Boys soccer: Scouting the Fox Valley
Aurora ChristianCoach: Craig Williams (1st year)
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
Season outlook: For the first time since the late 1990s, Aurora Christian will field a varsity soccer team, led by Craig Williams, a former Northern Illinois University alum who played from 1988-1992 under then-head coach Willy Roy, former coach of the Chicago Sting. Williams also coached for Cornerstone Christian at the middle school and high school levels. His goal is to get the program going on the right foot. "Basically, my mindset is laying a foundation of soccer at Aurora Christian," Williams said. "We want to compete and of course we want to be successful but our main focus is to lay the foundation." Most of the players on the Eagles are freshmen and sophomores, accompanied by one senior and three juniors - that senior being Zelalem Elliott, who has park district experience as do the juniors - Antoni Campbell, Paul DiCicco and Andrew Hasulube. Many of the players do have club experience.
Bartlett Hawks Coach: Vince DiNuzzo (2nd year)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2015 record: 17-9-2, fourth place at Class 3A state finals
Top returning athletes: Patrick Cox (Sr., F), Jacob White (Sr., D/M), Rudy Reyes (Jr., D/M), Kevin Nava (So., D/M).
Top newcomers: Oscar Soto (Jr., MF), Julio Diaz (Jr., MF), Matt Tobin (So., D), Nico Gomez (Fr., MF/F), Jeremy Taylor (Fr., GK), Zac Rebac (Fr., GK),
Season outlook: A team full of seniors last year, the Hawks had a Cinderella run to state that ended with a fourth-place finish but was 2 minutes away from a state title game berth. Oliver Saile, Jake Hasenstein, Tim Riordan, Venici Leone, Josh Merkel, TJ Ivkovich and AJ Santori made all kinds of history at Bartlett but on the flip side of that, 2016 looks to be a far different year. Inexperience is abundant as 15 of the 22 Hawks are new. "This year there's going to be a little bit more of a growing period, where last year it was a lot of the same kids returning," said coach Vince DiNuzzo. "They're 14 years old playing against 18 year olds who have been playing varsity for 3 or 4 years. It's a little bit of a shock." The goals are the same as last year - compete for a UEC Valley title as well as a significant run in the playoffs. Bartlett does have versatility and creativity strengths as Reyes, Nava and White return to play on defense and in the midfield. Scoring can come from all over the place and Taylor and Rebac will split time in goal to replace all-area keeper Hasenstein. "They're ready and the people who were there and experienced (state) last year are kind of motivated to get the ship rolling again, so we'll see," said DiNuzzo.
Batavia BulldogsCoach: Mark Gianfrancesco (18th year)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2015 record: 8-10-6
Top returning athletes: Erik Faessler (Sr., MF), Trevor Hockings (Sr., D), Will Smith (Sr., D), Nolan Garvin (Sr., MF), Sal Garcia (Jr., MF), Brandon Knapp (Jr., MF), Joe Corno (Jr., F).
Top newcomers: Adler Palos (So. MF), Ben Chandler (So., MF), Miguel Garcia (So., D).
Season outlook: Once the Bulldogs recovered from injuries last year and were able to "buy in," they put their regular season behind them with a sectional run. They'll look to build on that, especially on their newly constructed turf field. The Bulldogs will look to play quicker and take that advantage against other teams. "The players we have are dynamic and can move the ball really well," Gianfrancesco said. "We have guys that can move well off the ball, play quickly and they've built up a good chemistry with each other" The midfield will be key with Faessler, an all-area performer who has good speed, touch and distribution, moving back to an offensive mid role. Garcia and Garvin, along with Knapp and Corno, should also help Batavia utilize that midfield, while the hope is Adler, Chandler and Garcia can be impactful sophomores. "Everybody's getting a shot to make a stamp on this season to be able to progress when we hit conference time," Gianfrancesco said. "We've got a pretty mature group that understands that big picture."
Burlington Central RocketsCoach: Mick Galeski (1st year)
Conference: Kishwaukee River
2015 record: 12-11-1
Top returning athletes: David Murphy (Sr., GK), Luke Schramme (Jr., MF/F), Jack Schramme (Jr., F/MF), Neil Blankenburg (Jr., D/MF).
