High school boys soccer: Previewing teams from around the Suburban Life area

The boys soccer season starts this week. Here are previews of teams in the Suburban Life coverage area.

Benet

Coach: Sean Wesley

Last season: 21-1-2

Top returners: Sam Hepburn, sr., M; Anthony Klos, sr., D; Zach Serafin, sr., D; Chris Mankowski sr, F; Hans Haenicke, sr., F; Preston Wray, sr., D.

Key newcomer: Nick Roe, fr., F.

Worth noting: The Redwings return 11 players, five to six of them starters, from the team that last season beat Crystal Lake South to win the Class 2A state championship. Haenicke, Klos and Serafin were all-conference picks. Haenicke was one of Benet’s leading goal scorers, and Klos and Serafin were starting center backs for a Redwings defense that allowed no goals during the playoff run. Wray was the first substitute off the bench last season and will start this year. John Klob, Nico Picha, Brendan Forsythe, Evan Frazier and Dan Pepping all played last season and are looking to become difference-makers this year. Wesley said Roe looks like the real deal as a freshman.

“We could be better than we were last year,” Wesley said. “Will need to fill holes in the middle left by two great players and leaders. Also graduated two senior goalies and will hope to find an answer there.”

Downers Grove North

Coach: Michael Schmitt (seventh year)

Last season: 7-11-3, 1-5 West Suburban Silver

Top returners: Sam Bull, sr., D; Trygve Hansen, sr., M; Brian Benton, sr., D; Gavin Crowson, sr., GK.

Worth noting: Bull, Hansen, Benton and Crowson lead a strong core of seniors with great chemistry.

“We are excited to get back out onto the field after a long time of uncertainty,” Schmitt said. “This season should be really exciting to watch.”

Downers Grove South

Coach: Jonathan Stapleton (19th year)

Last season: 8-11-1, 4-2 West Suburban Gold, third place

Top returners: Jack Storrs, sr., D; Kyle Fenner, sr., D; Aaron Venouziou, sr., F; Jony Flores, sr., M.

Key newcomers: Karol Niziolek, so., M; Nick Opacian, jr., M.

Worth noting: This is Stapleton’s 24th season total in the program. Downers Grove South has won seven regional titles since 2004. Venouziou is a three-year varsity starter. Storrs is committed to play at Wittenburg University.

“Looking forward to using this season as an opportunity for our seniors to compete for their school one last time and develop players and the team in preparation for next fall’s season,” Stapleton said.

Fenwick

Coach: Craig Blazer (second year)

Last season: 15-5-1, 5-3-1 Chicago Catholic League, third place

Top returners: Ari Velliotis, sr., F; Narayan Sharma, sr., F/M; Joey Karris, sr., D; Anders Luthringshausen, sr., D; Brent Bergnach, sr., D.

Worth noting: The Friars return nine starters from a team that had great success in the CCL and PepsiCo Showdown and won at Oak Park-River Forest for the first time in 12 years. The Friars have 17 seniors. Fenwick has won four regional titles over the past decade. Velliotis was an all-sectional honorable mention and all-CCL pick last season. At midfield, the Friars could start three juniors who played last season in Luigi Mollo, Ryan Bero and Jack Powers. Senior Luke McKenna and junior Greg Price are Fenwick’s goalkeepers. Luthringshausen, Karris and fellow seniors Dylan Kupiec and Bergnach are on the back line.

Glenbard East

Coach: Francisco Carbajal (first season, interim coach)

Last season: 10-6-2, 4-3-2 Upstate Eight Conference (tied for third place)

Top returners: Gavin Wooldridge, sr., F; Thomas Sotelo, sr., M/F; Josue Sarabia, sr., M; Mitch Zetterquist, sr., M.

Worth noting: The Rams last season posted their first double-digit win season since 2006, and are looking to improve on that mark with a group full of experience. Wooldridge, a returning all-conference and all-sectional player, last season broke the program’s single-season goal record with 24 goals, and also had five assists. Sarabia also was all-conference as a junior with three goals and four assists last season. Also returning is Sotelo, who had nine assists and one goal, and Zetterquist, who had three goals and four assists. Carbajal, a longtime varsity assistant coach, is the Rams’ interim head coach this spring. Josh Adler will return for his 17th season in the fall.

