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Berwyn, IL —
Lyons Township Lions
COLORS Royal blue and gold
HOME FIELD Bennett Field, 4900 Willow Springs Road, Western Springs; West Field, 100 S. Brainard Ave., La Grange
CLASS 3A
COACH Paul Labbato
2010 RECORD 21-2-2
CONFERENCE West Suburban Silver, 1st place in 2010
TOP RETURNERS
Brett Heimerdinger jr. F
Matt Thomas sr. D
Max Hadley sr. GK
Kovas Zygas sr. D
Ben Larson jr. M
Mark Pawula sr. M
Hector Godinez sr. F
Jack Thomas jr. F
GAMES TO WATCH
Sept. 6 vs. Streamwood First game of the Pepsi Showdown
Sept. 13 at Glenbard West Lions’ WSS opener
Oct. 4 vs. Hinsdale Central LT hosts biggest rival
OUTLOOK
Following a 1-0 win over Sandburg last week, Lyons Township already have a good understanding of this season’s personnel. The Lions have a history of making smooth transitions from year to year.
Since 2006, the Lions have won five regionals, a pair of sectionals and a state title. Last season, the West Suburban Silver conference champions nearly qualified for its second straight state tournament after making an appearance in a supersectional.
“I’m pleased with how the season has started out, we just need to iron out a few areas with the team,” said coach Paul Labbato. “We were out shot against Sandburg, so right now it’s a process of finding the right combinations up front. Defensively, I think it says something that we shut them out because we’re returning just one starter (on defense).”
That returning starter is Matt Thomas, who is one of LT’s captains. Although he did not start in 2010, Kovas Zygas has experience as a defender. Goalkeeper Max Hadley, who posted a shutout in the net against Sandburg, is a first-year starter after Kevin Beglen graduated.
Elliot Borge returns as a starter after an all-state performance a season ago. The midfielder and team captain collected 14 goals and 13 assists in 2010. He already made his presence felt against Sandburg with an assist, which setup a goal from forward Jack Thomas.
“Our team sets goals every year,” Labbato said. “Our most important goal is to make a playoff run at the end of the year. Our strength is leadership and that should help out throughout the season.”
MORTON MUSTANGS
COLORS Maroon and green
HOME FIELD Morton West, 26th Street and Harlem Avenue, Berwyn
CLASS 3A
COACH Mike Caruso
2010 RECORD 21-4-3
CONFERENCE West Suburban Gold Conference, 1st place
TOP RETURNERS
Joel Salmeron sr. F
Alonzo Torres sr. M
Brian Tapia sr. F
Lyons Township Lions
COLORS Royal blue and gold
HOME FIELD Bennett Field, 4900 Willow Springs Road, Western Springs; West Field, 100 S. Brainard Ave., La Grange
CLASS 3A
COACH Paul Labbato
2010 RECORD 21-2-2
CONFERENCE West Suburban Silver, 1st place in 2010
TOP RETURNERS
Brett Heimerdinger jr. F
Matt Thomas sr. D
Max Hadley sr. GK
Kovas Zygas sr. D
Ben Larson jr. M
Mark Pawula sr. M
Hector Godinez sr. F
Jack Thomas jr. F
GAMES TO WATCH
Sept. 6 vs. Streamwood First game of the Pepsi Showdown
Sept. 13 at Glenbard West Lions’ WSS opener
Oct. 4 vs. Hinsdale Central LT hosts biggest rival
OUTLOOK
Following a 1-0 win over Sandburg last week, Lyons Township already have a good understanding of this season’s personnel. The Lions have a history of making smooth transitions from year to year.
Since 2006, the Lions have won five regionals, a pair of sectionals and a state title. Last season, the West Suburban Silver conference champions nearly qualified for its second straight state tournament after making an appearance in a supersectional.
“I’m pleased with how the season has started out, we just need to iron out a few areas with the team,” said coach Paul Labbato. “We were out shot against Sandburg, so right now it’s a process of finding the right combinations up front. Defensively, I think it says something that we shut them out because we’re returning just one starter (on defense).”
That returning starter is Matt Thomas, who is one of LT’s captains. Although he did not start in 2010, Kovas Zygas has experience as a defender. Goalkeeper Max Hadley, who posted a shutout in the net against Sandburg, is a first-year starter after Kevin Beglen graduated.
Elliot Borge returns as a starter after an all-state performance a season ago. The midfielder and team captain collected 14 goals and 13 assists in 2010. He already made his presence felt against Sandburg with an assist, which setup a goal from forward Jack Thomas.
“Our team sets goals every year,” Labbato said. “Our most important goal is to make a playoff run at the end of the year. Our strength is leadership and that should help out throughout the season.”