Top newcomers: Daniel Mendoza (Sr., MF/D), Victor Rodriguez (Jr., MF/F), Enrique Martinez (So.,),
Season outlook: Central said goodbye to two mainstays, longtime coach Mike Gecan and the Big Northern Conference. But new doors opened in the form of the Kishwaukee River Conference, a more suitable collection of area schools that includes both Woodstock schools, Richmond-Burton, Harvard, Marengo and Johnsburg. They also welcomed Mick Galeski, a former assistant at Parkland College who coached both varsity programs at Champaign Central High School from 2009-2015. A native of Blackburn, England he journeyed overseas to Eastern Illinois, and also had a brief stint with the Colorado Rapids thereafter. The style he's bringing is simple and the players have already bought in. "I'm trying to install a culture on the team and in the whole program - from the freshmen to the seniors - I want everybody to put in the same amount of effort 100 percent of the time," Galeski said. "It requires a lot of fitness. We're a pretty hardworking program. I promised the parents as soon as I came in here we'd be the fittest team in the area." Also important is the next play to Galeski and "what are you going to do for us, next," which has made the kids feel comfortable as they don't dwell on mistakes. What's next is also a fair question for the Schramme brothers, as Luke's experience in the midfield and Jack's 22 goals coming back are big for the Rockets, as well as his touch and decision-making. Murphy has solidified his spot as keeper, taking over for Ryan Fitzgerald and Blankenburg and Rodriguez have all played well early on. Mendoza has solved some issues at center back and CJ Heinz is filling a role offensively.
Cary-Grove TrojansCoach: Mark Olson (11th year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2015 record: 10-9, lost to McHenry in sectional final
Top returning athletes: Luis Lemus (Sr., MF), Patrick Kingdon (Sr., F) Tomas Kvapil (Sr., D), Teddy Price (Jr., GK), Sergio Lemus (Jr., GK), Riley Conroy (Jr., MF), Oscar Silis (Jr., D).
Top newcomers: Henry Tucke (Sr., MF), Noe Uijiterwaal (Sr., F), Kyle Ives (Jr., D), Jesus Angeles (Jr., MF), Oscar Leon (Jr. MF), Jack Warner (Jr., F), Isaiah Glaysher (So., F), Sam Carhart (Jr., MF), Ricky Ayala (Jr., D), Michael Madzarac (Jr., D), Drake Robinson (So., D).
Season outlook: While the Trojans didn't fare well during the conference season in 2015, they rattled off an impressive sectional run that ended against McHenry in the final. It's unorthodox for the Trojans to have a sub-500 record but there is much to build on from last season's playoff success. Up top Kingdom and Lemus will lead the Trojans offensively while Kvapil is a big body in the back. Sergio Lemus and Teddy Price are capable of handling things in goal. "We have a good group of guys," Olson said. "Our goal is to compete and win games but our goal is that we have to get better at the cohesiveness on the field since we have so many kids who haven't played with each other."
CL South GatorsCoach: Brian Allen (10th year, 124-76-15)
Conference: Fox Valley
2015 record: 11-9-4
Top returning athletes: Andrew Grabowski (Sr., F), Spencer Traub (Sr., GK), Nikolas Getzinger (Jr., MF), Ryan Hazel (Jr., D), Ryan Coughlin (So., MF).
Top newcomers: Adam Greenfield (Sr., D), Joel Bennett (Sr., MF), Eashan Patel (Sr., MF), Joey Montalbano (Sr., D), Oscar Campos (Jr., MF), Alex Canfield (Fr., MF/F), Evan Carlson (Fr., D).
Season outlook: The Gators will benefit from the 2G network once again - Grabowski and Getzinger - two dynamic players in the final two-thirds who know how to finish. Grabowski (9 goals, 8 assists) and Getzinger (19 goals, 7 assists) scored or assisted on 43 scoring plays last season and South will look to them again to carry the bulk scoring. "With our top two goal-scorers back, we hope to be potent and diverse in our attack," Allen said. One of those who can provide diversity may be Coughlin, along with several newcomers. Ryan Yazel returns on defense and Spencer Traub, who made 110 saves last season with 5 shutouts and a 1.41 goals allowed average provides stability and experience in goal.
Dundee-Crown ChargersCoach: Rey Vargas (13th year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2015 record: 12-5-4
Top returning athletes: Luis Cruz (Sr., GK), Jeremy Jareckyj (Sr., MF), Julian Ajroja (Jr., F), Gerado Estrada (Jr., MF).
Top newcomers: Brandon Candia (Sr., MF), Roland Dearborn (Fr., F).
