently won the Vernon Hills Cougar Classic and want to win the FVC Fox championship in their final season in the conference. "We have a strong core of players," Hamilton said. "We'll just play simple soccer and look to maintain possession in order to create chances in the attack.

GRAYSLAKE NORTH

Coach: Adam DeCaluwe (10th year)

Last season: 13-9-2, lost to Marian Central Class 2A sectional semifinal

Top players lost: Shane Boyd, Lukas Buckels, Beto Gomez, Dylan Harmon, Dean Jones, Zach Kottmer, Denzel Mitchem, Mickey O'Reilly, Cristian Reyes, Fernando Sanchez (College of Lake County), Danny Wilson

Top returning players: Sean Dameron Sr. F, Kyle Hensley Sr. MF/F, Julian Jimenez Sr. MF, Cole Karabinus Sr. D, JC Thomas Sr. D, Chris Zamora Sr. MF. Christian Guerrero Jr. MF/F, Grant Nickolson Jr. MF/F, Jason Rhodes Jr. MF/F, Ben Tompoles Jr. D

Newcomers: Patrick Blashe Sr. D, Zach Nadeau Sr. D/MF, Carlos Alfaro Jr. MF, Jack Critzer Jr. D, Marlon De Ita Jr. D, Brandon LeBaron Jr. D, Tyler Salvador Jr. MF, Tristan Klarck So. GK, Josh Suciu So. GK

Outlook: The Knights showed a lot of improvement last season but lost several key players to graduation. "We're looking to compete in every game we play," coach Adam DeCaluwe said. "We're a pretty well-rounded team that has experience and quality in just about every area of the field. We hope to be hard to play against with a team commitment of working hard for each other, on and off the ball."

NORTH SUBURBAN PRAIRIE

ANTIOCH

Coach: Marni Polakow (8th year)

Last season: 16-8, lost to St. Viator Class 2A Sectional semifinal

Top players lost: Thomas Furlong, Iven Hernandez (Dominican University), JR Lonergan, Eric Pederson, Krystian Streit (Trinity International)

Top returning players: Danny Brito Sr. MF, Jordan Keller Sr. D, Lucas Semitka Sr. MF, Alex Ruano Jr. GK, RJ Vasquez So. D

Newcomers: Gabe Tijerina So. F, Alex Keeler Fr. MF/F, Krystian Nikolov Fr. D/MF

Other notable players: Mickey West Sr. MF/F, Zach Espitia Jr. F, Aleksei Kushinikov Jr. MF/F, David Lonski Jr. D, Zach Tholen Jr. D/MF, Peter Boeh So. MF, Noah Boehm So, MF, Bart Krumpos So. MF

Outlook: The Sequoits have to replace prolific scorer Iven Hernandez, who's moved on to play soccer at Dominican University. The Sequoits also graduated other top talent. "With a very talented senior class graduating this past spring, we are looking to rebuild with a few key seniors leading the way this year," said Marni Polakow, who enters the season with 95 career wins as boys coach. "We have a lot of young talent that we expect to grow and improve as the season progresses."

GRANT

Coach: Bryan Mark (fourth year)

Last season: 2-13-2, lost to Deerfield Class 3A regional quarterfinals

Top players lost: Adrian Avillia, Justin Erenhofer, Manual Garcia (College of Lake County), Nick Heidenthal, Felipe Nolasco, Kevin Peralta

Top returning players: Zach Cooper Sr. MF, Alex Jamusz Sr. D, Matt Koch Sr, MF/F, Moses Melesio Sr, D, Nathan Munsterman Sr. GK, Rudy Frescas Jr. F, Zach Kowalik Sr. D

Newcomers: Chris Cooper So. MF, Jose Gordiano So. MF, Sam Lee So. MF, Ricardo Martin So. D, Rafa Torres So. F, Will Gonzalez Fr. F, Danny Talavera Fr. F, Angel Uriostegui Fr. MF

Other notable players: Cray Cooner Sr. MF, Alex Janusz Sr. D, Matt Koch Sr. D/MF, Christian Soeder Jr. GK, Giovanni Gonzalez So. MF

Outlook: The Bulldogs are looking to rebound from a tough 2014 campaign which saw them win just twice. "We have a balance of newcomers and underclassmen," coach Bryan Mark said. "We're still a pretty young team. I expect some of the underclassmen to step up and give us the attacking in the final third. I'm excited about some of the new talent mixing with the senior leadership, but realize there may be some learning curves along the way."

