Hinsdale Central Soccer

High school and youth coaches who achieved success during the 2009 season have been recognized with the announcement of the NSCAA/Mondo Regional Coaches of the Year.

The high school recipients are selected based on a vote of their peers within their region, while the youth coaches are selected by a national committee from a pool of nominees from NSCAA member coaches. Regional Coaches of the Year are finalists for the NSCAA/Mondo National Coach of the Year award at their respective levels.

The national awards will be announced at the annual NSCAA Awards Banquet, which will be held Friday evening, Jan. 15, in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Downtown in Philadelphia, Pa., as part of the 2010 NSCAA Convention.

For more details: http://www.nscaa.com/articles/20091226152957548.php

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2009 NSCAA High School Team Academic Award Winners Unveiled

Congratulations goes out to the Hinsdale Central High School Boys Soccer Program, which was recently recognized by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America for academic excellence, having achieved a 3.51 grade point average in 2008-09. This year’s team advanced to the “Sweet 16” of the IHSA soccer playoffs, finishing with an overall record of 16-7-2.

A total of 425 soccer teams (164 boys, 261 girls) from throughout the United States have earned the NSCAA Team Academic Award for exemplary performance in the classroom as a team during the 2008-09 academic year. Among these programs are 68 schools receiving honors for both their boys and girls teams. To qualify for the award, the team must have a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for the entire academic year. The team GPA is determined by adding every player's GPA, then dividing by the number of players.

2008-09 NSCAA/adidas Boys Team Academic Award

Hinsdale Central High School, Michael Wiggins, 3.51, Hinsdale, Ill.

http://nscaa.com/articles/20091112151456515.php

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Red Devil’s finish 10th in Chicago Tribune ’09 Final Rankings

Boys soccer final rankings

By Steve Reaven
Special to the Tribune
12:25 AM CST, November 21, 2009

1. Lyons (26-3): Defense led the way, allowing 6 goals in final 15 matches.

2. Neuqua Valley (28-1): Regular season's best team lost supersectional heartbreaker to Lyons.

3. Lake Zurich (21-5): Bid for state title lost in overtime of Class 3A final.

4. St. Viator (24-4-1): Lions' 2A crown is program's second in seven years.

5. New Trier (19-7-3): Overcame slow start to earn third trip to state in four years.

6. Wheaton Warrenville South (20-5-2): Took Neuqua Valley to PKs in sectional final.

7. Lake Forest (19-4-1): Tied school record for wins, won first sectional since 1976.

8. Palatine (21-2-1): Class of the Mid-Suburban League helped by 13 shutouts.

9. Deerfield (18-4-1): Central Suburban North champs advanced to sectional final.

10. Hinsdale Central (16-7-2): Red Devils' hot streak ended in OT sectional loss to Lyons.

Copyright © 2009, Chicago Tribune

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-21-prep-soc-final-top-10nov21,0,1101643.story

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Former Red Devil Standout Sean Donovan and his Dartmouth team head to Boston College for kick-off this Thursday at 7 p.m.

http://dartmouthsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=11600&ATCLID=204835041

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Former Red Devil All American David Tiemstra sends Ohio State to the NCAA's

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=87752&SPID=10409&DB_OEM_ID=17300&ATCLID=204834342

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David Tiemstra Named To Soccer America Team of the Week

Former Red Devil All-America First Ever To Receive Honor

http://www.socceramerica.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=35123

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David Tiemstra Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=87752&SPID=10409&DB_OEM_ID=17300&ATCLID=204829514

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Alex Scott named Emory University Athlete of the Week

http://www.emoryathletics.com/landing/index

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Devils drop sectional final in double OT

November 3, 2009
By KEN RYAN kryan@pioneerlocal.com

BOYS SOCCER -- After getting a taste of the state tournament as a sophomore, Hinsdale Central senior Michael Oleszkiewicz was hoping to enjoy the experience at least one more time during his high school career.

While it didn't work out that way, Oleszkiewicz will always look back on his time at Hinsdale Central with fond memories.

Hinsdale Central lost to rival Lyons Township 3-2 in double overtime on Saturday in the Class 4A Hinsdale Central Sectional final, played at Naperville North High School because of poor field conditions in Hinsdale.

"I've been on varsity since my sophomore year when we got fourth at State," Oleszkiewicz said. "It was so much fun that year. Once you get to State, the whole community comes on your side and it's just a great feeling. We were trying to imitate that season. We would've liked to have done that again, but I still think we had a really good season. It's just tough now."

LT (23-3), which was seeded No. 2, played Neuqua Valley in the Benedictine University Super-Sectional on Tuesday with a trip to State on the line. The Red Devils reached the Super-Sectional last season before losing to Neuqua Valley.

Fourth-seeded Hinsdale Central lost to LT 3-0 on Sept. 29, but the rematch had a much different flavor. The Red Devils (16-7-2) twice had one-goal leads in the second half but were unable to hold on for the victory.

LT junior forward Horacio Sanchez chipped a shot over the head of charging Hinsdale Central goalkeeper Jack O'Donnell (10 saves) with 2 minutes, 2 seconds left in the second 10-minute overtime period to give the Lions the victory.

"LT is a great team, and it kind of stinks to lose to our rival, but at least we lost to a good team," Oleszkiewicz said. "It's definitely tough, especially for the seniors."

Hinsdale Central, which ended LT's season the past two years, took a 1-0 lead when Oleszkiewicz hooked a perfectly placed free kick from 25 yards out that curved into the upper left-hand corner of the net 4:13 into the second half.

The lead didn't last long, however. LT's Elliot Borge evened the score at 1-1 just 45 seconds later.

Hinsdale Central regained the lead at 2-1 when Mike Bucheleres sneaked through the defense and slipped a shot past LT goalkeeper Sully Fox. The Lions attempted a non-goalie save, but couldn't control the ball and Hinsdale Central senior Eric Loebig was there to tap it into the back of the net with 30:20 left in regulation.

"I definitely haven't had a goal that surpassed the feeling I had after scoring this one, but we lost the game," Loebig said. "It's pretty hard to go from being up twice to losing and having your season over. We gave it our all, but it's tough. It was nice to see the progression of our team throughout the year, but we could've won this game."

LT's Brian Heimerdinger headed in a pass from Borge with 16:30 remaining to tie the game at 2-2, and neither team scored down the stretch or in the first OT period.

Hinsdale Central had its nine-game winning streak halted.

"I think it was certainly two teams playing that are worthy of representing our sectional and West Suburban Conference (at the super-sectional)," said Hinsdale Central coach Mike Wiggins. "For a fan to come and watch, I thought it was a quality game. As a competitor, it's very disappointing, but it's not like we didn't do some of the things we wanted to out there. We were the aggressors like we wanted to be. We were prepared and it's too bad we got caught on the first goal."

Oleszkiewicz was grateful for the opportunity to play for the Red Devils and has no doubt the program will continue to thrive in the future.

"They're going to be very good next year, and we're always going to have a good soccer program," Oleszkiewicz said. "Hinsdale Central is always going to have a good team with Wiggins coaching, no matter what."

Hinsdale Central will graduate Bucheleres, Paul Girgis, David Grasso, Charlie Hetke, Ryan Johnson, Robert LaRocque, Loebig, Cameron Legan, O'Donnell, Oleszkiewicz, Peter Santulli and Andrew Virgili.

"The seniors have meant everything," Wiggins said. "They really did a good job of coming together as a group. We saw a team grow from individuals to a team. We really were a team. It was fun coaching this group. This is going to be a group that leaves with a lot of pride."

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/clarendonhills/sports/highschools/1862690,clarendon-hills-hcbsoc-110309-s1.article

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Red Devils again met the program standard in '09

By Gary Larsen

Hinsdale Central knocked off Lyons Township 1-0 in a sectional semifinal last year, and 1-0 in a sectional title game the year before, on its way to posting consecutive sectional titles.

The Lions were due for a bit of revenge in 2009. They got it, but the Red Devils didn’t go quietly.

Hinsdale Central capped another fine season by taking leads of 1-0 and 2-1 over Lyons Township, before the Lions battled back to win 3-2 in overtime of Saturday’s Sectional title game in Naperville.

“I’m proud of my guys. I’m proud of the whole program,” Red Devils coach Mike Wiggins said. “(Lyons) found a way to get the result and that’s a credit to them.”

“It’s not easy to beat a team twice in one season and they did it. They earned the right to move on.”

Wiggins never fails to get his team to peak by the postseason, and Saturday’s performance by Hinsdale Central erased the memory of a 3-0 loss to Lyons Township on September 29.

In the time since that loss, the Red Devils (16-7-2) reeled off 9 wins to reach Saturday’s rematch.

“It was a good game,” Red Devils senior goalkeeper Jack O’Donnell said. “We played well and they were just the better team today. It was a hard-fought match and if we had to lose that’s the way I’d want to see us go out. We fought hard and that game was a good reflection of our season.”

A scoreless first half gave way in the 45th minute, when Red Devils senior Michael Oleszkiewicz belted in a free kick from 25 yards out. The lead didn’t last, however as LT’s Elliot Borge tied the game less than a minute later.

Hinsdale Central regained the lead less than 5 minutes later when Eric Loebig crashed the net to bury a deflected shot taken by teammate Mike Bucheleres.

“Usually when you take another lead like that, the opposing team can kind of fold,” O’Donnell said. “But credit Lyons. They stayed composed and didn’t fall into a kick-and-chase game.”

O’Donnell stopped a pair of shots sent in by the Lions (23-3) before they tied the game again in the 64th minute on a head shot by Brian Heimerdinger, set up by a throw-in. Oleszkiewicz threatened again late in the contest, but the game stayed tied to the end of regulation.

Loebig, Robbie LaRocque, Mitch Reavis, and Taylor Cole all helped carry the attack through 80 minutes for the Red Devils, while O’Donnell fielded another pair of shots before overtime.

One scoreless overtime period ensued before LT’s Horacio Sanchez ended the Red Devils’ season with a goal in the second.

Hinsdale Central went 3-4-2 through its first 9 games this year, which included play in the always formidable Great Midwest Classic tournament in Indianapolis, and non-conference games against Naperville North and a tough team from Tremper, Wisconsin.

The Red Devils then reeled off four wins to improve to 7-4-2, with consecutive victories over New Trier and Oak Park-River Forest along the way. Losses to Naperville Central and Lyons followed before Central embarked on its 9-game winning streak.

“I think it has a lot to do with our scheduling,” O’Donnell said of the Red Devils strong late-season run to a sectional title game. “Once we hit the playoffs we’ve seen the top competition and we know what to expect.”

“We went on a nice run and got to where we wanted to be,” Wiggins said. “We felt like going into today that things were going in our direction. We were organized, doing the right things, and creating opportunities.”

“Going into this game, we were as prepared as we could be.”

Central finished 5-1 in West Suburban Silver Conference play, second behind 6-0 Lyons. Central played a strong 30 minutes and created some solid scoring chances in the teams’ first meeting before Lyons took control and finished on three scoring chances.

The rematch was more like two heavyweights trading haymakers.

“After the LT loss earlier in the year, we switched some things around personnel-wise and formation-wise, and we got hot at the end of the season,” O’Donnell said. “We knew we were a better team the second time we played them.”

