Season preview:
DuKane Conference sequel
figures to top original
By Steve Nemeth
Lake Park and Wheaton North shared the inaugural DuKane Conference boys soccer championship with identical 5-1-1 league records after battling to a 0-0 head-to-head stalemate.
Team coaches Sean Crosby and Robert Stassen essentially shared the same thoughts.
“In just one season we learned exactly how strong this conference is and how people can beat each other up but still respect each other,” Wheaton North's Stassen said. “I’m pretty sure last year showed there were teams initally thought to become the winner who didn’t, while some others surpassed expectations -- all of which showed the depth of the DuKane.”
Crosby added: “The night we learned we’d share the title, we celebrated with great pride knowing how good the programs in this league are. Looking back, there were a lot of tight, one-goal matches, and it was easy to find teams that beat someone above them. So where you finished guaranteed nothing. I’d say everyone expects the second year to be just as tight.”
Another loop coach had a parallel take.
“Eight schools, we have a (3A) state finals team, three regional winners, and those three didn’t even include one of our co-champs. That says a lot about our conference,” Geneva’s Jason Bhatta noted.
If not for the 4-3 double overtime loss that knocked out Wheaton North, there would have been five DKC squads playing for regional plaques. Of the four who did, one was assured to be denied because longtime rivals St. Charles East and North met in one of those finals.
While the North Stars fell short in that match, they were the only league team to defeat Lake Park. East’s Saints where the only unit to defeat Wheaton North. Thanks in part to those wins, the two St. Charles schools were the third and fourth place crews behind the co-champs.
St. Charles East and North yo-yoed up and down in the Chicagoland Soccer rankings throughout the year and their finishes were also thanks to lower DKC programs. East lost a 1-0 home date with basement finisher Glenbard North. The North Stars’ road trips included a 2-0 loss to Batavia and 1-1 draw at Geneva. The latter program was well-versed in stalemates with three ties.
No wonder every coach insists it’s impossible to assume a victory.
Obviously Class 3A fourth place finisher Lake Park earned its no. 19 ranking in the Chicagoland Soccer Final 50 Poll. St. Charles East and North rated at 34 and 46, respectively.
In 2019, Sept. 10 is the start of the DKC sequel with Batavia visiting Lake Park, Geneva hosting Wheaton Warrenvile South, Glenbard North welcoming St. Charles East, and St. Charles North at Wheaton North.
And where the plot lines go from there is anybody's guess.
Batavia
Coach: Mark Gianfrancesco (21st year / all at BHS)
2018 record: 5-11-4 (2-3-2 DKC 5th)
Key graduates: Adler Palos (M, IHSSCA Section 3 All-Section, All-DKC, 2g/7a), Max Hardin (M, IHSSCA Sec 3 Honorable Mention, All-DKC, 5g/3a), Miguel Garcia (F, 5g/2a), Joe Grendzinski (M, 4g), Ian Wood (D), Jacob Mefford, (GK, 5 shutouts).
Key returnees: Ryan Kahley (So. F, 1g/1a), Austin Saenz (Sr. D), Quinn Carlson (Sr. D), Hector Rosales (Sr. D), Issac Hager (Sr. F).
Outlook: For Batavia, the 2018 campaign numbers require closer examination. Starting the year with 16 seniors on the roster seemed like a big positive. However, those numbers were inflated by an influx from the prior year’s JV unit. There were really only six varsity returnees and the result was one win (1-5-3) in the first nine outings. So the final 5-11-4 record may not bode much optimism for 2019. However, upon closer examination, chemistry was developing, particularly on defense. After that point, the Bulldogs added four wins, tied once, and endured five losses a single goal en route to a regional championship. As the 16 seed within an 18-team sectional, Batavia edged four-seed Oswego East and then posted a 3-1 triumph over five-seed Lockport for the title. In the sectional Batavia became part of Naperville North championship run.
“No question we often struggled to score, but we still held our own against some very good people or even some simply good teams who were having one of their better years. So I credit the boys for never getting down on themselves,” coach Mark Gianfrancesco said. “And I’d say we had three things work in our favor: one, it was our first time hosting a regional in a decade and a half; two, the home field feel was truly a plus; and three, the draw also worked in our favor.
“So now we’ll see what the carryover effect will be. This year’s group is eager to compete and carry on the Batavia soccer tradition of wanting to win more than the previous crew,” Gianfransesco noted. “We’ve got some newcomers or guys in new roles fresh off a successful year at a lower level, so we’ll see how well they acclimate to the varsity level and speed of play.”
Once again taking a closer look is necessary. While Gianfransesco considers Ryan Kahley, Kyle Nicely, and Mark Lillig as “newcomers”, they were among a handful of end-of-the-year call-ups who were part of the postseason success. Sophomores Logan Saenz and Brody Seitzinger compete to replace Jacob Mefford (five shutouts) in goal while junior Rodrigo Maldonado hopes to bring his offensive prowess to the varsity level.
Geneva
Coach: Jason Bhatta (3rd year at GHS)
2018 record: 4-11-3 (1-3-3 DKC 7th)
Key graduates: Jake Belloli (M, IHSSCA HM Sec 3, All-DKC, 3g/1a), Colin Fromm (F, IHSSCA Section 3 HM, 6g/1a).
Key returnees: Josh Eiss (Sr. F-M, 5g/1a), Stuart Turnbull (Sr. D), Joey Carli (Jr. M-F, 1a), Ethan Hipp (Sr. M-F, 1a).
