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Men's soccer and women's volleyball trip to Milan, Italy 2009
Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Champions
Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference
Runners-Up
NJCAA Region IV Runners-Up November 7,
2011 Battered and worn down by a tough schedule, the Cyclones prevailed all year and into the NJCAA Region IV semifinals before seasons’ end. They didn’t end up where they wanted, but proved themselves in 2011. Moraine Valley had a rewarding season, highlighted by a big win in the quarterfinals over undefeated Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference champs, Oakton Community College. That game ended in penalty kicks, advancing the Cyclones to the semifinals on Oct. 26 where they lost 4-2 to Morton College. In the end, the accumulation of injuries and fatigue from a grueling season proved too much for the team to continue their five-game winning streak and overcome a strong Morton team, a team they defeated in the regular season 5-4 in overtime. “This season was particularly difficult with the team playing the toughest schedule in NJCAA Region IV,” said coach Chuck Bales. “At times we struggled, but a focus on the process, not the results, and vision that the exertion would make them stronger in the end, paid off with a determined march through round one of playoffs and the quarterfinal game.” The Cyclones finished over .500 this year with a 9-5-2 overall record and 3-2-2 conference record, for a fourth place finish. A grueling schedule didn’t come without some games that defined the season, however. Moraine Valley showed both their power and frailty on Sept. 6 against McHenry County College. Although the Cyclones won 5-3 with a smooth and fluid attack, the defense showed their susceptibility to mental distraction in gifting the three goals in what should have been a shutout game. Nearly two weeks later, the Cyclones demonstrated pure power against Kishwaukee College. With an unstoppable attack, Moraine Valley won 6-2 after coming to grips with what would take them through the rest of the season—outscoring the other teams. Then in the first round of playoffs, the Cyclones played something less than a pretty game. Between bouts of rain and relentless wind, Moraine Valley came up short in the first half, down 0-3 to Truman College with elimination a real possibility. The team fought back and scored four goals (the last one in the waning minutes of the game) to secure a place in the semifinals. A shining moment for the Cyclones was their final win in the playoffs over Oakton. A high-scoring Oakton team, which boasts the number one forward in the conference and region, was held to one goal. Moraine Valley had a game plan, mental focus in check, their execution set, and bit of luck to give them the double overtime win. “We had the best defensive game of the season. It was awesome,” Bales said. “Injuries and fatigue in two overtimes forced the back line to be unrecognizable at the end, but the team performed unbelievably and prevailed. “This team, more than any will be defined by their resilience, ability to come back, and never say die attitude. The toughest schedule of the region was laid down before us but they responded by knocking off the top team and finishing as a well-deserved top four team in the region,” Bales said. A number of athletes received awards for their outstanding performance on the field this season. Midfielder Erik Gomez (Eisenhower) was named to the All-Region and All-Conference first teams and nominated an All-American. Forward Pawel Rychtarczyk (Reavis) and defender Zach Dahlman (Andrew) were named to the All-Region second team and All-Conference first team. All-Region honorable mentions went to Miguel Rivera (Bogan), Ivan Lopez (Argo) and Rogelio Orozco (Eisenhower). Lopez and Orozco along with Jonathan Rodriguez (Oak Lawn), Micah Van Bruggen (Andrew) and Joel Pepala (Zambia) were named to the All-Conference second team. October 24,
2011 As the number eight seed, the Cyclones had their work cut out for them on Oct. 22 in the NJCAA Region IV quarter-finals against number one seed Oakton Community College. In yet another game, the Cyclones deadlocked, 1-1, thanks to a goal by Joel Pepala (Zambia) and assist by Pawel Rychtarczyk (Reavis), and ran the clock out in overtime. Erik Blancas (Chicago Military Academy) kept vigilant at the net, helping the Cyclones win 4-3 in penalty kicks. October 20,
2011 October 12,
2011 The Cyclones played a nail biter on Oct. 11 against conference rival Morton College, but came out with a 5-4 win in overtime. For 90 minutes both teams fired shots and kept pressing with defense, especially goalkeeper Erik Blancas (Chicago Military Academy) who was busy saving 10. Pawel Rychtarczyk (Reavis) scored twice for the Cyclones while Joel Pepala (Zambia) and Miguel Rivera (Bogan) scored the other two to maintain the tie. Within three minutes of overtime play, Erik Gomez (Eisenhower) scored the winning goal. Erik Quintero (Eisenhower), Rogelio Orozco (Eisenhower), Miguel Rivera (Bogan), and Gomez each had an assist. October 10,
2011 October 5,