LAKES

Coach: Kevin Kullby (11th year)

Last season: 6-12-5, lost to Antioch in Class 2A regional final

Top players lost: Cameron Beezley (club), Tom Cyberski, Parker Edwards, Derek Espinosa, Ryan Kalekian (College of Lake County), Jack Monson (UIC), Cesar Munua (College of Lake County)

Top returning players: Foster Dore Sr. MF, Zack Espinosa Sr. MF, Marco Novakovic Sr. D, Nick Dydo Jr. MF, Sean O'Brien Jr. F.

Newcomers: Jeffery Milostan So, F, Wade Palmly So. GK, Danny Wieczorek So. GK. Max Keenan Fr. MF

Other notable players: Luke Fahey Sr. F, Gavin Good Sr. F, Brandon Craven Jr. D, Stephen Gerrits Jr. F, Austin Jones Jr. D, Adalberto Mora Jr. F, Nic Rubio Jr. D, Anthony Roldan Jr. D, Jake Segal Jr. D, Dustin Baca So. D, Brett Holmes So. MF, Matthew Mercure So. MF, Garrett Pooley So. D, Daniel Stiegel So. F

Outlook: The Eagles will rely on a number of experienced players. "Hopefully, we can be competitive," coach Kevin Kullby said. "Look for our experienced players to provide leadership and discipline. Despite our inexperience among the new players, we can compete for the (Prairie) division and a regional championship."

ROUND LAKE

Coach: Hugo Tellez (6th year)

Last season: 14-4-3, lost to Mundelein in Class 3A regional semifinals

Top players lost: Edgar Nieto, Adas Sator, Joel Sanchez

Top returning players: Christian Gomez Sr. MF, Erwin Paz Sr. D, Freddie Ramirez Sr. F, Vladimir Manriquez Jr. MF, Alejandro Sotelo Jr. F

Newcomers: Luis Aguilar Sr. D, Alberto Gomez Sr. MF/F, Giovanni Guzman Sr. MF/F, Misael Hidrogo Sr. MF, Sergei Wawrzyniak Sr. D, Henry Arteaga Jr. D/MF, Alan Botello Jr. MF, Abel Campa Jr. GK/MF, Erick Alvarez So. F, Christofer Gomez So. D

Other notable players: Edgar Garcia Sr. MF, Gerardo Nunez Sr. GK, Cruz Renteria Sr. D, Christian Vazquez Sr. MF, Bryan Gomez Jr. MF

Outlook: The Panthers lost some seniors but still have plenty of speed to make it up. Freddie Ramirez is an all-state candidate and a gifted scorer. The Panthers should be one of the front-runners in the NSC Prairie. "This group has really worked hard over the summer," coach Hugo Tellez said. "They've bonded as a group and are working on playing a fast-paced game."

VERNON HILLS

Coach: Mike McCaulou (3rd year)

Last season: 8-9-3, lost to Mather in Class 2A regional semifinals

Top players lost: Brad Burrows (Millikin University), Ilya Kravstev (Judson College), Nate Peck

Top returning players: Matt Hong Sr. D, Aaron Castellanos Jr. MF, Andrew Kim Jr. D, Brennan Reback Jr. GK, Chris White Jr. MF

Newcomers: Joseph Lee Sr. MF, Jose Sanchez Sr. F, Ryan Kim So. D

Other notable players: Enos Lee Sr. F, Jose Silva Sr. F, Chris Winter Sr, D, Matt Gramins Jr. MF, Cole Guillaume Jr. D, Andre Szmyt Jr. MF, Corey Takaoka Jr. D, Steven Tow Jr. D, Chris Hernandez So. D, Michael Harty So. MF

Outlook: The Cougars might be on the young side but might have the talent to achieve double-digit wins. "We expect to be disciplined and show great patience on and off the ball," coach Mike McCaulou said. "We play to be very organized defensively and be creative in the final third. Our team expects to play well together and stay focused every single game."

WAUCONDA

Coach: Michael Jacobs (1st year)

Last season: 6-11-1, lost to Grayslake Central in Class 2A regional semifinals

Top players lost: Eric Berg, Karl Christ, Octavio Gomez, Asad Javed, Gino Marquez, Erick Olejniczak, Jeff Moorhead, Shane Purcell, Alonso Sanchez

Top returning players: Max Bermann Sr. D, Teddy Kolarov Sr. F, Alex Reyes Sr. D. Tiaga Miyaryo Jr. MF, Danny McNutt Jr. GK. Sean Sullivan Jr. D, Erik Hernandez So. F

Newcomers: Chistopher Fox So. MF

Other notable players: Angel Pacheco Sr. MF, Dahyron Valenzuela Sr. GK, Jorge Arreguin Jr. F, Josh Castronova Jr. MF, Michael Duzey Jr. D, Ramiro Pazos Jr. MF, Cristian Ramirez Jr. MF, Edwin Sarmiento Jr. F, Ozzy Segura Jr. D, Trevor Tobias Jr. D, Raffaele Consalvo So, F

Outlook: Michael Jacobs takes over as coach, replacing Patrick Heckmann. Jacobs had been coaching at Yorkville. He inherits a young group. "We're looking to close out some of the close games we had last year that we tied or lost," Jacobs said. "I feel this team is capable of surprising both other teams and themselves."