Season outlook: Losing all-area and all-conference selection Freddy Martine'zand his 10 goals and 15 assists will hurt, but the youth on the Chargers still get to blend in with a solid core of Jareckyj, Ajroja and Cruz in goal. Jareckyj has been lost in the shadows behind Martinez over the years and one to watch in the midfield while Ajroja can be a potent scorer in the final third. "(Jeremy) doesn't get the recognition but he's a hardworking guy, he's always there in the background getting the job done and helping us through games," Vargas said. "Julian will continue where he left of last year (scoring goals) which is really nice for us to see and Estrada has really stepped up for us, he's all of a sudden stepped it up to the next level." Team defense, working hard, winning the ball - that mentality hasn't changed at D-C. Another positive is that Cruz is healthy in goal this year. "I feel very confident he can do whatever he can do to keep us in games, you can see the difference between last year and where he is now," Vargas added.
East Aurora TomcatsCoach: Nathan Parry (3rd year, 7-29-7)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2015 record: 4-17-2
Season outlook: The Tomcats will look to fill the void of an all-sectional forward, along with the fact it doesn't have any home games on campus due to stadium construction. "The majority of our players are inexperienced at the varsity level. We have a lot of first-year varsity players regardless of grade," Parry said. "The midfield is our strength and we will look for them to be the calming group for this upcoming season and guide us."
Elgin MaroonsCoach: Dave Borg (15th year)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2015 record: 15-9-2 (lost to Jacobs in regional final)
Top returning athletes: Omar Gonzalez (Sr., MF), Tirso Reynoso (Sr., MF), Cesar Gomez (Sr., MF), Andy Zavala (Sr., D), Jesus Lopez (Jr., MF), Jullian Garfias (So., D), Manny Ramirez (So., D), Alex Kunicki (So., D),
Top newcomers: Eric Whiteman (Sr., D) Roberto Martinez (Sr., MF).
Season outlook: Many teams won't feel bad that Jonathan Ramirez and his 36 goals are gone. But Elgin feels confident without him. The loss to Jacobs in the regional final has the team motivated and with the depth they have not just in midfield but all around has the mood in a positive direction. "We've got six guys that can at least score 10," Borg said. "We're two-deep in every position; it's amazing and of course we have the two club kids that came back this year." That would be Whiteman and Benitez, the former a stopper who played for the Maroons his freshman year who heads for West Point next year. He will help bolster a defense that returns Zavala, Garfias, Ramirez and Kunicki. "It seems like everything is falling into place this year," Borg said. "We're going to look better than last year and we're faster. We seem to be more committed. And the senior class, there's a sense of urgency there and the new energy that came from club and we have a nice mix of young kids."
Elgin Academy HilltoppersCoach: Kevin Talbot (3rd year, 14-17-1)
Conference: Independent School League
2015 record: 8-7-1
Top returning athletes: Elliott Wittmeyer (Sr., MF), Karan Gowda (Jr., MF), David Zuzevich (GK).
Top newcomers: Raphae Sami (Fr., F/MF), Pierson Gonzalez (Fr., F/MF).
Season outlook: The Hilltoppers are coming off their first regional win in school history but it might be a step backward as a rebuild is in order. Seven senior starters parted ways and that's huge to a program like Elgin Academy. "In a school of approximately 130 high school students, that's an especially big loss," Talbot said. "So patience and learning will be themes this season." Wittmeyer, though, wasn't one of them. The first-team all-conference, all-sectional player who had 5 goals and 5 assists is someone to watch regardless of the what the end results might be this season. "It won't be easy for Elliott to shine this year with who we lost to graduation but watch out for him," Talbot added. Gowda (1 goal, 4 assists) is another carry-over from last year's team while keeper David Zuzevich is back in goal again.
Geneva VikingsCoach: Ryan Estabrook (13th year, 154-84-28)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2015 record: 5-9-5
Top returning athletes: Jason Morales (Sr., GK), Michael Tirabasso (Sr., D), Ryan Albrecht (Sr., MF), Matt Sweet (Sr., D), Jack Cottrell (Jr., MF).
Top newcomers: Josh Hays (Sr., D).
