Chicagoland Soccer Top 25
boys preseason poll
By Patrick Z. McGavin
The time, once again now. The past is prelude as a new boys soccer season formally kicks off with the start of games Monday.
The preseason poll is really just that, an informed conjecture if you will, of the season based on available data and the recurring patterns of the recent past. The best programs are remarkably consistent from year to year.
These are the teams to watch, programs that have demonstrated excellence from year to year and are worth tracking as the new season starts. Everybody, of course, is zero-zero-zero at the moment. That changes starting Monday.
Until proven otherwise, the best team is the defending Class 3A state champion. After two state championship game overtime losses (1986, 2010), legendary coach Andrew Bitta broke through as forward Ryan Wittenbrink scored both goals in the Wildcats’ 2-1 title victory over Quincy.
Wittenbrink also scored in Libertyville’s semifinal upset over Morton.
Morton finished third by defeating Bartlett 2-0. The Mustangs follow Libertyville, with DuPage Valley Conference favorite Naperville North, Evanston and Downers Grove South earning the next slots.
Like years past, this preseason poll is intended primarily as a conversation starter. Libertyville, it is worth noting, was not included in the preseason ranking a year ago. They did not exactly come from nowhere. Libertyville improved with each game and peaked at the optimal time. They enter their season opener, Saturday against Niles West in the Northshore College Showcase at New Trier, with a 10-game winning streak.
New factors alter the equation: injuries; emerging players; and teams riding a hot streak among others. Again, this is the start of the conversation, not the end. That comes in early-November. Let the games begin, and get ready for another great ride.
Team records are from the 2015 season.
boys preseason poll
By Patrick Z. McGavin
The time, once again now. The past is prelude as a new boys soccer season formally kicks off with the start of games Monday.
The preseason poll is really just that, an informed conjecture if you will, of the season based on available data and the recurring patterns of the recent past. The best programs are remarkably consistent from year to year.
These are the teams to watch, programs that have demonstrated excellence from year to year and are worth tracking as the new season starts. Everybody, of course, is zero-zero-zero at the moment. That changes starting Monday.
Until proven otherwise, the best team is the defending Class 3A state champion. After two state championship game overtime losses (1986, 2010), legendary coach Andrew Bitta broke through as forward Ryan Wittenbrink scored both goals in the Wildcats’ 2-1 title victory over Quincy.
Wittenbrink also scored in Libertyville’s semifinal upset over Morton.
Morton finished third by defeating Bartlett 2-0. The Mustangs follow Libertyville, with DuPage Valley Conference favorite Naperville North, Evanston and Downers Grove South earning the next slots.
Like years past, this preseason poll is intended primarily as a conversation starter. Libertyville, it is worth noting, was not included in the preseason ranking a year ago. They did not exactly come from nowhere. Libertyville improved with each game and peaked at the optimal time. They enter their season opener, Saturday against Niles West in the Northshore College Showcase at New Trier, with a 10-game winning streak.
New factors alter the equation: injuries; emerging players; and teams riding a hot streak among others. Again, this is the start of the conversation, not the end. That comes in early-November. Let the games begin, and get ready for another great ride.
Team records are from the 2015 season.
Look out for: Schaumburg, Neuqua Valley, Benet, Downers Grove North, Wheeling, Sandburg, Glenbrook South, Wheaton Academy, Metea Valley, Lake Park, Bradley-Bourbonnais, Solorio, St. Ignatius, Loyola, Thornton Co-op.