NORTH SUBURBAN LAKE

LAKE ZURICH

Coach: Mike Schmitz (9th year)

Last season: 12-9, lost to Fremd in Class 3A regional finals

Top players lost: Jack Abry, Collin Foreman (Aurora College), Collin Foote (Indiana Wesleyan), Jacob Karbowski, Ian Murray (St. Andrews, Scotland), Dan Ross

Top returning players: Dan Grabowski Sr. GK, Piyasak Pharawek Sr. F, Nate Rathe Sr. F, Ian Root Sr. D, Scott Shadrick Sr. MF, Zane Chung-Mehdi Jr. MF, Jordan Fleita Jr. F, Luke Kuhn Jr. D

Newcomers: Shawn Chervets Sr. GK

Other notable players: Joaquin Ganoza Sr. MF, Kevin Johlie Sr. F, Andrew Kelly Jr. D, Brandon Klett Jr. F, Dylan Niedzwicki Jr. MF, Trevor Niedzwicki Jr. D, Kyle Schroeder Jr. D, Ty Carey So. D, Andrew Pytlak So. D, Billy Sink So. MF

Outlook: It's a different look for the Bears, as they have 11 new varsity players. The team also has its share of experienced players. "We have a nice group of hardworking players," coach Mike Schmitz said. "It's an interesting mix of players of different ages. When we learn to play and compete together, then we will feel we can compete with anyone. We have high expectations and expect to be competitive in tournaments and conference."

LIBERTYVILLE

Coach: Andy Bitta (29th year)

Last season: 14-4, lost to Fremd in Class 3A regional finals

Top players lost: Ryan Behm, Cam Fragassi (Dayton), Austin Fuller, Sam Kratzer, Sam Leonard, Sam Muchmore, Ryan Pacholski (Loras), Alex Stiber, Kyle Robson (North Park), Trent Toohey, Thomas Vondrak

Top returning players: Nate Edmunds Sr, MF, Trucker Goebeler Sr. D, Liam O'Connell Sr. MF, Jacob Rasmussen Sr. D, Kevin Reilly Sr. MF

Newcomers: Thomas Pearson Fr. GK, Ryan Wittenbrink Fr. F

Other notable players: Ryan Bever Sr. F, Max Friedlander Sr. D, Kyle Hall Sr. MF, Christian Long Sr. MF, Jesse Moderwell Sr. MF, Luke Sanderson Sr. F, Grant Widmark Sr. D, Anthony Brucato Jr. MF, Kenny Gallagher Jr. MF, Ryan Gibbs Jr. D, Darren Ioss Jr. D, Brant Kym Jr. GK, Daniel Marks Jr. D, Patrick Potts Jr. D, Michael Quigley Jr. D

Outlook: The Wildcats graduated a dozen players from last year's 14-win squad. They do have some experienced players. "We have a quality team," coach Andy Bitta said. "We hope to challenge for the North Suburban Conference championship and advance as far as we can in the state tournament. On the field, we want to play tight defense and possess the ball."

MUNDELEIN

Coach: Ernie Billittier (5th year)

Last season: 11-7-3, lost to Libertyville in Class 3A regional finals

Top players lost: Jesus Alba, Lino Garcia (Aurora University), Armando Gomez, Mason Homsey, Juan jahan (Aurora University), Hector Ruiz (Carthage)

Top returning players: Jake Fiolka Sr. D, Donnie Kvien Sr. GK, Yann Nsoga Sr. MF, Edson Suaste Sr. MF, Jose Ortega Jr. MF

Newcomers: Danny Ford Jr. D, Nick Ramirez Jr. MF, Elliot Sachnoff Jr. D, Kenny Adiyah So. F, Bryan Alba Fr. F

Other notable players: Victor Casas Sr. D, Chase Cranford Sr. D, Dominic Cristino Sr. D, Colin Hecht Sr. MF, Trevor Martin Sr. D, Lalo Martinez Sr. GK, Hernan Portillo Sr. F, Miguel Ramirez Sr. D, Dillon Smith Sr. F, Danny Ford Jr. D, Eric Muniz Jr. GK, Josue Infante So. MF, Jony Lucio So. MF

Outlook: A number of talented players graduated, but don't count out the Mustangs. They could be a team to watch. "Our expectation is to be competitive in every game this season and challenge for the conference title and a regional title," coach Ernie Billittier said. "We lost a great group of seniors but this is a great opportunity for our newcomers to make an impact on the team. We need to see the leadership of our upperclassmen translate on the field during games."