Outlook: Among the inspirational sayings is the one that goes “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” That’s pretty much what third-year coach Jason Bhatta hopes is unfolding in Geneva. The 2017 unit he inherited was preceded by a huge senior class. Once again the largest portion of the 2018 crew were seniors, except the big difference was that not all those graduates were starters. For 2019 there are a lot of returnees who rotated in and out of a lineup that endured some more growing pains.
“Last year’s 4-11-3 record was disappointing for us, but now top to bottom we’re a much more talented team,” Bhatta insists. We’ve got a lot of guys who saw starting minutes, and now they’re pushing for more minutes. I like our core, and I see the level of competition within our squad has really risen, which means we’re going to be hungry and deep.”
Look to former club member Shun Yoneham, a senior midfielder, to make an impact while Bhatta also counts on the boost from having senior goalie Osten Lockner back after he missed all of 2018 due to injury.
When it came to the DuKane, the good news was that four matches in, Geneva had experienced only one loss while scrapping its way to three ties. The bad news was the Vikings didn’t get their first loop win until DKC finale in October. However, that last month of the season also included a 2-1 loss to co-champ Lake Park --- one of four one-goal setbacks during the Vikings finishing run. “This league consists of programs that are historically strong, and we’re excited for the opportunity to go back against that competition to prove how much we’ve progressed,” Bhatta said.
Glenbard North
Coach: Spero Mandakas (10th year / 2nd year at GNHS)
2018 record: 5-10-4 (1-5-1 DKC 8th)
Key graduates: Andres Sanchez (D), Ben Solono (F)
Key returnees: Ode Emena (Sr. M-D, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 1a), Manny Castanon (M, All-DKC, 1g), Gabriel Jurado (Jr. F-M, CS Watch List, IHSSCA HM Sec 3, 6g/2a), Martin Argirov (Jr. GK, 4.5 shutouts), Jesus Aragon (Jr. F, 2a).
Season outlook: When the 2017 season concluded, Glenbard North finished winless (0-12-3) in its last 15 outings. In 2018, first-year coach Spero Mandakas, who had a track record of notable success with the Whitney Young girls program, immediately infused the Panthers with enthusiasm and energy which produced a 4-1-2 start that: 1) doubled the previous year’s wins (2-13-3), 2) included an eye-opening 1-0 triumph at St. Charles East in the DuKane opener for both teams, and 3) served as a wake-up call for every remaining opponent. Combine the latter with a quality schedule, some bumps and bruises, plus a few unlucky bounces, and the Panthers were unable to sustain that initial success. Suddenly 2018 skidded to a 10-match (1-8-1) thud.
“We started off well, but we weren’t scoring a lot of goals and that caught up with us once we started seeing some teams that were more dynamic in their attack,” Mandakas said in a season review.
As far as Mandakas is concerned, that’s the distant past. He sees a Panthers program that adapted to effectively playing a new system against strong opposition, a commitment to summer training, and incoming talent as the foundation for greater success. He views the trio of Ode Emena and Manny Castanon (both All-DKC), and Gabriel Jurado (CS Watch List) as one of the best midfields around. Add on a strong third-year keeper in Martin Argirov and a more dynamic attack and there is reason for optimism.
“We’ve got a hungry group of guys looking to make an impact plus more guys with high-level club experience,” Mandakas noted. The promising newcomers are led by a trio of juniors in Nathaniel Enriquez, Raul Pasillas and Ricardo Patino, plus sophomore Chris Arroyo.
Lake Park
Coach: Sean Crosby (4th year at LPHS)
2018 record: 21-5-3 (5-1-1 DKC tie, 1st)
Key graduates: Franco Presta (M, CS All-State, IHSSCA All-State, DKC Player of the Year, All-DKC, 17g/9a), Matteo Costa (M, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 13g/7a), Christian Lekki (GK, CS All-State, IHSSCA All-Section 3, 0.79 gaa, 12 shutouts), Jesus Jaurez (M, IHSSCA HM Sec 3, All-DKC, 5g/9a), Tom Zakic (D, CS All-State, All-DKC, 5g/3a), Max Ellenbacker (D, All-DKC, 1g/2a),
Key returnees: Grayden McClellan (Sr. F, CS Watch List, 4g/2a), Frankie Caira (So. D, CS Watch List), Oleksandr Melnyk (Sr. F, 4g), Max Armas (Sr. M, 4g/1a), Konrad Sagan (Sr. D), Anthony Magner (Jr. D. 1g/1a).
Season outlook: Sean Crosby can understand how some might assign “the favorite” target to Lake Park. The Lancers successfully defended a Hillner Classic title, then picked up the Plainfield Classic crown, shared the inaugural DuKane championship, tied a school record for single-season wins (21-5-3) and brought home the Class 3A fourth place trophy.
All those achievements involved an extremely talented core that wanted to go out on top: IHSSCA All-State and DKC Player of the Year Franco Presta; Chicagoland Soccer All-State and All-DKC Tom Zakic; and other postseason award recipients like goalie Christian Lekki, Matteo Costa, Jesus Juarez, and Max Ellenbacker.
“The question isn’t did our guys earn the target, it’s can you prove you deserve it and can you hold on to it? Every team in this conference can battle based on all the close matches the first year, and we expect things to be just as tight in year two,” Crosby promised. “Our success for this year will depend on this team’s culture. We all know it’s a new era, and we need to prove ourselves. It’s take a lot of hard work and for us to come together as a team.”
Here’s where opposing coaches quickly note: the Lancers’ cupboard isn’t bare; it’s a program that reloads instead of rebuilds; the team is guided by a coach who gets the maximum out of his players.
