By Bobby Narang
The 2023-2024 high school sports season kicked off in earnest this week with the start of boys soccer Monday, Aug. 21.
The three-class boys field concluded last season when Naperville Central defeated Romeoville, 1-0, in the Class 3A State championship game. In Class 2A, Peoria Notre Dame defeated Glenwood, 3-1, to win a State championship, and Quincy Notre Dame beat Belleville Althoff Catholic, 4-1 in the 1A final.
Two teams looking to take a big step up in 1A are Timothy Christian and Wheaton Academy. The two teams hooked up in the 1A third-place game last season, with Timothy Christian pulling out a 2-1 win.
Lemont, which competes in 2A, is looking to make a run past the sectional finals this season with five starters back in the fold from last season’s 14-win team.
“We will need to replace six starters from last year’s team,” Lemont veteran head coach Rick Prangen said. “We had many sophomores who started and contributed last season. Hopefully, the experience of the sophomore class as well as the juniors combined with the current set of starters and a talented freshman class will be able to blend well together. We will still be a very young team this year, but are looking to compete for a conference title.
“In terms of our returning players, Tyler Chrisman and Ali Nabulsi are two players we will be leaning on heavily this year. Tyler is a dynamic attacking midfielder who is extremely quick and good on the ball. Ali is the prototypical defensive midfielder who is both physical but also highly skilled.”
Meanwhile, Benet Academy, which won the East Suburban Catholic Conference championship in 2022, is loaded behind Loyola recruit Nick Roe.
“I’m really excited to be part of a program with such an amazing tradition in soccer,” Benet first-year head coach Matt Klosterman said. “Seeing how many versatile, talented, hard-working, and unselfish players in this group helps me understand why Benet is such a special place. It should be a fun team to watch.
“We have a lot of returners headlined by Nick Roe. Nick leads by example with his hard working and selfless attitude. Having seniors who consistently put the team first sets a great example for the younger guys.”
Hinsdale Central is looking to make some waves in Class 3A, in particular in the rugged West Suburban Silver behind several returning players.
“We’re excited for this group entering the 2023 season,” Hinsdale Central head coach Michael Wiggins said. “They bring energy, enthusiasm, and excitement looking to build on previous success.
“Our program emphasizes the student-athlete experience and how that can bring out the best in them on and off the field. We have a terrific group that shows up with an eagerness to learn and a willingness to succeed. They continue to show an understanding of how skillful play partnered with positivity and hard work can lead to encouraging results.”
Lyons should be in the thick of the Silver race with Bucknell recruit Colin Sullivan healthy and slated to lead the team.
“We’re strong in all aspects of the game and are hoping to put it all together,” Lyons head coach Paul Labbato said.
Morton is always a team to watch in the West Suburban Gold side, along with in Class 3A.
“I feel that we have high expectations once again this year,” Morton head coach Jim Bageanis said. “We have multiple players that can play multiple positions on the pitch. We also have multiple players that can score goals at any time on the field. That, along with our strong defense, should do well for us this coming season.”