Glenbard South

Coach: Adam Szyszko (sixth year)

Last season: 10-8-3, 3-4-2 Upstate Eight Conference

Top returners: Lance Evans, sr., F; Kian Sandoval, sr., M; Patrick McMahon, sr., D; Dario Stojakovic, sr., D; Owen Lange, sr., D.

Key newcomers: Joseph Kim, jr., M; Jorge Najera, jr., D; Derek Pregel, jr., F; Alejandro Gomez, jr., D.

Worth noting: The Raiders return eight players from last season’s varsity team. Evans had five goals and five assists as a junior. Sandoval had three goals and five assists. Stojakovic is back after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. Glenbard South plays two defending state champions, Benet and West Chicago, this season. The Raiders opened their season March 10 at home against Benet.

“Our conference is tough as always,” Szyszko said. “There are no easy nights.”

Glenbard West

Coach: Maciej Kusmierz

Last season: 11-7-2, 4-2 West Suburban Silver, tied for second place

Top returners: Oliwier Holowinski, sr., GK; Ishan Malhan, sr., M; Danny Mejia, sr., M; Johan Vargas, sr., M; Alex Wozniak, sr., M; Trevor DuVair, jr., D.

Worth noting: The Hilltoppers graduated 14 seniors off last season’s team. Six returners are back, led by Holowinski, who plans to play in college at North Central, and Wozniak at midfielder.

“Many new or first-year players will be asked to continue to display the program’s competitive edge at the varsity level,” Kusmierz said.

Hinsdale Central

Coach: Michael Wiggins (19th year)

Last season: 12-8-2, 3-3 West Suburban Silver

Top returners: Jake Marquez, sr., F; Nick Chung, sr., M.

Key newcomers: Ryan Koschik, sr., GK; Ryan Martinath, sr., M.

Worth noting: The Red Devils last season won the program’s 10th regional title since 2007, losing to eventual Class 3A state runner-up Morton 2-1 in the sectional final. This is Wiggins’ 27th season overall as a coach. Marquez had two goals and five assists in 14 starts as a junior. Chung started 15 games.

“Playing for your school is special, and I especially enjoy the spirit that our soccer athletes bring every time they put on the Hinsdale Central uniform,” Wiggins said. “It’s that energy that makes for a lot to look forward to on the season.”

IC Catholic Prep

Coach: Miguel Garcia (second year)

Last season: 6-14-1, 5-1-0 Metro Suburban, first place

Top returners: Jake LaSpisa, sr., D; Carlo Arenas, jr., D; Braeden Borninkhof, jr., M; Antonio Serrano, jr., M; TJ Mandra, sr., GK.

Key newcomers: Giovanni Velasquez, fr. M; Johnny Velasquez, fr., D.

Worth noting: With defenders LaSpisa and Arenas returning and Mandra back in goal, the Knights should have a notable defensive line.

“We are looking forward to repeating our conference championship success,” Garcia said.

Lemont

Coach: Rick Prangen (29th season)

Last season: 13-3-8, second place in conference

Top returners: Peter Borzecki, jr., D; Adam Hornick, jr., D.

Worth noting: The Indians last season won Prangen’s 14th regional title as head coach, advancing to a sectional final before losing to eventual Class 2A state champion Benet. Lemont is a young team, with just three starters returning. Borzecki scored one goal, and Hornick had one assist last season.

“We are a very young team,” Prangen said. “Hoping to gain experience this spring season so as to be ready for the fall.”

Lyons Township

Coach: Paul Labbato (14th season)

Last season: 15-4-3, 6-0 West Suburban Silver, first place

Top returners: Jackson Turner, sr., D; Cameron Labbato, sr., M; Jack Luttrell, sr., F; Max Behm, sr., F; Tim Slusaczyk, sr., F; Jon Hill, sr., M; Jack Swicionis, sr., M; Robert Sullivan, sr., D; JJ Schmidt, sr., D.

Key newcomers: Alex Salvino, so., F; Jackson Sullivan, jr., D.

Worth noting: The Lions have been a model of consistency with seven straight regional championships. They have reached sectionals in all but one season since 2005. Luttrell was Lyons’ leading scorer as a junior with 12 goals. Turner is the Lions’ best player and is being recruited by UIC and Harvard, among others. Behm is committed to Northern Michigan, Slusaczyk to Indiana Wesleyan and Hill to St. Norbert with Swicionis looking at St. Norbert and Carthage. Sullivan is a top defender. Lyons opens its season at Morton on March 11, so it will get a good early measuring stick.