Chicagoland Soccer Watch List selections include senior forward Grayden McClellan and sophomore defender Frankie Caira. Standouts in waiting are likely in a senior trio that includes Max Armas, Konrad Sagan and Oleksandr Melynk. Newcomers capable of making an impact include senior midfielders Riccardo Ciaccio and Antonio Bavaro, plus junior defender Max Panek.
“We’re a possession-based team and count on a midfield core that can defend and possess the ball. Actually we consider our ability to defend in all facets of the field as a strength,” Crosby added.
And with the Lancers’ track record plus Crosby’s coaching, consider Lake Park in the title mix even if they may not be the favorite.
St. Charles East
Coach: Vince DiNuzzo (5th year / 3rd year at SCE)
2018 record: 13-8-0 (4-3-0 DKC 3rd)
Key graduates: Truitt Battin (M, CS All-State, IHSSCA All-State, All-DKC, 16g/6a), Grayson Biddle (D, All-DKC, 2g/2a), Luke Schnitker (M, 9g/6a), Ulises Caballero (D, 2g/1a).
Key returnees: Sebastian Carranza (So. F, CS Watch List, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 13g/7a), Brendan Adams (All-DKC, Sr. M, 2g/2a), Renato Avendano (Sr. M, 6g/5a), Geoff Unterberg (Jr. D), Alex Mancero (Jr. M), Ryan Champine (Jr. D).
Outlook: Consider it another measure of respect when St. Charles East coach Vince DiNuzzo names every DuKane school as a possible 2019 favorite. “Lake Park is always tough; Wheaton North wants to defend its share of the first title. (St. Charles) North is always good. If any coach can make it happen it’s Guy at South. Glenbard North looks much improved. Batavia was supposed to be down and won a regional just like us; everyone in the Tri-Cities knows how tough Geneva can be.” So what about his own Saints? “If we can stay healthy, we believe it’s possible. Our task is to be prepared for every opponent and do our best to improve throughout the season.”
East did account for co-champ Wheaton North’s lone league loss. “Yes, but two of our three losses came against teams near the bottom, so there are no gimmes,” DiNuzzo said. Eventual basement finisher Glenbard North surprised the Saints in the DKC opener and East figured in the title picture until Wheaton Warrenville South visited and notched a 2-0 shutout. And yes, it took a 6-5 shootout margin, but that’s how Lake Park ultimately ended the Saints’ year in a sectional semifinal. Chicagoland Soccer and IHSSCA All-State pick Truitt Battin was one of the team's two All-DKC honorees and the team's top scorer. The Saints hope his production could be offset by All-DKC picks Sebastian Carranza (13g/7a) and Brendan Adams (2g/2a), plus senior Renato Avendano (6g/5a). Senior goalies Jack Settle and Zach Doerr posted six shutouts last season. With 12 players 5-foot-11 or taller, the Saints should be dangerous in the air. Zach Gamster, a 6-4 center back and former club standout joins the backline and allows junior Ryan Champine to move out wide. Jacob Maslowski (a 6-foot junior forward) was brought up to the varsity late last year while Josh Ruiz (a sophomore midfielder) started every JV match as a frosh and is eager to try the next level and work with Alex Mancera, a season-long varsity starter as a sophomore. The Saints also hope (6-2 junior) Sam Wade is healthy again after an impressive frosh showing.
St. Charles North
Coach: Eric Willson (16th year / all SCNHS)
2018 record: 12-6-1 (3-3-1 DKC 4th)
Key graduates: Matt Beaulieu (F, CS All-State, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 12g/12a), Joey Sommer (D-M, All-DKC, 1a), Logan Michels (F, 8g/3a), Vito Lagioia (F, 6g/3a), Adam Baer (F, 4g/1a).
Key returnees: Bobby Curran (Sr. GK, 4 shutouts), Gabriel D’Amico (Sr. M, 4g/7a), Faizan Mohiuddin (Sr. F, 4g/2a), Nolan Sinnaeve (Sr. M, 3g), Jared Sinnaeve (Jr. M, 3g/1a), Thomas Weber (Sr. M, 2g).
Outlook: It’s never a question of if an Eric Willson-coached team will win, the unknown is the amount of success. Starting his 16th campaign at St. Charles North there has only been one time his crew didn’t compile double-digit victories. In 2017 his North Stars won a PepsiCo bracket title, beat rival East for a regional title and followed with three-consecutive shutouts before losing a state semifinal to eventual champ Naperville North and the third-place match to Bradley-Bourbonnais. After that tremendous showing, Willson stated: “I think we’ve had a lot of teams who’ve had a decent amount of chemistry, but I’m not sure we’ve had a group that’s been this kind of “all in it for each other.”
It was the kind of year that cast a huge shadow, perhaps setting the expectations bar a little too high.
Starting 2018 with five-straight wins perhaps made losing the championship of the inaugural St. Charles Tournament co-hosted with East a little more painful. A following 2-1 home loss to Wheaton North in the DKC opener deepened frustrations. Worse yet, seven players were dismissed from the team in October and the North psyche was bruised despite tagging Lake Park with its lone DuKane defeat. The North Stars did regroup with a trio of shutouts before the offense failed in a regional championship loss to the rival Saints. Nevertheless, it was another two-figure win total (12-6-1) which quietly elevated Willson past the 200 career-win milestone.
“This is a fantastic conference with great coaches who always have their teams prepared, and I’m hoping the experiences we had in year one will be one of our strengths. Since I’ve been a head coach, our teams have taken pride in being organized and working hard on defense,” Willson said in noting a trait he doesn’t believe will change.
