Boys soccer: Scouting Northwest

MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Brad Abel (3rd year, 20-17-6).

Last year: 8-10-4 (4-4-3).

Graduation losses: Alex Alfaro (MF-F, two-time all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, playing at Wisconsin). Tyler Nieman (D, all-MSL, playing at Bellarmine University), Cullen O'Doherty (D, all-MSL).

Top returning players: Seniors Jack Keady (D), Kyle Adams (MF), Michael Botello (MF), Manny Mazariegos (MF, all-MSL), Daniel Sempoch (GK); juniors Kevin Elioza (F, all-MSL), Joe Peici (F), Brian Hanus (D), Sam Turesbekov (MF); sophomores Marcin Czaplinski (D), Jake Salzman (GK).

New faces to watch: Senior Daniel Vidal (F); juniors Christian Kozaczka (D); sophomores Ryan Kim (MF), Alex Berk (MF), Shane Adams (D); freshmen Alexis Esobar (F).

Outlook: The Bison lost just two players from a year ago - but they were darn good ones, and Alex Alfaro and Tyler Nieman may be next to impossible to replace this season. "Alex was clearly one of the best technical and one-on-one players in the state, while Tyler gave us so much leadership along the back to go along with his all around play as a defender. Their shoes will be tough to fill," said coach Brad Abel. However, in Kevin Eloiza and Kyle Adams, the BG coach has quality, speed and dynamic play to lean on, while steady veteran Jack Keady will assume leadership duties on the backline. A demanding early schedule includes games in the Northside College Showcase at New Trier; the Bison passed one test Tuesday by topping St. Charles East 3-2.

Elk GroveCoach: Alex Stavropoulos (1st year).

Last year: 4-13-1 (2-10-1)

Graduation losses: Noe Centeno (D-MF), Markos Christoforou (D, all-MSL, two-time state tennis qualifier), Sammi Casas (GK), Jesus Castrejon (D), Edgar Gomez (MF), Jesus Gonzalez (GK), Charlie Konsolakis (MF), Danny Martinez (MF), Ronald Olague (D-MF), Suraj Patel (F), Ivan Perez (MF), Roy Ramirez (D), Rodrigo Robles (MF), Alex Tijerin (MF), Luis Villasenor (MF), Joey Weber (D, all-MSL, club), Dylan Ingebrictsen (F, club), James Spatafore (D, club).

Top returning players: Seniors Oscar Gonzalez (D), Misa Contreras (MF).

New faces to watch: Junior Paul Jonas (MF); sophomore Hector Torres (MF).

Outlook: The former Stevenson star and Grens assistant takes over a program which has fallen on hard time and struggled to find its form the past couple of seasons. "We want to change the culture of one that instills not only winning games, but having a lot of pride in our program in addition to the way we train and play," said Stavropoulos. The affable new head coach has a roster which is all in on his approach, and one that will likely come around and play some quality soccer if the work rate and discipline he has seen from the very start is any indication.

HerseyCoach: Darren Llewelyn (12th year, 115-79-30).

Last year: 14-3-2 (8-1-2), regional champs

Graduation losses: Adam Szymaszek (GK, all-state, all-area, all-MSL, 0.79, 8.0, attending Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy, England), Christian Castro (MF, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, 13 assists), Steve Custer (MF, all-MSL, all-area), Matt Dickey (F, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, 12g), Danny Gritt (F-MF, all-MSL), Jack Rasmussen (MF, all-MSL), Giuseppe Scaletta (D), Jack Skiba, Saul Casillas (F), Colin Mallers (F).

Top returning players: Seniors Mick Santry (D), Kevin Roman (MF), Jessie Lopez (F).

New faces to watch: Junior Trey Schmidt (MF).

Outlook: In a season when the MSL suffered major graduation losses across the board, perhaps no club was hit harder in terms of its first 11 than the Huskies, whose lone defeat in the conference last fall was to eventual MSL champ Wheeling. Nine starters are gone, including an all-state goalkeeper. As a group, they understood the many pressing schemes, varied formations and tactical approaches coach Darren Llewelyn employs. "We are very - very young - so young and inexperienced that I am not sure what we will have until a couple of weeks into the season," said the Huskies coach, who will lean on one of his few returning starters, Santry, to anchor a brand new backline.

