West Aurora touts three key standouts to top charts, while Elgin, Geneva, Bartlett will give chase.
Top 10 Teams
1. West Aurora (19-5-0)
Blackhawks welcome back five starters to the fold, all in important aspects of the game. Senior Luis Garcia, an elite goalkeeper, posted eight shutouts last season. Senior forward Mason Aguirre and senior midfielder Noe Del Rio are the offensive leaders.
2. Elgin (15-4-2)
New coach Antonio Zavala inherits talented nucleus. Top players are senior defender Xavier Salinas and senior midfielder Jayden Plancarte. Back end looks to be solid with senior defender Tony Hernandez and junior goalkeeper Antonio Ochoa.
3. Geneva (13-5-4)
Vikings feature 12 returnees from a versatile roster. Senior forward Caleb Kelly scored 17 goals last year and senior midfielder Ben Murphy added six goals and 14 assists. Senior midfielders Alec Graham and Chase Marquardt bolster the attack.
4. Bartlett (12-5-5)
Hawks feature six returning starters and eight players in the rotation. Senior midfielders Oliver Kosciolek, Omar Castro and Alexander Perez are the offensive playmakers. Senior defender Raul Arismendi and senior goalkeeper Daniel Martinez anchor back line.
5. St. Charles North (10-4-4)
Perennial power brings back six starters and also adds some gifted freshmen. Senior midfielders Nolan Schoenholz and Alan Gomez and junior midfielder Wicho Delapaz ignite the attack. Junior goalkeeper Kale Syzdek posted six shutouts last year. Senior defender Ashton Goettel is a disruptive stopper.
6. Streamwood (11-7-2)
With nine returning starters, Sabres are a significant threat with their new state designation in Class 2A. Senior forwards Sergio Barrera, Andy Benitez and Aiden Caldera are offensive catalysts. Senior goalkeeper Alex J. Garcia recorded seven shutouts last year.
7. Oswego East (12-7-4)
Wolves return five starters, with senior midfielders Vakaris Majus and Dillan Max and senior forward Julian Nino sparking the attack. Sophomore midfielder Jake McPhee is a young talent to watch. Junior defender Cade Cummings and senior defender Aaron Godinez key back line.
8. Yorkville (10-4-3)
Foxes have six returning starters from one of best teams in program history. Senior midfielder Wyatt Panczuk, a superb two-way talent, is joined by junior midfielders Andres Esparza and Oliver Villa. Senior goalkeeper Caleb Reveter and senior defender Mitch Walters lead back line.
9. Aurora Central Catholic (18-4-2)
Chargers move up to Class 2A, with 17 returnees from last year’s supersectional qualifer. In addition to an elite scorer in senior forward Matthew VanDeman, senior forward Giovannie Gutierrez and junior midfielder Christopher Incandela reached double figures last year in goals. Senior goalkeeper Elias Perez notched 10 shutouts.
10. Metea Valley (12-9-4)
Senior forward Michael Birkner is expected to power attack for Mustangs. Senior defenders Ethan Arbetman and Eric Jernigan boost the back line. Top newcomers are junior goalkeeper Chase Grosrenaud and junior midfielder Tyler Johnson.
The 25 Players to Watch
- Mason Aguirre, West Aurora, senior, midfielder/forward.
- Greg Bell, Batavia, senior, forward.
- Andy Benitez, Streamwood, senior, forward.
- Michael Birkner, Metea Valley, senior, forward.
- Noe Del Rio, West Aurora, senior, midfielder.
- Fernando Garcia, East Aurora, junior, defender.
- Lucas Garcia, Waubonsie Valley, junior, forward.
- Luis Garcia, West Aurora, senior, goalkeeper.
- Ashton Goettel, St. Charles North, senior, defender.
- Giovannie Gutierrez, Aurora Central Catholic, senior, forward.
- Greyson Hedderich, Hampshire, senior, midfielder.
- Caleb Kelly, Geneva, senior, forward.
- Dustin King, Oswego, junior, forward.
- Oliver Kosciolek, Bartlett, senior, midfielder/forward.
- Matthew Lipp, South Elgin, junior, forward/midfielder.
- Vakaris Majus, Oswego East, senior, midfielder.
- Emilio Morones, Marmion, senior, midfielder.
- Ben Murphy, Geneva, senior, midfielder.
- Wyatt Panczuk, Yorkville, senior, midfielder.
- Jayden Plancarte, Elgin, senior, midfielder.
- Mauricio Ruiz, Dundee-Crown, junior, midfielder.
- Cristian Sanchez, Plano, senior, forward.
- Xavier Salinas, Elgin, senior, defender.
- Connor Sychowski, St. Charles East, junior, midfielder.
- Matthew VanDeman, Aurora Central Catholic, senior, forward.
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
Originally Published:
