De La Salle, last year’s Class 2A state runner-up, tops list. But watch out for Lockport and St. Laurence.
Top 10 Teams
1. De La Salle (27-2-2)
Senior midfielder Alex Panduro, the 2024 Daily Southtown Boys Soccer Player of the Year, is back after scoring 36 goals, including 13 in the playoffs, to lead Meteors to Class 2A state runner-up finish. Senior goalkeeper Jahir Anaya, senior defender Christopher Dingle and junior forward Kevin Gates return with hopes of winning the school’s first team state title in any sport.
2. Lockport (17-5-1)
The Porters won a sectional title with a young team last season and are looking for even bigger things this year behind senior forward Jacob Hareza, who had 17 goals and 15 assists. Senior Kacper Sikon and sophomore Aleko Kolliniatis
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are talented midfielders.3. St. Laurence (17-3-5)
The Vikings, who move up to Class 3A, return nine starters. Junior midfielder Jesus Salazar and junior forward Alonso Gonzalez pace the attack. Senior goalkeeper Vin Diesi is a three-year starter, while junior Pauly Rzadkosz anchors the defense.
4. Lincoln-Way Central (16-4)
There will be several new faces in the lineup for the Knights, but senior midfielder Aidan Byrne and senior forwards Derrick Rafacz and Connor Pate lead an experienced core. Look for senior midfielder/defender Chuck Stevens to play a big role.
5. Lemont (23-5-1)
Ten seniors graduated from the team that finished fourth in Class 2A, but junior forward Andrew Guzy — who scored 18 goals — and junior midfielder Gabriel Zarycki bring firepower. Senior goalkeeper Adrian Lisowski, who recorded 15 shutouts, can cover for an inexperienced defense.
6. Andrew (16-7)
Senior Will MacLeod is one of the area’s most versatile stars, capable of playing any position. Senior forward Nathan Fortino looks to step up, while senior goalkeeper Carson Solomon — who will play high school soccer for the first time — is a big addition.
7. Lincoln-Way East (18-5-2)
The Griffins look to reload after losing a decorated senior class that led a massive turnaround season. Junior midfielder Mateo Espinosa is a player to build around, while junior midfielder Owen Bohren should be a force once he returns from a track injury.
8. Stagg (10-6-3)
Senior Sebastian Kornak leads what should be a strong defense for the Chargers. Senior midfielders Trent Banik and Jacob Skupien are experienced, skilled players. Watch out for sophomore midfielder George Panou.
9. Brother Rice (15-4-3)
The Crusaders are young and moving up to Class 3A. Only four seniors are on the roster, but one is talented goalkeeper David Valencia
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, who can keep his team in any game. Junior forward Anthony Piech and sophomore forward Julian Gaona lead the attack.10. Reavis (11-6-5)
The Rams graduated 13 players but have some talent back with seniors Galileo Figueroa and Jesus Pantoja taking charge from the midfield. Senior defender Blake Stefanek also kicks for the football team.
The 25 Players to Watch
- Jahir Anaya, De La Salle, senior, goalkeeper.
- Wences Baumgartner, Beecher, senior, forward.
- Darren Bridges, Marist, junior, midfielder.
- Aidan Byrne, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, midfielder.
- Vin Diesi, St. Laurence, senior, goalkeeper.
- Mateo Espinosa, Lincoln-Way East, junior, midfielder.
- Galileo Figueroa, Reavis, senior, midfielder.
- Lucas Garcia, Providence, senior, defender.
- Andrew Guzy, Lemont, junior, forward.
- Jacob Hareza, Lockport, senior, forward.
- Sebastian Kornak, Stagg, senior, defender.
- Casey Lenarz, Chicago Christian, senior, midfielder.
- Marcel Lepionka, Lincoln-Way West, senior, midfielder.
- Adrian Lisowski, Lemont, senior, goalkeeper.
- Will MacLeod, Andrew, senior, midfielder/defender.
- David Ocasio, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, defender.
- Alex Panduro, De La Salle, senior, midfielder.
- Edgar Prudencio, Oak Lawn, senior, defender.
- Derrick Rafacz, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, forward.
- Jonathan Ramirez, Argo, senior, defender.
- Diego Rios, Joliet Catholic, senior, midfielder.
- Jesus Salazar, St. Laurence, junior, midfielder.
- Kacper Sikon, Lockport, senior, midfielder.
- Joaquin Terrazas, T.F. United, senior, defender.
- David Valencia, Brother Rice, senior, goalkeeper.