Knowing senior Bobby Curran is back in goal is a plus, but there are holes to fill. Chicagoland Soccer All-State pick and points leader Matt Beaulieu is gone as is fellow All-DKC selection Joey Sommer, plus three more consistent scorers. However there is no shortage of potential candidates for elevating their production in seniors Gabriel D’Amico, Faizan Mohiuddin, brothers Nolan and Jared Sinnaeve, plus Thomas Weber.
Wheaton North
Coach: Robert Stassen (10th year / 4th at WNHS)
2018 record: 10-9-2 (5-1-1 DKC tie-1st)
Key graduates: Sunday Moo (D, CS All-State, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 2g/3a), Ethan Shikany (M, IHSSCA HM Sec 3, All-DKC, 2g/6a), Jack Tegart (D, All-DKC), Alex Beausoleil (F, 28g/6a), Joe Gaither (F, 7g/11a), Jack Mancuso (D), Jack Morrissey (F, 4g/11a), Nathan Heyen (D, 4a).
Key returnees: Erik Rozanski (Jr. M, CS Watch List, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 4g/4a), Graham Stephenson (Jr. M), Kyle Schauer (Jr. Da), Will Wanzenburg (Sr. F, 1g/4a), Ray Min (Sr. GK, 10 shutouts).
Outlook: Looking ahead for Wheaton North requires taking a moment to look back at 2018. If someone sees the 10-9-2 record and first-round regional exit they do not have a true assessment of the Falcons. The 2016 campaign ended with a 2-15-2 mark and zero wins in the DuPage Valley Conference. In 2017 Wheaton North was 7-13-3 and 3-3-2 in the DVC, and captured the school’s first regional crown since 2013. A positive transition was clearly in the works.
Perhaps the Falcons “snuck” up on some folks, but being the inaugural DuKane co-champions is now an unerasable fact and reason for coach Robert Stassen to be immensely proud of the accomplishment. “There are fantastic coaches in this league who get the best out of the guys they have, so we earned that title. What also makes the (DKC) coaches special is the sportsmanship, there are no egos, no gamesmanship.”
At first glance graduation looks to take a toll: CS All-State pick Sunday Moo plus All-DKC picks Ethan Shikany and Jack Tegart are gone as are scorers like Alex Beausoleil (28g/6a), Joe Gaither (7g/11a), and Jack Morrissey (4g/11a) plus dependable defenders like Jack Mancuso and Nathan Heyen.
“No doubt we lost a lot of finesse and maturity, but we’ve still got a solid core to lead us and the difference in this group is their hunger and aggressiveness, there’s a pit-bull mentality and they’re a little unorthodox as opposed to fitting roles,” Stasssen explained.
When it comes to returning talent, CS Watch List and All-DKC pick Erik Rozanski leads a tenacious pack that includes Graham Stevenson, Kyle Schauer, Will Wanzenburg and a veteran keeper in Ray Min (10 shutouts). Of course there are also newcomers whom Stassen envisions making an impact: seniors Tyler Larson and Garrett Robinson plus sophomores Ethan Martinez and Jarret Baumgartner.
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Guy Callipari (29th year / all WWSHS)
2018 record: 5-10-2 (2-4-1 DKC 6th)
Key graduates: Sumani Husseini (F, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 11g/1a), Declin Ermer (D, IHSSCA HM Sec 3, All-DKC, 6g/4a), Joe Adamek (GK, 3 shutouts)
Key returnees: Sam Schlegel (Sr. D, 1a), Ryan Dufty (Sr. M, 4g/1a), Nick McGrath (Sr. M, 1a), Kevin Stumbris (Jr. M, 1g), Paul Thalman (Sr. M, 1a), Jackson Moran (Jr. D).
Outlook: In addition to being the dean of coaches, perhaps Guy Callipari has a little politician in him -- or he simply shares Vince DiNuzzo’s approach expressed earlier in answering who should be a DKC favorite. “Top contenders would be those that are constantly fed players from a youth program not in flux and off the rails; therefore those in the Kane county area will always be competitive. Yet having said that, Lake Park and Wheaton North are coming off titles, so they’ve got the incentive to repeat.” This isn’t a coach dodging the question, it’s a 29-year coaching veteran simply saying the DuKane, like the DuPage Valley before, is an extremely difficult league, and each year starts 0-0-0.
“We have learned that in changing conferences it has not altered the talent of the competition, hence we’ll need to schedule appropriately and perform at a high competitive level (in the DKC).”
Thankfully for South, Callipari is known for maximizing talent. Truthfully, last year’s Tigers were somewhat short on numbers in that respect. “We had some ups and downs, which is to be expected when underclassmen are playing varsity for the fist time,” Callipari said in a season review. “The progress has been slow, but there’s been plenty. So the hope is that will carry over with those players who had an opportunity to play and learn from a terrific group of seniors.”
Among those seniors referred to were All-DKC selections Sumani Husseini and Declin Ermer, plus goalie Joe Adamek. When it comes to those players expected to show what they’ve learned and step forward, there’s a senior quartet of Sam Schlegel, Ryan Dufty, Nick McGrath, and Paul Thalman, plus the junior duo of Kevin Stumbris and Jackson Moran. “We’ve got 12 returning players and may get out slowly while trying to develop continuity in our ideas given the majority of them are in new roles or new to this level of play,” Callipari explained. “One large question is who can provide the opportunities in the offensive third of the field?”
Perhaps the answer may come from a trio of newcomers in senior Jack Cooper or juniors Eladio Reyes and Eric Vargas.