2011 For the second time this season the Cyclones have ended a game in a tie, this one coming Oct. 4 against Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference rival College of Lake County. With 40 seconds left in regulation time, Pawel Rychtarczyk (Reavis) scored the tying goal. The Cyclones played two overtimes, but ended the game in a deadlock at three. Joel Pepala (Zambia) and Alan Ward (Venezuela) scored the other goals in the game with assists by Rogelio Orozco (Eisenhower) and Lukasz Szczesniak (Reavis). The keeper for the match was Danny Mack (Lincoln-Way North). October 3,
2011 It was another struggle Oct. 1 for the Cyclones in their 4-1 loss to South Suburban College. The team is now back to .500. Joel Pepala (Zambia) scored the lone goal with an assist by Rogelio Orozco (Eisenhower). September
28, 2011 The Cyclones surpassed .500 Sept. 27 with their 4-1 win over Waubonsee Community College. As they have for nearly every game so far this season, Pawel Rychtarczyk (Reavis) and Joel Pepala (Zambia) scored for the Cyclones along with Alan Ward (Venezuela). Keeper Danny Mack (Lincoln-Way North) held the Chiefs to just one goal. September
26, 2011 The Cyclones were in top form Sept. 23 as they outscored Kishwaukee College 6-2 at home. Ryan Butler (Andrew), Matt Prusak (Andrew), Rogelio Orozco (Eisenhower), and Marek Szczesniak (Reavis) each scored a goal while Pawel Rychtarczyk (Reavis) scored twice. Miguel Rivera (Bogan) and Butler provided assists and Joel Pepala (Zambia) had three for the game. Erik Blancas (Chicago Military Academy) was tough in the net, saving seven. September
21, 2011 Moraine Valley played regulation time and then some Sept. 20, but ended in a 1-1 deadlock with Elgin Community College. Pawel Rychtarczyk (Reavis) scored the Cyclone goal with an assist by Erik Gomez (Eisenhower). Defensive player Ryan Butler (Andrew) and forward Alan Ward (Venezuela) each got a yellow card during the game. September
19, 2011 The Cyclones were scoring maniacs on Sept. 17 when they crushed Daley College 8-1. Joel Pepala (Zambia) scored three times while Pawel Rychtarczyk (Reavis) had two goals and Erik Quintero (Eisenhower) had one. Pepala, Rogelio Orozco (Eisenhower), Ivan Lopez (Argo), and Micah Van Bruggen (Andrew) had assists in the match. September
14, 2011 There weren't too many highlights in Moraine Valley's 4-1 loss to Oakton Community College Sept. 13. The Cyclones had an early lead thanks to a goal by Joel Pepala (Zambia), but couldn't stop the Oakton attack. Erik Gomez (Eisenhower) received a red card and will not play in the next game, Sept. 17, against Daley College. September
7, 2011 The Cyclones grabbed their first win of the season on Sept. 6, a 5-3 triumph over McHenry County College. Moraine Valley's offense is starting to click, the passing and possession by the players is looking more solid, and the defense is improving every game. Goals were scored by Pawel Rychtarczyk (Reavis), Miguel Rivera (Bogan), Joel Pepala (Zambia), and Rogelio Orozco (Eisenhower). Erik Blancas (Chicago Military Academy) was strong on goal by saving a penalty kick. Although the team still needs to work on focus and concentration, they are looking stronger on the field, said coach Chuck Bales. In their next home game, Sept. 13, the Cyclones are looking forward to getting defenders Johnny Rodriguez (Oak Lawn) and David Esparza (Eisenhower) back in the game from injuries. August 31,
2011 August 29,
2011 On an unfavorable field the Cyclones controlled the game and looked good in possession, but couldn't score against College of DuPage in a 4-0 loss on Aug. 27. Moraine Valley's passing was as good as it could be on a poor field, but the defense struggled. There were missed scoring opportunities and individual errors that cost the game. Combination play in the attacking third needs work but through the midfield and attack the Cyclones looked good, said coach Chuck Bales. August 26,
2011 A strong finish to the 2010 season didn't get the Cyclones as far as they wanted, but they are more determined in 2011 to attain those Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and NJCAA Region IV titles. Four of the sophomores from the 2010 team graduated and will continue their soccer careers at four-year universities, but all the freshmen returned. After stumbling in the quarter finals last year, coach Chuck Bales and the returners are ready to pick up the momentum from the end of last season. "I think the team from last season felt, rightly so, that we got the shaft by losing 3-3 in penalty kicks in our last game. This year we are committed to getting things right so that we finish the season as strongly as possible," he said. Bales is counting on the experience and technical skill of his sophomores to reach further in the Region IV tournament this season. Erik Gomez (Eisenhower) will be expected to pick up where he left off and fulfill his potential. "Erik is one of the best players I've ever coached. On the field, in training and in games he works harder than you can imagine. His determination is an inspiration to the rest of the team. He sets the bar very high," Bales said. Zach Dahlman (Andrew) and Miguel Rivera (Bogan) will be returning stronger than ever after red-shirting due to early season injuries in 2010. "Zach and Miguel were sorely missed last season. Their inclusion this year will be one of the biggest reasons why I'm predicting we surpass last season. Third-year sophomores bring a level of experience to a two-year college team that is very rare. On top of that, they are both starters from their previous