Boys soccer season preview: Scouting Northwest

MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Brad Abel (1st year).

Last season: 11-11-2 (5-5-1), regional champs, lost to Highland Park (1-2) sectional semifinals.

Graduation losses: Zach Masciopinto (MF, Daily Herald all-area co-captain, two-time all-sectional, all-MSL) Mike Kotlyar (D), Sean King (D-MF), Connor Reid (D-MF), Connor May (GK),

Key returning players: Seniors Alexis Alvarez (MF), Drew Brauner (F), Brendan Carr (D), Christobal Damien (MF), Colin Doyle (F), Ryan Drum (D, all-area, all-MSL), Hans Haller (MF), Hector Herrera (MF), Gorgis Yelda (D); juniors Alex Alfaro (MF), Colin Dekorsi (F); sophomore Daniel Sempoch (GK).

New faces to watch: Senior Andy Tanabe (D); juniors Daniel Zickert (F), Richard Segura MF), Patrick McLoone (MF), Manny Mazariegos (MF), Tyler Nieman (D); sophomore Caleb Mayhorn (GK).

Outlook: With so many players back from a regional championship club, plus the addition of new coach Brad Abel, whose winning resume at Hersey speaks volumes about his abilities, it appears the Bison should be competitive throughout the season, with the potential of a top-four finish in the MSL table this fall. "This is a wonderful group of student-athletes who made me feel welcome from the very first day,"said Abel. "From that, we built a solid foundation over the summer, which we hope to carry on through and into my first season here." Abel has won two MSL titles with the girls team at Hersey, advancing six times to the MSL Cup. "We have a lot of talent and creativity on the ball, and combine that with a solid group along the back, and it should allow us to compete with the top clubs in our conference," he said. "The key, of course, is getting everyone to buy into the system, while playing disciplined, organized soccer, yet still having them play freely in our offensive third." Alfaro, Brauner and others should do well within the Abel system going forward. Drum is one of the top backs around and will help keep things under control in the BG end. The loss of four-year star Masciopinto is a big one, as his box-to-box, 80 minutes of work carried the club to great achievement in recent season. "We'll take it game by game, knowing that Wheeling and Hersey are always the ones to beat," said Abel, "but we feel we can be there to if we play the way we know we can."

Elk GroveCoach: Rob Shepard (3rd year, 10-17-4).

Last season: (4-12-2, 1-10-0).

Graduation losses: Alberton Centeno (GK, all-MSL, playing at St. Mary's College, MN.), Dan Hadler (D, Harper College), Ivan Corona (MF), Carlos Miranda (F).

Key returning players: Seniors Connor Emmerich (D), Edgar Soto (MF), Oscar Suarez (MF), Ivan Rodriguez (MF), junior Noe Centeno (D), Markos Christoforou (D); sophomore Joey Weber (MF).

New faces to watch: Senior Pablo Oritz (GK); junior Charlie Konsolakis (MF), Ivan Perez (MF); sophomore Dylan Ingebridtsen (F-GK), Misa Contreras (MF),

Outlook: Soon after masterminding an exciting postseason run during his first season in charge, Rob Shepard knew things would be a little tougher the following year as his Grens got hit with a tremendous talent loss through graduation. "We figured it would be a little tough last season, and it was - but the guys who went through that 4-win season in 2014 are back with us, and they are fired up about turning things around this fall," says Shepard. The Grens might still be a relatively unknown quantity in their division, but with a backline led by captain Noe Centeno, and a veteran in the middle of the park such as Edgar Soto, the Grens are equipped for survival in one of the top soccer leagues in the state. "Is there ever a weak team in the league?" asks Shepard, whose upbeat attitude fosters a positive spirit, one he feels is clearly evident with his 2015 club which appears ready to go this time around. Another senior, Oscar Suarez, could be a factor at midfield, helping guide the Grens attack.

HerseyCoach: Darren Llewellyn (10th year, 95-66-25)

Last season: 11-5-5 (5-3-4)

Graduation losses: Campbell White (D, two-time all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, Colorado), Tim Griffin (MF, all-area, all-MSL, Illinois), George Boyle (MF), Brent Killian (MF), Adam Szymaszek (GK).

Key returning players: Seniors Brett Harris (GK); juniors Jack Rasmussen (MF), Alex Filian (MF), Saul Casillas (MF-F), Matt Dickey (F), Lucas Wilke (MF).

