AT A GLANCE
Conference DuPage Valley
Home field Rexilius Field, 701 Thomas Road, Wheaton
2007 record 11-4-7 (3-2-2 DVC)
Coach Bryce Cann

Top returners
Trevor Bushhouse       sr.    M
Michael Fernald           sr.    F
Austin Gulla                   jr.    D
Pat Langan                    jr.    M
Michael Lenzi                jr.    F
Jason Lollar                  sr.    M
Michael Tworek            sr.    D
Robert Wertke               sr.    M

Promising newcomer
Mat Bauer                       jr.    GK

KEY MATCHES
Aug. 28 vs. Conant Opening game of tough Lake Park invitational will provide test off the bat
Sept. 16 at Wheaton Warrenville South Always a battle between crosstown rivals
Sept. 29 at Wheaton Academy Facing team that knocked Falcons out of last season’s playoffs

WHAT TO WATCH
The Falcons lost 22 combined goals in Kyle Fishleigh and Kristian Rosenberger, and they also lost two leaders with outstanding knowledge of the game.

That doesn’t mean Wheaton North will rely only on defense, it just means it will find new ways to score.

“We bring back a number of very good players, but you look at who we lost and it’s no secret we have to find a way to put the ball in the net,” Cann said.

The answer may come from the midfield, where the Falcons return three seniors — three-year varsity players Bushhouse, Lollar and Wertke — and a junior in Langan that played extensively as a sophomore. Cann expects that quartet (and any other midfielders) to join Fernald and Lenzi in the attack to distribute the scoring.

In case it takes some time for the offense to jell, the defense should be capable of limiting opponents’ scores. The duo of Gulla and Tworek started last year and should bolster a defense that has three other seniors (Michael Hible, Brennan Myer and Jon Norton) and two more juniors (Elvin Ahmeti and Bobby Edwards). It could also take some time for the defense to find its footing, but two strong marking backs should stiffen that unit’s resolve early in the season.

Bauer steps in to replace graduated keeper Josh Giuiliano and will get a trial by fire during his first varsity season.

“When you play in DuPage County, you’re experience comes in a hurry,” Cann said.

COACH SPEAK
Bryce Cann

What is the offensive philosophy now that you’ve lost two of your leading scorers?

“We’re not of the mentality that one guy has to step up and score 20 goals. We’re trying to get a number of guys to put the ball in the back of the net. Our focus is on getting everybody to do that.”

What’s an obstacle the team has to overcome this season?

“When you introduce new guys you have to make sure things are organized. We have some guys coming back, but at the same time there are some lessons you have to learn. You have to learn to play with the guy next to you. Everybody plays the game with a different style and you have to learn their style and how to work together.”