ProspectCoach: Mike Andrews (1st year).

Last year: 7-10-2 (4-6-1).

Graduation losses: Grant Whitebloom (D, all-MSL), Nick Kosla (MF), James Estrella (D, all-MSL), Scott Gumowski (D), Joe Passmore (D), Evan Milligan (D), Lucas Maggos (F-MF), Dominik Limanowka (F-MF), Jakub Bochenek (F-MF), Mark Smirnow (injury).

Top returning players: Seniors Aaron Whiteman (MF), Nico Mho (F-MF, all-MSL), Kevin Shane (GK, all-MSL); juniors Patrick Limanowka (F), Joey Boduch (MF), Tengis Tulga (D).

New faces to watch: Juniors Daniel LaCost (D), Alex Predescu (MF-F), Michael Kaczowka (MF-F); sophomores Edmund Conroy (D), Bryan Morrisson (D-MF).

Outlook: The third new head coach in the division brings experience as a long-time assistant in the Knights program. He was also a player during some of the golden years of the late 90's under Hall-of-the-Fame coach Mike Taylor at St. Viator before going on to play at DePaul University. "I am very excited about the challenge ahead for myself and these guys who have given it their all during training," Andrews said. "They have shown they have desire, discipline and heart needed in order to succeed in what inevitably will be a tough schedule in and away from the MSL. We'll be strong in the middle (beginning with Aaron Whiteman and Nico Mho) but we also have a young roster with just six seniors, and several players who will be first-time varsity guys. The varsity experience goes fast, so it's my job to make it a positive one, and I feel with this group we'll be able to do so."

Rolling MeadowsCoach: Brett Olson (1st year).

Last year: 1-14-0 (1-10-0)

Graduation losses: Pedro Botello (MF, all-MSL, playing at Harper), Alex Bielec (MF), Junior Sanchez (MF), Tony Montesinos (MF), Tommy Martin (F), Del Campo (injured).

Top returning players: Seniors Christian Valladares (D), Juan Salas (D), Juan Bahena (D), Jose Zarate (F); juniors Sammy Olague (MF), Sergio Lucero Herrera (F-MF), Michael Taskin (MF), Jason Flores (D); sophomore Matt Galvan (GK).

New faces to watch: Junior Anthony Kozlowski (F); sophomores Erik Martens (MF), Fabian Sarabia (MF), Adan Ramirez (MF), Isaac San Roman (D).

Outlook: After serving as an assistant for the past seven years, the 2005 Mustangs grad Brett Olson takes over. He intends to bring a fresh approach and plenty of optimism to the program in which he once starred. "We won just one game last season, and that didn't sit very well with our returning players, and especially the seniors who want to show they can play and be successful while at the same time laying the foundation for the future of our program," Olson said. Every new coach needs skilled players to build around, and Olson has just that in the midfield duo of (Olague and Herrera). From the outset, it those the veterans will do their part to inject something different into the attack, while helping their mates play a better brand of football this season. "We have lots of speed and technical skill in the midfield, which should help provide opportunities in the final third, but we also have plenty of youth, as we sometimes might have five sophomores in our starting lineup," said Olson.

WheelingCoach: Kevin Lennon (2nd year, 16-3-1).

Last year: 16-3-1 (9-1-1), MSL, regional champions.

Graduation losses: Jonathan Sanchez (MF, all-state, two-time all-area, 2017 MSL East POY, two-time all-MSL, playing at Loyola), Konrad Malinowski (F, all-area, all-MSL, 18g, playing at Lewis), Jose Aguilar (D, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL), Dennis Gavrila (F, 10g), Jose Castillo (GK, all-MSL, 1.00).

Top returning players: Seniors David Soto (D, all-area, all-MSL), Vicente Castro, MF, all-area, all-MSL, 13 assists), Jose Mariscal (F, all-MSL, 15g), Randy Pietrowski (D), Jared Ureta (D), Jesus Avila (D), Robert Cruz (MF), Jonathan Ayala (GK).

New faces to watch: Senior Phil Bucko (F); juniors Miguel Rodriguez (MF), Jose Gonzalez (F), Alan Araujo (F), Jose Flores (F), Alex Ibarra (D); sophomores Pablo Herrera (D), Jason Rivas (MF).

Outlook: Kevin Lennon took over as coach just days before the 2016 regular season, and the former Palatine star ended up enjoying a memorable ride with his first team as Wheeing won its second MSL trophy in program history with a thrilling victory over Barrington. "That was an unbelievable season we enjoyed last year, even though it ended far too soon in sectionals," said Lennon. "We lost a lot of truly talented players, but there's a terrific core back. We should be able to create, score and do a lot of things well - but there's work to be done, and it's a long season." The MSL East favorites have firepower perhaps unmatched in the league. It's certainly time to shine for the dynamic duo of Vicente Castro and Jose Mariscal, who were key contributors to the cause last season and are ready to be among the best at their positions in the area. David Soto is already there along the back line, while his teammate Randy Pietrowski isn't far off. The loss of the underrated and sometimes spectacular Jose Castillo between the sticks is a tough one, but his apprentice, Jonathan Ayala, is eager to assume his role as a starter. During the early stages, Lennon will look to improve his depth from several new players on his roster.

MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Scott Steib (18th year, 314-98-39), 374-126-46 (career).

Last year: 23-4-1 (MSL West champs, regional, sectional, supersectional champs, lost to Naperville North (3-2) in 3A state final).

Graduation losses: Nash Pirie (two-time all-state, MSL West POY, Daily Herald all-area co-captain, IHSSCA player of the year, 30 career assists, playing at Michigan State), Zach Carbonara (MF, all-area, two-time all-MSL, all-sectional, 8g, Iowa), Josh Coulter (D, Harper College), Jordan Fermin (F, Harper College), John Gadbois (D, all-area, all-MSL), Caleb Orr (MF-F, 8g), Kyle Owen (MF-F, Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Alex Ramirez (F, Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Alex Ruffolo (GK, 0.60, Lawrence U.), Hudson Walsh (D, Missouri), Kai Sebens (MF).

Top returning players: Seniors Klaus Pallan (F, all-MSL, all-state, all-area, 31g), Gio Guarnero (MF, all-area, all-MSL), Enrico Ruffolo (MF, 13a), Connor Delahunt (MF), Charlie Frank (MF), Justin Funk (F), Brett Sprengel (GK); junior Michael Blanke (F, 11g).

New faces to watch: Senior Nathan Patterson D).

Outlook: Steib' team was beaten to the MSL title by Wheeling last season, but the disappointment of finishing second in the league was mitigated later by a thrilling, memorable run into state tournament which ended when the Broncos fell in a Class 3A state final to Naperville North. "It was a great time for soccer at Barrington last year, one that I won't forget - but there's work to be done this year if we hope to have another run in us come October," said Steib. The Broncos return the area's goal-scoring leader, Klaus Pallan, as well as the technically gifted Gio Guarnero in the middle, along with his running mate Enrico Ruffolo. But the state runners-up lost an entire all-star backline, including the player of the year in Illinois, Nash Pirie. "If we can get organized and stable as a defensive unit and lean on our strength in the middle and up top, we're then capable of challenging for another division title and more later on in the playoffs," Steib said.

ConantCoach: Jason Franco (10th year, 96-85-33).

Last year: 16-9-0 (4th, 3A state tournament).

Graduation losses: Kevin Sindewald (MF, two-time all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, 8a, Illinois), Matt Biernat (D, all-area, all-MSL, Florida), Noah Ozbag (F, all-MSL, playing at Harper), Michael Rizzo (D, all-MSL, 9g, playing at Aurora U.), Nico Scimeca (F, all-MSL, 7g, Bradley), Jason Fillingim (MF).

Top returing players: Seniors Brandon Chlopek (MF), Mateudz Pasula (F), Tommy Biernat (D), Harris Dibek (F, 8g); juniors Sota Ono (F, all-MSL, all-sectional, 11g), Eduardo Dorado (F), Piotr Pyz (GK).

New faces to watch: Seniors Jose Ramirez (MF), Alec Panayotov (MF).

Outlook: Not an overwhelming favorite to lift any postseason trophies during the preseason chatter last season, a rejuvenated Cougars club came alive to put together an improbable playoff run which ended with a 3A fourth-place state finish and the third state trophy in program history. A half-dozen prominent players from that 2016 team have graduated, but there's still plenty of returning firepower according to coach Jason Franco. "Five guys - Ono, Chlopek, Pasula, Dibek, Dorado - all played big minutes in the midfield or up top on our state team from a year ago, and we'll be looking for that group to generate plenty of chances this season," said Franco, who can count on center back Tommy Biernat and keeper Piotr Pyr to form a tough tandem in the back.

FremdCoach: Steve Keller (20th year, 239-149-66).

Last year: 8-10-3 (4-6-1).

Graduation losses: John Kassar (GK, all-MSL), James Lefevre (MF, all-MSL, Drake), Shintaro Hidaka (MF, all-MSL), Michael LaBarge (F, all-MSL), Eric Magnusson (MF), Arata Osaki (D), John Roubik (MF), Carson Vitosh (D), Nate Castro (D), Bobby Burk (D), Anthony Tambellini (MF-F, club soccer), Yuma Yamamoto (D, club soccer), Vince Daidone (MF, club soccer)

Top returning players: Seniors Matt Austin (MF-F), Dalton Rogers (MF-D), Ben Cuthbert (D), Max Clark (MF-D), Angel Virgos (MF-F), Vania Martin (F), Max Meyer (MF-D); junior Yoshi Otani (D).

New faces to watch: Seniors Jules Koautchou (D); juniors Ryan Cox (F), Jake Scesniak (MF), Connor Sapiente (MF), Bahka Khotamov (F); sophomores Jake Schoffstall (MF-F), Artur Cholewa (GK), Russell Beaupre (MF-F), Kaelan Conway (D), Josh Bennett (F-MF).

Outlook: The Vikings appear strong enough to set their sights high this year, and veteran players along with coach Steve Keller are determined to come back from a disappointing 2016 to challenge Barrington and Conant for superiority in the MSL West. "We have a good blend of returning players along with newcomers that give us more depth, plus I feel our senior leadership is solid and should provide some needed support for a group that is mostly new to the varsity level," said Keller. Matt Austin will be among the best in the league; the two-year starter brings an added dimension to the Vikings' attack. Likewise with Dalton Rogers, from his role on the outside. If Keller and his staff can sort things out along the back, the Vikings will compete with most everyone on match day.

Hoffman EstatesCoach: Matt Sriver (14th year) 65-137-23.

Last year: 9-8-0 (5-6-0).

Graduation losses: Luis Gurrola (MF, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, 8g), Noe Padilla (MF, all-MSL, all-sectional), Sebestian Cajiao (D, all-MSL), Ted Panov (MF), Juan Serrano (D), Gilberto Perez (D), Lisandro Sanchez (MF-F).

Top returning players: Seniors Joey Sopikiotis (MF, all-MSL), Nelson Diaz (D), Ben Palacios (MF); juniors Edson Orantes (F), Tony Cabral (MF), Alex Gonzalez (MF).

New faces to watch: Sophomore Simeon Georgiev (F).

Outlook: The Hawks put together a remarkable season a year ago, finishing in the middle of the table for the first time in recent memory, while recording its first above-.500 record at the same time. "We finally broke through and won more games in the MSL to help finish with a respectable record, and we're looking to build off that success from a year ago," said coach Matt Sriver. "The competition has been great, and that not only will help us this year, but also in the future." Sriver will look to talented senior Joey Sopikiotis to be at the controls at midfield, a position he feels is the strength of his club this fall, along with the forwards.