New faces to watch: Senior Michal Skotnicki (F), Dan Gritt (F), Steve Custer (D); sophomores Jesse Lopez (F), Kevin Roman (F), Mike Santry (D).

Outlook: With each soccer season, coach Darren Llewellyn envisions constructing an MSL challenging side around an emerging core of talent along the back to ensure the opponent few chances. Llewellyn had such a player in the past two seasons in Campbell White, but now he'll lean heavily on Jack Rasmussen for that role. Also key will be Brett Harris, who takes over between the sticks. "The key at the back is clearly Brett and Jack, who is a real leader at the defensive (mid) position, and along with Lucas Wilke and Matt Dickey up top, I believe we'll be far more skilled and much quicker than we have been of late," says Llewellyn, who expects some early growing painswith just two seniors on the roster.

ProspectCoach: Paul Elkins (1st year)

Last season: 5-14-2 (1-9-1).

Graduation losses: Dominick Taldone (MF, all-MSL), Alex Whiteman (F, all-MSL), Ian Lenke (D).

Key returning players: Seniors Chris Cooney (F), Celso Soto (DMF), Nick Jozefowski (GK).

New faces to watch: Junior Grant Whitebloom (D).

Outlook: After a season of countless injuries which ended in disappointment, the Knights come back this fall full of vim and vigor, inspired by new head coach Paul Elkins, who helped turn around the girls program at Niles North while getting a first-hand look at the future as head coach of the boys JV at Prospect. "I expect us to learn, improve, compete, and to grow as a team throughout the season - all the while stressing consistency and unity, with a little better luck with our health at the same time," said Elkins. Although a lack of depth and varsity experience will be a challenge for the new coach, he feels striker Chris Cooney is ready to make a giant leap forward, while veteran keeper Nick Jozefowski will count on an athletic and tough backline in front of him.

Rolling MeadowsCoach: Peter Mikulak (12th year, 63-106-20).

Last season: 12-8-2 (6-3-2), regional champions, lost to Lake Park (2-3) in sectional final.

Graduation losses: Enrique Avellaneda (D, all-area, two-time all-sectional, all-MSL, playing at Harper), Kou Glaser (F, two-time all-area, all-MSL, Harper), David Zarate (MF, all-MSL), Sal D'Acquisto (MF, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, Illinois State), Brett Gibson (MF, all-area, all-MSL, Ohio State), A.J. Aluquin (D, Illinois State).

Key returning players: Seniors Jake Koutos (F), Jash Snopek (MF), Benny Masi (D), Zach Kacimi (D); junior Alec Bielic (MF), Tony Montesinos (MF).

New faces to watch: Senior Javier Diaz Ugalde (MF); junior Pedro Botello (MF); sophomore Tomas Martin del Campo (MF).

Outlook: The Mustangs were a team on the rise last season, looking ever the part of a final four participant, until Lake Park dashed its hopes, stopping Meadows 1 win shy of joining Fremd at the state tournament. "It was a special year with some very special players who helped make for a season all of us will remember for a long time," said coach Peter Mikulak, who lost nine starters to graduation, and will now look to a solid core of a few returning players who played valuable minutes one year ago. "The guys who are back are eager to show what they can do now, and I am sure after the first few games, everything will get sorted out, and all of them will be ready to contribute." Benny Masi, who played alongside the Mustangs' superb center-back Avellaneda, will take over along the back, while the trio of Koutos, Bielic and Snopek will help run the show, both up top and at midfield.

WheelingCoach: Ed Uhrik (12th year, 114-123-14).

Last season: 12-8-4 (8-2-1), MSL East champs, lost to Buffalo Grove (0-2) regional final.

Graduation losses: Francisco Arellano (D, all-state, all-area, MSL East POY, Oakton), Frank Estada (MF, all-state, all-area, all-MSL, Lewis), Fabian Acosta (D-MF, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, Aurora College), Victor Gomez.

Key returning players: Seniors Brayan Cervantes (MF), Nick Janulis (F), Allen Mancilla (MF-F, all-MSL), Josh Prindle (MF), Juan Salgado (GK); junior Jonathan Sanchez (MF, all-MSL).

New faces to watch: Senior Elias Cisneros (F); junior Jose Aguilar (MF); sophomores David Soto (D), Vicente Castro (D), Josh Mariscal (F).

