Benet, Naperville Central and Naperville North have the talent to make deep postseason runs.
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BENET
The Redwings (15-5-3) have seven starters back after winning a Class 2A sectional title last season. Among them are four All-East Suburban Catholic Conference picks: senior midfielders Ruslan Holubec (13 assists) and Mateo Picha, junior midfielder Jack Wesley and senior forward Sergio Polanco (15 goals, 16 assists).
Senior Jackson Mares is a third-year varsity player on defense. Senior goalkeeper Matthew Beaudoin, senior midfielder William Khazen and junior defender Julian Mehra also have experience.
METEA VALLEY
The Mustangs (12-9-4) are retooling with only three returning starters. Senior defenders Ethan Arbetman and Eric Jernigan and senior forward Michael Birkner are tasked with leading a young team. Junior goalkeeper Chase Grosrenaud is the top newcomer.
“It’s a whole new crew of players that are determined and gritty,” Metea Valley coach Josh Robinson said. “These are resilient kids who will make an impact as they gain experience.”
NAPERVILLE CENTRAL
Seven players return for the Redhawks (16-5-4), who have a strong back line led by three returning starters: seniors Ryan Gervase and Bryce Dodsworth and junior Cal Bohan. Senior midfielder Matias Jacobs (8 goals, 8 assists) was the third-leading scorer on the Class 3A sectional championship team last year.
Senior forward Ludovico Gallina returns after missing last season due to injury, and senior midfielder Eli Jarrell is back for a fourth varsity season.
NAPERVILLE NORTH
Eight players, including six starters, are back from the team that won the DuPage Valley Conference title but lost to West Aurora in a 3A sectional semifinal. The Huskies (20-2-1) will contend for a state championship again with a strong midfield led by seniors Sam Hess (Indiana) and Anthony Hebron and junior Dylan Healy.
Senior forward Josh Pedersen (Bowling Green) should have a big season, while senior Colin McMahon, a third-year starter, and senior goalkeeper Jack Bouska lead the defensive effort.
NEUQUA VALLEY
The Wildcats (6-8-4) return five starters. Senior goalkeeper Oskar Marcinkowski, senior defenders Wesley Karubas and Alex Serra, senior midfielder Ricardo Robledo and junior midfielder Gavin Majewski give them a solid back half. Senior forward Jonathan Zhao is the top newcomer.
“The spine is solid up through the midfield,” Neuqua Valley coach Arnoldo Gonzalez said. “We are a senior-heavy team but are looking forward to seeing how the team jells.”
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WAUBONSIE VALLEY
The Warriors (9-7-5) are starting over after 16 players, including nine starters, graduated. Senior goalkeeper Sebastian Herrera and senior midfielder Cole Ondrejcak are the only returning starters. Rihaan Gupta, Lucas Garcia and Evan Wojtowich are juniors on the rise.
“We are a very young team this year,” Waubonsie Valley coach Jose Garcia said. “Our younger players are very talented and are working hard in the preseason to be prepared for the physicality of the game.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.