Lake Park studies history before York visit
By Bobby Narang
After nearly two years, Lake Park finally gets a
chance at redemption Saturday morning.
The Lancers are set to host York in the 30th-annual Norm Hillner Classic at 11 a.m. The Dukes defeated the Lancers in both of their meetings in 2019, including a 3-0 victory in a Class 3A regional semifinal.
Lake Park coach Sean Crosby said his seniors haven’t forgotten about those defeats at the feet of the Dukes. Two of his senior captains, midfielders Frankie Caira and Edgar Villagran, were members of the 2019 team, Crosby said. Senior forward Raim Ramani is Lake Park’s third captain.
“I don’t know much about York, because we didn’t play them last (spring), but two years ago, we played them twice and they knocked us out of the playoffs,” Crosby said. “I know they have a competitive team with a lot of talent, plus returning some big-time guys.
“Some of the seniors were in that game, with Edgar and Frankie both key players in both of those games. Both of them experienced those two losses, and saw how well-organized York was that year.”
York coach Jordan Stopka begins his first full season leading the program following the short stint of an IHSA season in the spring. He said the Lancers’ six-team event is a good way to start the season for his talented team. The five-day round-robin tournament also includes South Elgin, Wheaton North, Hoffman Estates and St. Francis.
“As a varsity squad, you always want to start the year with a good tournament,” Stopka said.
“Lake Park provides that. The competition is good, and the gets kids excited to win something before the start of the state playoff. The kids know we have a much bigger goal at hand, so this is a great way to start off the season.”
Crosby will rely on his five key returners — Caira, Villagran, Andrew Swacha, Chris Payan and Aidan Killmer — to lead the team. The coach said Swacha made big strides at goalie last season when he won the job midway through the spring season.
“Those five guys got the most amount of playing time last season,” Crosby said. “We’re going to rely on them heavily to build our attack. Andrew really grew as our goalie last year. He battled and won the spot halfway through the season. He really stepped up and was tasked to the challenge, had a a ton of saves.
“He really shined in his first couple of starts, and he got a lot of experience. He’s been developing really good, making reaction saves and dictating the backline. We’re excepting more of him.”
Crosby said he anticipates a strong season from his four other key players to help bridge the gap between the younger players.
“Aidan, a defender, is a track guy who likes to run and get up and down the field and also creates the attack and protects in the back,” he said. “He was our most improved player last year. Frankie and Edgar are our most skilled soccer players. They can pass, dribble, score and defend. They will be leading our team and dictate what we do.
“Chris played or started in every match last year. He’s got great speed, but injured his ankle recently and might be out. He gained a lot of confidence last year.
“Our strength is in our attack. Our attacking core is very senior heavy. We can score in a lot of different ways. Our backline is split between newcomers and returnees.”
As if the Lancers needed more motivation, the home team has additional reasons to put on a strong performance.
The team will hold a celebration for the 50th anniversary of the program Saturday and expects a good showing of former players.
Recognition of the alumni at the game is planned for 10:30 a.m.
York, ranked 27th in the Chicagoland Soccer First 50 state-wide preseason poll, is pointing toward a memorable season.
The Dukes have 15 seniors on a talented 23-player roster.
“I’m pretty excited, but we’re senior heavy,” Stopka said. “We’re going to be very strong attacking, like a possession style playing. We’re all learning to fit in together. We’re looking to win conference, and the kids want to win a sectional.”
Stopka said seniors Sam Musial, Kacper Janowski and Connor Bare were voted captains by their teammates. Musial, a four-year varsity player and returning captain, is one of the key players, Stopka.
“Sam is a three-year starter and helps keep the kids organized and keeps the program on the right track,” he said. “Kacper played academy last year and (we) talked him into coming over to York this year. Connor is a great leader and kid.
“We’re definitely looking for things to carry over, with seven starters returning. We have to continue trying to build the surrounding pieces. They play wonderfully together, play possession style, not a kick-and-run team and are very good with the ball with their feet.
“We have some quick and agile athletes.”