MORTON MUSTANGS
COLORS Maroon and green
HOME FIELD Morton West, 26th Street and Harlem Avenue, Berwyn
CLASS 3A
COACH Mike Caruso
2010 RECORD 21-4-3
CONFERENCE West Suburban Gold Conference, 1st place
TOP RETURNERS
Joel Salmeron sr. F
Alonzo Torres sr. M
Brian Tapia sr. F
PROMISING NEWCOMERS
Miguel Chacon fr. GK
Ian Chacon fr. GK
Joel Leon jr. D
Danny Vargas sr. M
Tony Rodriguez jr. M
Roberto Avila jr. D
GAMES TO WATCH
Aug. 31 vs. Hersey Third game of the Red Devil Cup
Sept. 6 at Lane Tech Pepsi Showdown opener for the Mustangs
Oct. 4 at Downers Grove South WSG title could be on the line
OUTLOOK
After graduating eight starters, including five of its six all-West Suburban Gold conference selections from 2011, Morton finds itself in the first rebuilding situation eighth-year head coach Mike Caruso can remember.
But to make matters even more difficult, the Mustangs will be without its lone returning all-conference selection.
Senior forward Jose Salmeron, who was all-state, MVP of the Pepsi Showdown and finished with 26 goals and 17 assists a season ago, strained his MCL in summer practice and will be out until the end of September.
“He is our biggest difference maker,” Caruso said. “Without him, we’re going to need to find a finisher. If someone steps up, we’ll be okay.”
While Morton figures out a way to fill this offensive vacancy, it will also learn how to play in a multiple goalkeeper system. Freshmen cousins Miguel Chacon and Ian Chacon will split time throughout the season. Ian will make the start for the rest of the week since Miguel has been bothered by a knee injury. They are replacing all-conference and Suburban Life All-Area selection Ken Kucinski.
“
I’m looking to rotate them every other game,” Caruso said. “They both have all the tools, they’re just not used to playing against the older guys.”
Caruso now hopes the rest of the year will lead to the program’s 11th straight regional title and fifth WSG crown in the last six seasons.
“I think we’re still pretty solid right now even through this team feels like it’s brand new,” Caruso said. “We’ve got to get better one week at a time and hopefully we’ll be dangerous by the end of the year."
ST. JOSEPH CHARGERS
COLORS Red and white
HOME FIELD 10900 W. Cermak Road, Westchester
CLASS 2A
COACH Stanley Niemiec
2010 RECORD 18-2-2
CONFERENCE Chicago Catholic League Blue, 1st place in 2010
TOP RETURNERS
Ariel Guzman sr. D
Ruben Estrada sr. F
Isaac Sutton sr. D
Jose Carrera sr. M
Osvaldo Castanon jr. D
Alex Zuniga sr. M
PROMISING NEWCOMERS
Dontae Gillespie sr. GK
Carlos Montero sr. M
Fabian Robles so. D
Israel Tovar so. M
Toni Orozco fr. F
Victor Moreno fr. F
GAMES TO WATCH
Sept. 6 vs. Downers Grove North Pepsi Showdown opener for Chargers
Sept. 13 vs. Mount Carmel CCL season kicks off
Sept. 27 at Fenwick Local rivalry game in River Forest
OUTLOOK
St. Joseph is not expecting 2011 to be easy. With the Windy City Ram Classic taking place in the beginning of the season and the Chicago Catholic League schedule throughout the year, there is much work to be done.
However, coach Stanley Niemiec has a strong group of seniors that he thinks can persevere this fall.
“We will have some tough challenges,” Niemiec said. “But, we should still be able to control the tempo of play and make smart decisions to win the conference for the second time in a row. This team has had ample time to develop chemistry. The entire roster is loaded with seniors that have been willing to prove themselves on a varsity stage.”
So a task for St. Joseph is likely going to include blending the underclassmen with the upperclassmen, which appears to be no issue at all.
“Although some newcomers will be moved around in the beginning, all players on the roster have had varsity experience,” Niemiec said. “There is a lot of familiarity.”
A key loss for the Chargers has been goalkeeper Jovani Castanon, who graduated after posted 12 shutouts last season and was also the conference’s Athlete of the Year. Dontae Gillespie will fill the vacancy in the net. Expect the offense to be led by Ruben Estrada. The senior forward collected 28 goals and 12 assists in 2011 and was an all-conference selection.
RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD BULLDOGS
COLORS Blue and white
HOME FIELD 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside
CLASS 2A
COACH Danny Makaric
2010 RECORD 7-10-1
CONFERENCE Metro Suburban
TOP RETURNERS
Ruben Chavez sr. F
Caje Chavez jr. M
Max Ohle sr. GK
Jon Kingzette sr. M
PROMISING NEWCOMERS
Santiago Beltran so. M
Quenting Dreilich so. M
Jake Fieseler jr. D
GAMES TO WATCH
Sept. 1 vs. Lemont Tournament action continues this week at Lemont
Sept. 15 at Ridgewood MSC opener on the road
Oct. 4 at Glenbard South Game carries conference title implications
OUTLOOK
A sub-.500 record in 2010 has the program wanting much more this season.
And so far, the Bulldogs see no reason why 2011 won’t point the group in a more positive direction than a year ago.