Season outlook: The Vikings won just 5 games last season but their aspirations for 2016 depend on if they can stay organized and competitive. They return a bevy of players, including midfielder Albrecht who will look to score. "Ryan's been a big goal scorer," Estrabrook said. "He's shown ability to create opportunities and finish those opportunities as well." Cottrell is as skilled of a player as there is in the area according to Estabrook and makes his teammates around him better with the creative soccer he's able to play. Along with Morales back in goal and defensive anchor/captain Sweet, Geneva should see an uptick in results. "We're hoping to contend for the top of the conference this year," Estabrook said. "I'm really encouraged by what I've seen but we can still improve with the talent we have."
Hampshire Whip-PursCoach: John Gosling (9th year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2015 record: 12-8-1
Top returning athletes: Jose Cruz (Sr., MF), Chip Piazza (Sr., D), Doug Stuehler (Sr., F) Braeden Frenette (Jr., D).
Season outlook: Based on its depth and key returning players, Hampshire feels in good shape as it says goodbye to the Fox Valley Fox Division and hello to a revamped, retro Fox Valley Conference where the Whips primarily will face 3A schools on their schedule. After losing to 3A schools like Huntley and CL South by scores of 2-1, let alone the upset loss to Burlington Central in the playoffs last season, the Whip-Purs seek to avenge those losses. "We're hungry to get some of those back that we think we should have won last year," Gosling said. "We have a lot of boys who have a lot of experience who are hungry and if we put one or two in the net we'll be fine." Cruz, an all-area honorable mention, all-sectional midfielder who scored 8 goals and 8 assists last season, will lead that force in the midfield along with Stuehler up front, who scored 15 goals and 6 assists under the radar last year. The Whips' back line is still anchored by Frenette and seniors Piazza and Brendan Lucente on the outside. Keeper Polletta is personally wanting to prove something in net.
Harvest Christian LionsCoach: Sina Vidic (1st year)
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
2015 record: 10-4-2
Top returning athletes: Rafael DeSouza (Sr., F), Cesar Velazquez (Sr., F), Aaron Ptak (Sr., MF), Joey D'Aleassandro (Sr., D), Zach Floyd (Sr., D/MF), Antonio Navarez (Jr., MF), J.T. Frantz (Jr., D).
Top newcomers: Isaak Martinez (Fr., MF), Owen Pisha (Fr., MF), Victor Croitoru (Fr., D).
Season outlook: After a regional win in 2014 with then-coach Jason Acres, the Lions are on their third coach in as many years. They will look to bounce back and return to regional form under Vidic, the Director of Coaching for the Lions Club teams. Vidic is no stranger to this current group. "I know they have some unresolved feelings about last year and they thought last year got away from them," Vidic said. "I told them I'll try to teach them a few things and gives you a few tools but ultimately if you guys come together and put a good stretch together maybe this year there will be something good for us." What else is good is that DeSouza, who could be a top scorer in the area, and Velazquez return as senior attacking forwards while Navarez returns in the midfield. All three have previous all-area honors while three freshmen will help aid D'Alessandro, Floyd and Matthew Baron in the back line. "They've bought into my style and they have a unified goal. We rely on skill, aggressiveness, and see where that takes us," Vidic said.
Huntley Red RaidersCoach: Kris Grabner (14th year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2015 record: 15-6-2, lost in regional final to Guilford
Top returning athletes: Zach Whitaker (Sr., MF), Michael Parks (Sr., GK), Aaron Ruffner (Sr., F), Luke Loprieno (Jr., MF).
Top newcomers: Raemon Savillo (Jr., F), Brandon Ruffner (So., D).
Season outlook: The defense was strong last year for the Red Raiders while the offense struggled at times. This year, Huntley has sort of the opposite going for it. Whitaker and Loprieno will look to hold down the midfield to offset the graduation loss of all-area, all-conference selections Jason Zobott and Michael Zembrzuski, while a speedy Ruffner looks to take advantage of the final third in the scoring department. "I think our offense will be better than last year," Grabner said. "We had trouble finishing last year but we lost majority of the back line. That's going to be a challenge for us." One constant in the back is the net minding and Parks will be relied upon to be vocal for a relatively new back line. "Parks has become a very good communicator on the field, he does a nice job of leading the back line," Grabner said. "He's very athletic."
Jacobs Golden EaglesCoach: Anthony Cappello (7th year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2015 record: 17-5, lost to McHenry in sectional
Top returning athletes: Jacob Moser (Sr., D), Ethan Pickering (Sr., GK), Noah Melick (Jr., F), Colin Walsh (Jr., F).