By Bobby Narang
After nearly two years, Lake Park finally gets a
chance at redemption Saturday morning.
The Lancers are set to host York in the 30th-annual Norm Hillner Classic at 11 a.m. The Dukes defeated the Lancers in both of their meetings in 2019, including a 3-0 victory in a Class 3A regional semifinal.
Lake Park coach Sean Crosby said his seniors haven’t forgotten about those defeats at the feet of the Dukes. Two of his senior captains, midfielders Frankie Caira and Edgar Villagran, were members of the 2019 team, Crosby said. Senior forward Raim Ramani is Lake Park’s third captain.
“I don’t know much about York, because we didn’t play them last (spring), but two years ago, we played them twice and they knocked us out of the playoffs,” Crosby said. “I know they have a competitive team with a lot of talent, plus returning some big-time guys.
“Some of the seniors were in that game, with Edgar and Frankie both key players in both of those games. Both of them experienced those two losses, and saw how well-organized York was that year.”
York coach Jordan Stopka begins his first full season leading the program following the short stint of an IHSA season in the spring. He said the Lancers’ six-team event is a good way to start the season for his talented team. The five-day round-robin tournament also includes South Elgin, Wheaton North, Hoffman Estates and St. Francis.
“As a varsity squad, you always want to start the year with a good tournament,” Stopka said.
“Lake Park provides that. The competition is good, and the gets kids excited to win something before the start of the state playoff. The kids know we have a much bigger goal at hand, so this is a great way to start off the season.”
Crosby will rely on his five key returners — Caira, Villagran, Andrew Swacha, Chris Payan and Aidan Killmer — to lead the team. The coach said Swacha made big strides at goalie last season when he won the job midway through the spring season.
“Those five guys got the most amount of playing time last season,” Crosby said. “We’re going to rely on them heavily to build our attack. Andrew really grew as our goalie last year. He battled and won the spot halfway through the season. He really stepped up and was tasked to the challenge, had a a ton of saves.
“He really shined in his first couple of starts, and he got a lot of experience. He’s been developing really good, making reaction saves and dictating the backline. We’re excepting more of him.”
Crosby said he anticipates a strong season from his four other key players to help bridge the gap between the younger players.
“Aidan, a defender, is a track guy who likes to run and get up and down the field and also creates the attack and protects in the back,” he said. “He was our most improved player last year. Frankie and Edgar are our most skilled soccer players. They can pass, dribble, score and defend. They will be leading our team and dictate what we do.
“Chris played or started in every match last year. He’s got great speed, but injured his ankle recently and might be out. He gained a lot of confidence last year.
“Our strength is in our attack. Our attacking core is very senior heavy. We can score in a lot of different ways. Our backline is split between newcomers and returnees.”
As if the Lancers needed more motivation, the home team has additional reasons to put on a strong performance.
The team will hold a celebration for the 50th anniversary of the program Saturday and expects a good showing of former players.
Recognition of the alumni at the game is planned for 10:30 a.m.
York, ranked 27th in the Chicagoland Soccer First 50 state-wide preseason poll, is pointing toward a memorable season.
The Dukes have 15 seniors on a talented 23-player roster.
“I’m pretty excited, but we’re senior heavy,” Stopka said. “We’re going to be very strong attacking, like a possession style playing. We’re all learning to fit in together. We’re looking to win conference, and the kids want to win a sectional.”
Stopka said seniors Sam Musial, Kacper Janowski and Connor Bare were voted captains by their teammates. Musial, a four-year varsity player and returning captain, is one of the key players, Stopka.
“Sam is a three-year starter and helps keep the kids organized and keeps the program on the right track,” he said. “Kacper played academy last year and (we) talked him into coming over to York this year. Connor is a great leader and kid.
“We’re definitely looking for things to carry over, with seven starters returning. We have to continue trying to build the surrounding pieces. They play wonderfully together, play possession style, not a kick-and-run team and are very good with the ball with their feet.
“We have some quick and agile athletes.”