STEVENSON

Coach: Mark Schartner (29th year)

Last season: 7-7-5, lost to Highland Park in Class 3A regional finals

Top players lost: Andy Boutrous, Filip Delija, Mitchell Gullet (Clark College), Juan Margolin, Ethan Marx (Knox College), Zach Sherman, Sam Swirm, Matt Warren (Knox College), Jonathan Weissman

Top returning players: Cooper Colvig Sr. MF, Dennis Katzman Sr. F, Jeremy Klaber Sr. GK, Rahul Krishnan Sr. MF, Cary Li Sr. D, Dean Lim Sr. MF, Jun Min Sr. F, Kuzuki Nimi Sr. MF, Thomas Ricchio Sr. D, Matt Treiber Sr. D, Ben Brandt Jr. MF, Avery Delgado Jr. F, Jake Nunez Jr. MF, Matt Brickman So. MF

Newcomers: Prithvi Ponneboina Sr. D, Joel Fleming Jr. D, Elliot Lueck Jr. F, Ethan Kalis So. GK, Steven O'Reilly So. D, Matt Randall So. D, Anthony Watrach So. So. MF, Borler Wu So. MF, Kai Mayahara Fr. MF

Outlook: Numbers tell the story. The Patriots count 11 seniors on the team along with several other juniors and sophomores and a freshman. The Patriots boast talent and experience, too. "We should have a well-balanced team," coach Mark Schartner said. "We have some outstanding leadership. Expect us to have great speed and be a hardworking team."

WARREN

Coach: Jason Ahonen (8th year)

Last season: 15-3-4, lost to Buffalo Grove in Class 3A regional semifinals

Top players lost: Nick Haas (Monroe College), Joe Haight, RJ Hill (Eastern Illinois University), Jack McKearnan (Augustana), Kevin Penarrieta (club), Mikey Pliskat, Matt Russell (Cardinal Stritch), Chris Travis

Top returning players: Ivan Esquivel Sr. MF, Richie Flores Jr. D, Alex Fratila Sr. MF, Matt Height Sr. D, Kody Anderson Jr. D/MF

Newcomers: Bryan Galvan Jr. MF, Noe Rodriquez Jr. D, Jack Tully Jr. D/MF, Declan Porter So. MF, Martin Fuentes Fr. MF/F

Other notable players: Jacob Luka Sr. MF/F, Blair McCormick Sr. GK, Jeremy Richter Sr. F, Curtis Bae Jr. D, Hugo Flores Jr. MF/F, Jeffrey Pioquinto Jr. GK, Jason Schulz Jr. MF

Outlook: The Blue Devils have high expectations, as they lots of experience. "We have a lot of speed and athleticism," coach Jason Ahonen said. "We want to have our players play fast and put pressure on the opposition."

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

CARMEL

Coach: Ray Krawzak (4th year)

Last season: 8-10-2, lost to Lake Forest in Class 3A regional quarterfinals

Top players lost: Erin Berrones, Justin Ehren, Jack Titterton

Top returning players: Scott Cloe Sr. MF/F, Braco Lasso Sr. MF, Ryan McKernan Sr. D, Jacob Spheeris Jr. GK. Austin Ehren So. F, Rob Rao So. MF

Newcomers: Michael Alemu Jr. F, Luke Johnson Jr. D/MF

Other notable players: Brandon Hassan Sr. D, Andrew Kuderna Sr. D, Devon Cole Jr. MF, Travis Curley Jr. D, Chris Galla Jr. MF/F, Josh Grezesiak Jr. MF, Jacob Spheeris Jr. GK, Reed Wilson Jr. D, Brett Cloe So. D, Kyle Knauer So. GK, Nathan Passarelli So. MF/GK

Outlook: Some returning seniors will provide stability for the Corsairs, who will play in Class 2A in the state tournament. "This team could do very well this season," coach Ray Krawzak said. "We have a returning group of experienced players. This group has grown and gained experience to make them play bigger than they are. Our defense is all returning, just placed in new positions."