DuKane Conference sequel
figures to top original
By Steve Nemeth
Lake Park and Wheaton North shared the inaugural DuKane Conference boys soccer championship with identical 5-1-1 league records after battling to a 0-0 head-to-head stalemate.
Team coaches Sean Crosby and Robert Stassen essentially shared the same thoughts.
“In just one season we learned exactly how strong this conference is and how people can beat each other up but still respect each other,” Wheaton North's Stassen said. “I’m pretty sure last year showed there were teams initally thought to become the winner who didn’t, while some others surpassed expectations -- all of which showed the depth of the DuKane.”
Crosby added: “The night we learned we’d share the title, we celebrated with great pride knowing how good the programs in this league are. Looking back, there were a lot of tight, one-goal matches, and it was easy to find teams that beat someone above them. So where you finished guaranteed nothing. I’d say everyone expects the second year to be just as tight.”
Another loop coach had a parallel take.
“Eight schools, we have a (3A) state finals team, three regional winners, and those three didn’t even include one of our co-champs. That says a lot about our conference,” Geneva’s Jason Bhatta noted.
If not for the 4-3 double overtime loss that knocked out Wheaton North, there would have been five DKC squads playing for regional plaques. Of the four who did, one was assured to be denied because longtime rivals St. Charles East and North met in one of those finals.
While the North Stars fell short in that match, they were the only league team to defeat Lake Park. East’s Saints where the only unit to defeat Wheaton North. Thanks in part to those wins, the two St. Charles schools were the third and fourth place crews behind the co-champs.
St. Charles East and North yo-yoed up and down in the Chicagoland Soccer rankings throughout the year and their finishes were also thanks to lower DKC programs. East lost a 1-0 home date with basement finisher Glenbard North. The North Stars’ road trips included a 2-0 loss to Batavia and 1-1 draw at Geneva. The latter program was well-versed in stalemates with three ties.
No wonder every coach insists it’s impossible to assume a victory.
Obviously Class 3A fourth place finisher Lake Park earned its no. 19 ranking in the Chicagoland Soccer Final 50 Poll. St. Charles East and North rated at 34 and 46, respectively.
In 2019, Sept. 10 is the start of the DKC sequel with Batavia visiting Lake Park, Geneva hosting Wheaton Warrenvile South, Glenbard North welcoming St. Charles East, and St. Charles North at Wheaton North.
And where the plot lines go from there is anybody's guess.
Batavia
Coach: Mark Gianfrancesco (21st year / all at BHS)
2018 record: 5-11-4 (2-3-2 DKC 5th)
Key graduates: Adler Palos (M, IHSSCA Section 3 All-Section, All-DKC, 2g/7a), Max Hardin (M, IHSSCA Sec 3 Honorable Mention, All-DKC, 5g/3a), Miguel Garcia (F, 5g/2a), Joe Grendzinski (M, 4g), Ian Wood (D), Jacob Mefford, (GK, 5 shutouts).
Key returnees: Ryan Kahley (So. F, 1g/1a), Austin Saenz (Sr. D), Quinn Carlson (Sr. D), Hector Rosales (Sr. D), Issac Hager (Sr. F).
Outlook: For Batavia, the 2018 campaign numbers require closer examination. Starting the year with 16 seniors on the roster seemed like a big positive. However, those numbers were inflated by an influx from the prior year’s JV unit. There were really only six varsity returnees and the result was one win (1-5-3) in the first nine outings. So the final 5-11-4 record may not bode much optimism for 2019. However, upon closer examination, chemistry was developing, particularly on defense. After that point, the Bulldogs added four wins, tied once, and endured five losses a single goal en route to a regional championship. As the 16 seed within an 18-team sectional, Batavia edged four-seed Oswego East and then posted a 3-1 triumph over five-seed Lockport for the title. In the sectional Batavia became part of Naperville North championship run.
“No question we often struggled to score, but we still held our own against some very good people or even some simply good teams who were having one of their better years. So I credit the boys for never getting down on themselves,” coach Mark Gianfrancesco said. “And I’d say we had three things work in our favor: one, it was our first time hosting a regional in a decade and a half; two, the home field feel was truly a plus; and three, the draw also worked in our favor.
“So now we’ll see what the carryover effect will be. This year’s group is eager to compete and carry on the Batavia soccer tradition of wanting to win more than the previous crew,” Gianfransesco noted. “We’ve got some newcomers or guys in new roles fresh off a successful year at a lower level, so we’ll see how well they acclimate to the varsity level and speed of play.”
Once again taking a closer look is necessary. While Gianfransesco considers Ryan Kahley, Kyle Nicely, and Mark Lillig as “newcomers”, they were among a handful of end-of-the-year call-ups who were part of the postseason success. Sophomores Logan Saenz and Brody Seitzinger compete to replace Jacob Mefford (five shutouts) in goal while junior Rodrigo Maldonado hopes to bring his offensive prowess to the varsity level.
Geneva
Coach: Jason Bhatta (3rd year at GHS)
2018 record: 4-11-3 (1-3-3 DKC 7th)
Key graduates: Jake Belloli (M, IHSSCA HM Sec 3, All-DKC, 3g/1a), Colin Fromm (F, IHSSCA Section 3 HM, 6g/1a).
Key returnees: Josh Eiss (Sr. F-M, 5g/1a), Stuart Turnbull (Sr. D), Joey Carli (Jr. M-F, 1a), Ethan Hipp (Sr. M-F, 1a).
