St. Laurence looks to finish things off this fall, but defending Class 2A state champion De La Salle and Lockport will be in the mix.
More Top Picks Best Modular Synthesizers
Top 10 Teams
1. St. Laurence (24-3-4): The Vikings were 89 seconds away from a Class 3A state title last season before losing to Naperville North in penalty kicks. Nine starters return with their eye on the championship, led by senior defenders Hilario Sanchez and Pauly Rzadkosz (11 goals) and junior midfielder Kris Caravantes.
2. De La Salle (25-3-1): The defending Class 2A champs graduated some big stars, but several key pieces return. Senior defender Christian Edwards, senior midfielder Christian Flores (eight goals) and senior forward Kevin Gates (eight goals) give the Meteors a proven leader at each level of the field.
3. Lockport (15-3-2): The Porters rolled to the Southwest Suburban Conference title in 2025, and coach Chris Beal expects a potent offense to lead to more success this fall. Junior forward Aleko Kolliniatis (11 goals) and senior midfielder Chris Huizar are experienced playmakers, while senior Justas Ulinskas anchors the defense.
4. Stagg (16-5-2): Junior Christian Komosinski is the area’s most proven goalkeeper, capable of keeping the Chargers in any game. He is part of a loaded class of juniors who look to lead the way, including midfielders George Panou and Bartosz Woznik and forward Keagan Greer.
5. Lemont (16-6-2): A new era begins as Lemont will be coached by someone other than Rick Prangen for the first time in 35 years. Rafal Slomba, who starred at Reavis and coached Richards before a stint at Downers Grove North, returns to the Southland. He inherits some standouts in senior forward Andrew Guzy (19 goals) and senior midfielder Gabriel Zayricki.
6. Lincoln-Way East (12-12): The Griffins were up and down in 2025 but have the talent to be consistently successful. Senior midfielder/forward Owen Bohren (10 goals) thrived after missing the beginning of last season with an injury, while senior midfielder Mateo Espinosa and his brother Santiago, a junior midfielder/defender, are dependable playmakers.
7. Lincoln-Way Central (18-5): The Knights will try to reload after graduating a decorated senior class that led them to a sectional championship last fall. Senior goalkeeper Jimmy McKendry, senior defender Charlie Hrebic and junior defender Will Bettenhausen look to hold down opponents while goal scorers develop.
8. Providence (11-9-4): The Celtics return 10 starters and are loaded with experience, led by senior midfielder Jovanny Gonzalez (18 goals) and senior defender Cameron Klene. Senior midfielder Billy Savarino returns after a year away. Coach Mike Taylor is one win from 600 in boys soccer.
9. Bremen (13-9-2): After surprising run to a Class 2A sectional final last season, the Braves are looking to build off that success behind a solid core of veteran leaders. Senior defender Gael Sanchez and senior goalkeeper Genaro Merino will make it tough for opponents to score, while senior Jose Cardoso controls the midfield.
More Top Picks Best Aed Defibrillators
10. Reavis (12-7-2): The Rams are young but can build around an experienced defense that returns three starters in juniors Damian Meza, Lincoln Abad and Xavier Arroyo. Junior midfielder Erik Arroyo will be counted on to spark the offense as the Rams try for their fifth straight South Suburban Red championship.
The 25 Players to Watch
• Erik Arroyo, Reavis, junior, midfielder.
• Owen Bohren, Lincoln-Way East, senior, midfielder/forward.
• Joncarlo Corona, Crete-Monee, senior, midfielder.
• Christian Edwards, De La Salle, senior, defender.
• Christian Escalona, Andrew, senior, defender.
• Mateo Espinosa, Lincoln-Way East, senior, midfielder.
• Christian Flores, De La Salle, senior, midfielder.
• Jovanny Gonzalez, Providence, senior, midfielder.
• Andrew Guzy, Lemont, senior, forward.
• David Haberny, Oak Lawn, senior, defender.
• Jack Heidemann, Marist, senior, midfielder.
• Abed Hmeidan, Sandburg, senior, midfielder.
• Charlie Hrebic, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, defender.
• William Jirek, Lincoln-Way West, senior, midfielder.
• Bryce Johns, Shepard, senior, forward.
• Aleko Kolliniatis, Lockport, junior, forward.
• Christian Komosinski, Stagg, junior, goalkeeper.
• Misael Molina, Thornton, junior, forward.
• Garrett Murphy, Chicago Christian, senior, forward.
• Johnny Ortiz, Thornwood, junior, forward.
• Anthony Piech, Brother Rice, senior, forward.
• Pauly Rzadkosz, St. Laurence, senior, defender.
• Gael Sanchez, Bremen, senior, defender.
• Hilario Sanchez, St. Laurence, senior, defender.
• Gabriel Zayricki, Lemont, senior, midfielder.