Boys soccer: Northwest All-Area team

Jesus Avila WheelingHighly capable of being an attacking player in advanced areas, this two-year starter was a striking figure when watching him play with his ability to comfortably play out of the back to his teammates. "Jesus anchored a young defense, and not only was he our captain, leading both on and off the field, he was also our heart and soul," said Wheeling coach Kevin Lennon, who was reliant on this first time all-MSL, all-sectional, all-area senior to keep track of the game at all times with superb positional play. "When we struggled offensively, he was able to keep us in the game, but it was his work ethic that made him one of the best leaders here ever," added Lennon. Dominican University remains a potential landing spot next fall for Avila.

Artur Cholewa FremdThe Vikings' junior was part of a defense that conceded the fewest goals in the Mid-Suburban League this season (3) and just 12 overall for a year in which this two-year starter recorded 13 shutouts in 20 games. "Artur made the saves when we needed them, and he rose to the occasion to play at a very high level," said Fremd coach Steve Keller. "He has good hands, patrols the box extremely well, and along with Jake (Schoffstall) were the steadying forces on the defensive side of the ball." Had a dazzling 0.61 goals against average.

Kevin Eloiza Buffalo GroveThe crown jewel of the MSL champions, this three-year starter enjoyed a magnificent final year for the Bison who impressed from start to finish, capped by the humble star earning all-state honors, and being named as the captain of the 2018 Daily Herald All-Area team. "Kevin was our quiet leader who didn't seek fame, but always did his part to help the team achieve our main goal of winning the MSL Soccer Cup," said his coach, Darren Llewellyn. "He's as humble as they come, and one who possesses phenomenal touch, vision and technical and tactical abilities that set him apart from others." He had 9 goals, 18 assists and 4 game-winners this season.

Alex Gonzalez Hoffman EstatesCoach Sean Armstrong's free flowing brand of soccer originated in the middle and at the heart of it all was the duo of this three-year starter, and his young teammate, Georgi Kyosev, who joined Gonzalez on this year's all-area roster. "Alex has been an integral leader in the rebuild of our program, witnessed by his organization of an indoor team, offseason workouts and summer camps, and doing all the things a captain is asked to do, plus more," said Armstrong.

Eduardo Hernandez LeydenLeyden's brightest star the past two seasons, the Eagles' captain enjoyed yet another remarkable season with 19 goals and 26 assists, giving this two-time all-state, all-area forward a staggering 41 and 54 in his brilliant career for coach Mark Valintis. "Eduardo was a big-time player who made things happen in every game, but does so by playing the game the right way, while also doing the same in the classroom as well," said Valintis.

Sergio Lucero-Herrera Rolling MeadowsThree-year starter produced yet another sparkling season despite battling a separated shoulder which forced the two-time all-area, all-MSL senior to miss time. "We struggled so much when Sergio was out, but when he was here, he would light things up with his great speed which was the focal point of our attack that gave our opponents fits," said Meadows coach Brett Olson. "It was the speed he possessed that gave him the confidence to put himself in dozens of dangerous situations all throughout the season."

Christian Kozaczka Buffalo Grove

Two-year starter was pivotal in back-to-back dream seasons for the Bison, culminating in the first MSL title in 30 years. "Christian was our defensive leader, and captain, who had a tremendous understanding of tactical team movement, and was always willing to learn and adapt his game based upon my requests during games," said coach Darren Llewellyn. A first time all-MSL, all-sectional, all-area performer.

Georgi Kyosev Hoffman Estates

The lone sophomore on the 2018 All-Area team is a ball playing midfielder with immense potential, and one who is expected to be a key figure during the next two seasons for coach Sean Armstrong. "Georgi moved to this country from Bulgaria last November, and instantly integrated himself in the program as a leader who challenges himself, and his teammates to play at a higher level," said Armstrong. "He brings incredible skills as an attacker and defender, has terrific vision, and excellent knowledge of a game that he loves so much, and just cannot get enough of."

Brandon Lazcano-Llanos Elk Grove

Grens head coach Alex Stavropoulos challenged this two-year starter to take on the leadership role to a young club, and he did exactly that and more. "Brandon always had the technical ability to be one of the best at his position, but when he added that to the other elements of his game, he became the type of player who made everyone around him so much better," Stavropoulos said. The Grens' captain spent hours upon hours during the offseason to refine his talent, including extra time in the weight room.

Dorian Lesiuk FremdOne of four players whose return from club soccer helped the Vikings reach the MSL Soccer Cup, and lift a regional championship trophy this past season. "Dorian moved up top and adjusted with ease from his usual spot as a midfielder, and gave us a presence up top, and someone who could hold the ball, allowed numbers to push forward and create opportunities," said Fremd coach Steve Keller. "He played with an incredible work rate, and captained our team to a very successful season." Led team with 12 goals, while adding 3 helpers.

Patrick Limanowka ProspectThree-year veteran offered a great deal more than scoring goals for coach Mike Andrews as his off ball running, intelligent movement and end product proved valuable for the Knights. "Patrick was the heart of our attack this year," said Andrews. "He's an incredible finisher, has uncanny ability to position himself in holes between defenders, but this year, because we needed him to play more of a midfield role, he led the team in assists (8) while almost always being involved in the generation of the goal."