Outlook: Among the inspirational sayings is the one that goes “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” That’s pretty much what third-year coach Jason Bhatta hopes is unfolding in Geneva. The 2017 unit he inherited was preceded by a huge senior class. Once again the largest portion of the 2018 crew were seniors, except the big difference was that not all those graduates were starters. For 2019 there are a lot of returnees who rotated in and out of a lineup that endured some more growing pains.
“Last year’s 4-11-3 record was disappointing for us, but now top to bottom we’re a much more talented team,” Bhatta insists. We’ve got a lot of guys who saw starting minutes, and now they’re pushing for more minutes. I like our core, and I see the level of competition within our squad has really risen, which means we’re going to be hungry and deep.”
Look to former club member Shun Yoneham, a senior midfielder, to make an impact while Bhatta also counts on the boost from having senior goalie Osten Lockner back after he missed all of 2018 due to injury.
When it came to the DuKane, the good news was that four matches in, Geneva had experienced only one loss while scrapping its way to three ties. The bad news was the Vikings didn’t get their first loop win until DKC finale in October. However, that last month of the season also included a 2-1 loss to co-champ Lake Park --- one of four one-goal setbacks during the Vikings finishing run. “This league consists of programs that are historically strong, and we’re excited for the opportunity to go back against that competition to prove how much we’ve progressed,” Bhatta said.
Glenbard North
Coach: Spero Mandakas (10th year / 2nd year at GNHS)
2018 record: 5-10-4 (1-5-1 DKC 8th)
Key graduates: Andres Sanchez (D), Ben Solono (F)
Key returnees: Ode Emena (Sr. M-D, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 1a), Manny Castanon (M, All-DKC, 1g), Gabriel Jurado (Jr. F-M, CS Watch List, IHSSCA HM Sec 3, 6g/2a), Martin Argirov (Jr. GK, 4.5 shutouts), Jesus Aragon (Jr. F, 2a).
Season outlook: When the 2017 season concluded, Glenbard North finished winless (0-12-3) in its last 15 outings. In 2018, first-year coach Spero Mandakas, who had a track record of notable success with the Whitney Young girls program, immediately infused the Panthers with enthusiasm and energy which produced a 4-1-2 start that: 1) doubled the previous year’s wins (2-13-3), 2) included an eye-opening 1-0 triumph at St. Charles East in the DuKane opener for both teams, and 3) served as a wake-up call for every remaining opponent. Combine the latter with a quality schedule, some bumps and bruises, plus a few unlucky bounces, and the Panthers were unable to sustain that initial success. Suddenly 2018 skidded to a 10-match (1-8-1) thud.
“We started off well, but we weren’t scoring a lot of goals and that caught up with us once we started seeing some teams that were more dynamic in their attack,” Mandakas said in a season review.
As far as Mandakas is concerned, that’s the distant past. He sees a Panthers program that adapted to effectively playing a new system against strong opposition, a commitment to summer training, and incoming talent as the foundation for greater success. He views the trio of Ode Emena and Manny Castanon (both All-DKC), and Gabriel Jurado (CS Watch List) as one of the best midfields around. Add on a strong third-year keeper in Martin Argirov and a more dynamic attack and there is reason for optimism.
“We’ve got a hungry group of guys looking to make an impact plus more guys with high-level club experience,” Mandakas noted. The promising newcomers are led by a trio of juniors in Nathaniel Enriquez, Raul Pasillas and Ricardo Patino, plus sophomore Chris Arroyo.
Lake Park
Coach: Sean Crosby (4th year at LPHS)
2018 record: 21-5-3 (5-1-1 DKC tie, 1st)
Key graduates: Franco Presta (M, CS All-State, IHSSCA All-State, DKC Player of the Year, All-DKC, 17g/9a), Matteo Costa (M, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 13g/7a), Christian Lekki (GK, CS All-State, IHSSCA All-Section 3, 0.79 gaa, 12 shutouts), Jesus Jaurez (M, IHSSCA HM Sec 3, All-DKC, 5g/9a), Tom Zakic (D, CS All-State, All-DKC, 5g/3a), Max Ellenbacker (D, All-DKC, 1g/2a),
Key returnees: Grayden McClellan (Sr. F, CS Watch List, 4g/2a), Frankie Caira (So. D, CS Watch List), Oleksandr Melnyk (Sr. F, 4g), Max Armas (Sr. M, 4g/1a), Konrad Sagan (Sr. D), Anthony Magner (Jr. D. 1g/1a).
Season outlook: Sean Crosby can understand how some might assign “the favorite” target to Lake Park. The Lancers successfully defended a Hillner Classic title, then picked up the Plainfield Classic crown, shared the inaugural DuKane championship, tied a school record for single-season wins (21-5-3) and brought home the Class 3A fourth place trophy.
All those achievements involved an extremely talented core that wanted to go out on top: IHSSCA All-State and DKC Player of the Year Franco Presta; Chicagoland Soccer All-State and All-DKC Tom Zakic; and other postseason award recipients like goalie Christian Lekki, Matteo Costa, Jesus Juarez, and Max Ellenbacker.
“The question isn’t did our guys earn the target, it’s can you prove you deserve it and can you hold on to it? Every team in this conference can battle based on all the close matches the first year, and we expect things to be just as tight in year two,” Crosby promised. “Our success for this year will depend on this team’s culture. We all know it’s a new era, and we need to prove ourselves. It’s take a lot of hard work and for us to come together as a team.”
Here’s where opposing coaches quickly note: the Lancers’ cupboard isn’t bare; it’s a program that reloads instead of rebuilds; the team is guided by a coach who gets the maximum out of his players.