Morton

Coach: Jim Bageanis (fourth year)

Last season: 23-4-2, 6-0 West Suburban Gold, first place

Top returners: Jesus Perez, sr., F; Cristian Perez, sr., M; Giovanni Alvarez, jr., M; Julian Vargas, sr., M; Juan Ramirez, jr., D; Adrian Salto, sr., D.

Key newcomers: Jonathon Murillo, jr., M; Edgar Quintero, so., M; Ismael Zepeda, so., F.

Worth noting: The Mustangs graduated Suburban Life Player of the Year Edwin Zizumbo, but return a number of players from the team that finished second in Class 3A last season, won the program’s fifth state trophy and eighth straight West Suburban Gold title. Cristian Perez, an all-sectional pick who had 12 goals and 19 assists last season, Jesus Perez, a four-year starter and dynamic playmaker who contributed 11 goals and 13 assists last season, and Alvarez lead a strong team offensively with many players having the ability to score goals. Murillo, Quintero and Zepeda are talented young players added to the mix. The Mustangs’ defense will be run by senior Adrian Salto and junior Juan Ramirez. Morton’s midfield is a threat on the outside with senior Julian Vargas. The Mustangs open their season March 11 against Lyons, a good early gauge.

Nazareth

Coach: Alex Wilkinson (fourth year)

Last season: 8-19-1, 2-7 East Suburban Catholic Conference

Top returners: Cole Kosanovich, sr., D; Michael Jozwiak, sr., M; Owen Almer, jr., M; Alex Gamboa, jr., M; Niko DiFoggio, so., F; Aiden Flores, sr., GK; Andrew Rozmus, jr., M; Kevin Fantozzi, jr., D; Zach Milos, jr., D; Matt Lannan, jr., M.

Key newcomers: Ramon Perez, jr., D; Danny Stratis, so., M; Charlie Austin, fr., M.

Worth noting: The Roadrunners last season won the fourth regional championship in program history and first in six years. Wilkinson, a 2011 Nazareth graduate, as a player set program records for most goals in a season (33) and most goals in a career (76). Jozwiak, Nazareth’s leading scorer last season, and Kosanovich are four-year starters. Almer and Gamboa are three-year varsity starting midfielders. DiFoggio was key in Nazareth’s regional championship game win last season, assisting on two Gamboa goals. Perez, a junior transfer, will start on defense.

“That 2-1 sectional semifinal loss after blowing a 1-0 lead left a salty taste in our mouths,” Wilkinson said. “We still have a core group of guys from that team who are all hungry for more, and the vibe is contagious.”

Riverside-Brookfield

Coach: Ivek Halic (sixth year)

Last season: 11-10, 3-4 Metro Suburban Conference

Top returners: Jaiden Costello, sr., GK; Xander Sanchez, sr., M; Alex Garcia, jr., M; Miles Rubio, sr., M; Diego Brophy, jr., D; Mason Patil, sr., M.

Worth noting: The Bulldogs last season won a regional title and advanced to a sectional final, losing in overtime to Chicago Noble/Muchin. Riverside-Brookfield is looking to be competitive with many returning seniors and the addition of some sophomores and juniors.

“It’s a good mix of players and great chemistry,” Halic said. “Just excited to be back playing.”

Timothy Christian

Coach: Joel Zielke (third year)

Last season: 18-3-2, 4-2 Metro Suburban Conference, second place

Top returners: Josh Bode, sr., F; Jalen Wallace, sr., M; Mike Vogt, sr., D; Christian Cruz, jr., M; Jason Westra, sr., GK.

Key newcomers: Cameron Baker, so., M; Jake Alex, jr., D.

Worth noting: The Trojans last season won the program’s third straight regional title and ninth since 2008, losing to eventual Class 1A state champion Chicago University in a penalty kick shootout in the sectional final. Timothy Christian returns five starters, and with backup goalkeeper Westra, who recorded multiple shutouts last season, set to control the net, Timothy Christian looks to reload as an experienced, possession-oriented team. Bode, a 2019 all-conference pick, is committed to play at Calvin University. Wallace is an Indianapolis recruit. Vogt is a four-year starter and a returning all-conference selection. Zielke said Cruz has the potential to be an All-State selection. “He’s creative, plays at a different speed than those around him, as good as anyone with the ball at his feet,” Zielke said.