Outlook: The Wildcats have effectively been developing since 2012, when many of their standout players from its recent 3A state runner-up team were cutting their teeth at the underclass level. From then to this fall, the program has churned out plenty of players capable of moving right in and making a varsity difference. Last year was no different, as the 'Cats outlasted rival Hersey to reach the MSL Cup for a second consecutive year. And this season, coach Ed Uhrik hopes the infusion of new faces, alongside a solid core of returning veterans, will help fuel another postseason run. "We lost a lot of great three-year players, many of whom were important during our big year two years ago, but there's a handful of good players back with us, along with a much deeper and stronger bench available with enough skill and ability to help keep everyone fresh and ready to go for the long haul," Uhrik said. The coach feels his man in the center of the park, Sanchez, is the ultimate blue-collar midfielder - industrious, creative and unselfish and skilled. The future is now for the sophomore duo of Soto and Castro, who appear certain to earn high praise along the backline this year.

MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Scott Steib (16th year, 278-88-34), 338-116-41 (career).

Last season: 15-8-0 (7-4-0).

Graduation losses: Giles Phillips (MF, all-state, two-time all-area, all-MSL, Carthage), Tyler Anderson (D, all-area, all-MSL, club soccer at Vanderbilt University), Casey Slingo (MF-D, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, 11a), Jason Frenk (D), Austin Grzebeniak (F, all-MSL, 10g, Knox College, Iowa), Shawn Owen (D), Jack Harrington (D), Jaime Diaz (GK), Ryan Lauderback (MF), Brian Tapia (MF), Ian Ford (MF), Colin Malia (F), Jack Wilson (MF)

Key returning players: Seniors Peyton Mohr, Hans Pallan (F), Luke Sellers (MF); juniors Zach Carbanara (MF), Kyle Owen, Nash Pirie (D), Alex Ruffolo (GK).

New faces to watch: Junior Jordan Fermin (MF); sophomore Gio Guarnero (MF).

Outlook: Broncos coach Scott Steib has created a culture of winning soccer, amalgamating players of varying talent and temperament to capture a half-dozen MSL West crowns, two league titles, and a state championship in 2007. The Broncos have won 154 matches since lifting the MSL trophy in 2004, with a few agonizingly close calls along the way, and nearly always with a top-four finish in the league. Will Steib have his lads contending until the very late stages of this season? "We have only six back from last year, and most of those guys didn't play a lot of minutes, but it's a great group, with several players skillful and thoughtful, so we'll see how it goes," said Steib. Barrington's varsity roster is filled with players from a highly successful JV side from a year ago. Pirie, a junior, will be asked to anchor the back line, with both Sellers and Carbanara helping run the show in the midfield. Six-foot-3 striker Pallan will be a disruptive force in and around the box, and a real danger in the air in dead-ball opportunities.

ConantCoach: Jason Franco (8th year, 72-68-27).

Last season: 7-10-1 (4-6-1).

Graduation losses: Chase Hermanson (F, two-time all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, 16g, playing at Northern Illinois), Joey Connolly (F), Matt Meyers (D), Matt Moglia (MF, Lakeland College, WI.), Oscar Quintero (D), Gilbert Bwetabure (MF).

Key returning players: Seniors Cesar Alfaro (MF), Ben Hyde (MF), Sam Barajas (MF) Christian Hyde (GK), Umi Kanao (MF), Mikoto Kobayashi (MF), Kyle Nelli (D), Brian Rodela (F), juniors Matt Biernat (D), Kevin Sindewald (D).

New faces to watch: Senior Shawn Khazey (F); juniors Michael Rizzo (D), Nico Scimeca (MF); sophomore Brandon Chlopek (MF).

Outlook: Cougars coach Jason Franco figures that with his deepest roster in years, he'll be able to offset the departure of scoring star Chase Hermanson, who took with him not only a healthy chunk of Conant's goal-scoring but also the ability to create scoring chances for others. "Chase gave us that scoring threat that everyone wants, and somebody we would like to have this year," said Franco. "But I feel like others will step up in the attacking third, while the depth of the 20-plus we have with us this year should give us the type of energy we'll need to hopefully wear down our opponents for 80 minutes." Senior Cesar Alfaro looks to have the pace, skill and industry needed to run the attack, while captain Kevin Sindewald will be a significant figure along the back as he and senior goalkeeper Christian Hyde anchor the defensive effort.

FremdCoach: Steve Keller (18th year, 225-126-61).

Last season: 20-6-1 (9-1-1), MSL champs, 3rd place, 3A state tournament.