PalatineCoach: Willie Filian (27th year), 349-154-52

Last year: 10-7-2 (5-1-5).

Graduation losses: Javier Garcia (MF, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, 9g, Marquette), Dylan Ruzbasan (GK, all-MSL, all-sectional, playing at Springfield College, Mass.), Jonathan Inez-Rodriguez (D-MF, all-MSL, playing at Lincoln College), George Soipan (F, playing at Benedictine U. ), Danny Pacheo (D-MF, all-MSL, Illinois), David Lopez (D, Indiana), Ricardo Gonzalez (MF), Spencer Poklop (D).

Top returning players: Seniors Sebastian Frazcek (MF-F, all-area, all-MSL, 7g, 11a), Conor McGarvey (MF-D), Chris Munoz (D), Griffin Falotico (D-MF), Kevin Filian (F), Ethan Bank (GK), Will Riordan (F).

New faces to watch: Seniors Ricardo Garcia (F), Luke Garrett (F), Miguel Barrera (D), Connor Nix (D), Marcos Hurtado (F-MF); junior Jorge Corona (MF).

Outlook: The Pirates stayed in the division race as long as they could in 2016, but the inability to find the back of the net on a regular basis was a problem as Palatine had 5 draws in league play. "We really had our troubles with our attack, and we hope we can improve on that this season while still keeping our goals-against line as low as possible in each game," said coach Willie Filian, who feels his club will get stronger as the season progresses and inexperience becomes less relevant. The trio of Frazcek, McGarvey and Munoz are standouts at their respective positions, with keeper Ethan Bank more than ready to take over his spot.

SchaumburgCoach: Eric Sorby (1st year).

Last year: 2-12-1 (1-9-1).

Graduation losses: Andrew Bird (MF, all-area, all-sectional, all-MSL, playing at North Central), Sean Bird (MF-D, playing at North Central).

Top returning players: Seniors Anthony Spadafore (MF-F); juniors Nick Marino (MF-F), Edwin Zuniga (MF); sophomore Jared Schoo (MF).

Outlook: Following an MSL title in 2015, last year was a struggle for Schaumburg. Among the changes from last year is the coaching spot, as Eric Sorby takes over for longtime coach Hamid Mehreioskouei, who moved over to Fremd to become assistant principal there after 12 seasons in charge for the Saxons. "This group dedicated their summer to improving their fitness, while developing chemistry with one another. You always come into a new season with expectations, and for us, we'll look to surprise a few opponents along the way," said Sorby, who played at Mundelein, was a star keeper, and NSCAA scholar at DePaul and more recently coached three seasons at Benedictine University.

NORTHEASTERN ATHLETICChristian Liberty AcademyCoach: Jed Bennett (1st year)

Last year: 7-12-1 (4-4-0)

Graduation losses: Josh Tolford (F, Valley Forge Military Academy), Ben Woods (D, Harper CC), Jimmy Cunningham (GK, Grace College, Ind.), Alejandro Perez (D, Harper).

Top returning players: Seniors Alex Tolford (MF), Jesse Castro (F), Matt Schuster (D-MF), Isaiah Jaime (MF); sophomores Miguel Perez (MF), Andrew Kim (D-MF).

New faces to watch: Freshmen Dylan Veigel (D), John Hanrahan (D-MF) Ryan Reyes (MF).

Outlook: Jed Bennett is back for a second go-round, and it sure turned out fine last season. The Chargers athletic director guided the best season in program history, so he knows what it takes to inspire his group this fall. "I'm glad to be back once again, and we should have a solid season thanks to a terrific base of seniors and young talent from our freshmen and sophomore classes," says Bennett, who welcomes back six key figures who accounted for most of the Chargers' goals a year ago. Assists leader Isaiah Jaime can attract opponents before delivering the ball to teammates with the best of them, and his teammate and scoring leader Jesse Castro could again bag 20 goals.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Mark Valintis (11th year, 133-68-27).

Last year: 16-5-0 (4-2-0).