Wheaton Academy

Coach: Cody Snouffer (second year)

Last season: 12-6-3, 6-0 Metro Suburban Conference, first place

Top returners: Solomon Pitts, sr., D; Andrew Ramirez, sr., M; Haetham Nasr, jr., D; Giovanni Nicoski, jr., F; Kaiden Massie, jr., D.

Key newcomers: Evan Eckert, so., D; Josh Mariotti, so., F; Caleb Mariotti, so., F.

Worth noting: The Warriors graduated 11 seniors, led by All-Stater Logan Finnegan, off last season’s conference champions, so Wheaton Academy will be young. Pitts, Ramirez, Nasr, Nicoski and Massie all received significant experience last season. Eckert’s first season was cut short by a knee injury, so Snouffer is happy to have him back in the fold. This is Snouffer’s fifth season in the program. Snouffer is pleased that seniors Connor Royce, Kyle Holwerda, Rian Batista, Corbin Bates will get one last season on the field.

“This year will be a great learning experience for our whole squad,” Snouffer said. “We are excited to see what the young players can do in the spotlight, and do everything we can to send off the Class of 2021 with the best season we can offer them.”

Wheaton North

Coach: Robert Stassen (seventh year)

Last season: 13-7-1, 4-2-1 DuKane Conference

Top returners: Kyle Schauer, sr., D; Erik Rozanski, sr., M; Graham Stephenson, sr., M.

Worth noting: All-area goalkeeper Ray Min graduated, but all-conference players Schauer, Rozanski and Stephenson lead nine returning varsity players. Rozanski and Stephenson were all-sectional last season, and Stassen believes they are likely to be among the best center midfielders in the state and the heart of the team.

“They will allow the ease of attack and the beginning of a solid defense,” Stassen said.

Wheaton Warrenville South

Coach: Guy Callipari (30th season)

Last season: 7-10-2, 1-6 DuKane Conference, sixth place

Top returners: Kevin Stumbris, sr., M; Eric Vargas, sr., M; Christian Munoz, jr., M; Jackson Moran, sr., D.

Key newcomers: Gael Alfara, so., M; Chase Kedzior, so., M; Issa Husseini, so., F.

Worth noting: The Tigers return eight players for the spring season. Munoz had two goals and two assists last season. Vargas and Moran each scored a goal. and Stumbris had an assist. Callipari said the big question is who can provide the opportunities in the offensive third of the field.

“We will get out slowly while trying to develop continuity given the majority of players are new to the level of play,” Callipari said. “Our goal is to compete in the DuKane Conference.”

Willowbrook

Coach: Dan Riskind (second year)

Last season: 7-13-1, 1-5 West Suburban Gold

Top returners: Riley Johnson, jr., GK; Kevin Kapica, sr., M; Alvaro Gaspar, sr., D; Ruben Valle, sr., M; Cole Tubicat, sr., D; Alex Kuban, jr., D.

Worth noting: The Warriors return six players from last season’s team. Johnson is a new starter, and Riskind said he is a superb goalkeeper. Kapica, a starter and team captain last season, is a stalwart defender and defensive midfielder who is committed to play in college at Saint Xavier. Gaspar was an outside starting defender last season and will move to center back this year to be in charge of the defense. Valle, smart and fast, is moving from outside fullback to outside midfielder.

“We have a core of really strong seniors,” Riskind said. “We are building the program up. We plan to use a deep bench, press and be a possession-based team.”

York

Coach: Jordan Stopka (first season)

Last season: 16-7-1, 3-3 West Suburban Silver, fifth place

Top returners: Sam Musial, jr., M; Chase McNeill, sr., M; Ryan Woolfe, sr., F.

Key newcomers: Joe Hernandez, so., M; Kevin Gliatis, M.

Worth noting: Stopka, previously an assistant varsity coach with St. Patrick and coach there for five seasons, is in his first season at York. The Dukes are coming off a memorable postseason run, reaching the program’s first sectional final since 2000 and winning the first regional title in 13 years. All-sectional pick Joe Meade was among the leaders who graduated from that team. Musial and McNeill are York’s returning starters. Woolfe received significant minutes last season and likely will be the focal point for York up top this season. Hernandez will look to make a difference in center midfield. Gliatis will try to make a difference in the middle and up top.

“We are looking middle of the pack in the WSC with the ability to challenge the top teams,” Stopka said.