Season outlook: The tide turned in a big way last season for the Golden Eagles, who worked hard and were rewarded with a regional plaque. A shootout loss to McHenry, which lost in the supersectional to Bartlett, had Jacobs busy this summer. "We had a pretty good summer showing and they felt a little sour after losing in penalties last year," Cappello said. "They've been ready to get this season underway." Notably Melick, an all-area co-captain as a sophomore last season with 18 goals and 10 assists, returns his speed with the idea he has to be more proficient finishing. Walsh (7 goals, 2 assists last season) should aid him in the attack. Six juniors who got limited playing time will get opportunities and provide flexibility on defense. It helps they'll be paired with two 3-year starters, Moser and goalkeeper Pickering, who can provide experience and solidarity in the back. "I think if we can find a way to set the tempo that's best for us, we're going to be pretty effective," Cappello said.
Kaneland KnightsCoach: Scott Parillo (16th year)
Conference: Northern Illinois Big 12 East
2015 record: 8-7-4
Top returning athletes: Angel Escontrias (Sr., F), Trevor Jahns (Sr., F/MF), Brian Bartholomew (Jr., MF/F), Danny Perez (Sr., D/MF).
Top newcomers: Tucker Jahns (Fr., MF/F), Tyler Chapman (Fr., D), Gavin Cano (Fr., D), Zach Smith (Fr., D).
Season outlook: The Knights were held without a regional championship game appearance last year for the first time in the past 6 years. They also graduated 60 players over the last 5 seasons. Lots of adversity has hit Kaneland, which for the time being, has to be patient with 10 underclassmen along with a front loaded schedule with Hampshire, West Aurora, St. Charles North and the PepsiCo Showdown. "They get along very well and the older guys are helping out the younger guys so it's going to take us a little time," said Parillo, who believes his midfield will be a strong asset. "We have a lot of returning players from (the midfield), we're just trying to get them to be a cohesive unit." Escontrias is one to watch as a senior forward who was an all-area, all-conference, all-sectional selection scoring 12 goals and 6 assists despite missing the first 6 games. Jahns, Bartholomew and Perez are also contributors whereas a slew of freshmen, including Chapman, Cano, Smith and Tucker Jahns all have promise. "We have 12 new players to the varsity so it's going to take a little time and with that schedule we set up, we have to give them time," Parillo said.
Larkin RoyalsCoach: Ken Hall (18th year)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2015 record: 7-6-7
Top returning athletes: Roberto Escobar (Sr., MF), Chris Plantz (Sr., MF), Bryan Dominguez (Sr., D).
Top newcomers: Memo Vargas (Jr., MF), Daniel Sema (Jr., D).
Season outlook: Experience was an issue last season for the Royals, who lost or tied in 9 games last year in the final 5 minutes of the match. Evident by 7 ties, a tweak here or there could prove vital for Larkin, which returns 9 juniors and sophomores better ready to handle the varsity level. And they look to be controlling in the midfield this year with Escobar and Plantz returning. "If there is one place I'd like to be the strongest it is the midfield," Hall said. "I'm pretty confident we're going to be strong there." Vargas and Serna seem to slot right into what Larkin's doing and a scoring by committee will serve the final third for the Royals. Freshman Jorge Nava and junior Bryan Arredondo are splitting time in goal, each with individual strengths. Overall depth is abundant at Larkin, the deepest team Hall can remember at Larkin as the drop-off in subs isn't much.
Marmion Academy CadetsCoach: Ricky Del Toro
Conference: Chicago Catholic League
2015 record: 9-8-3
Top returning athletes: Sean Miller (Sr., F), Nick Grant (Sr., MF), Danny Galush (Sr., GK).
Top newcomers: TJ Launch (Fr.), Matthew Lagman (Jr., D).
Season outlook: Losing two defenders, especially Joe Duffield to graduation, was a blow to the Cadets for this season. But Marmion was dealt another blow when defenders Benji Garcia and Thomas Powell both tore their ACLs in the preseason. It doesn't get any easier, especially in a merged Catholic League, which will combine the North and South divisions. But there is a silver lining. "We are dropping to (Class) 2A for the playoffs so it's been four years since we've won a playoff game," Del Toro said. "We'll see how we can do there." Galush had 10 shutouts in goal last year and provides stability between the posts. Miller returns as the Cadets' leading scorer whereas Grant will be the table setter.
South Elgin Storm Coach: Simon Brinkow (1st year)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2015 record: N/A
Top returning athletes: Derek Baker (Sr., F), Jimmy Kelleher (Sr., MF), Javier Lujan (Sr., F), AJ Kirkby (Jr., D).