Central started 7 seniors in Saturday’s game, in O’Donnell, Oleszkiewicz, Loebig, LaRocque, Bucheleres, Ryan Johnson, and Cameron Legan, but they’ll also miss the services next year of players like Paul Girgis, Charlie Hetke, David Grasso, Peter Santulli, and Andrew Virgili.

Juniors Cole, Andrew Worthington, Mike Oleferchik, and Michael Hrisstov return next year, along with sophomores Reavis, Will Meyer, and Lenny Zavala.

“This group should be proud. Once again, they met and exceeded the standards that we expect from Hinsdale Central soccer players,” Wiggins said. “They came together as a group, and they worked hard.

They should be very proud of what they accomplished this year.”

© 2009 WestSuburbanSoccer.com.

http://www.westsuburbansoccer.com/Week Ten/hc-lt.htm

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Red Devils show grit in OT win

October 29, 2009
By BILL STONE bstone@pioneerlocal.com

SOCCER -- Hinsdale Central approached overtime against top-seeded Morton in Tuesday's Class 3A Hinsdale Central Sectional semifinals with a sense of urgency.

"We all grouped together and said whoever works harder is going to win this game," Hinsdale Central senior co-captain Robbie LaRocque said. "We came out and put everything on the field, knowing this could be our last game as a team, and things went our way."

Just 1 minute, 57 seconds into the first of four 10-minute sudden-death overtimes, LaRocque dug out a ball after a corner kick for a golden goal that lifted the Red Devils to a 1-0 victory at a muddy Centennial Field in Hinsdale.

The Red Devils (16-6-2), the sectional's No. 4 seed, will play No. 2 Lyons Township (21-2) or No. 6 Fenwick, who play Wednesday, for the sectional title at 11 a.m. at Centennial Field. The Red Devils lost at LT 3-0 Sept. 29.

The sectional champion plays for a state semifinal berth at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Benedictine University in Lisle. The opponent most likely will be Neuqua Valley or Naperville North.

LaRocque's goal came after Taylor Cole played a corner kick short to Mitch Reavis, who put the ball into a congested crease around the 6-yard line. The ball deflected off Morton goalie Ken Kucinski and LaRocque tapped it home.

"It was a wonderful feeling, except at the end. I got piled on (celebrating), but it was a good pain," LaRocque said. "Throughout the game with the field conditions and the weather, it just came down to who's going to grit it out."

Just like last year's supersectional team and fourth-place 2007 team, Hinsdale Central is turning it on again come playoff time. The Red Devils have won nine in a row, outscoring opponents 27-3 in the process, and now have 11 shutouts for the season.

The defense got a lift Tuesday from goalie Jack O'Donnell, Cameron Legan, Mike Oleferchik, Ryan Johnson and Andrew Worthington. Morton (19-6-2) lost five of its last 10 games.

The winning corner kick was created by Legan's free kick from 35 yards out, which got knocked out of bounds. Legan left the game with less than six minutes left in regulation after a collision with a Morton player, but quickly returned.

"We just said right before (overtime), something's going to happen the first five minutes," Hinsdale Central coach Mike Wiggins said. "This is one of those games where you have to survive. We had crisis all game long from the field causing difficulty. We were up for it. What can I say? I'm proud of our guys."

Hinsdale Central won its third straight regional title by beating Whitney Young 2-0 in Saturday's De La Salle Regional final. Senior co-captain Mike Oleszkiewicz scored both goals with assists from LaRocque and Legan.

© Copyright 2009 Digital Chicago, Inc.

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/clarendonhills/sports/highschools/1851309,clarendon-hills-hcbsoc-102709-s1.article

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Red Devils top Morton in overtime

By Eddie Burns
October27, 2009

When Hinsdale Central and Morton headed into overtime during their sectional semifinal match on Tuesday afternoon Red Devils’ coach Mike Wiggins had a feeling.

“We said before we came out for overtime that it would come down to the first 5 minutes because something was going to happen,” Wiggins said.

It turns out he was right.

Not even 2 minutes into the golden-goal session Hinsdale Central cashed in on the overtime’s first real scoring chance when the Red Devils were awarded a corner kick.

Taylor Cole took the attempt and knocked the ball to Mitch Reavis, who drew the attention of the Morton defenders inside the Mustangs’ penalty area, before taking a shot on the Morton net.

After an initial stop, Robbie LaRocque alertly pounced on the rebound and sent home the winning goal in the 82nd minute to give Hinsdale Central a 1-0 victory against Morton in a Class 3A sectional semifinal match played at Centennial Park in Hinsdale.

“I saw the ball bounce off their goalie and I just tapped it in,” said LaRocque, who was mobbed by his teammates. “It was wonderful feeling. I tipped it in and I got piled on, but it was a good time. I can’t complain.”

Wiggins said he was happy to see his team seize the first scoring opportunity of the overtime period.

“We made it happen,” Wiggins said. “We played the ball into Mitch and that is what he’s capable of doing. He created that himself. It was a solid individual play. We talked about guys being first to the ball and creating separation they got on the end of it and got it, so it is just great for our kids.”

The match was played on an extremely saturated field, which caused all sorts of footing issues for both teams. However, the field conditions could not dampen the spirit each team displayed. There were plenty of fouls called and the match featured its share of physical play.

“This is one of those games you have to survive and where you have to deal with crisis and we had crisis all game long,” Wiggins said. “From the field causing difficulty and us having to react, but our guys handled it well, but it was not going to be a pretty game. The field has been through a lot here and we’re just going to recognize that it was a tough game to gut out.”

Neither team really created many scoring opportunities in the opening half, but the second half featured a lot more action.

Hinsdale Central’s Eric Loebig had the Red Devils’ best chance in regulation, but his rebound attempt hit the post in the 56th minute.

Morton, which also lost to Hinsdale Central in last season’s sectional semifinal round, also had plenty chances of its own, but the Mustangs failed on multiple occasions.

“It was a great game both ways,” Mustangs’ coach Mike Caruso said. “We had a pretty good stretch that last 20 minutes of the second half where we were on them pretty good and had a few golden opportunities, but we didn’t put them in. When you can’t put in golden opportunities in a 0-0 game you are asking for trouble and that is what happened to us today.”

When the Mustangs weren’t missing the net entirely, they had issues solving Red Devils’ goalie Jack O’Donnell, who helped Hinsdale Central (16-6-2) register its 11th shutout of the season.

The victory marked the Red Devils’ ninth straight win and during the streak, they’ve managed to outscore the opposition 27-3.

“We’ve talked about that and it is through the efforts they gave today that has helped turn this thing around,” Wiggins said. “We went through a rough spot in the middle of the year and we’ve done well since.”

O’Donnell said the squad changed its attitude.

“In the beginning of the year, we were focusing on individual play and now it seems mentally everyone is doing their part while working together,” O’Donnell said. “We’re taking care of our own assignments and working together and it shows because we’re playing more like a team.”

The Red Devils advance to Saturday’s sectional championship where they will play either Fenwick or Lyons.

© 2009 WestSuburbanSoccer.com

http://www.westsuburbansoccer.com/Week%20Ten/hc-morton.htm

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Hinsdale Central on a roll

By Steve Reaven
Special to the Tribune
7:49 PM CDT, October 21, 2009

No reason to panic.

That was the rallying cry a few weeks ago at Hinsdale Central, where preseason expectations gave way to a 3-3-2 start to the season.

The resolve has proven to be well-placed. The Red Devils (14-6-2) bring a seven-game win streak into Saturday's regional final with Public League champion Young.

It's no coincidence that Hinsdale Central typically plays its best soccer this time of the year. Coach Michael Wiggins likes to tinker with different personnel groups and formations early in the season. There was more changes this year than ever.

Two noteworthy shifts involved seniors Ryan Johnson and Cameron Legan. Johnson has settled in on defense after playing midfield roles; Legan is back on defense, where he played in 2008, after starting the year in the midfield. Three-year starter Robbie LaRocque also has been a steady presence in the midfield.

Senior Michael Oleszkiewicz has paced the team with 16 goals, including two in Tuesday's 4-1 Class 3A regional win over De La Salle. He also accounted for all five scores in Hinsdale Central's Oct. 3 win over Willowbrook. Defender Mitch Reavis is making a name for himself as one of the area's top sophomores.

Remember the Trevians: With heavy graduation losses from last year's Class 3A champion, New Trier was expected to take a step back in 2009. However, the Trevians (14-6-3) are another team that worked through growing pains to emerge a better squad in late October.

Despite being edged by Maine South for the Central Suburban South crown, New Trier is the top seed at the Evanston sectional. A loss to the Hawks on Oct. 6 is the Trevians' only setback in their last nine outings and sets the stage for Saturday's regional final against Maine East.

One of last year's standouts, senior forward Ben Beaver, has 33 goals. The Trevians have also received consistent play from the seniors Matt Hickey and sweeper Peter Lind. Hickey, a three-year varsity player, has taken nicely to the midfield after playing as a marking back in 2007 and 2008, and Lind has been the Trevians' rock on the back line in his first year as a starter.

Stagg warrants attention: The Southwest Suburban Red champs have only three losses, two of which (Sandburg and Joliet) came onpenalty kicks.

The Chargers (18-3) pose problems due to a balanced scoring attack led by senior Tom Lojek(19 goals). He's followed by junior Zack Judickas, sophomore Tony Estrada and senior Dale Judickas, who has six goals and 11 assists from the sweeper position.

Senior goalie Billy Gembara has been integral in the Chargers' 12 shutouts and has gotten plenty of help from sweeper Neil Connolly.

If Stagg can get past Eisenhower to win its own regional Friday, it would face the winner of the Lincoln-Way North regional on Tuesday at Homewood-Flossmoor.

Players of the week: Larkin's Erik Richardson scored twice in the Royals' 3-2 Class 3A regional upset over South Elgin on Tuesday. Also helping his team advance to a regional final was West Aurora's Mario Alvarez. He made a mid-game shift to outside midfield Tuesday against Batavia and connected on the winning goal in a 2-1 triumph. Brother Rice's Giovanni Valdez put an end to the Crusaders' 4-3 quadruple-overtime marathon with Thornton on Tuesday.

Lake Zurich senior Eric Pothast also has been playing well. He scored twice in each of the Bears' last two matches – Oct. 14 in the North Suburban title game and Tuesday in a Class 3A regional matchup with Dundee-Crown. He has 12 goals this season.

Coming up: Regional finals in Class 2A and 3A are scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Among the best matchups are a Friday tilt between Joliet and Providence at Minooka and Wheaton Warrenville South taking on Benet at Bolingbrook.

Saturday has a slew of attractive games, including Lake Forest visiting Hersey and Stevenson battling Highland Park at Libertyville. Two conference rematches will take place when Naperville Central and West Aurora tangle (DuPage Valley) at Plainfield North and top-ranked Neuqua Valley tries to tophost Waubonsie Valley (Upstate Eight) for the third time this year.

Copyright © 2009, Chicago Tribune

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-22-prep-soccer-notesoct22,0,3735798.story

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Red Devils advance to regional final

October 20, 2009

SOCCER-- Hinsdale Central advanced to the championship game of the Class 3A De La Salle Regional by blanking De La Salle 4-0 Tuesday in Chicago.