“We have the potential and the quality to reach the regional final and win,” said coach Danny Makaric. “Conference will be a challenge. We play Ridgewood, Fenton and Glenbard South all on the road. The hardest opponent in the conference will be Fenton because they did not lose many players from last year.”
For RB, it will all start with forward Ruben Chavez. The senior was the Metro Suburban Conference’s offensive MVP a season ago after scoring a school-record 30 goals. Midfielder Caje Chavez returns as well after battling various injuries throughout last year while goalkeeper Max Ohle provides experience in the net.
Although he is new to the team, midfielder Santiago Beltran is as talented as any seasoned upperclassman. The sophomore missed all of last season due to a torn MCL and strained ACL, which he suffered at the U14 national championship tournament.
“It’s hard for me to predict the type of player he will become for us because he missed all of last year,” Makaric said. “But I do know he has a strong shot and can distribute the ball very well.”
Makaric is also pleased with the team’s development during the offseason and wants to see even more growth with the back end of his team.
“More kids played club soccer and that is the best way to improve,” Makaric said. “We need to improve the technical skill of our defenders and we can be very good.”
Nazareth Roadrunners
COLORS Blue, navy and white
HOME FIELD 1209 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park
CLASS 2A
COACH Doug Hunt
2010 RECORD 16-6-1
CONFERENCE East Suburban Catholic, 5th place in 2010
TOP RETURNERS
Kevin Caldwell sr. D
Nick Haraus sr. D
Phil Lombardo sr. MF
John McLachlan sr. M/F
Eric Rios sr. M
PROMISING NEWCOMERS
Sam Abed so. M
Finnian Burke jr. D
Jack Coleman so. D
Eric Diaz jr. GK
Mark Haraus so. D
Jack Marino jr. M/F
Chris Tovar so. M
GAMES TO WATCH
Sept. 10 vs. Marian Catholic ESCC opener for the Roadrunners
Oct. 7 vs. Benet Big game has conference title implications
Oct. 14 at Oak Park-River Forest Final game of the regular season
OUTLOOK
The Roadrunners graduated a pair of seniors who will be difficult to replace. Four-year starters Jaime Nassar-Velasquez and Alex Wilkinson closed out their high school careers last fall and left behind quite a legacy.
Nassar-Velasquez was the starting goalie and Wilkinson led Nazareth in goals in all four of his years with 76 in his career. So for the Roadrunners this season, it’s about filling the significant void.
“I think this year will be a challenge,” said coach Doug Hunt. “But we should still be competitive.”
And look no further than the Roadrunners’ experience to be a big help. Defender Kevin Caldwell and midfielders Phil Lombardo, John McLachlan and Eric Rios are all four-year varsity members. Midfielder Jack Marino and defenders Nick Haraus and Finnian Burke are all three-year members for the varsity.
Last Wednesday, the Roadrunners opened the season by defeating Proviso West 2-1, which included goals from McLachlan and Marino. McClachlan also had an assist, and first-year goalie Eric Diaz collected 12 saves.
Fenwick Friars
COLORS Black and white
HOME FIELD Dominican Priory, Harlem Avenue and Division Street
CLASS 3A
COACH Robert Watson
2010 RECORD 11-9-1
CONFERENCE Chicago Catholic League Blue, 4th place in 2010
TOP RETURNERS
Justin Giacotto sr. F
Murphy Brennan sr. D
Jack Alberts jr. M
Francisco Moreno jr. M
Dylan Kramer jr. M
Pat Moran sr. M
Austin Nelson sr. F
PROMISING NEWCOMERS
Jacob Peterson jr. GK
Mike Nowicki jr. F
Liam Kelleher fr. F
GAMES TO WATCH
Sept. 6 at Metea Valley Pepsi Showdown opener for Friars
Sept. 15 at Loyola CCL opener against traditional rival
Sept. 27 vs. St. Joseph Local rivalry in River Forest
OUTLOOK
Fenwick likes to maintain its expectations from one season to the next, including aspirations for conference and regionals titles.
But in order to get to that point, the Friars know it starts with the work they put in each day.
“We want to improve every time we take the field,” said coach Robert Watson. “I think it starts with developing the chemistry. We have all the pieces and parts, but need to get them working together.”
Chemistry should be an attainable goal since Fenwick returns nine players who played regular minutes in 2010. The Friars’ most significant graduate was Suburban Life All-Area selection Albano Latifi, who led Fenwick in both scoring and assists a season ago. He also named team MVP and was an all-Windy City Classic and all-CCL selection.
“We have a lot of depth since we return a lot of experience,” Watson said. “I went into the season targeting a roster of 18 and ended with 23. We have depth at all 11 positions and have 12 players returning. We have smart players that can produce in various systems.”
Proviso West Panthers
COLORS Red and white
HOME FIELD 4701 W. Harrison Street, Hillside
CLASS 3A
COACH David Vassallo
CONFERENCE West Suburban Silver