Graduation losses: Angel Lopez (MF, two-time all-area, two-time all-sectional, all-WSG, 21 career goals, playing at Heartland CC), Esteban Hernandez (MF, all-area, all-WSG 17 career goals), Damian Kosakowski (D, all-area, all-WSG, Marquette), Kristian Havran (F, playing at Lewis)

Top returning players: Seniors Francisco Toral (F), Daniel Kulawik (D), Moises Perez (D), Adrian Flores (D), Matt Makowiec (F); juniors Eduardo Hernandez (F), David Duwal (GK).

New faces to watch: Juniors Marcelo Garcia (D), Dennis Arreaza (D).

Outlook: Obviously the biggest losses for Mark Valintis' team was the graduation of a wonderful quartet of tremendous players and leaders (Lopez, Kosakowski, Hernandez, Havran). But with 17 seniors, many with three years of varsity experience, the Eagles' coach feels his depth will overcome the move of those four to college. "We are talented from 1-22," Valintis said. "Even with the top half of our conference loaded once again, our depth and having players such as Eduardo Hernandez, who can score and distribute, means we look to contend in the conference and afterward." Like everyone else in the West Suburban Gold, Leyden figures to be chasing No. 1 Morton this season. Eaglers junior GK David Duwal earned plenty of experience in his first year last fall, and showed he will be ready when called into action.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Alan Matan (5th year), 31-53-14.

Last year: 7-10-4 (0-4-1).

Graduation losses: Brant Ibarra (MF, all-CSL, playing at North Park).

Top returning players: Seniors Ozzie Espinoza (MF), Osmar Vega (D); juniors Emerson Herrera (F, all-CSL, 12g), Jason Ybarra (MF).

New faces to watch: Junior Steven Abbinante (MF).

Outlook: For the first time in quite awhile the Alan Matan is not staring at an entirely new roster. "We're returning 17 players from a year ago, and we hope to use that experienced roster to our advantage, and to have a successful season," Maine West's coach said. Having problems the past two seasons scoring, the club put 8 into the back of the net in its first two games, earning victories in both contests. "There was more of a sense of urgency in the way we've played early on, and we combined a well-rounded game with a lot of poise, which I feel we are quite capable of doing every time out," added Matan. Junior forward Emerson Herrera can be a top-flight scorer in his third season with the big club.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Mike Taylor (38th year, 468-155-92), 532-215-113 (career).

Last year: 9-11-1 (7-2-0).

Graduation losses: Kyle Borst (D-MF, all-ESCC, 2016 state tennis qualifier, Indiana), Nicholas Gattuso (MF, all-ESCC, Dayton), Sean Lonigro (D, all-ESCC, Creighton), Jack Marchiori (F-MF, all-ESCC, Iowa), Jonathan Mayo (MF, playing soccer at Greenville College, Ill.).

Top returning players: Seniors David Petrovich (GK), Jack Hartman (F), Drake Imhoff (D), Brady Mulligan (MF), Sean Carey (D); juniors Will Hartman (F), Zaul Perez (MF).

New faces to watch: Juniors Patrick Hammarlund (MF), Kenny Liam (MF), Nick DeMarco (D); sophomores Francisco Campos (D), Christian Castro (MF), David Stahl (MF), Migual Reyes (F).

Outlook: Mike Taylor says he'll preach plenty of patience during the first third of this season as he welcomes several first-time varsity players, including an unusually high number of sophomores on his club. "We have a lot of experience in the midfield, up top, and with our keeper David Petrovich," Taylor said. "But we're rebuilding an entire back line, which always takes time to bring together, especially with the system we play. With this group, we've got a lot of interchangeable parts, which will make us better in the long run." An always competitive nonconference has the Lions at Peoria Notre Dame, and perennial national power Marquette University High in Wisconsin. And then there's the PepsiCo Showdown, plus a trip to the Go for the Goal Tournament in Iowa later in the month. Figure Taylor's club to be in the hunt for an ESCC title along with the usual suspects - Benet and Carmel - as well as Nazareth this season.