The Red Devils (14-6-2), the No. 4 seed in the Hinsdale Central Sectional, play No. 5 Whitney Young for the regional title at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at De La Salle. The sectional semifinal is at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at Hinsdale Central.

Mike Oleszkiewicz had two goals against No. 14 De La Salle, including a penalty kick, with other goals by Mike Bucheleres and Robbie LaRocque. Mitch Reavis, Cameron Legan and Eric Loebig provided assists.

The Red Devils have won seven in a row.

In regular-season action, Hinsdale Central beat Downers Grove North 2-1 Oct. 13 to finish second in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division to Lyons Township and defeated Addison Trail 4-0 Oct. 15 in Hinsdale.

Scoring for the Red Devils (5-1 in Silver) at Downers North were Legan and Oleszkiewicz with Mike Oleferchik assisting.

Loebig had a goal and assist against Addison Trail. Also scoring were Leandro Perez, a call-up from the sophomore team, Paul Girgis and Charlie Hetke. David Grasso and Legan had assists.

© Copyright 2009 Digital Chicago, Inc.

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/clarendonhills/sports/highschools/1836942,clarendon-hills-hcbsoc-102009-s1.article

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CBS 2 Athlete of the Week

Congratulations to Hinsdale Central Co-Captain (Sr.) – F, Michael Oleszkiewicz, who is this week's CBS 2 Athlete of the Week !

Winners are announced every Friday at 10pm on CBS2. If you get the chance, check him out tonight (Friday, Oct 16th) on Channel 2!

http://cbs2chicago.com/athleteoftheweek

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Hinsdale Central claims 2nd place in WSS with win over DG North

By Gary Larsen

Nothing helps a team like a challenging tuneup game just before the state tournament begins, and Hinsdale Central was happy to bus over to Downers Grove North to get one.

The Red Devils were even happier with the outcome – a 2-1 Central win in a typically heated game between the West Suburban Silver foes.

They were especially happy to get the win as it came seemingly right in the middle of the flu season.

“A lot of kids on the team were sick – it seems like everyone at our school is sick right now,” Central senior Michael Oleszkiewicz said. “We were missing Mitch Reavis today, and he’s a big part of our team.”

Man of the Match: Ryan Johnson

By Gary Larsen

Ryan Johnson has moved here and there on the field for Hinsdale Central coach Mike Wiggins, but the senior has found a home on the back line in recent weeks.

And he's not going anywhere. Not any more.

Johnson's fifth consecutive start coincides with a winning streak for Central, and his play was prominent in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Downers Grove North.

“Ryan Johnson again starts and it’s our fifth straight win in a row,” Central coach Mike Wiggins said. “I think the energy and passion that he has brought to the starting lineup has paralleled our success.”

Johnson has reined in the eagerness that sometimes took him out of position in the past, and he has been playing rock-solid in back.

“That’s a tribute to him as a senior," Wiggins said. "It’s great to see him playing so well. His playing time was up and down all year but we found a spot for him in which we think he’s really going to do well.”

“He had his hands full tonight and he did real well. He’s been very coachable, he has applied himself, and now he’s been given a very focused job and he has responded.”

“Considering the circumstances, I thought we played pretty well.”

Central coach Mike Wiggins concurred. “I was happy with everything today,” he said. “Everybody – our goalkeeping (Jack O’Donnell) was strong, our backs did a good job and they were organized, and I liked how we were dangerous in the attack.”

Robbie LaRocque, Eric Loebig, Taylor Cole, and David Grasso spearheaded a relentless effort that has been typical of Central's midfield play this year.

The win was Central’s fifth in a row, a streak that featured wins over Willowbrook, York, Glenbard West, Sandburg, and DG North. The Red Devils outscored those five opponents 16 to 3, and face Addison Trail in their regular-season finale before opening the postseason.

“One thing I’ve noticed during the five games is our effectiveness in the counter,” Wiggins said. “That’s been good, and tonight I also thought we played a decent game of soccer. We connected some passes.”

All of the Tuesday’s scoring occurred in the first half, starting with a free kick bomb that Cameron Legan launched from 45-plus yards out, in the game’s 19th minute.

Legan’s kick fell from the sky, bounced high in the box and nestled itself under the crossbar near the upper left corner of the frame.

The Trojans answered with a Paul Hogan goal five minutes later, before Oleszkiewicz found himself in a footrace for a ball sent over the top. The senior got to the ball before North goalkeeper Matt Paprocki, and touched it around him for the game-winning goal.

“I thought (Paprocki) was going to get a piece on it so I was just trying to go hard into him,” Oleszkiewicz said. “But we didn’t end up going fifty-fifty and I just tapped it past him.”

The remainder of the contest saw typically hard physical play. The Red Devils (13-6-2, 5-1) knew that they needed the win to have any hope of sharing a piece of this year’s WSS crown.

Lyons Township’s 3-1 win over York on Tuesday dashed those hopes, but Central did its part just in case.

“Every team wants to win conference. We thought that if LT lost to York, which was a longshot, that we wanted to play hard and get the win,” Oleszkiewicz said. “It’s always a good battle against (DG North).”

“They had two forwards that tested us organizationally and defensively, so that was good for us,” Wiggins said of the Trojans. “We wanted get a feel for how things are going to be for the next few weeks for us, so that was good.”

© 2009 WestSuburbanSoccer.com

http://www.westsuburbansoccer.com/Week Eight/hc-dgn.htm

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Reavis helps Devils knock off Silver rival York

October 13, 2009
By BILL STONE bstone@pioneerlocal.com

SOCCER-- Hinsdale Central's Mitch Reavis already is coming into his own as a sophomore thanks to the great leadership of upperclassmen who were in the same position not so long ago. "They've definitely been the people I've been closest to because I can relate to them more being a younger person on the varsity and trying to get respect from their teammates with actions rather than words," Reavis said.

Now in his second varsity season, Reavis already is learning to be, as Hinsdale Central coach Mike Wiggins puts it, "selfish in a good way." Reavis' goal and two assists helped the Red Devils pull out a 3-2 victory over York in West Suburban Conference Silver Division action Oct. 6 in Hinsdale.

The Red Devils (11-6-2, 4-1 in Silver) extended their winning streak to four straight by beating Glenbard West 3-0 Oct. 8 in Hinsdale and Sandburg 3-0 in Friday's homecoming game in Hinsdale. They also are 8-2 in their last 10 games and now have seven shutouts for the season.

"We've definitely been able to build on some things the past week. We're playing around with formations, trying to get our style of play for the playoffs," Reavis said. "We've been working really well."

One of the recent major changes was moving Reavis from forward to an attacking midfielder.

"We've been spending a considerable amount of time talking with him with regards to what he brings to the team and how much of an impact he can be when he puts his mind to it," Wiggins said. "He doesn't have to worry that guys might think he's too selfish because he's already won their respect. When he becomes a little more committed to himself being more dangerous, that's when we're going to go a little notch higher."

Against York, Mike Bucheleres scored the first goal with Reavis assisting. Reavis then blasted a 25-yard half-volley shot for a 2-0 lead with an assist from senior and three-year starter Robbie LaRocque after the defense tried unsuccessfully to clear the ball.

"I was trying to support the play," Reavis said. "If it were any other ball, I wouldn't have hit it, but for some reason, something came over me. I just cranked it and I was like, 'I'll take that (result).' "

The Dukes scored just before halftime, but junior and third-year starter Taylor Cole made it 3-1 with Reavis' assist.

David Grasso (2 goals) and third-year varsity player Michael Oleszkiewicz (goal, assist) led the attack against Glenbard West with Eric Loebig and Bucheleres adding assists.

Sophomore backup goalie Will Meyer, who replaced starter Jack O'Donnell midway through the second half, preserved the shutout with a leaping one-hand save in the dusk from 20 yards out with five minutes to play. Senior Ryan Johnson started at defender in place of injured Andrew Virgili.

Cole and Oleszkiewicz scored the first two goals against Sandburg with assists by Cameron Legan. LaRocque converted a penalty kick in the 78th minute after he was fouled in the box. On Oct. 3, Oleszkiewicz scored all five goals in a 5-0 victory at Willowbrook. Reavis provided two assists and Cole one after Oleszkiewicz's first goal came on a penalty kick.

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Red Devils end week with consecutive 3-0 shutouts

October 11, 2009
By Curt Herron

Playing well at the end of the season is not always the result of performing successfully at the beginning of the year.

A good case in point is Hinsdale Central, which struggled early on in the 2009 campaign by getting off to a 3-4-2 start.

After losing to Hinsdale South and tying Lincoln-Way East, the Red Devils were unable to play for their own tournament title.

But all of that seems to be a distant memory right now for Central, which has put it all together as the year is winding down.

Entering the final week of the regular season, the Red Devils are 11-6-2 after winning eight of their last 10 matches, including four straight.

Coach Mike Wiggins' squad capped a 3-0 week by posting back-to-back 3-0 home shutouts, beating Sandburg Friday and Glenbard West a day earlier.

So with matches coming up this week against Downers Grove North and Addison Trail, Central definitely is coming together at the right time.

Men of the match: multiple players

Hinsdale Central coach Mike Wiggins didn't really want to single out any one particular player from his team's 3-0 nonconference win over Sandburg on Friday.

So instead, the Red Devils boss preferred to mention several good candidates as his team's top performers against the Eagles.

The Red Devils got off on the right foot against the Eagles after scoring a goal just 4:11 into the nonconference match.

That's when Taylor Cole was able to connect, following an assist from Cameron Legan, to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.

Neither squad managed to put the ball into the net for the rest of the first half and again during the start of the second half.

But the Red Devils had numerous opportunities following the break and converted on two of them to walk away with the three-goal win.

Mitch Reavis got things started about five minutes into the second half when he had a short try deflected away by a defender.

Just about 10 minutes into the second half, Legan sent a liner toward the net but the Eagle keeper was able to get a hand on it.

A short time later, Ryan Johnson fired off another line drive which ended up going just wide of the net.

The Red Devils finally were able to connect again with 19:26 remaining in the contest following a well-executed play.

Legan sent in a free kick toward the net and Mike Oleszkiewicz was there to head the ball in to give the hosts a 2-0 advantage.

The Red Devils kept the pressure up after that as Legan sent another free kick in and David Grasso had a liner that was punched away.

Later, Mike Bucheleres had a shot try stopped as the keeper came out of the net and Robbie LaRocque sent in a shot that was also halted.

Central got back on the scoreboard with 3:56 remaining in the match when it was able to convert on a penalty kick.

After LaRocque was tripped up in the box, he stepped up for the PK and lined a shot just inside the post to wrap up the scoring.

Red Devil keeper Jack O'Donnell only had to make four saves in order to post his squad's seventh shutout of the season.

Central posted its first back-to-back shutouts of the season after winning by the same score in Thursday's West Suburban Silver match.

Grasso opened the scoring against the Hilltoppers when he connected following an assist from Oleszkiewicz.

The middle goal came from Oleszkiewicz off of an assist from Bucheleres while Grasso scored again later following a pass from Eric Loebig.