Chicagoland Soccer Watch List selections include senior forward Grayden McClellan and sophomore defender Frankie Caira. Standouts in waiting are likely in a senior trio that includes Max Armas, Konrad Sagan and Oleksandr Melynk. Newcomers capable of making an impact include senior midfielders Riccardo Ciaccio and Antonio Bavaro, plus junior defender Max Panek.
“We’re a possession-based team and count on a midfield core that can defend and possess the ball. Actually we consider our ability to defend in all facets of the field as a strength,” Crosby added.
And with the Lancers’ track record plus Crosby’s coaching, consider Lake Park in the title mix even if they may not be the favorite.
St. Charles East
Coach: Vince DiNuzzo (5th year / 3rd year at SCE)
2018 record: 13-8-0 (4-3-0 DKC 3rd)
Key graduates: Truitt Battin (M, CS All-State, IHSSCA All-State, All-DKC, 16g/6a), Grayson Biddle (D, All-DKC, 2g/2a), Luke Schnitker (M, 9g/6a), Ulises Caballero (D, 2g/1a).
Key returnees: Sebastian Carranza (So. F, CS Watch List, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 13g/7a), Brendan Adams (All-DKC, Sr. M, 2g/2a), Renato Avendano (Sr. M, 6g/5a), Geoff Unterberg (Jr. D), Alex Mancero (Jr. M), Ryan Champine (Jr. D).
Outlook: Consider it another measure of respect when St. Charles East coach Vince DiNuzzo names every DuKane school as a possible 2019 favorite. “Lake Park is always tough; Wheaton North wants to defend its share of the first title. (St. Charles) North is always good. If any coach can make it happen it’s Guy at South. Glenbard North looks much improved. Batavia was supposed to be down and won a regional just like us; everyone in the Tri-Cities knows how tough Geneva can be.” So what about his own Saints? “If we can stay healthy, we believe it’s possible. Our task is to be prepared for every opponent and do our best to improve throughout the season.”
East did account for co-champ Wheaton North’s lone league loss. “Yes, but two of our three losses came against teams near the bottom, so there are no gimmes,” DiNuzzo said. Eventual basement finisher Glenbard North surprised the Saints in the DKC opener and East figured in the title picture until Wheaton Warrenville South visited and notched a 2-0 shutout. And yes, it took a 6-5 shootout margin, but that’s how Lake Park ultimately ended the Saints’ year in a sectional semifinal. Chicagoland Soccer and IHSSCA All-State pick Truitt Battin was one of the team's two All-DKC honorees and the team's top scorer. The Saints hope his production could be offset by All-DKC picks Sebastian Carranza (13g/7a) and Brendan Adams (2g/2a), plus senior Renato Avendano (6g/5a). Senior goalies Jack Settle and Zach Doerr posted six shutouts last season. With 12 players 5-foot-11 or taller, the Saints should be dangerous in the air. Zach Gamster, a 6-4 center back and former club standout joins the backline and allows junior Ryan Champine to move out wide. Jacob Maslowski (a 6-foot junior forward) was brought up to the varsity late last year while Josh Ruiz (a sophomore midfielder) started every JV match as a frosh and is eager to try the next level and work with Alex Mancera, a season-long varsity starter as a sophomore. The Saints also hope (6-2 junior) Sam Wade is healthy again after an impressive frosh showing.
St. Charles North
Coach: Eric Willson (16th year / all SCNHS)
2018 record: 12-6-1 (3-3-1 DKC 4th)
Key graduates: Matt Beaulieu (F, CS All-State, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 12g/12a), Joey Sommer (D-M, All-DKC, 1a), Logan Michels (F, 8g/3a), Vito Lagioia (F, 6g/3a), Adam Baer (F, 4g/1a).
Key returnees: Bobby Curran (Sr. GK, 4 shutouts), Gabriel D’Amico (Sr. M, 4g/7a), Faizan Mohiuddin (Sr. F, 4g/2a), Nolan Sinnaeve (Sr. M, 3g), Jared Sinnaeve (Jr. M, 3g/1a), Thomas Weber (Sr. M, 2g).
Outlook: It’s never a question of if an Eric Willson-coached team will win, the unknown is the amount of success. Starting his 16th campaign at St. Charles North there has only been one time his crew didn’t compile double-digit victories. In 2017 his North Stars won a PepsiCo bracket title, beat rival East for a regional title and followed with three-consecutive shutouts before losing a state semifinal to eventual champ Naperville North and the third-place match to Bradley-Bourbonnais. After that tremendous showing, Willson stated: “I think we’ve had a lot of teams who’ve had a decent amount of chemistry, but I’m not sure we’ve had a group that’s been this kind of “all in it for each other.”
It was the kind of year that cast a huge shadow, perhaps setting the expectations bar a little too high.
Starting 2018 with five-straight wins perhaps made losing the championship of the inaugural St. Charles Tournament co-hosted with East a little more painful. A following 2-1 home loss to Wheaton North in the DKC opener deepened frustrations. Worse yet, seven players were dismissed from the team in October and the North psyche was bruised despite tagging Lake Park with its lone DuKane defeat. The North Stars did regroup with a trio of shutouts before the offense failed in a regional championship loss to the rival Saints. Nevertheless, it was another two-figure win total (12-6-1) which quietly elevated Willson past the 200 career-win milestone.
“This is a fantastic conference with great coaches who always have their teams prepared, and I’m hoping the experiences we had in year one will be one of our strengths. Since I’ve been a head coach, our teams have taken pride in being organized and working hard on defense,” Willson said in noting a trait he doesn’t believe will change.