Graduation losses: Tomas Peleckas (D, all-state, all-area, two-time all-MSL), Zach Schoffstall (F-MF, all-area, all-MSL, 10g, 16a, Carthage), Ben Poder (F, all-area, all-MSL, 14g, Carthage), Ben Borst (D, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL), Will Lefevre (GK, 0.58, Butler), Danny Burton (D, Heartland College), Kurt Rettke (MF, Harper), Jacob Cuthbert (MF) Luke Kosacz (D), Gavin McCarty (MF-F).

Key returning players: Seniors Rohan Menon (MF), Tyler Alfirivic (D), Jack Arbour (MF), Michael Kramer (GK), Mikey Guedel (MF-D), Seiya Iguchi (MF-D), Ryan Rowden (D); juniors Luke Schoffstall (F, 9g), James Lefevre (MF); sophomore Vania Martin (MF).

New faces to watch: Juniors Bobby Burk (D), Ryan McCoy (MF-F), Andrew Castro (F), Tyler Johanson (F), Josh Kasser (GK); sophomores Matt Austin (MF-F), Max Clark (D-MF), Max Mayer (MF-D), Dalton Rogers (MF-D), Slava Martin (MF).

Outlook: Surely there was no better place to be in the final weeks of the 2014 campaign than Fremd. The Vikings went 10-1-0 down the stretch, including lifting the MSL Cup, and went on to a third-place finish in the 3A state tournament. This year's version of Steve Keller's club has more questions to be answered as the Vikings look to assemble yet another side capable of making another run at postseason success. "We have a lot of ability on the offensive end, and there's the great experience the guys who are coming back gained from our state tournament run," Keller said. "But we need to shore things up defensively, as that's a concern here at the start." An all-star backline cast of Tomas Peleckas, Ben Borst, Danny Burton and Luke Kosacz, along with the steady and sometimes spectacular Will Lefevre in goal, conceded just 19 goals last fall, and only 3 in the last 11 matches - but each has moved on to college. What the Vikings will have is a terrific striker in Luke Schoffstall, who a year ago bagged 9 goals, many of them key strikes, including the game-winner against Wheeling to secure the MSL crown. Newcomer Matt Austin should become the perfect running mate up top with the Schoffstall, a junior.

Hoffman EstatesCoach: Matt Sriver (12th year, 61-130-22).

Last season: 6-12-0 (2-9-0).

Graduation losses: Adam Schultz (D, all-MSL), Angel Sarti (F), Isaiah Mireles (D), David Urbina (D), Jorge Bravo.

Key returning players: Seniors Konrad Kieruzul (MF, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, 8a), Remzi Ahmeti (F), Ricky Choi (MF), Mark Hauser (D), Christian Peralta (GK); juniors Noe Padilla (MF).

Outlook: The Hawks came close to knocking off No. 1 St. Charles East in the regional last year, thus getting a taste of what things could be like if they continue to work hard to develop both their technical and tactical skills and approach to the game. "Expectations are little higher around here after finishing the season strong last year, coming up just a bit short against St. Charles East," said coach Matt Sriver. "But we still have to remember we've got eight new faces on our roster, all of which have not played at the varsity level as of yet." A key concern is the back third; Hoffman was especially hard-hit by graduation there. The balance of power on the roster this fall is up front, where the quarter of Kieruzal, Ahmeti, Choi and Padilla could emerge as dangerous bunch.

PalatineCoach: Willie Filian (25th year, 337-149-49).

Last season: 11-6-2 (5-5-1).

Graduation losses: Tyler Curylo (F, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, 16g, Heartland College), Gavin Falotico (all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, 13a, Concordia, Wis.), Kevin Burke (D, Indiana), Evan Braun (D), Alejandro Vidal (F-MF, Heartland), Colin O'Meara (D-MF, Harper), Fabian Tovar (MF), , Jesus Ortega (MF), Logan Hedrick.

Key returning players: Seniors Gabriel Drab (MF), Michael Jensen (GK), Tadeo Lara (MF), Matthew Mayer (MF), Lima Obemesser (D, all-MSL), Joe Standridge (D); juniors Adan Flores (MF), Jonathan Inez-Rodriguez (MF0, Dylan Ruzbasan (GK).

New faces to watch: Senior Johan Ballasco (F); junior Martin Solelo (MF), Daniel Pacheo (MF), Everado Bustamante (F); sophomore Sebastian Fraczek (MF).

Outlook: Stability is always the watchword at Palatine, and long-time coach Willie Filian and assistant Charlie Greis will look to use their team's strength along the back in Obemesser and keeper Ruzbasan while they figure out where the goals will come from after graduation losses robbed the club of one of the top finishers in the area. "We have a solid group here this season, one which is experienced and can play," said Filian. "But right now, our ability to be a threat from the run of play is a work in progress." The Pirates will again be dangerous on set pieces, many of which will come as a result of high pressure the coaching staff urges. Expect a higher percentage of possession soccer, in contrast to the Pirates' more direct style of recent seasons.

SchaumburgCoach: Hamid Mehreiouskouei (11th year, 135-95-16).

Last season: 9-5-2 (6-3-2).

Graduation losses: Conor Geraghty (D-MF), Missael Vargas (MF), Luccas Greco (D).

Key returning players: Seniors Jessie Lopez (MF, All-American, all-state, Daily Herald all-area co-captain), Jason Schoo (MF, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL), Alexis Flores (F), Andrew Ralston (D), Edgar Avila (GK), Alexis Flores (F), Daniel Artman (MF), Austin Lara (MF), ; junior Eddie Gomez (F), Andrew Bird (D).

New faces to watch: Senior Niko Davis (D), Noah Kostkiewicz (F),

Outlook: Optimism abounds at Schaumburg after a strong first-week showing under coach Hamid Mehreiouskouei, and the club appears healthier and deeper than it has been recently. Though the Saxons coach will not take anything for granted, he and his long-time assistant Brad Stevens believe they have put together a club that could challenge for an MSL title and advance deep into the state tournament. "Everything is there for us to succeed and have a very good season. We have to stay physically and mentally strong, and continue to work hard when we train, and on match day," said Mehreioskouei. It sure helps to have one of the most creative players in the state, Lopez, a midfielder skilled enough to make everyone around him a scoring threat. The Saxons' list of weapons begins with strikers Flores and Gomez and includes midfielder Schoo, who wins balls, tackles and defends for 80 minutes. A vulnerable defense a year ago looks to have been tightened up with the addition off Nico Davis (back from club soccer); along with Ralston and Bird, it gives the back line a first-rate look in front of the athletic keeper Avila. "The pieces are there, now we have to put them all together, and just go about our business," said Mehreiouskouei.

NORTHEASTERN ATHLETICChristian Liberty AcademyCoach: Aaron DeRidder (1st year).

Last season: 6-12-0 (1-4-0)

Graduation losses: Joel Arackel, Josh Nicholson, Aaron Lauby, Ford

Fishman, Jeremy Lee.

Key returning players: Senior Grant Sutherland (D); juniors Josh Tolford (F), Ben Woods (D), sophomores Alex Tolford (MF), Isaiah Jaime (MF-F), Jesse Castro (MF-F), Nathan Patterson (MF).

New faces to watch: Sean Callaghan (D).

Outlook: Aaron DeRidder becomes the third coach in as many years for the Arlington Heights side, but if his work turning around the girls program is any indication, things will soon look up for the Chargers. "This is a wonderful group of players, many of them returning from last season. But there's just not enough seasoned players, so we'll struggle at certain positions until we get the guys become more confident and consistent in their play," says DeRidder. The new head coach will keep his lads busy training, and with plenty of early matches to help them get their feet underneath them, as well as their form, and despite a 1-2-0 start, the Chargers still have managed to find the back of the net on seven occasions, with both Josh Tolford and Jesse Castro each bagging 3 goals. The Tolford brothers will anchor the midfield, with the trio of Patterson, Jaime and Sutherland among those DeRidder will lean on during the first half of the campaign.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Mark Valintis (9th year, 101-57-25

Last season: 13-5-4 (4-2-0), regional champs.

Graduation losses: Christian Sosnowski (MF, all-area, all-sectional, 9g, 14a, Eastern Illinois), Hector Herrera (D) Oakton), Elvis Castaneda (D, Oakton).

Key returning players: Seniors Alfredo Recendez (GK), Cesar Franco (D, all-WSG, all-sectional), Christian Rubio (D), Salvardor Salgado (D), Mario Vasquez (MF), David Senk (MF); junior Angel Lopez (MF).

New faces to watch: Senior Albert Arabik (F, 2013 all-state, all-area).

