Boys soccer: 5 to watch across The Times area in 2025

Here are five Times area boys soccer players to keep an eye on during this fall season.

Jackson Brockway, Somonauk-Leland-Newark, D, sr.

An outstanding defender for the Bobcats, Brockway was a big part of a defense that allowed just 32 goals in 23 matches and posted seven shutouts last season. He was a unanimous Little Ten All-Conference pick and Times All-Area first-teamer.

Joe Hoekstra, Streator, D, sr.

Named Streator’s Defensive Player of the Year and also to the Illinois Central Eight All-Conference squad last season, Hoekstra used great vision and control to help anchor the Bulldogs’ backline. He was also a Times All-Area first-team honoree.

Jorge Lopez, Ottawa, F, jr.

A Pirates scoring threat who draws a lot of attention from opponents and creates opportunities for others, Lopez scored 13 goals last year, was an Interstate 8 All-Conference honorable mention selection and has been a Times All-Area first-team member the previous two seasons.

Maddox Mathews, Ottawa, D, jr.

Mathews played one of two center back positions for the Pirates last season. He was frequently tasked with defending opponents’ offensive attacks and will be a key defender again this season.

Finn Rosengren, Serena, MF, sr.

The Huskers' Co-Most Valuable Player as well as a Little Ten All-Conference selection last season, Rosengren scored a pair of goals and passed for three assists while also playing in the middle of the pitch, which he will do again this fall. He was a Times All-Area first-team selection.