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Men's Soccer—Archive 

2010 Season

Season Record: 9-6-1
Conference Record: 5-2

All-Region first team: Jorge Flores (Argo) and Erik Gomez (Eisenhower)
All-Region second team: Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis)
All-Conference first team: Luis Montoya (Eisenhower), Flores, Gomez, and Waksmundzki
All-Conference second team: Luis Cajero (Eisenhower) and Christian Boyle (Sandburg)

*Denotes Conference Game

October 25, 2010
Solid season ends in quarter-finals for men’s soccer

The men’s soccer team ended their 2010 season in a thrilling NJCAA Region IV quarter-final game, culminating a solid year of big wins and award-winning athletes.

The Cyclones played their final game Oct. 23 against one of the perennial powerhouses in the NJCAA—College of DuPage. Unfortunately, the decision did not fall in favor of Moraine Valley. Leading 3-1 with 20 minutes to go—thanks to a hat-trick by sophomore forward Mostafa Abdelrahman (Oak Lawn)—the Cyclones gave up two late goals to finish regulation time in a 3-3 tie. The overtime period proved fruitless for both teams pushing the match into penalty kicks, which the Chaparrals won 5-3. “This final game summed up the season for the team—thrilling, at times unbeatable, able to score almost at-will, yet vulnerable in defense,” said coach Chuck Bales.

The level of competition in the NJCAA Region IV is the highest in the nation and is a real fight to the end to reach the championship every year, Bales said. Each year there are five to six teams vying to advance, and Moraine Valley is always in the top group due to the quality players that come from the college district and surrounding area.

Several of those athletes from this season’s crop of Cyclones were honored for their skills on the field. All-Region IV first team honors went to captain Jorge Flores (Argo) and Erik Gomez (Eisenhower) while Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis) received second team honors. Luis Montoya (Eisenhower), Flores, Gomez, and Waksmundzki were named to the All-Conference first team with second team honors going to Luis Cajero (Eisenhower) and Christian Boyle (Sandburg).

Despite the brief post-season, the Cyclones were over .500 with a 9-6-1 overall record. The team finished second in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference with a record of 5-2. Where the team really stood apart from the rest of the field was in goal scoring thanks to a core group of players including sophomores Waksmundzki with a team-high 18 goals and three assists, and Abdelrahman, who had six goals and one assist, and freshmen Gomez with 10 goals and two assists, as well as Jonathan Rodriguez (Oak Lawn) with seven goals and six assists. The team scored an astounding 73 goals in 16 games, two games in which they collectively scored 25. They led the region in goals with 34 in 10 games and led the conference with 30 goals. There were, however, a handful of games where the Cyclones were shut out. “In the end, the old saying that ‘attack wins games but defense wins championships’ proved prescient,” Bales said.

October 24, 2010
Cyclones finish with penalty kicks

Ending their season far too early, the Cyclones lost in penalty kicks to College of DuPage Oct. 23 in the quarter-finals. Mostafa Abdelrahman (Oak Lawn) scored all three goals with one assist by Christian Boyle (Sandburg). Moraine Valley was up 3-2 until the Chapparals tied it with 46 seconds to go and eventually pushed the game to penalty kicks. "We should’ve won. We had a dozen chances to score. Once it goes to penalty kicks, it’s like the toss of coin," said coach Chuck Bales.

October 21, 2010
Cyclones pass round one

In their first round of post-season play, the Cyclones defeated Daley College 5-1 on Oct. 20. Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis) had two goals while Christian Boyle (Sandburg), Mostafa Abdelrahman (Oak Lawn) and Lukasz Szczesniak (Reavis) each scored one. Jonathan Rodriguez (Oak Lawn), Erik Gomez (Eisenhower), Jorge Flores (Argo), and Micah Van Bruggen (Andrew) each helped out with assists.

October 18, 2010
Cyclones outscored by Bulldogs

In one last regular season match, the Cyclones came up short, losing 4-2 to South Suburban College on Oct. 16. Micah Van Bruggen (Andrew) and Jonathan Rodriguez (Oak Lawn) scored the goals with assists by Luis Montoya (Eisenhower) and Jorge Flores (Argo).

October 13, 2010
Three straight for ’Clones

The Cyclones recorded their third straight win Oct. 12 after defeating conference rival Prairie State College 3-1. Jorge Flores (Argo) and Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis) each netted goals with assists by Micah Van Bruggen (Andrew). Erik Gomez (Eisenhower) scored on a penalty kick.

October 10, 2010
Cyclones shut out Kennedy King

Continuing their scoring prowess, the ’Clones shut out Kennedy King College 4-0 on Oct. 9. Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis), Steve Brown (Andrew), Micah Van Bruggen (Andrew), and Christian Boyle (Sandburg) each scored with assists by Mostafa Abdelrahman (Oak Lawn) and Jorge Flores (Argo).

October 9, 2010
Whopping win

In an overwhelming show of force, Moraine Valley dominated Carl Sandburg Oct. 8 in a 13-1 win. Oak Lawn grads Jonathan Rodriguez and Mostafa Abdelrahman scored three and two goals, respectively, and Pete Mataragas (Stagg), Steve Brown (Andrew), Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis), Emanuel Avalos (Eisenhower), Erik Gomez (Eisenhower), Marek Szczesniak (Reavis), Christian Boyle (Sandburg), and Micah Van Bruggen (Andrew) each netted one. Jorge Flores (Argo), Marek Szczesniak, Lukasz Szczesniak (Reavis), Luis Cajero (Eisenhower), and Rodriguez had assists for the game.

October 6, 2010
Cyclones out done by Panthers

Moraine Valley suffered a tough 1-0 loss to conference foe Morton College Oct. 5 after totally dominating and outplaying the Panthers. The Cyclones struggled to put the ball past the goalkeeper.

October 4, 2010
First tie for Cyclones

The Cyclones kept Aurora University JV at bay Oct. 3 by tying the match 2-2. Marek Szczesniak (Reavis) assisted with a goal by Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis). Erik Gomez (Eisenhower) tied the game with a penalty kick.

September 30, 2010
Overtime win

The Cyclones had an offensive boost after they went in to overtime with Kishwaukee College Sept. 29, and pulled out a 5-4 win at home. Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis) and Johnny Rodriguez (Oak Lawn) each scored two goals while Luis Montoya (Eisenhower) topped it off with a fifth goal. Rodriguez also had an assist.

September 29, 2010
Bringing down the Lancers

In another scoring barrage, the Cyclones soundly defeated College of Lake County 6-1 on Sept. 28. Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis), Erik Gomez (Eisenhower), