Boys soccer: Suburban Life 2024 season preview capsules

The 2024 boys soccer season is underway. Here are previews of teams in the Suburban Life coverage area.

Benet

Coach: Matt Klosterman

Last season’s record: 14-4-3, 7-1 East Suburban Catholic (2nd)

Top returners: Jack Wesley, so., MF; Brendan Bergnach, sr., F; Jack Kuelthau, sr., D; Danny Sterba, sr., D

Key newcomers: Jackson Mares, jr., D; Ruslan Holubec, jr., MF: Mateo Picha, jr., MF; Sean Boyle, sr., MF; Teddy Nawrocki, sr., MF; Uareme Edeki, sr., F; Patrick Stasch, sr., GK

Worth noting: The Redwings will have a slight turnover with their roster after losing nine key players from last season’s highly successful team, especially in the backline. Senior defender Jack Kuelthau, who scored six goals last season, is committed to the University of St. Thomas.

“Several of our returners saw some time last year during the season or postseason,” Klosterman said. “We will look differently defensively but hope to build on the end of last year after allowing just four goals in the final 14 games of the season.”

Downers Grove North

Coach: Rafal Slomba

Last season’s record: 10-10-1, 2-4 West Suburban Silver

Top returners: Manta Palubinskas, sr., MF; Conor Shewe, sr., Kobi Marquez, sr., F; Oliver Davies, jr., MF

Key newcomers: Grigore Onica, jr., MF; Ty Peboontom, so., F; Dylan Graham, so., F

Worth noting: Downers Grove North is aiming to move up the conference ladder after a 10-win season in 2023. The strength of the team lies in the returnees.

“The team is coming off a competitive year and has been diligently preparing and focusing on tactical improvements and team cohesion,” Slomba said. “We are bringing back five starters from last season, so we will rely on our veteran players early on in the season. With a blend of experience and new energy on our roster, we are looking to build off our success from last season.”

Downers Grove South

Coach: Chris Hernandez

Last season’s record: 4-11-12, 3-3 West Suburban Gold (4th)

Top returners: Ryan Deacy, sr., F; Daniel Smazil, sr., F; Jonathan Venouziou, sr., MF; Brennan Free, so., MF; Aleck Galvez, sr., D

Key newcomers: Brady Dunlap, jr., MF; Omar Flores, jr., MF; Patrick Olczyk, so, MF; Cody McCarthy, jr., MF

Worth noting: With a new coach and several talented and experienced players in the fold, the Mustangs are a team to watch this season. Daniel Smazil, Jonathan Venouziou and Aleck Galvez will anchor a senior-heavy team.

“I’m excited to lead a program that means so much to both me and the community,” Hernandez said.

Fenwick

Coach: Craig Blazer

Last season’s record: 9-9-2, 2-3-2 Chicago Catholic League (11th)

Top returners: Sammy Allaire, sr., MF; Nate Sabatine, jr., F; Matthew Simon, jr., D; Dominik Ballarin, jr, GK; Jack Kupiec, sr., F

Key newcomers: Santi Dooley, sr.; Sam Martino, sr.; Beckett Javell, so., MF; Luke Menacho, so.

Worth noting: The Friars will have a new look this season, though senior midfielder Sammy Allaire, a captain, will be back to guide the team. Junior captains Dominick Ballarin, Nate Sabatine and Matthew Simon join senior forward Jack Kupiec to form a solid group of experienced returnees.

“We have a lot of new faces after graduating 13 seniors and returning only four seniors,” Blazer said. “We have a good attitude and will need to learn quickly and develop consistency from half to half. We look forward to developing into a successful team throughout the season.”

Glenbard East

Coach: Josh Adler (21st year)

Last season’s record: 7-6-3, 4-3-2 Upstate Eight (5th)

Top returners: Reean Dialektakos, sr., MF; Josh Roimicher, sr., D; Cooper Wooldridge, sr., GK

Key newcomers: Edgar Garcia, jr., MF; Charlie Gidcumb, so., MF; Ryan Kummer, so., D

Worth noting: The Rams lost twice last season by two goals and surrendered only 19 goals on the year. “This year’s team is a young group that is looking to find their way,” Adler said. “The team has some pace and exciting playmakers. Looking to compete for a top spot in the Upstate Eight East division and remain competitive through a very demanding schedule.” By Sept. 13, the Raiders will have played all three other District 87 schools.

Glenbard South

Coach: William Fajkus (second year)

Last season’s record: 5-15-2, 0-9 Upstate Eight (9th)

Top returners: Wyatt Bremer, jr., D; Ryan Hopkins, sr., D; P.J. Lehr, jr., MF; Diesel Oleksak, sr., MF

Key newcomers: None listed.

Worth noting: Glenbard South will be more battled-tested this fall after starting three freshmen and six sophomores last year. With changes in the conference, the Raiders are in the East division along with Elmwood Park, Fenton, Glenbard East, Ridgewood, Riverside-Brookfield and West Chicago. The Raiders open the season with four of their first five games against private schools.

Glenbard West

Coach: Phil Wicyk (fourth year)

Last season’s record: 13-9-1, 2-4 West Suburban Silver (5th)

Top returners: Johan Palacios, sr., MF; Alex Ginder so., F; Aidan Adachi, sr., D; Davis Barta, sr., MF

Key newcomers: Isreal Juarez, so., MF; Angel Garnica, so., F; Harrison Olechowski, so., MF

Worth noting: The Hilltoppers will have a new identity this year with the addition of 13 new players. The backline will have a great deal of experience as it will hold a rotation of five seniors: Colin Weil, Aidan Adachi, Chris Weber, Tobi Montilla and Spencer Melms. Glenbard West’s attack will be headed by returning sophomore Ginder. Seniors Palacios and Barta will be leaders in the midfield and newcomer sophomore Olechowski will complement them.

“All three are skilled with the ball at their feet and have great instincts when it comes to distributing the ball,” Wicyk said of his three key attackers. “We are excited to start our season to see what this young group of players can accomplish together.”

Hinsdale Central

Coach: Michael Wiggins (31st year)

Last season’s record: 13-6-3, 3-3 West Suburban Silver (3rd)

Top returners: Denis Altman, sr., D; Enzo Cinque, sr., D; Martin Contreras, sr., GK; Michael DiTomasso, sr., D; Matt Gantar, jr., MF; Austen Szurgot, sr., MF; Braden Tingler, jr., D; Kostas Zamalaitis, sr., MF

Key newcomers: None listed.

Worth noting: The Red Devils have experience with six returning starters. Eight freshmen and sophomores are on the varsity for the first time.

“This year’s group brings a great mix of younger players and experience,” Wiggins said. “It’s a dynamic we have not seen in a few years so we’re looking forward to seeing how they come together.”

IC Catholic Prep

Coach: Miguel Garcia

Last season’s record: 6-5-1, 5-4 (7th)

Top returners: Filip Ciepiela, sr., MF; Sean Pels, sr., D; Alan Salgado, so., MF/F; Tristan Salgado, sr., D

Key newcomers: None listed.

Worth noting: Senior captains Ciepiela and Salgado are four-year starters and all-conference selections whose leadership along with senior defender and captain Pels should make a huge impact.

“Our focus is to take this season one training session and one game at a time,” Garcia said. “The main goal is to make a solid run into the playoffs and earn our first regional championship.”

Lemont

Coach: Rick Prangen

Last season’s record: 8-9-4, 5-2-4 South Suburban Blue (5th)

Top returners: Tyler Chrisman, sr., MF; Vincenzo Mancini, sr., MF/D

Key newcomers: Andre Guzy, so., F; Ali Nabulsi, sr., D; Faraz Ayub, sr., MF/D; Billy Eliadis, sr., MF/F

Worth noting: Lemont is led by senior midfielder Chrisman, who scored six goals and had 11 assists last season to earn all-state honors, and senior midfielder Mancini (three goals).

“We’re returning eight of 11 starters from last season and have a sizable senior class,” Prangen said. “The potential to compete for a conference and sectional title are there. The team should improve upon last season’s record.”

Lyons

Coach: Paul Labbato

Last season’s record: 20-7-1, 3-3 West Suburban Silver (4th)

Top returners: Mason Burda, sr., MF; Kellen Bourjally, sr., MF; Devin Wong, sr., D; Chris Medina, sr., MF

Key newcomers: Sean Dunn, sr., D; Ryland Avants, jr., F

Worth noting: The Lions might need some time to adjust to a host of new faces, but talent is everywhere on the roster. Burda, a three-year varsity player, headlines the returnees.

“Our team is replacing 10 starters from a team that finished second in state,” Labbato said. “We have a strong mix of returners and newcomers that can have a special year.”

Montini

Coach: Mark Kalal (first year)

Last season’s record: 1-14-1, 0-8 Chicago Catholic League

Top returners: Aiden Alonzo, jr., D; Julian Beahan, sr., MF; Robert Gutierrez, so., D/MF; Jonathan Kosinski, jr., MF

Key newcomers: Christian Aguilera, fr., MF: Austin Nelson, fr., D

Worth noting: The Broncos have a new head coach, a couple of freshmen looking to contribute right away and a number of players returning from a challenging season last fall.

“After coming off a tough season, we look forward to bouncing back and being competitive,” Kalal said. “Our mistakes are opportunities to learn going forward.”

Morton

Coach: Jim Bageanis (8th season)

Last season’s record: 16-6-2, 5-1 West Suburban Gold (2nd)

Top returners: Christian Valadez, sr., D; Nico Zaragoza, jr., D; Rafael Ramirez, sr., D

Key newcomers: Alfredo Campos, so., MF; Aaron Nevarez, jr., MF; Moises Malavaez, sr., MF

Worth noting: The Mustangs are aiming to contend for the conference title this season with a strong group of newcomers mixed in with veteran leaders.

“I feel we have a young and talented group of players that need to learn the speed and physicality of varsity soccer,” Bageanis said. “It’s going to take a bit to get the boys on the same page and get to know each other on the field. I feel we will be strong in the back and have the opportunity to develop a strong possession game.”

Nazareth

Coach: Rob Cianci

Last season’s record: 5-18-1, 1-7 East Suburban Catholic (8th)

Top returners: Arigael Hernandez, sr., MF; Dean Faust, sr., D; Julian DeLaTorre, sr., D; Jacob Sanchez, sr., MF; Mateo Delgado, sr., F; Brenden Boyd, jr., F

Key newcomers: Giovanni Cianci, so., F; Michael Duffy, so., MF; Liam Remedi, so., MF

Worth noting: The Roadrunners have several talented players back, led by Hernandez, who earned a spot on the Exact 11 watchlist as one of the top midfielders in the Midwest. Hernandez traveled to England to play games and trained with the West Ham United staff.

“We will have nine of our projected 11 starters with at least two years of varsity experience, led by Ari Hernandez,” Cianci said. “He’s a difference-maker and he has really owned his trade and has taken a step forward in the offseason. With all of that experience, sprinkled in with some very talented underclassmen, it should make for a fun season.”

St. Francis

Coach: Jim Winslow (fourth year)

Last season’s record: 7-7-1, 5-0-1 Chicago Catholic (2nd)

Top returners: Luke Argamasilla, sr., D; John Coco, jr., MF; Junior Diaz, jr., MF; Nicholas Tisjlar, jr., F; Peter Williams, sr., MF; John Yarusso, sr., MF

Key newcomers: Ryan Callander, so.; Brody Jochum, so.

Worth noting: “(We’re) optimistic, but we need to find some goal scoring from a variety of places since we lost a bunch from last year,” Winslow said. “I like the group a lot but we have some very big shoes to fill.” The Spartans’ only nonconference win last year came in a 9-0 victory in their opener but their nonconference schedule often has helped prepare them for conference success.

Timothy Christian

Coach: Joel Zielke (seventh year)

Last season’s record: 18-7, 5-1 Chicagoland Christian (1st)

Top returners: Peter Buikema, sr., GK; Timothy Nulty, sr., MF; Cooper Rainone, sr., MF; Owen Wise, sr., F

Key newcomers: Zach Baker, so., MF; Aidan Contant, jr., F

Worth noting: After back-to-back trophies in Class 1A in 2021 and 2022, the Trojans won a sectional in 2A last year before falling to eventual 2A state champion Crystal Lake South in double overtime in a supersectional. Most of that group is back with 13 returnees (eight starters). Seniors Timo Dacian and Trevor Munk and juniors Ben Schroeder and Wes Huber are back in front of four-year starting goalkeeper Peter Buikema. With seniors Rainone, Josiah Bhatia, Nulty and Wise controlling possession this fall, the Trojans have yet another reason to be excited about their opportunities.

Westmont

Coach: Francisco Delgado (seventh year)

Last season’s record: 7-12-1, 1-5

Top returners: Juan Bolivar, so., D; Manuel Tobin, sr., MF

Key newcomers: Adam Dubiel, fr., D; Edwin Rodriguez, fr., MF

Worth noting: Despite having less than 400 students, Westmont is fielding a fresh/soph team for the first time in Delgado’s seven-year tenure. “The young group is solid and we are hoping to be able to keep them all together for the next couple of years,” Delgado said. The team had relied heavily on Abraham Johnson for scoring. He found the back of the net 73 times before graduating earlier this year. Who will step up and score for the Sentinels?

Wheaton Academy

Coach: Jeff Brooke (13th year)

Last season’s record: 13-9-3, 5-1 Chicagoland Christian (2nd)

Top returners: Mason Brooke, so., MF; Sam Brown, sr., MF; Carlton McClure, jr., F/D

Key newcomer: Finn Ruch, sr., CB

Worth noting: In addition to a winning season, last year provided a great opportunity for the Warriors to grow. Now they’ll see what that experience can do going forward. “We had a lot of young players log significant minutes last year, which allowed for great growth,” Jeff Brooke said. “We have a strong culture and I believe we will have a solid group this year.” Brown (15 goals, 6 assists), Mason Brooke (12 goals, 5 assists) and McClure (1 goal, 4 assists) are among the team’s top players.

Wheaton North

Coach: Joe Klingelhoffer (2nd season)

Last season’s record: 4-13-1, 2-5 DuKane Conference (5th)

Top returners: Jackson Galbraith, sr., D; Gabe Brada, sr., D, Luke Hodel, sr., MF; Alex Leon, sr., F: Junior Edwin Gitonga, sr. F; John Thawng, jr., F.

Key newcomers: Felmon Kori, jr., MF; Mathew Garza, jr., D, Chris Mann, jr., D; Rocco Johnson, so., MF; Ryder Froebe, jr., MF.

Worth noting: Galbraith is the only starter from last year returning, but he’s joined by fellow senior leaders Hodel and Edgar Carmona in setting a hardworking and team first example.

“This is a high soccer IQ group that can win games because of their work ethic and understanding of the game,” Klingelhoffer said. “We mix an exciting junior class in with a very deep senior class. There are a lot of players on our roster that can wind up having an impact. I’m excited to watch this group grow during the season and find out which players step up. We will aim for a strong finish in what is always a highly competitive conference.”

Wheaton Warrenville South

Coach: J. Guy Callipari

Last season’s record: 5-10-3, 2-4-1 DuKane Conference (5th)

Top returners: Semin Razman, jr., F; Jet Oehrlein, sr., MF; Aaron Escareno, sr., MF; Am Za Lian, jr., MF; Diego Bautista, sr., MF; Jared Ferreyra, sr., GK

Key newcomers: Carlos Garcia, so., D; Logan LaFratta, so., MF

Worth noting: The Tigers should be among the top teams in the area because of an experienced core. Razman, who had nine goals in 2023, joins Oehrlein (3 goals, 5 assists), Bautista, Ferreyra (80 saves) and Escareno as the top returnees.

“We have 16 returning players,” Callipari said. “We will get out slowly while trying to develop continuity in our ideas given the majority of players that are new to the level of play. Our goal is to compete in the DuKane Conference.”

Willowbrook

Coach: Al Ramirez

Last season’s record: 2-19-1, 0-6 West Suburban Gold (7th)

Top returners: Kamil Kurpacha, sr., F; Jonah Slinn, sr., MF; Mathew Herz, sr., D

Key newcomers: Szymon Sokoloski, fr., D; Ian Mueller, fr., MF; Brayden Doston, so., F

Worth noting: The Warriors enter a new era led by first-year coach Ramirez. The Warriors are looking to make some positive steps this season.

“It’s a rebuilding year for the program,” Ramirez said. “Our goals this year are to have a .500 season and make a deep playoff run. We will look for our team captain Jonah Slinn and Kamil Kurpacha to help us lead the team this season.”

York

Coach: Jordan Stopka

Last season’s record: 16-5, 4-2 West Suburban Silver (2nd)

Top returners: Diego Ochoa, sr., GK; Freddie Steen, sr., D, Sr.; Oliver Conner, sr., MF; Aaron Jobi, sr., MF/F

Key newcomers: Cameron Coates, jr., D; Roberto Barriga, sr., MF; Quinn Stratton, jr.; MF/F; Carmie DiMiele, sr., F

Worth noting: With numerous experienced players back this season, the Dukes have goals of winning the conference.

“This team has had a lot of moving pieces since the end of the 2023 campaign,” Stopka said. “There are going to be at least six new starters on the squad with a mixture of some coming from club and others being promoted to varsity. The boys have had a very intense start to the season and practice competition is at an all-time high. The season hinges on players playing some new roles and new players stepping up.”

Note: Hinsdale South did not respond to requests for preview information.