seasons at Moraine Valley. I'm as excited as they are to have them back for one more season." One of the key elements to the team this year will be speed and skill. Returning sophomores Lukasz and Marek Szczesniak (Reavis) are two of the quickest, most attack-oriented players to compete at the college. "Lukasz and Marek love playing soccer. You can tell every time they step on the field, be it the game field or training field. They played all summer and are in tip-top shape," their coach said. In midfield, Micah Van Bruggen (Andrew) will be returning after ending last season strongly. "Micah was an unknown for me last season, but his excellent control, passing ability and hard work made it easy for me to pick him in the important games." Two other surprises from 2010 that will continue in 2011 are Seth Veloz (Morton West) and Johnny Rodriguez (Oak Lawn). "Seth and Johnny came on the team last year and were asked to play in a number of positions due to injuries and tactical changes. Each time, they surpassed my expectations with their hard work and excellent play. Both were Jacks-of-All-Trades that could perform at the top level in any position they were asked to play, whether in defense, midfield or forward." Of course, every team needs a goalkeeper and this season Danny Mack (Lincoln-Way North) returns after getting accustomed to the pace and level of the game as understudy to main keeper Matt Calhoun in 2010. Joining him between the sticks will be freshman Erik Blancas (Chicago Military Academy). Both are expected to compete throughout the season for the starting position. The squad was strengthened by the addition of several key players from high schools within Moraine Valley's district. Chief among them is Pawel Rychtarczyk (Reavis). "Pawel was the all-time top scorer at Reavis, surpassing former Cyclone and Reavis alums Mario Zubek and Mario Waksmundski,” Bales said. “I think he will continue his goal-scoring success at the college level, too." Joining Pawel from Reavis will be stand-out midfielder Edward Vallejo. "Eddie will fit in nicely with our style of play as he's an excellent passer and playmaker—two qualities that are a must." As usual, Eisenhower High School head soccer coach and Moraine Valley soccer alum Dylan Shaughnessy has made sure a number of his outstanding players make their way to Moraine Valley. David Esparza, Erik Quintero and Rogelio Orozco were all integral to the success of Eisenhower's soccer program over the last four years. Their experience and skill will be an important element to the success of Moraine Valley in 2011. "Dylan recommended each one of these players with glowing accolades, insisting they were key to his success at Eisenhower and that they would be stand-out players at Moraine, too," Bales said. Also joining the established sophomores and potentially potent freshmen will be Ryan Butler (Andrew) and Joel Pepala (Zambia), a reverse transfer from Eastern Illinois University and Lincoln Land Community College, respectively. Both players have a wealth of experience playing at all levels and are excellent additions to the team. August 3,
2011 It's becoming a collaborative effort to prepare the men's soccer team for game time. The Cyclones are joining forces with Moraine Valley's Massage Therapy program and a university sports psychology student pre-season and during the season. Moraine Valley sports massage therapy students need contact hours, preferably with athletes, to complete their classwork. Athletes match up with massage therapy students who will help the players prevent injuries or help those players who are getting back into the game after healing from an injury. “We did it last year and had rave reviews. It's a win-win situation for both groups. It helps the students get their hours for working with people with sports-related problems and gives my athletes alternative help with overall health,” said head coach Chuck Bales. The team also will work with a university student who is finishing a degree in sports psychology. She needs 100 practical hours with athletes, and will be fully integrated into the men's soccer team staff for the fall season, Bales said. Players will have group discussion periods with her on Mondays and Wednesdays in the pre-season, and cover five main topics: goal setting, team building, focus and concentration, visualization, and positive self talk. The goal is to create a mental peaking plan for the post season and give them mental skills to use on the field. She will talk to the players in a group setting and set up times to meet with individuals throughout the season. “I'm very excited because it's an avenue I know our players can benefit from. I don't think any of them have been exposed to this. I think there will be a great return on a minimal investment,” Bales said. “We have fantastic athletes. A lot of times it's not the skill that's missing, it's the mental side, like a lack of focus for example.” July 27,
2011 The men's soccer team is looking for a few good athletes to join the squad for the fall season. Tryouts will be held Monday, August 1, from noon to 2 p.m. on the soccer field, which is on the west side of campus. Anyone who is interested should show up wearing soccer attire and shin guards. Direct any questions to head coach Chuck Bales at (708) 974-5401. |
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