Outlook: Coach Mark Valintis is not prone to outlandish predictions of glory, but the Leyden coach admits his Eagles might be flying a little higher than usual this fall. The return of eight starters from the 2014 regional championship team, and the return of 2013 all-state forward Arabik gives the club a vibrant, dynamic force up top. "Our back line should be as good as any after playing together for the past two-three years, Alfredo is very strong in the goal for us, and of course now having a proven scorer, and a player on the All-American watch-list answers the scoring question for us." While the chief conductor last season was Sosnowski, now playing at Eastern Illinois, Valintis figures Vasquez and Lopez will share the load as co-creators in the middle. All-Area back-liner Cesar Franco will be the main influence defensively, while Senk, who combined with Lopez to score 19 goals a year ago, will provide the proper balance in order for the club to play with the likes of conference powers Morton and Lyon Township..

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Alan Matan (3rd year, 20-29-7).

Last season: 5-14-5 (0-3-2).

Graduation losses: Danny Silva (MF-D, all-CSL, Oakton), Jesus Rivera (D, all-CSL), Christian Ayala (MF), Edgar Felix (D).

Key returning players: Seniors Joey Pulvino (MF), Edgar Montesinos (D), Michael Podsiadly (MF), Edgar Vallejo (GK), Gabe Juszczynski (F).

New faces to watch: Senior Jimmy Torres (D); junior Brant Ibarra (MF-D); sophomores Connor Hilliard (MF-D), Ozzie Espinoza (D), Geronimo Xolio (F), Jonathan Reynoso (D-MF), Adrian Banat (D-F).

Outlook: Another fall season, and another round of farewells for Alan Matan and his staff, who for the second consecutive season lose a quality core of players to graduation. However, there's no panic in the mind of the affable Warriors head coach, who does welcome back quality with his captains Pulvino and Montesinos, who should make the arrival of five sophomores on the roster an easy transision. "Yes, we've lost a lot during the past two seasons, but we'll practice patience with these guys because it's a great group of players, who are fun to be around, and a joy to coach," Matan said. "(Now) we've got to train them to play at this level, while within our system of simple possession," says Matan. Senior Edgar Vallejo, who took over halfway through last season in goal, has a highly capable mate in front of him in Montesinos, who can both defend and build the attack. Pulvino will be asked to create and inspire the attack, particularly in the early going.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Mike Taylor (36th year, 447-138-86), 511-198-107 (career).

Last season: 21-7-1 (8-1-0), ESCC champs, 4th place, 2A state tournament.

Graduation losses: Aiden Williams (F, all-area, all-sectional, all-ESCC, 17g, 10a, Wisconsin), Zach Gyuricza (F-MF, all-area, all-sectional, all-ESCC, ESCC co-POY, 17g, 14a, Webster College, Mo.), Chris Biersdorf (D, all-ESCC, St. Mary's College, Minn.), Javier Romero (MF-D, all-ESCC), Ryan Carroll, D-MF), Brandon Braun (D)

Key returning players: Seniors Tony Pineda (F, all-ESCC, 9g), Miles McDonnell (MF, all-ESCC), Patrick Hickey (MF-D, all-ESCC, 7g), Kevin Napoleon (GK); junior Sean Lonigro (MF-D); sophomore Jack Hartman (F).

New faces to watch: Senior Kevin Teraji (D), Jack Murphy (F-MF), Zach Wolf (MF); junior Tom Scully (D); sophomores Alberto Kovacevic (MF), Drake Imhoff (D); freshman Zail Perez (MF).

Outlook: The Lions will have to deal with a different kind of expectation this season after its move up a class to 3A following a highly successful 2014 campaign that ended with Mike Taylor's team lifting the 10th state trophy in program history. "One of our goals is to always win the ESCC, but first and foremost, getting into that last weekend of the season, regardless of whether it's 2A or 3A, is always our primary goal," said Taylor, who believes this group has the hunger, quality and togetherness to succeed. "There's plenty of room for improvement despite it all, and we'll have to figure a lot of things out - what formation we'll play, and who belongs where - before we get to the level we hope to reach." One challenge is finding a way to replace the firepower of the one-two scoring punch of Gyuricza and Williams, who had a hand in 75 percent of the goals the Lions scored in 2014. Look Pineda to lead what appears to be a scoring-by-committee approach, with McDonnell and Perez the facilitators in the middle of the park. Patrick Hickey and Sean Lonigro should give a rebuilt back line the stability needed to survive while others learn on the fly during the Lions' challenging nonconference schedule.