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GLEN ELLYN – Coming off a strong 2012 season in which it won 13 of its 17 games, Glenbard West’s boys soccer team will be a younger and less experienced group this fall.
The squad lost nine seniors to graduation, leaving 12 new faces on this year’s roster, most of which are coming from a large junior class.
Glenbard West is led by seniors captains David Ortega (midfield) and Ivan Barajas (defense), while junior Robbie White also returns in goal.
“We are hoping to continue to improve our quality of play,” head coach Maciej Kusmierz said. “Our big junior class coming in will have a great influence on the way the team is playing this season.”
A goal for the Hilltoppers is to continue to stay competitive in the West Suburban Silver conference. A year ago, the team went 4-2 in league play, finishing third behind Hinsdale Central and Lyons Township. The Red Devils and Lions are expected to be strong again in 2013.
Glenbard West kicked off the season with a 1-0 victory over Willowbrook on Sept. 4, with Steven Rojc netting the lone goal off a pass from Jamie Hernandez. White made four saves to post the shutout.
The Hilltoppers then lost, 4-2, to Antioch on Friday before bouncing back to defeat Joliet Catholic, 2-1, and the host school, 3-0, a day later as part of the IMSA tournament.