Despite the rough start, everything seems to be finally coming together at the right time for the Red Devils.

They're hoping that they can cap things off by performing well in the sectional tournament which they will be hosting.

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Hinsdale Central grinds out a win over visiting York

By Gary Larsen

October 2009

Nothing ever comes easy in either division of the West Suburban Conference.

The Silver division saw another close and hard-fought game play out on Tuesday, with Hinsdale Central winning 3-2 over visiting York.

“It’s a battle in every one of these conference games,” the Red Devils’ Mitch Reavis said. “Every team wants the conference championship and we’re both pretty good teams in the conference.”

“Every game will be a grind-it-out game. It comes down to who wants it more in the end.”

Twice the Red Devils (9-6-2, 3-1 in WSS) grabbed a two-goal lead, and twice the Dukes (9-6-1) answered with a goal to stay within a score of tying the game.

Central got a goal apiece from Mike Bucheleres, Mitch Reavis, and Taylor Cole, whose second-half goal ultimately proved the difference in the game.

Reavis dribbled up and laid a ball off to his left, and Cole dribbled along the top of the penalty area before blistering a ball to the back netting.

“It’s nice to see the scoring spread out, and everyone gets credit,” Reavis said.

The teams traded corner kicks to start the day before the Red Devils’ Michael Oleszkiewicz sent a head shot just wide in the game’s 11th minute. York followed with a shot wide of the post one minute later.

Central forced a save over the end line by York goalkeeper Carmine Sementa in the 18th minute, as scoring chances began to come with better frequency. Another pair of corner kicks each way followed by the 25th minute.

It was a Red Devils’ corner that led to the game’s first goal in the 26th, when the ball squirted out from a crowd at the goalmouth and Bucheleres stepped forward and drilled it into net from 8 yards out.

“What makes (Bucheleres) dangerous is when he works hard,” Central coach Mike Wiggins said. “He worked hard to get into position to get that goal.”

Central’s Eric Loebig saw a hard shot saved in the 29th minute, just before York’s Mario Grana sent a dangerous free kick just high of the crossbar from 20 yards out.

Central went up 2-0 when Oleszkiewicz reached the end line on the right side and sent a ball to the near post. The deflected ball started on a low flight away, but Reavis was there to volley a perfect shot back inside the post.

“Any other shot, I would have not (volleyed) it,” Reavis said. “But I just saw it and took it.”

If there’s one certainty in West Suburban Conference play it’s that no team ever lays down, and York answered its 2-goal deficit with a goal just before halftime. Mo Watkins crossed a ball, Eric Moreau finished, and the Dukes cut Central’s lead in half in the 39th minute.

Cole’s score came eleven minutes into the second half, recapturing a 2-goal lead and giving Central three different goal-scorers on the day.

“What I was surprised at was how open a look they each had, once they created the opening for the shot,” Wiggins said. “It doesn’t feel like we’ve had those types of looks.”

“It’s funny – when things aren’t going your way, you feel like you’re never getting those kinds of looks, and it was nice to see us getting those looks today.”

Central’s 2-goal cushion didn’t last. York’s Stefan Salzano sent a good chance just wide a minute after Cole’s tally, and teammate Andrew Aldrich cleaned up a deflected ball near the goalmouth in the 60th minute to make it 3-2.

A Dukes’ player turned the left corner near the end line a minute after that, but Central goalkeeper Jack O’Donnell pounced on the attempted cross. Hard play continued from there without another goal posted.

Wiggins applauded the play of York’s Moreau, Watkins, Cody Kliethermis, David Selvaggi, and Pat Macnider.

“The kid in back (Macnider) was very fast, and he got onto the end of balls a lot quicker than we would have liked,” Wiggins said. “Every (WSC) game is a good game and a competitive game. You have to be up for every game.”

The Red Devils followed a pair of tough losses to Naperville Central and Lyons Township with a 5-0 win over Willowbrook, in which Oleszkiewicz netted all five goals in the game.

The senior forward put in another good day’s work against York.

“Michael Oleszkiewicz gave us a good target today, where he did a nice job of creating separation and holding defenders off, and that was key in our counter,” Wiggins said.

Cole, Loebig, and Robbie LaRocque put in their usual high work rate on Tuesday, and the boys in back played solid in front of O’Donnell throughout.

“We had to make a change when (Andrew) Virgili went out, and Charlie Hetke really stepped up,” Wiggins said.

“Mike Oleferchik has been very steady for us in back, and Andrew Worthington has gotten better in every game this year. And we feel like Cameron Legan is as athletic as anybody, so for him to play the role we’re asking of him back there has been real important, too.”

Central senior Paul Girgis also entered Tuesday’s game and chipped in with solid play. “Paul was terrific today,” Wiggins said. “All in all, the guys put in a great effort. Today was good.”

The Red Devils host Silver division rival Glenbard West on Thursday, Carl Sandburg Friday, and then play Downers Grove North and Addison Trail next week before regional play begins.

“Guys are working hard,” Reavis said. “We’ve got to keep building. We’ve had our ups and downs during the year and hopefully we’ll hit our high at the right time.”

The No. 4 seed of the Hinsdale Central sectional, the Red Devils will play the winner between DeLaSalle (14) and Clemente (20) on October 20, with No. 5 Whitney Young a possible foe for a regional title on October 24, at the DeLaSalle regional.

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Man of the match: Mitch Reavis

By Gary Larsen

October 2009

The best of Mitch Reavis’ soccer life lies ahead of him.

Just a sophomore, Reavis showed throughout Tuesday’s 3-2 win over York that he should haunt the area’s teams for years to come.

“There are a lot of people who are going to discover who he is in a short amount of time,” said Hinsdale Central coach Mike Wiggins. “He showed today how dangerous he can be.”

“He’s got a good change of pace that makes him dangerous. Nobody here is going to get upset if he wants to take guys on and challenge guys, and we saw some of that today.”

Reavis sent a sweet volley in from 8 yards out in the first half, and then dribbled up and slid a pass off to Taylor Cole, whose second-half goal proved the difference in the contest.

“We’ve been looking for Mitch to be a little more aggressive, a little more selfish, and we always talk about how players earn the respect of their teammates on the field,” Wiggins said. “Mitch has already done that.”

Reavis also played touch line-to-touch line, end line-to-end line soccer on Tuesday, and went in hard to every ball.

“That’s a desirable characteristic of an attacking player,” Wiggins said. “He works hard off the ball.”

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LT earns impressive Silver win over rival Hinsdale Central

By KEN RYAN kryan@pioneerlocal.com
September 29, 2009

SOCCER-- Lyons Township senior Luke Skertich has endured painful season-ending losses to rival Hinsdale Central the past two seasons.

So any chance to knock off the Red Devils is special to him and his teammates.

Skertich did his part by scoring the first goal in LT's 3-0 West Suburban Conference Silver Division victory Tuesday in front of a huge crowd at Bennett Field in Western Springs.

"This is a huge rivalry and it felt really good to beat them," Skertich said. "It was an intense game all the way through. To score a goal in a game like this is a great feeling. It was nice to come out on top after losing a couple times in the playoffs to them."

Skertich headed in a pass from Peter Kralovec-Kirchherr with 16 minutes, 7 seconds left in the first half, for what proved to be the only goal needed.

Senior Hamdija Fejzic added a goal off an assist from Brian Heimerdinger with 3:18 left in the first half and junior Horacio Sanchez headed in a pass from Fejzic with 9:32 left in the game for the area-ranked Lions (12-3), who improved to 3-0 in the Silver.

"This is a big win for us," LT coach Paul Labbato said. "We are looking to get those wins that let people know we're for real. We've had a couple games that we could've maybe won against some nationally ranked teams (Neuqua Valley and Marquette University High School) and came up short. This is probably our biggest win to date because this is Hinsdale Central."

Hinsdale Central (7-6-2, 2-1 in Silver) applied heavy pressure throughout most of the first half and just wasn't able to find the back of the net.

Hinsdale Central sophomore forward headed a ball that clanked off the crossbar 15 minutes into the contest and junior Andrew Worthington later had a shot hit off the post in the opening half.

Many of Hinsdale Central's chances were set up by throw-ins and free kicks by senior midfielder Cameron Legan.

"I work on my free kicks every day just to put them in the right spots," Legan said. "It was extremely frustrating to see them so close to the goalie and just go out of bounds or hit the post or crossbar. This is a pretty disappointing loss because we had a lot on the line this time. We beat them twice last year and we knew they were going to be tough. They are a very good team, but we'll see them again in the playoffs and we'll give them a good game."

LT was presented with a Silver Brick that is given annually to the winner of the conference game between the two teams.

Last season, Hinsdale Central beat LT 1-0 in overtime, but still finished third in the conference behind co-champions LT and York. The Red Devils then went on to beat the Lions 1-0 in the sectional semifinal after beating them 1-0 in the sectional final the year before.

"We added the brick last year as a new tradition to the long-standing strong athletic tradition between these two schools," Hinsdale Central coach Mike Wiggins said. "This is a pretty special game. The brick stands for community and character, along with sportsmanship and pride and all the things that athletics should stand for."

While disappointed in the loss, Wiggins was thrilled with the large attendance at the game.

"Not a typical game (in the rivalry)," Wiggins said. "What was impressive about tonight is the community turnout. To fill these stands is pretty impressive. Too bad we couldn't have given the Hinsdale side of things a little bit more to talk about on the way home."

LT goalkeeper Sully Fox, who came up huge in the first half to keep the Red Devils off the scoreboard was knocked out of the game with 26:57 remaining. Fox leaped to grab the ball and landed on a Hinsdale Central player's foot and had to be carried off the field. Labbato was encouraged that his standout keeper was walking on his own after the game.

In Silver play Sept. 22, the Red Devils won 2-1 at Oak Park-River Forest with two late goals by senior Michael Oleszkiewicz, the winner coming with just 38 seconds left.

Oleszkiewicz tied the game with 4:12 to go by converting a 20-yard free kick. The winning goal came on a bicycle-kick shot after Worthington's shot following Legan's sidelines throw-in was deflected.

"That goal was probably one of the best goals I've ever scored in my entire life. I just took it out of the air from behind," Oleszkiewicz said. "I was sprinting down the field, so pumped up, excited. Plus I know the Oak Park goalie pretty well (Sam Euler) so it was kind of fun to score on one of my buddies."

The Red Devils lost to Naperville Central 1-0 Saturday. LT beat Glenbard West 1-0 Sept. 24 in a Silver game. Luke Skertich scored the lone goal for the Lions.

LT also lost to nationally-ranked Marquette University High School 2-1 Saturday. Heimerdinger scored off an assist from Elliot Borge for the Lions' goal.

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Huge turnout for HC-LT rivalry match

September 29, 2009

By Curt Herron

Yes, there really was a very large crowd that attended a soccer match on Tuesday.

In a sight usually reserved for big postseason clashes, one of the bigger regular regular season crowds you'll see assembled on Tuesday.

They came in large numbers to Lyons Township's Bennett Field in Western Springs to see the clash between Hinsdale Central and the host Lions.

Thanks to the presence of hundreds of AYSO players as well as lower level performers from both programs, the gathering approached one thousand fans.

Beside first-place implications in the West Suburban Silver, the showdown between the Lions and Red Devils involved local bragging rights.

In a first half that featured plenty of oohs and aahs from both sides, the Red Devils dominated in chances but LT grabbed a 2-0 halftime advantage.

The Lions added another score in the second half and then blanked Hinsdale the rest of the way to record their tenth shutout of the season.

"What was impressive about tonight was the community turnout," Red Devils coach Mike Wiggins said. "Too bad, at least on our end, that we couldn't gave given the Hinsdale side a little more to talk about on the way home.

"The turnout tonight was great and to cover the letters 'LTHS' in the bleachers was impressive and not an easy thing to do. This is a community-involved effort where we're able to recognize the kids in the youth program.

"They got the chance to come out and see what this rivalry is all about. That created an environment which teams advancing in the postseason would probably see. It was a disappointing result but the night was good for us.

"Everything that we do has an eye to the end of the year. The learning doesn't come from you win or you lose but it's about all the things that go into it. So will this make us better for the end of the year? Absolutely."

Although there may have a bit more drama than he'd cared for, LT coach Paul Labbato was happy to see a good battle played out for large crowd.

"I want this game to back and forth since Hinsdale Central against Lyons Township is one of the five oldest rivalries in the state," Labbato said. "It's a great rivalry and coach Wiggins did a great job of preparing his team.

"I felt that both sides did an outstanding job of promoting this game get the AYSO and club teams out here. Both programs also agreed to cancel all practices and not schedule any games so all of those kids were able to be here.

"This was probably the biggest crowd that we've ever had here for soccer. I did some promoting but the relentless promoting that Mike Wiggins did was great and his e-mail list for something like this is as big as it gets."

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Red Devils can't convert on chances against Lions

September 29, 2009
By Curt Herron

Hinsdale Central definitely put the heat on Lyons Township during the squads' West Suburban Silver clash on Tuesday.

In a showdown of first place teams before a large and enthusiastic crowd, the Red Devils had far more chances than did the host Lions.

But LT managed to find the net twice during the opening half while Hinsdale could not and that set the tone for Lyons' 3-0 victory in Western Springs.

"I thought for the first 35 minutes that we had the better of the play and really the better of the opportunities and chances," Red Devils coach Mike Wiggins said. "But it's a credit to them that they had two that they put away.

"For us to have created the number of opportunities that we did in that period of time certainly kept us optimistic going into halftime since we felt that 2-0 wasn't really indicative of the way that the first half went.

"We spent a lot of time talking about mental toughness and the emotion that goes into this game and the rivalry. And for the most part I thought that our guys kept a level head throughout the course of the game."

Cameron Legan supplied much of the pressure, sending in a barrage of threatening free kicks and throw ins during the opening 40 minutes.

The first of those free kicks came less than 10 minutes into the match and was followed in short order by several more good chances.

Mitch Reavis sent a grounder to LT keeper Sully Fox and later headed a ball off the crossbar following a defensive stop on a shot by Eric Loebig.

Around the midpoint of the first half, Lenny Zavala had a shot on goal before a header was cleared by an LT defender following a Legan throw in.

Lyons (12-3, 3-0) struck for the first time with 16:09 remaining in the half when Luke Skertich connected following an assist from Elliot Borge.

The Red Devils (7-6-2, 2-1) threatened a short time later with another long free kick from Legan and then a corner kick from Taylor Cole.

With just under nine minutes left before the break, Legan took a pass from Mike Bucheleres and sent in an attempt which was deflected by Fox.

Mike Oleszkiewicz had a short shot stopped about three minutes after that but LT responded a short time later with its second score.

Hamdija Fejzic made it a 2-0 game with 3:19 left in the first half after taking a pass from Borge and putting a shot past keeper Jack O'Donnell.

Hinsdale had one more good chance in the first half as Andrew Worthington hit the crossbar before getting stopped on the rebound try.

"They were solid right from the back to the front and it was so hard to break them down. And when we did on the set plays as I sent through balls in, they'd go off the post or crossbar.

"It was hard to see them not go into the net. Once we were down a goal we thought we could come back from that and then we tried to step it up even more when we went down by two goals."

While the Red Devils had plenty of opportunities during the first half, they may have had a couple of good chances after the break.

The first came with about 27 minutes when Loebig sent a header which was stopped by the LT keeper, who got injured on the play.

With Fox sidelined, the Lions turned to Kevin Beglen but he only needed to stop a long free kick that Legan sent in his direction.

LT relied on its defense of Billy McGuinness, Dan Wielgos, Peter Kralovec-Kirchherr, Chris Meingast and Fejzic to post its tenth shutout.

The Lions picked up a final score with 9:32 left in the match after Horacio Sanchez headed in a shot following a cross by Fejzic.

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Lions beat Red Devils for WSC Silver lead

September 29, 2009
By Curt Herron

Although most coaches would prefer a less dramatic scenario, they'll gladly take a situation where their team has a two-goal lead despite having far fewer opportunities.

That was precisely the position that Lyons Township coach Paul Labbato and his squad found themselves in during Tuesday's West Suburban Silver first-place showdown with Hinsdale Central.

A huge gathering of supporters from both sides got to see plenty of exciting moments during an eventful first half, with the Red Devils getting many more scoring chances than the Lions.

But LT made the best of the situation by scoring a pair of goals to grab a 2-0 halftime lead which helped it to capture a 3-0 win over rival Hinsdale at Bennett Field in Western Springs.

The Lions (12-3, 3-0) relied on a strong first-half performance in the net from Sully Fox, as well as a stout defensive effort throughout from the Billy McGuinness-led backline.

As the Red Devils (7-6-2, 2-1) kept throwing their best at LT during the first 40 minutes, the hosts were able to weather the storm as Fox came up with one big save after another.

In addition, McGuinness was joined by Dan Wielgos and Peter Kralovec-Kirchherr throughout while Chris Meingast alternated between the back and midfield with Hamdija Fejzic stepping in for him.

After Fox went down with an injury with 27 minutes remaining, Kevin Beglen stepped in and was able to basically watch an uneventful second half thanks to an all-field defensive effort.

With midfielders such as Brian Heimerdinger, Zach Pearsall, Andrew Aviles, Kyle Kurfirst and Meingast controlling the play, Lyons was able to wrap up its tenth shutout of the season.

That allowed LT's players to walk away with the Silver Brick, which was painted red in honor of the Red Devils' victory last season, that is awarded to the winner of the matchup.

"We were definitely looking to defend since we knew that Hinsdale was going to play very direct," Labbato said, "They were going to play into alleys and run after it and win long throws, corner kicks and free kicks to put us under pressure.

"That's been going on for the last few years and we've been on the downside of every one of those games so we were a little more defensive-minded today. We wanted to hold off those opportunities and we did a good job with our counter-attack.

"We definitely have a lot of defenders and we have a lot of choices as to how we can move kids around. We were able to move Chris in and out of defense to outside mid to give him some runs at the goal since he's so good at pushing forward.

"As we were carrying Sully off the field, I overheard our kids saying that they were going to allow no more shots on goal and our defense and midfield closed everything down. And Kevin also did a good job of filling in for us in a big game."

After Pearsall sent in a free kick about three minutes into the match for the initial threat of the evening, the Red Devils began their spirited attack on LT's goal.

Cameron Legan started things off with the first of a steady diet of dangerous free kicks, corner kicks and throw ins when he put a free kick on net just over nine minutes in.

About two minutes after that, Mitch Reavis sent a grounder to Fox before a flurry of activity with about 25 minutes left in the half nearly gave the visitors the early lead.

Eric Loebig sent in a shot that was cleared away by a defender before Reavis headed an attempt that bounced off of the crossbar.

After LT's Horacio Sanchez and Hinsdale's Lenny Zavala exchanged shots on goal a few minutes later, the Red Devils threatened again just past the first half's midpoint.

Legan's throw in was headed by a Red Devil toward the net but Wielgos was able to clear it away to keep the visitors off the scoreboard.

The Lions found the net with 16:09 left before the break when Kralovec-Kirchherr had a throw in that flicked off of Elliot Borge to Luke Skertich, who scored from close range.

A short time later, Legan supplied another long free kick and teammate Taylor Cole fired in a corner kick which were both halted by Fox.

With just under nine minutes remaining before the break, Mike Bucheleres sent a pass to Legan, whose short attempt was deflected away by the LT keeper.

Red Devil Mike Oleszkiewicz was stopped by Fox with about six minutes left in the half and the Lions got back on the scoreboard a short time later.

Borge supplied a pass to Fejzic, who was able to put in a short shot past Red Devil keeper Jack O'Donnell with 3:19 remaining in the initial half.

The with just under two minutes left, Red Devil Andrew Worthington hit the crossbar before his rebound effort was deflected away by Fox.

"Every time that we play these guys it's a battle so to get a win really means a lot to us," McGuinness said. "Credit to them since they put a lot of pressure on us in the first half and making it hard for us to settle the play down, which is what we like to do.

"Sully made some big saves and we some people who were making big tackles in the box. They were getting chances and we got a tad bit lucky since the ball bounced our way a few times. It was great to be able to get ahead after we took so much pressure from them.

"I think we have a very strong team this year and have done well so far with only a few losses against some top teams. But we have more conference matches that we have to win so we're looking forward and hope that we can continue on the success that we've had."

By comparison, the second half was very uneventful, especially after Fox was helped off the field about 13 minutes after the break.

Pearsall sent in a long free kick in the early going but little happened until Fox was hurt while stopping a Loebig header with 27 minutes left.

As LT's senior keeper sat on the bench with his left ankle covered in ice and propped up on a water container, Beglen stepped in for him.

About all that the junior had to defend against was another long free kick from Legan with less than 14 minutes remaining in the match.

LT closed out the scoring with 9:32 to go when Fejzic sent a cross to Sanchez, who headed a shot that found the opposite side of the net.

"It was a fun game since you have a lot of your classmates out here to support you and cheer for you," Sanchez said. "It's a big rivalry and we both tried our hardest and I think the better team won.

"We knew that as soon as we got the chance to capitalize that we had to do it because they weren't doing it. The way that we were going to win the game was to be able to score the first goal.

"It feels good to get this win but we know that we can't hang our hats onto that since we have another tough team to play on Friday when we see Oak Park-River Forest and we're looking forward to that."

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Naperville Central wins 1-0 over Hinsdale Central

September 26
By Gary Larsen

It’s not a conference match and it doesn’t hold any significance for postseason sectional seedings, but the annual game between Naperville Central and Hinsdale Central always seems like a game between two heated rivals.

Saturday’s game was no different, as Naperville Central (8-3-1) topped host Hinsdale Central (7-5-2) 1-0, on a second-half goal by Chris Prince.

Saturday’s game marked the second time in two weeks that Naperville Central rebounded from a loss and posted a win. The Redhawks fell to Glenbard East in overtime and beat Downers Grove South their next time out, and they answered Thursday’s loss to Naperville North with a win on Saturday.

“It shows great character from our team,” Prince said. “That’s what we said at the beginning of the season – every player on our team has great character.”

“Last year we’d lose, and then lose again. Not this year.”

Redhawks coach Jay Konrad was glad to get out of Hinsdale with a win, against a team that came in hard all day.

“They’re rugged. They won a lot of fifty-fifties at midfield. They clearly won the physical game, so we’ve got some things we need to work on,” Konrad said.

“But they’re always well-coached and they’re always doing dangerous things, so it’s always good to beat Hinsdale Central. It’s a nice win and a good shutout.”

The Redhawks flirted with a goal quickly after the opening whistle, earning a deep throw-in on the Red Devils’ end and sending a ball off the post before the game was two minutes old.

Prince sent in a shot that Red Devils’ keeper Jack O’Donnell tipped over the crossbar a minute later, giving the Redhawks a second great scoring chance early in the game.

Hinsdale Central’s attack picked up steam from there, however, and Cameron Legan just missed with a head shot sent over the crossbar in the 14th minute.

The Red Devils’ Michael Oleszkiewicz hit a good chance just wide of the post four minutes later, and the Red Devils applied good pressure through the game’s 20th minute.

Peter Santulli sent a shot over the crossbar in the 28th minute for the Red Devils, and Naperville Central nearly hooked up on a handful of long, dangerous throw-ins by Art Garza before halftime.

The chances were there through 40 minutes, but neither team managed a finishing touch.

“With our group right now, we’re just trying to get into a situation where we can get into a rhythm and have guys settle in,” Red Devils coach Mike Wiggins said. “The nice thing about playing a team like Naperville Central now is that it forces us to deal with a different (4-3-3) formation, and a different organization.”

“The focus being the end of the year, every game has a purpose. And this game gives us a level that we expect to see at the end of the year.”

Battles spent at midfield between the Red Devils’ Robbie LaRocque and Naperville Central’s Art Garza was as close to a postseason level as you’ll see in September.

Saturday was the first time this year that the Redhawks’ Art Garza played a full game, since returning from off-season surgery on both calves.

“He’s a physical kid and he plays at a high level,” Garza said of LaRocque. “So he forced me to use my body and to think at the same time, at a high level.”

“Robbie worked very hard and he held down the midfield today,” Wiggins said. “We have a number of guys playing very well. But we want them to try to play at another level, so we’re ready four weeks from now.”

Konrad was elated to see Garza in his first full game of action this season.

“We’ll get exponentially better once we get used to the balls he can play,” Konrad said. “We have guys not making runs, but the ball gets there because Art can play those balls.”

The scoreless tie held all the way to the 68th minute, when Colin Rook fed Prince for the game’s lone score. It was Prince's 14th goal of the season. “It felt like if either team scored once, it would be over,” Prince said. “It was a good battle.”

“It’s always a good battle against Naperville Central,” said Hinsdale Central’s Mitch Reavis. “We just have to keep coming together and working hard as a team."

Rook’s play stood out, while central defenders Peter Beasley and Andy Miltonberger put in another good day’s work for Naperville Central in the win.

“Andy Miltonberger was a forward at the beginning of the year, and that’s really where he should be playing for us,” Konrad said. “But we needed another center back, and he’s big, strong, he’s two-footed and he wins balls in the air.”

“He is just getting better back there every game.”

Wiggins and his squad were naturally dissatisfied with the loss, and they’ll take what they can from it and move on. They also played Saturday without the offensive spark provided by Eric Loebig, who was absent from the game.

‘I see a group of guys giving their all. I love my guys,” Wiggins said. “Today wasn’t for a lack of trying. They want what we want.”

“This is the level we wanted to be at. It would be one thing if we were talking about a game in which we got pasted. Last year we lost 5-0 twice during the year – we didn’t just pull over on the side of the road, we blew out all four tires.”

“Today was more like an oil change, and an oil change is always good.”

© 2009 WestSuburbanSoccer.com

http://www.westsuburbansoccer.com/Week Five/nc-hc.htm

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Shakon Shines But Bulldogs Escape With 1-0 Victory

http://uwmpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-soccer/recaps/092509aaa.html

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September 21, 2009

DEFENSE, TEAM EFFORT, LIFT DEVILS PAST NEW TRIER

BOYS SOCCER: With several new faces and a new alignment, junior Mike Oleferchik and the Hinsdale Central defense is achieving the same old success.

The Red Devils enjoyed perhaps their biggest victory of the season Friday with a 1-0 victory at New Trier after another shutout of Plainfield South 3-0 Sept. 17 at Centennial Field.

Senior Eric Loebig scored in the 32nd minute for the Red Devils (6-4-2) Friday with an assist from Cameron Legan.

"The whole team, everyone pulled their weight and we all worked really hard," said Oleferchik, an all-tournament selection at the Great Midwest Classic Sept. 11-12. "It was a huge game and on top of it we won on their field. We have to add onto that and win huge games on our field, keep up the hard work that we showed and know that we can compete in those big games."

The starting defense of goalie Jack O'Donnell, who made several big saves at New Trier, Oleferchik, junior Andrew Worthington and sophomore Lenny Zavala earned the shutouts. Starting with the Great Midwest Classic, the Red Devils have been playing a 3-6-2 formation that also receives help from outside defenders Taylor Cole and David Grasso and defensive center midfielder Robbie LaRocque.

"We've really stepped it up, especially considering we have a young defense, but a lot of that is definitely attributed to Jack O'Donnell, a great goalie," Oleferchik said.

"We've worked on communication and talking between us. It's gotten to a good point and it's only going to get better."

Michael Oleszkiewicz and Legan each had a goal and assists versus Plainfield South. Mitch Reavis also tallied with Cole assisting. The Red Devils play Lyons Township (10-2) for the Silver Brick at 5 p.m. Tuesday in Western Springs.

© Copyright 2009 Digital Chicago, Inc.

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Red Devils blank Plainfield South

By Curt Herron

After getting off to a shaky start to its season, Hinsdale Central is hoping that it's finally beginning to put some positive things together.

The Red Devils came away from last weekend's trip to the Great Midwest Classic in Indianapolis feeling that they could compete against quality teams.

And coach Mike Wiggins and his staff are currently fine-tuning things by attempting to find the right system that fits the strengths of their players.

Although one match doesn't qualify as a great example, the Red Devils hope that they can put together more outings like the one it had on Thursday.

Against Plainfield South, Hinsdale Central enjoyed some offensive success while shutting down its opponents in a 3-0 nonconference win in Hinsdale.

"We went through an early learning curve where we had our bumps and bruises," Red Devils assistant coach Michael Smith said. "But we've made some changes tactically that the players have been very receptive to.

"Now we're starting to put into action what those training plans are. It was great to see the positives in this evening's match. The players are starting to play with confidence and you can see a sense of unity.

"The players are battling together, so with this confidence and our changes in their training, now their walking with their heads a little higher. And that's certainly great to have going into our conference."

The Red Devils (5-4-2) began to really apply pressure on the Cougars' goal shortly after the match was about 10 minutes old.

Mitch Reavis had an attempt from the side stopped while Cameron Legan sent a header toward the net which was also halted.

Hinsdale Central finally broke through with 24:41 remaining in the opening half when Legan scored to put his team up for good.

Mike Oleszkiewicz sent a cross in front to Legan, who couldn't get off a shot initially but eventually connected from close range.

"At the beginning of the season we struggled a little bit since we didn't know where to put guys since we had a lot of defenders and midfielders," Legan said. "But from here on out things should be really good.

"We've tried all of the systems possible but I think we've finally figured out one that really works for us. It gets us into the attack well so it's really nice to find something that really works for the team.

"We met a lot of great teams in Indianapolis and played with them so that built up our confidence. We have a lot of good individuals from different clubs and hopefully we're starting to come together as a team."

There was only about one other good scoring opportunity in the first half and the Red Devils were able to convert on it for another goal.

With 15:25 left before the break, Taylor Cole sent in a pass to Reavis, who got free and put an attempt into the opposite side of the net.

Possessing a 2-0 halftime advantage, the Red Devils hoped to maintain the momentum during the new half by collecting an early score.

They got their wish just 35 seconds after the break when Oleszkiewicz lined a nine-locking shot that found the upper corner of the net.

Plainfield South finally began to apply some pressure on the net after halftime, but keeper Jack O'Donnell only needed to make three saves.

That was due in part to the play of defenders such as Mike Oleferchik, Andrew Worthington and Lenny Zavala, who shut down the Cougar attack.

In addition, other Red Devil players such as Robbie LaRocque, Eric Loebig and David Grasso helped to control the play in the midfield.

Hinsdale Central had a few other early chances following a corner kick by Legan and then again a short time later on a corner from Cole.

Near the midpoint of the second half the Red Devils threatened again as Legan was stopped on a header and Ryan Johnson had a shot try halted.

The final 20 minutes featured few good scoring chances as the hosts seemed content to possess the ball and work on wrapping up the shutout.

Hinsdale Central's three-goal effort tied its second-best scoring day and its shutout marked the third time that it blanked an opponent.

The new approach should help the Red Devils as they face a tough stretch against New Trier, Oak Park, Naperville Central and Lyons Township.

"We knew it would take some time but as a coaching staff we've been very vigilant by stepping back and looking for the correct system for this group of players," Smith said. "We think we've found the system and the boys are receptive.

"This team's identity and its work ethic and their desire to work for each other is starting to support their ability to be strong, technical players. Now that we have that bond, they're starting to realize what they can accomplish."

© 2009 WestSuburbanSoccer.com. All Rights Reserved.

http://westsuburbansoccer.com/Week Four/hc-ps.htm

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Hinsdale Central spends Sunday on charity

By Gary Larsen

The next time you hear someone complain about how self-absorbed today’s youth are, remember this story about Hinsdale Central.

On Sunday, a day normally spent away from school and away from whatever high school sport you play, players in the Red Devils’ soccer program spent the day on campus.

They could have been enjoying the 70-plus degree day somewhere else, hanging out and relaxing. Instead, dozens and dozens of Red Devils participated in a soccer-tennis event that raised a few thousand dollars for a charity called Kick In for Katrina Kids (KIKK).

The Red Devils were there by choice, and they were there in numbers.

“The players showed up. They could easily be at home watching football,” Red Devils senior Jack O’Donnell said. “We didn’t give them a ton of notice, so I’m really happy with the turnout.”

O’Donnell and senior teammate Eric Loebig are a goalkeeper and a midfielder by trade for Red Devils head coach Mike Wiggins. They are also co-chairmen of this year’s KIKK event, an annual 2-on-2 competition that takes place among soccer players, on the Hinsdale Central tennis courts.

If you’ve never seen soccer players kicking a ball back and forth over a tennis net at each other, they make it look easier than it is.

“I just tried to think of something that was fun and soccer-oriented,” said the father of the event, Dick Flesher.

The Red Devils showed up for people they don’t know and probably won’t ever meet. And even though they may be negotiating the typically self-involved teen years, they showed up in part because they have a guy like Flesher around.

Flesher coached the Red Devils’ varsity team for 15 years, stepping down after the 1995-96 season. In January of this year, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America recognized Flesher’s service inside and outside the sport, presenting him with Letters of Commendation and Certificates of Appreciation.

Heck, Wiggins even hands out a Richard Flesher Coaches Award each year, to a student-athlete that best exemplifies respect and commitment to the sport.

But this story isn’t about Flesher, even though the man clearly deserves to have a story written about him. Besides, he’d rather talk about the families that feed Hinsdale Central.

“When we took relief supplies to New Orleans at the start in 2005, the community gave us whatever we needed,” Flesher said. “What’s remarkable is that they’re still doing it four years later, when (Katrina) is falling out of America’s memory.”

KIKK has now expanded to include victims of Hurricane Gustav and last year’s Mississippi River flood damage in Iowa. It arose three years ago help Katrina victims.

“I can tell you that right now there are schools down there that are worse off than they were right after the disaster, and some of those areas won’t ever be rebuilt," Flesher said.

A five-phase federal plan to rebuild schools is largely unfunded. The roughly two thousand dollars the Red Devils raised on Sunday is sorely needed, and it will go a long way.

“For five bucks we can get a kid binders, folders, pencils, pens, and loose-leaf paper for the whole year,” Flesher said. Flesher has visited New Orleans 19 times since Katrina hit, looking hard at 43 area schools to see what their specific needs are.

When he approached Central’s soccer team a few years back with the idea of helping out, “we jumped on it,” Loebig said. “People don’t realize how much they’re still in need down there.”

O’Donnell and Loebig were naturals to chair this year’s event. Former co-chairs and 2008 grads Alex Scott and Jeff Graham passed the torch to Loebig and O’Donnell, who will pass it on to a pair of juniors at the end of this season.

O’Donnell volunteers at the PADS homeless shelter and the Chicago Food Depository, and when he was 12 years old his mother took him to Tijuana to build a home for a family in need.

“More than anything, it’s just seeing the people that you’ve affected,” O’Donnell said. “We built that house on a hill above their old house and surprised them with it. Seeing the way they reacted to it was just so rewarding.”

“You can see how many kids are out here on a Sunday, when they could be home watching a Bears game or a Fire game,” Flesher said. “Nobody badgered these kids to come here today.”

“Just this event will take care of a couple elementary schools, which is amazing.”

Wiggins sent out an email notifying the local press prior to Sunday’s event. Included was this line: I hope you’ll consider some type of coverage for this very worthy event that benefits the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The next time you hear someone complaining that there’s no hope for today’s youth, remember that Wiggins, Flesher, the Loebigs, the O’Donnells, the Scotts, and a host of other soccer families at Hinsdale Central would tell you that you’re crazy.

Self-absorbed youth? Not so fast.

“It will take a lot of initiative for everyone up here to help everyone down there,” Loebig said. “But it’s important. We’re all one country.”

© 2009 WestSuburbanSoccer.com. All Rights Reserved.

http://westsuburbansoccer.com/Week Five/hccharity.htm

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Former Red Devil standout Sean Donovan named Ivy League Rookie of the Week

http://dartmouthsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=48761&SPID=4697&DB_OEM_ID=11600&ATCLID=204793882

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Roundup: Hinsdale Central bounces back in Red Devil Cup

September 8, 2009

SOCCER: Hinsdale Central nearly reached the championship game of its annual Red Devil Cup but finished 1-1-1 in the Red Pool after tying Lincoln-Way East 2-2 Saturday morning.

The Red Devils (2-2-2) would have advanced to Saturday afternoon's final with a victory since they won 3-1 Sept. 3 over Oswego East, which won the pool with a 2-1 record.

Morton beat Oswego East 2-1 on penalty kicks in the championship match.

Hinsdale Central sophomore forward Mitch Reavis scored all three goals against Oswego East, tallying the first on a counterattack just 6 minutes, 10 seconds into the game.

On Sept. 1, the Red Devils lost 3-0 to Hinsdale South, which otherwise went scoreless in the tournament. The Hornets (1-3-1) scored in the 11th minute and twice in the final 28 minutes. Six Hinsdale Central starters in that game did not start against Oswego East.

"The changes in the lineup only reflect early-season concepts, formations and ideas. We continue to work through a style of play that fits our team and we have good players working hard each day," Hinsdale Central coach Mike Wiggins said. "Mitch Reavis scoring three goals against Oswego East the way he did was exactly the response we were looking for from our group after the loss (to Hinsdale South). The team did well, and Mitch found a way to get the goals. It was a great effort all the way around from the boys."

© Copyright 2009 Digital Chicago, Inc.

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/clarendonhills/sports/highschools/1760370,clarendon-hills-hcrdp-090809-s1.article

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Former GK Sean Donovan Records Dartmouth Shutout In Debut

http://dartmouthsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=48761&SPID=4697&DB_OEM_ID=11600&ATCLID=204788703

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SOCCER PREVIEW: Local high school teams kick off another season

By staff reports
GateHouse News Service
Thu Sep 03, 2009, 01:42 PM CDT

Hinsdale Central
Nickname Red Devils
Coach Mike Wiggins (8th year)
HOME FIELD Centennial Field, 55th and Grant streets, Hinsdale
2008 results 17-7-2 (4-2, West Suburban Silver)
NEXT HOME GAME 9 a.m. Saturday vs Lincoln Way East

TOP RETURNERS
Robert LaRocque sr. M
Taylor Cole jr. D
Eric Loebig sr. M
Cameron Legan sr. M
Michael Oleszkiewicz sr. F
Mitch Reavis so. F

PROMISING NEWCOMERS
Lenny Zavala so. D

OUTLOOK
The Red Devils return seven starters from a squad that lost 3-0 to Neuqua Valley in the Class 3A supersectional last fall.
Leading the way is a pair of three-year starters in LaRocque, who had four goals and two assists last season, and Cole, who totaled two goals and five assists in 2008.
“We are just settling into the 10 weeks,” Wiggins said, “trying to sort out the style of play that fits our team. We have a lot of talented individual players. But it is a process. We are not trying to win it all week one.
“Our expectations are high but we only set them high because we know we have a group that can meet those expectations.”
One goal the squad will be trying to reach is winning the West Suburban Silver title, which the Red Devils have not done since 2006. A year ago, they lost to both Glenbard West and York on their way to a 4-2 mark.
Hinsdale Central also hopes to reach the Sweet 16 for the sixth time in the eight years under Wiggins.
“Every day is an opportunity to learn,” the coach said, “and an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess where we are at. We are going to give every guy an opportunity to show what they can do.
“We’ve got a lot of good information on our guys, they are learning about the system we are in and we are introducing new things weekly. There is no rush. All we can expect from the guys is to come out and compete and trust that at the end of the season, they will be where they need to be.”
After four games, the squad is 1-2-1 with a win over Lincoln Way West and losses to Naperville North and Hinsdale South.

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/hinsdale/sports/x1750348722/SOCCER-PREVIEW-Rams-Broncos-kick-off-a-new-season

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Scouting DuPage County boys soccer

By Gary Larsen | Daily Herald Correspondent
Published: 9/3/2009 7:27 PM.Send To:

Top teams: Neuqua Valley, Naperville North, Hinsdale Central, WW South, Downers Grove South, Waubonsie Valley, Downers Grove North, Benet, Wheaton North, Glenbard East.

Top players: Derek Babb (sr., GK), WW South; Drew Bellmer (sr., M), WW South; Chris Boswell (sr., M), Naperville North; Bryan Ciesiulka (sr., M), Neuqua Valley; Art Garza (sr., F), Naperville Central; Paul Hogan (jr., M), Downers Grove North; Mike Keane (sr., M), Lake Park; Josh Kremers (sr., M), Wheaton Academy; Sean Little (sr., D), Glenbard East; Connor Miller (sr., M), Benet; Michael Oleszkiewicz (sr., F), Hinsdale Central; Nik Patel (sr., M/F), Waubonsie Valley; Jamie Pigott (sr., F), St. Francis; Chris Prince (sr., M/F), Naperville Central; Jack Turanchik (sr., GK), Neuqua Valley; Mike Wiest (sr., GK), Naperville North.

Scouting report: Neuqua Valley has a new coach this year in former long-time Conant coach Tony Kees. The Wildcats also have a team in 2009 that is as deep as it is talented. "If we played 20-on-20, I don't think there's a team in the state that could beat us," Kees said. "But we only play 11-on-11. We're optimistic, but we haven't accomplished anything yet."

Marquette-bound Bryan Ciesiulka keys an exceptional midfield that includes Zach Kovacevic and Jacob Brindle. Keeper Jack Turanchik is rock solid and will benefit from the back line protection of a slew of quality defenders, including Keegan Balle, Ricky Marton, Will Butler and Pat Kaindl. Add an attacking core led by Scott Davis, Patrick Doody and Cale Brown and the Wildcats are exceptional, front to back.

In starting the season with a 2-0 win over Hinsdale Central, a young Naperville North squad showed again the feistiness that marks the program's history. "Whatever the talent level is at North in any given season, you always know they're going to play as hard as any team you face," said Naperville Central coach Jay Konrad.

Naperville North coach Jim Konrad will stack midfielders Chris Boswell and Kyle Lindberg up against any midfield tandem around, and he's got a goalkeeper in Mike Wiest "that is a bona fide stud," Konrad said. A core of talented young players includes sophomore forward Evan Trychta, who scored both goals against Hinsdale Central and plays with reckless abandon in the final third.

Benet coach Henry Wind has another solid team, with Connor Miller and George Elliot keying the attack at midfield. But there's talent around the pitch again in Lisle this year. "I like this team," Wind said. "We've got a lot of depth so it will just be a matter of finding out where guys are going to help us on the field."

Hinsdale Central will rely on a balanced talent pool led by senior captains Robbie LaRocque and Mike Oleszkiewicz and junior Taylor Cole. The Red Devils will again vie for West Suburban Silver honors, and Downers Grove North has thrown its hat into the ring this season after struggling the last two years. Paul Hogan and Neil Corcoran lead the way for the Trojans this year.

Wheaton Warrenville South has its usual mix of top-shelf upperclassmen and solid newcomers. Drew Bellmer will steer the Tigers' ship at midfield, while Derek Babb is one of the most athletic goalkeepers in the area.Add twins Ricky and Manny Munguia and Andy Guerrero, and the Tigers have the pieces to again play the attacking style that coach Guy Callipari preaches. "We have another good mix," Callipari said. "We certainly hope the DVC is wide open, and that's always one of our main goals - to win the conference."

Naperville Central may be rebuilding after graduating numerous starters, but University of Wisconsin-bound Chris Prince and DePaul-bound Art Garza give the Redhawks two exceptional attacking players. Peter Beasley, Colin Rook, and Andy Miltonberger will all be key contributors for Naperville Central. "We'll be better at the end of the year, and that's the goal with an inexperienced team," Jay Konrad said. "They're great kids and we've got great senior leaders."

Waubonsie Valley will be led this year by senior Nik Patel, a versatile player whom coach Angelo DiBernardo will move around the pitch as needed.Oliver Mayer, Jesus Cruz and Yvan Foonde will also be asked to pick up a young team and get it used to playing varsity soccer against some of the best competition in Illinois.

Downers Grove South's strength will lie in a stable of midfielders that includes Charlie Stanke, Marcus Salinas, Matt LaLonde, David Masolak and Joe McLean.

In Class 2A, Wheaton Academy graduated nine starters but returns quality players around the pitch. Josh Kremers, Alex Varga and Brandon Vanderveen are all senior leaders for the Warriors.

St. Francis' Jamie Pigott should prove to be one of the best attacking players around for coach Tim Dailey, who has a young but promising squad in the fold. "We'll take our lumps early, but by the end of the season and next year we think we can be a good team," Dailey said.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Herald Inc.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=318585

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Season preview: Hinsdale Central
By Gary Larsen

There is good, hard competitive training and then there’s that training turned up a notch. This year’s squad at Hinsdale Central has embraced the latter during the 2009 preseason.

“We don’t have a player out there right now that isn’t giving everything they’ve got,” said Red Devils coach Mike Wiggins. “It’s nice because you don’t always have that.”

Ten players with strong varsity experience return to the fold in Hinsdale, with seven starting seniors in the mix. Are there a leading handful of candidates set for stardom this year?

“We won’t know that until the season gets going, but what stands out to me about this team is its strength by position, and its depth,” Wiggins said.

The Red Devils figure to field a balanced lineup this season. Senior captain Jack O’Donnell brings instant leadership in net, where the Red Devils under Wiggins have a rock-solid tradition. Former keepers Patrick Sperry, John Shakon, and Sean Donovan have kept a virtual lid on net in Hinsdale since 2002.

Backing up O’Donnell in net is talented sophomore in Will Meyer. A pair of central defenders junior Andrew Worthington and sophomore Lenny Zavala anchor the back line, with the 6-foot, 165-pound Zavala entering his maiden varsity season.

Taylor Cole moves from outside mid to outside back this year for the Red Devils, and his coach believes the junior will prove to be one of the best outside backs around. Cole started and played as an effective outside mid in his freshman and sophomore seasons.

“He’s a very technical, tactically-sharp player so we’re excited about him,” Wiggins said.

Seniors Andrew Virgili and Peter Santulli are both expected to contribute at the other outside defender spot.

Steering the ship at midfield will be seniors Cameron Legan and Robbie LaRocque, who both bring athleticism to the central midfield. Senior Eric Loebig returns as a starting outside mid, with senior David Grasso at the other outside spot. Grasso returns after missing his entire junior season due to injury.

Wiggins describes forwards in senior Michael Oleszkiewicz and sophomore Mitch Reavis as “relentless.” Oleszkiewicz is strong in the air, Reavis is tireless, and the two play off of each other well.

The Red Devils’ depth features seniors Ryan Johnson, Paul Girgis, Charlie Hetke, and Mike Bucheleres, and juniors Mike Oleferchik and Michael Hrisstov.

“Every last guy on the bench is capable of stepping in and contributing,” Wiggins said. “We have 19 players on the roster and they’re going to be pressing each other for playing time.”

“They’re training for a very competitive year. Not every year is the same and this year what we’ve got is not only a very hard-working group, but also a very talented group. They enjoy being around each other and they come prepared to train every day. They’re fun to be around and it’s been great.”

Assisting Wiggins this season is former Bradley player Michael Smith, now an English teacher at Hinsdale Central, and former Red Devil standout Peter Grasso. Grasso joins Wiggins’ coaching staff as a volunteer assistant this year after being named the team MVP as a senior at Georgetown last year.

© 2009 WestSuburbanSports.com. All Rights Reserved.

http://westsuburbansoccer.com/hcpreview.htm

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Central soccer preview: Veteran Devils working toward great postseason

August 27, 2009

•COACH: Mike Wiggins (105-48-14 in 7 seasons; 202-115-41 in 15 seasons overall)

2008 RESULTS: 17-7-2, 4-2 in West Suburban Conference Silver Division (3rd); lost to Neuqua Valley 3-0 in Class 3A Lisle Supersectional

RETURNING STARTERS: Seniors Robert LaRocque, midfielder (4 goals, 2 assists in 2008); Cameron Legan, midfielder (goal, assist); Michael Oleszkiewicz, forward (3 goals, assist); and Andrew Virgili, defender; and junior Taylor Cole, defender (2 goals, 5 assists); and sophomore Mitch Reavis, forward (goal)

OTHER VARSITY RETURNEES: Seniors Mike Bucheleres, forward; Paul Girgis, midfielder/defender; David Grasso, midfielder; Charlie Hetke, midfielder (goal, assist); Ryan Johnson, midfielder; Eric Loebig, midfielder (3 goals, assist); Jack O'Donnell, goalie (1.5 shutouts); and Peter Santulli, defender/midfielder

VARSITY NEWCOMERS: Juniors Michael Hrisstov, forward; Mike Oleferchik, midfielder; and Andrew Worthington, defender; and sophomores Will Meyer, goalie; and Lenny Zavala, defender

OUTLOOK: With 12 seniors, six returning starters and four other players who saw significant playing time in 2008, the Red Devils have many reasons to continue the tradition of turning the lessons and preparation of the regular season into a dynamic postseason.

Last season, the Red Devils advanced to the supersectional after finishing fourth in Class AA in 2007. This fall could mark the most successful three-year postseason run in program history.

LaRocque, O'Donnell, Oleszkiewicz and Cole are co-captains. LaRocque and Cole are third-year starters and Oleszkiewicz a third-year varsity player.

"It's a coachable group and a fun group. Can they just continue to learn each week to be the best they can be?" Wiggins said. "Our goals remain the same. We're going for (peaking at) the end of the year, no question about it. The goals are high, but they're related to being of good character and being responsible. If they're organized off the field, they will be on the field and the Xs and Os will take care of itself."

The Red Devils already appear able to compensate for the graduation of three integral players -- defensive standout Alex Scott (Emory), goalie Sean Donovan (Dartmouth) and leading scorer Jeff Graham (Illinois Wesleyan), who all are playing Division I soccer.

The Red Devils will get leadership at center midfield from LaRocque and Legan, an outside defender last year. Hetke and Loebig, key reserves last season who each made 11 starts, and a now-healthy Grasso lead candidates on the outsides.

Offensively, the Red Devils should remain strong up front with the 6-foot Oleszkiewicz and Reavis. Oleszkiewicz could often take over Scott's role of being threatening in the box on restarts. Bucheleres and Hrisstov also will be part of the forward rotation.

"In our front six, we've got five seniors and a sophomore. That's strength in experience and with skillful players," Wiggins said.

"(Oleszkiewicz) is just comfortable going at people and going to the goal. It's almost like every day he's hitting a highlight shot in training. Mitch Reavis only continues to get stronger. (LaRocque and Legan) are probably two of the most athletic midfielders you'll find. Both show an eagerness to attack and willingness to get back and defend."

How well new Red Devils can replicate last year's stingy defense may be the key. Virgili is that unit's only returning starter who will remain there.

O'Donnell takes over in goal for Donovan, while varsity newcomers Worthington and Zavala are projected for the middle of the four-man defensive formation. Cole moves from outside midfielder to left back, providing more attacking options from another part of the field.

Last season, Donovan hardly had varsity experience when he succeeded then-graduated John Shakon. Donovan recorded 13.5 shutouts with a 1.08 goals-against average as the Red Devils recorded a single-season school-record 15 shutouts.

"I have confidence (O'Donnell) will not only have a tremendous year but take pride in the position," Wiggins said. "He's following an all-stater (Pat Sperry), a Gatorade Player of the Year (Shakon) and our first All-American Scholar-Athlete (Donovan). I don't see why he won't have the same success."

In the Silver, the Red Devils finished behind co-champions Lyons Township and York. In last year's sectional, the Red Devils beat LT 1-0 in the semifinals after losing their Silver meeting and Morton 2-1 after a 5-0 regular-season loss. n QUOTABLE: "We lost some great players, but we've also got 19 players on varsity who are going to continue the strong tradition we have," Wiggins said.

-- by Bill Stone

© Copyright 2009 Digital Chicago, Inc.

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/clarendonhills/sports/highschools/1736280,clarendon-hills-hcbsoc-082709-s1.article

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Tribune's Top 10 boys soccer teams

Steve Reaven
August 23, 2009

1. Neuqua Valley: Wildcats are loaded and won't be satisfied with anything short of a state title.

2. Lake Zurich: Nick Janus and Tim Kruetz will furnish scoring punch with first-year starter Tyler Raineri a key in net.

3. Morton: If intensity is turned on, talented Mustangs will be hard to beat.

4. Hinsdale Central: Return bulk of roster from 2008 supersectional qualifier; Jack O'Donnell poised to become latest in long line of solid goalies.

5. Lyons: Billy McGuiness gets plenty of help from future Division I midfielders Chris Meingast and Brian Heimerdinger.

6. Streamwood: Young 2008 squad got a taste of success with school record 17 wins, but Sabres want to see postseason achievement in '09.

7. St. Viator: Have to replace entire defense but talented midfield corps will make it hard for opposition to control the ball.

8. Waukegan: Athletic Bulldogs won't sneak up on anyone after advancing to Class 3A supersectionals in 2008.

9. Deerfield: Midfielders Connor Holloway and Scott Lakin, both committed to Northwestern, form the Warriors' core.

10. Hersey: Huskies don't receive a lot of attention but squad that claimed third straight MSL crown last fall returns virtually intact.

On the verge: Barrington, New Trier, Plainfield Central, St. Charles North, Stevenson

Copyright © 2009, Chicago Tribune

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-23-boys-soccer-teams,0,3142720.story

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[Georgetown University] Men's Soccer Holds Annual Banquet
Grasso named MVP, Diaz and Madison are also award winners
March 27, 2009

Washington, D.C. - The Georgetown University men's soccer team hosted its annual banquet on Friday evening in the John Thompson Jr. Lobby. The event honored the six seniors from the 2008 season as well as the yearly award winners. The Hoyas finished the season 11-5-3 overall and 5-3-3 in the BIG EAST for one of the most successful years in recent memory. ...

Finally, senior Peter Grasso (Burr Ridge, Ill./Hinsdale Central) was voted Most Valuable Player by his teammates after leading the squad in goals with seven and also posting two assists for a squad-high 16 points. Grasso was a BIG EAST Honorable Mention honoree in his first season as a forward after playing a number of positions over the years for the Hoyas.

"Peter truly deserves this award," said Assistant Coach Josh Shapiro. "He didn't just score goals in wins against teams we beat pretty handily, all of his goals came when we really needed them. He had four games-winners, and that's the sign of what he meant to us."

... FULL TEXT: http://guhoyas.cstv.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/032709aaa.html

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Hinsdale Central Welcomes Bob Gansler
On February 20th and 21st, Hinsdale Central welcomed over 100 coaches from all over Illinois, hosting the 2009 Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association (IHSSCA) Annual Clinic. The clinic was sponsored by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), who presented the featured clinician Bob Gansler.

Coach Gansler brought to the clinic a wealth of knowledge and experience to this year's event. He was named head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team in 1989, leading the U.S. to their first World Cup Finals appearance in 40 years in Italy (1990). Gansler also coached in the college and the professional ranks, including seven years with the Kansas City Wizards where he won the 2000 MLS Cup and the 2004 U.S. Open Cup. He was recently an assistant coach with Toronto in Major League Soccer. In 2008, he was the recipient of the prestigious Werner Fricker Builder Award. The honor is bestowed annually to an individual who has worked tirelessly in furthering the interest of the sport of soccer, without regard to personal recognition or advancement.

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