Sammy Olague Rolling Meadows

The other half of the Mustangs' dynamic duo, Olague capped his wonderful career under coach Brett Olson with all-area, all-MSL, all-sectional honors for a second consecutive season. "While his goal scoring numbers dipped a bit from last year (14), Sammy put his focus on creating more opportunities for his teammates," said Olson. "He knew he was the focus of every other team's scouting report, and that our success would come from how he would get others involved, which he did with excellence."

Jon Peici Buffalo Grove

Breakout season for this Bison forward who bagged 11 goals this season, six of which were game-winners, and most in spectacular fashion. "Jon has a shot that rivals any player's power when on target to create havoc for keepers to stop or hold," said BG coach Darren Llewellyn. "He came up with goals during games where it meant the difference between winning the division or not. There were games he just wore defensive players out with his strength and pace."

Zaul Perez St. Viator

This two-time all-ESSC, all-sectional rise to stardom was predicted by Lions coach Mike Taylor, who knew he had a good one from the very beginning. "From the first time we saw him here as a freshmen, it was clear he was a very talented player, and one that eventually would become a difference maker for us in the middle, while just being a great kid as well." Stellar career ended with 8 goals, 12 assists.

Connor Sapiente FremdHis return from club ball would help the Vikings' midfield take shape to become one of the best units in the area for coach Steve Keller. "Connor was our captain, and it was a role he embraced with class, while playing at a high work rate, and relentless pressure without the ball which were all inspiring to our team," Keller said. "He possesses tremendous foot skills, and never complained when he was moved all over the attacking six positions, until settling in as a midfielder."

Trey Schmidt HerseyThis two-year starter is hailed for his ball-winning ability, unselfish distribution, tactical awareness and an incredibly high work rate that made him one of the top all-around midfielders. "Trey exemplifies leadership, and he's been such an essential part of the success of our team this season," said Hersey coach Mike Rusniak. "He can play anywhere, and his impact is immediately recognized because he plays at such a high level."

Jake Schoffstall FremdThis two-year starter has benefited from being molded into the style of Vikings' defensive play by one of the best in coach Steve Keller. "Jake was our glue. He was our central defender who came forward on all set pieces, but it was his ability to shut down the attack of our opponents which was instrumental in our success. He was calm under pressure, and rises to the occasion in big games," said Keller. . Led the club with 8 goals, giving him 15 thus far for his career.

Noah Sebens BarringtonBroncos attack-minded central defender was one of just a few returning players from the 2017 championship club, and it was his play along the back that helped a young unit register 5 shutouts in league play. "Noah plays hard and fearlessly, especially when challenging in aerial duels, and was instrumental in organizing our back line and defensive rotations," said Barrington coach Scott Steib. "He was a tough competitor who gave us a spark and heartbeat in many games when we really needed it."

Jared Urueta WheelingThis two-year starter was a budding prospect a year ago among several high profile players however this season, the senior would join a long list of star players who impressed everywhere he went to earn a laundry list of postseason honors. "Jared is as skilled a player there is, whose versatility and willingness to do whatever was needed to help the team made him the exceptional player he is," said Wheeling coach Kevin Lennon. Named all-Midwest, all-state and co-MSL POY along with Buffalo Grove's Kevin Eloiza.

Jason Ybarra Maine WestGraceful on the ball, technically gifted, with the ability to pick out a pass, or find the back of the net, this classy two year Warriors star broke the school record for assists (33) after recording 12 this year to go along with 17 goals to give him 20 and 33 for his career. "For the past two seasons, Jason has been the reason for our success," said Maine West coach Alan Matan. "He's a quiet leader, but shows his passion for the game, both at training and in matches. He's been quality ever since coming here."

Honorable mention

Connor Aikman (Palatine, Jr, MF), Niko Argyros (Barrington So, MF), Luis Aviles (Wheeling, Sr, F), Joey Boduch (Prospect, Sr, MF), Sam Bogner (Schaumburg, Jr, D), Patryk Bujak (Hersey, So, F), Tony Cabral (Hoffman Estates, Sr, D), Nick Clarizio (Hersey, Sr, GK), Vince Daidone-Petrovich (Fremd, Sr, MF), David Duwal (Leyden, Sr, GK), Luis Godines (Elk Grove, Jr, F), Patrick Hammarlund (St. Viator, Sr, DMF), Brian Hanus (Buffalo Grove, Sr, D), Will Hartman (St. Viator, Sr, F), Major Hassan (Hersey, Sr, F), Emerson Herrera (Maine West, Sr, F), Paul Jonas (Elk Grove, Sr, D), Ryan Kim (Buffalo Grove, Jr, MF), Aidan Lew (Barrington, So, MF), Szymon Mocarski (Prospect, Jr, GK), Peyton Myers (Prospect, Sr, F), Sota Ono (Conant, Sr, F-MF), Edison Orantes (Hoffman Estates, Sr, F), Brian Perez (Buffalo Grove, So, MF), Julio Pereznegron (Maine West, Jr, D), Alex Pillath (Elk Grove, Sr, D), Piotr Pyz (Conant, Sr, GK), Adan Ramirez (Rolling Meadows, Jr, MF), Kevin Reynolds (Palatine, Jr, D), Miguel Rodriguez (Wheeling, Sr, MF), Justin Scholler (Maine West, Sr, MF), Jason Schoo (Schaumburg, Jr, MF), David Stahl (St. Viator, Jr, MF), Anthony Tambellini (Fremd, Sr, MF), Michael Tangredi (St. Viator, Sr, MF), Cal Uhryniak (Barrington, Sr, GK), Ronan Wilcox (Hersey, So, MF).