Top newcomers: Alan Gomez (Sr., F), Rasmus Vammen (So., D).
Season outlook: Brinklow, who is the Director of Coaching for the Bartlett Travel Soccer Club and former coach at ECC for both the men's and women's programs, will bring 15 years of coaching experience to the Storm. Originally from England, Brinklow is finding a system that works best with his players, which includes all-area honorable selection in Baker, who scored at least 15 goals last season, as well as Lujan and Gomez, players up top who he hopes can lead by example. But the team has to be strong at its core, as Kelleher plus defenders Kirkby and Denmark-transfer Vammen will help solidify the Storm, who aim to be intelligent in identifying their opponents pretty quick. "It's important to be strong down the spine of the team," Brinklow said. "Like a strong central defensive partnership."
St. Charles East SaintsCoach: Paul Jennison
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2015 record: 14-5-2
Top returning athletes: Chris Edgerton (Sr., MF), Kevin Cook (Sr., GK), Steven Owens (Sr., GK), John Kempff (Sr., D), Mitchell Lucatorto (Sr., D), Justin Stepien (Sr., F),
Top newcomers: Keiran Willig-Frederich (Sr., D)
Season outlook: The tradition of being built from the back with a fluid passing game is always the focus for the Saints, who have had great regular seasons but nothing to show for it in the playoffs recently. A playoff-ready regular season schedule should help the Saints prepare them in hopes for better success come postseason as their last regional win came in 2013. "We've been knocking on the door that past few years and we've had great regular seasons and we've been ranked very highly whether it be statewide or nationally but for some reason we've always fallen short at the hurdle," Jennison said. "The reality is we've got to play the mentality that we can't be a team who does great without any pressure then falls apart when it really matters." All-area players Tyler Champine (all-sectional) and all-stater Brian DiLeonardi were on the list of graduates, but up to six full-time starters return. Cook and Owens give the Saints a solid goalie corps while Lucatorto, Kempff and Edgerton help bolster their traditional back line and midfield. "We're very balanced at the moment but if we continue getting shutouts with the talent we got going forward we should be able to cause some teams some problems," Jennison said. "And it's just trying to get some consistency on a regular basis."
St. Charles North North StarsCoach: Eric Willson (12th year, 158-52-26)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2015 record: 14-4-2, lost to Bartlett in regional final
Top returning athletes: Ryan Olson (Sr., MF), Jonathan Acevedo (Sr., F), Luke Denson (Sr., D).
Top newcomers: David Gorniak (Sr., MF).
Season outlook: The defending Upstate Eight River champs come into 2016 loaded with experience, including a talented all-area midfielder in Olson, who had 4 game-winning goals last season. Olson is a box-to-box mid that is the jack-of-all-trades for the North Stars. "It's no secret he's a big-time player for us," Willson said. "He defends really well, wins balls in the air and has a unique ability to go forward in the right spots. He helps every facet in our game and is an important part of our game." North also looks pretty balanced in the final third and on the back line, with Acevedo and Denson controlling those aspects. A wild card would be Gorniak, who broke his collarbone in 2014 and played club last season. But with experience and leadership a byproduct of that aside, North has had nothing to show for in terms of a regional plaque since 2011. "These last few years, winning a regional has been a puzzle for us," Willson said of the parity in the area. "I don't think we were disappointed in the success we had last year, that spoke more to what that team was about and this group wants to define themselves in their own way and we'll try to do that with every game will play. "
St. Edward Green WaveCoach: Tim Brieger (22nd season, 168-265-20)
Conference: Metro Suburban
2015 record: 5-9-5 (2-4 MSC). Lost in regional title game to Hinckley-Big Rock.
Top returning athletes: Alec Uscila (Sr., MF), Isaac Nordan (Sr., D), Sebastian Modzen (Sr., D), AJ Franklin (Jr., F), Will Gaston (Jr., MF), Carson Scarnegie (So., MF). Zach Olenek (So., MF)
Top newcomers: Uriel Carachure (So., F), Peter Cholewa (So., GK), Josh Johansen (Fr., F), Chase Brieger (Fr., MF/F), Evan Sajtar (Fr., GK).