Knowing senior Bobby Curran is back in goal is a plus, but there are holes to fill. Chicagoland Soccer All-State pick and points leader Matt Beaulieu is gone as is fellow All-DKC selection Joey Sommer, plus three more consistent scorers. However there is no shortage of potential candidates for elevating their production in seniors Gabriel D’Amico, Faizan Mohiuddin, brothers Nolan and Jared Sinnaeve, plus Thomas Weber.
Wheaton North
Coach: Robert Stassen (10th year / 4th at WNHS)
2018 record: 10-9-2 (5-1-1 DKC tie-1st)
Key graduates: Sunday Moo (D, CS All-State, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 2g/3a), Ethan Shikany (M, IHSSCA HM Sec 3, All-DKC, 2g/6a), Jack Tegart (D, All-DKC), Alex Beausoleil (F, 28g/6a), Joe Gaither (F, 7g/11a), Jack Mancuso (D), Jack Morrissey (F, 4g/11a), Nathan Heyen (D, 4a).
Key returnees: Erik Rozanski (Jr. M, CS Watch List, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 4g/4a), Graham Stephenson (Jr. M), Kyle Schauer (Jr. Da), Will Wanzenburg (Sr. F, 1g/4a), Ray Min (Sr. GK, 10 shutouts).
Outlook: Looking ahead for Wheaton North requires taking a moment to look back at 2018. If someone sees the 10-9-2 record and first-round regional exit they do not have a true assessment of the Falcons. The 2016 campaign ended with a 2-15-2 mark and zero wins in the DuPage Valley Conference. In 2017 Wheaton North was 7-13-3 and 3-3-2 in the DVC, and captured the school’s first regional crown since 2013. A positive transition was clearly in the works.
Perhaps the Falcons “snuck” up on some folks, but being the inaugural DuKane co-champions is now an unerasable fact and reason for coach Robert Stassen to be immensely proud of the accomplishment. “There are fantastic coaches in this league who get the best out of the guys they have, so we earned that title. What also makes the (DKC) coaches special is the sportsmanship, there are no egos, no gamesmanship.”
At first glance graduation looks to take a toll: CS All-State pick Sunday Moo plus All-DKC picks Ethan Shikany and Jack Tegart are gone as are scorers like Alex Beausoleil (28g/6a), Joe Gaither (7g/11a), and Jack Morrissey (4g/11a) plus dependable defenders like Jack Mancuso and Nathan Heyen.
“No doubt we lost a lot of finesse and maturity, but we’ve still got a solid core to lead us and the difference in this group is their hunger and aggressiveness, there’s a pit-bull mentality and they’re a little unorthodox as opposed to fitting roles,” Stasssen explained.
When it comes to returning talent, CS Watch List and All-DKC pick Erik Rozanski leads a tenacious pack that includes Graham Stevenson, Kyle Schauer, Will Wanzenburg and a veteran keeper in Ray Min (10 shutouts). Of course there are also newcomers whom Stassen envisions making an impact: seniors Tyler Larson and Garrett Robinson plus sophomores Ethan Martinez and Jarret Baumgartner.
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Guy Callipari (29th year / all WWSHS)
2018 record: 5-10-2 (2-4-1 DKC 6th)
Key graduates: Sumani Husseini (F, IHSSCA All-Section 3, All-DKC, 11g/1a), Declin Ermer (D, IHSSCA HM Sec 3, All-DKC, 6g/4a), Joe Adamek (GK, 3 shutouts)
Key returnees: Sam Schlegel (Sr. D, 1a), Ryan Dufty (Sr. M, 4g/1a), Nick McGrath (Sr. M, 1a), Kevin Stumbris (Jr. M, 1g), Paul Thalman (Sr. M, 1a), Jackson Moran (Jr. D).
Outlook: In addition to being the dean of coaches, perhaps Guy Callipari has a little politician in him -- or he simply shares Vince DiNuzzo’s approach expressed earlier in answering who should be a DKC favorite. “Top contenders would be those that are constantly fed players from a youth program not in flux and off the rails; therefore those in the Kane county area will always be competitive. Yet having said that, Lake Park and Wheaton North are coming off titles, so they’ve got the incentive to repeat.” This isn’t a coach dodging the question, it’s a 29-year coaching veteran simply saying the DuKane, like the DuPage Valley before, is an extremely difficult league, and each year starts 0-0-0.
“We have learned that in changing conferences it has not altered the talent of the competition, hence we’ll need to schedule appropriately and perform at a high competitive level (in the DKC).”
Thankfully for South, Callipari is known for maximizing talent. Truthfully, last year’s Tigers were somewhat short on numbers in that respect. “We had some ups and downs, which is to be expected when underclassmen are playing varsity for the fist time,” Callipari said in a season review. “The progress has been slow, but there’s been plenty. So the hope is that will carry over with those players who had an opportunity to play and learn from a terrific group of seniors.”
Among those seniors referred to were All-DKC selections Sumani Husseini and Declin Ermer, plus goalie Joe Adamek. When it comes to those players expected to show what they’ve learned and step forward, there’s a senior quartet of Sam Schlegel, Ryan Dufty, Nick McGrath, and Paul Thalman, plus the junior duo of Kevin Stumbris and Jackson Moran. “We’ve got 12 returning players and may get out slowly while trying to develop continuity in our ideas given the majority of them are in new roles or new to this level of play,” Callipari explained. “One large question is who can provide the opportunities in the offensive third of the field?”
Perhaps the answer may come from a trio of newcomers in senior Jack Cooper or juniors Eladio Reyes and Eric Vargas.