Pioneer Press announces its All-Area Boys Soccer First Team for the 2016 season.
G, Hersey, Sr.
Key stats: 15 goals against in 19 games (.79 GAA), 8 shutouts
College: Richmond International Academic & Soccer Academy (Leeds, England)
The 6-foot-5 Szymaszek was voted the No. 1 goalkeeper in the state by the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association, according to Hersey coach Darren Llewellyn. Szymaszek led Hersey, which finished the season 14-2-3, to a Class 3A regional title. Szymaszek is dominant in the air, catches the ball well, plays the ball at his feet like a field player, is a vocal leader of his defense and is excellent in one-on-one situations. “He possesses all the skills to play at the highest levels,” Llewellyn said.
D, Barrington, Sr.
Key stats: 4 goals, 13 assists
College: Undecided
A marauding left back with pace, skill and vision, Pirie is adept at taking on one or more players, serving in crosses or playing through balls into space. Pirie was instrumental in Barrington (23-4-1) reaching the Class 3A state championship game, which the Broncos lost 3-1 to Naperville North. Pirie was named an Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-state honoree and lauded by a local college coach, according to Barrington coach Scott Steib. The Division III coach watched the Broncos this season and after the game he told Steib that he recommend Pirie to a friend who’s an assistant coach for a Big Ten team. Prospect coach Paul Elkins said: “(Pirie) was almost unstoppable on the left wing. Best attacking fullback we played all season.”
D, Glenbrook North, Sr.
Key stats: 1 assist
College: Undecided
The 5-foot-9 Grossman is undersized for a center back, but his athleticism, tenacity and ability to read the game make up for it. Grossman, who was a team captain, embraced the challenge of marking the opponent’s best player, Glenbrook North coach Paul Vignocchi said. He was named all-state by the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association and helped the Spartans to the most wins (22) in program history. “He’s the best defender I’ve coached,” said Vignocchi, who has been the head coach since 2004. “He has strong leadership and an incredible work rate.”
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D, Evanston, Sr.
Key stats: 3 goals, 9 assists
College: Undecided
Klier’s combination of speed, strength, work rate, endurance and offensive skill made him a top-class fullback. Klier was one of just two starters who returned from last season’s team that reached the Class 3A supersectionals, and his performance at both ends of the field was a major reason the 2016 Wildkits (19-2-4) again got within a victory of the state semifinals. Klier, a right back, was named all-state by the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association. “Since only four players returned from last year’s squad, Klier knew he had to step up (offensively), and he (did),” Evanston coach Franz Calixte said.
M, Glenbrook North, Sr.
Key stats: 19 goals, 10 assists
College: DePaul
Iscra’s decision before the season to leave the Sockers FC Chicago academy team in favor of high school soccer was a boon to the Spartans, who finished 22-2-1 and earned the top seed in the Class 3A Maine East Sectional. The 6-foot-3 Iscra was a strong presence in the middle of the field, winning balls, controlling tempo, taking on opponents and distributing the ball to teammates. His height also made him a major threat in the air. Iscra was an Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-state selection. “He is one of the best two-way midfielders (offense and defense) I’ve ever coached,” Glenbrook North coach Paul Vignocchi said.
M, Lyons, Sr.
Key stats: 13 goals, 10 assists
College: Undecided
Nieves was the captain and go-to guy for a Lions team that went 17-4-1 (6-0 West Suburban Silver) and reached the Class 3A Morton Sectional final. Lyons’ only losses were to powers Morton (twice), Glenbrook North and New Trier. The Lions also tied eventual Class 3A state champion Naperville North. In addition to earning Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-sectional honors, the 5-foot-7 Nieves was named all-conference. “Nieves’ ball skill is extremely good, and his vision is amazing,” Lyons coach Paul Labbato said.
M, Leyden, Sr.
Key stats: 6 goals, 9 assists
College: Undecided
While Lopez’s stats might not jump off the page, Eagles coach Mark Valintis said the 5-foot-5 attacking midfielder played a major role in 85 percent of the team’s goals and created many other chances that were missed. “He is technically superior, and that enables him to be a threat to create or score a goal every time he touches the ball,” Valintis said. Lopez has speed and quickness, great skill and is a fine one-on-one attacker. An Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-state selection, Lopez helped Leyden finish 14-6.
M/F, New Trier, Sr.
Key stats: 8 goals, 2 assists
College: Undecided
A native of Nigeria, the 5-foot-6 Salako thrived while the Trevians played what MaxPreps rated as the toughest schedule in the state. The Trevians went 11-7-4. A strong, technically gifted player who loves to take on opponents, Salako also tracked back and defended. Salako scored four times in three playoff games, including the game-winning goal on a bicycle kick in the 2-0 victory over Maine South in the Class 3A New Trier Regional final. Evanston coach Franz Calixte called Salako the most dangerous player his team faced in the postseason, and Evanston also saw Barrington standouts Nash Pirie and Klaus Pallan and Glenbrook North star Timmy Iscra.
F, Vernon Hills, Sr.
Key stats: 21 goals, 10 assists
College: Undecided
White led Vernon Hills to a memorable season as the Cougars (15-8) won the program’s first sectional title. He became only the second player in program history to earn Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-state honors. With his size, technical ability and tenacity, White put defenders under constant pressure. He was also a willing defender. “One of the hardest working players I have ever coached in my 19-year coaching career,” Vernon Hills coach Mike McCaulou said. “He also makes every player around him better.”
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F, Barrington, Jr.
Key stats: 31 goals, 5 assists
College: Undecided
Pallan equaled Barrington’s single-season goal mark. His record-tying tally came in the 3-1 loss to Naperville North in the Class 3A title game. Pallan scored in 22 of the 23 games in which he played, including 16 game-winning goals. He never scored more than two goals in game, which meant he did not pile up goals in lopsided victories. Pallan was an Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-state selection. “(Pallan’s) goals have been the biggest reason we have been successful this year,” Barrington coach Scott Steib said.
F, Libertyville, Jr.
Key stats: 19 goals, 11 assists
College: Undecided
What would Wittenbrink do for an encore after scoring twice in the Wildcats’ 2015 Class 3A state championship game victory? Plenty. The striker played alone up top and occasionally dropped back into the midfield as he led the Wildcats to a 15-4 season and an upset of top-seeded Hersey in the Class 3A sectional semifinals. Wittenbrink, a captain and the team leader in assists, was named to the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-state team. “(Wittenbrink) is very skillful and technical and a true goal scorer,” Libertyville coach Andy Bitta said.
Editor’s note: All nominations and comments were submitted via email by area coaches.
Dan Shalin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press