Season outlook: While inexperience was an issue last season, the flip side to 2016 is depth and the Green Wave are loaded. Thirty-one players have come out and the key to their success is Franklin, who scored 21 goals as a sophomore and looks to be a leader in the area in scoring once again. An all-MSc conference selection, his dynamics will find freshman Chase Brieger and Johansen up front. Things could be looking up for Brieger and company if they can finish in the final third. "(If we can add) to that, the experience, strength and skill of Uscila and Gaston and the speed and skill of Olenek and Carachure, we will look to put up some big numbers this year," Brieger said. "With most of the team being young, youthful mistakes will happen. But the sophomore class returns a lot of experience with seven of them seeing major action and/or starting last season." The Wave should be well-tested, with an entry in the PepsiCo Showdown this season.
Streamwood SabresCoach: Matt Polovin (17th year)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2015 record: 10-7-4
Top returning athletes: Daniel Dominguez (Jr., GK), Gregorio Esteves (Jr., MF), Oscar Chavez (Jr., MF), Bryan Mora (So., MF), Alex Chavez (So., F), Kristian Niemiec (Jr., MF), Carlos Gonzalez (Jr., D), Rafa Gil (Jr., MF/D), Aldo Lazaro (Jr., F), Ivan Gonzalez (Sr., D), Alex Herrera (Jr., F), Jorge Bracamontes (So., F), Nick Gaviria (Sr., GK/D).
Top newcomers: Tony Hodzic (Jr., MF), Jesus Limon (So., F), Mike Rubio (So., D), Rolando Martinez (So., MF), Edwin Peralta (Fr., MF), Leo Magana (Fr., MF).
Season outlook: You would think with just three seniors on the team, the Sabres would be inexperienced. That's not the case as five members on the current roster were either freshmen or sophomores on the state team that took home fourth place in 2014. Rafa Gil is one of them, who will help anchor the ship in the midfield, along with the Chavez brothers, Bracamontes, Herrera, and Lazaro, who suffered an injury in the sectionals of the state run. Even two freshmen, Peralta and Magana should see time. "We have a bunch of guys that can put the ball in the back of the net," said Polovin. "We have a good corps of fast, technical players that don't back down from anyone. My defenders are pretty hard core players and go hard for everything. They want to go into every game looking for a shutout. They want a win, but they want a shutout and help out Daniel and give him as much help as possible." Those defenders will be Carlos and Ivan Gonzalez, as well as Gaviria and Rubio, who should provide Dominguez another inch of insurance.
West Aurora BlackhawksCoach: Joe Susternic
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2015 record: 4-8-11
Top returning athletes: Jose Munoz (Sr., F), Chris Duran (Sr., D), Zuriel Badillo (Sr., D).
Top newcomers: Emanuel Acosta (Jr., F), Renato Cruz (Jr., MF)
Season outlook: Talk about craziness - the Blackhawks had 11 ties last year - that's right, 11. For a team with that many ties there was very much a learning process to gain. "The one thing that's really helping us is that we played the entire season one-goal victory, one-goal defeat or a tie," Susternic said." I think they picked up that ability to realize every game is winnable, every game can be decided all the way to the last moment." Munoz and Acosta are finishers who provide a strength in the final third that can change some of those outcomes in the balance. Defensively, Duran and Badillo, starters in 26-straight, will bolster the back line as a key strength for West Aurora while inexperience on the flip side with only seven lettermen returning will be a challenge. But those with experience coming back have a new, refined attitude and a knowledge of what's expected that's being passed down to the newcomers.
Westminster Christian WarriorsCoach: Erik Schwartz (8th year)
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
2015 record: 10-9
Top returning athletes: Nick Kleczynski (Sr., MF), Ben Versluys (Jr., GK), Will Kmeciak (So., F).
Top newcomers: Anthony Callabrese (Jr., D), Dillion Leach (Fr., MF).
Season outlook: The Warriors graduated one player from their 2015 roster so depth and experience will be at their disposal. Unfortunately, Kmeciak, their 25-goal scorer last season, broke his leg a week prior to training camp and is out for the season, a major blow to say the least. "Over the summer he improved quite a bit but it is what it is," Schwartz said. "Other guys are going to have to step up and take on that role, so we're still figuring things out." It's going to take a total team effort, getting timely goals, for Westminster to have success, as well as avoiding the injury bug. The youth will have to step up. "Dillion (Leach) is good player but he is young and he'll be strong and Callabrese is a very fast and strong player. He's another one to help us." The Warriors will have all-conference goalie Versluys returning to the net.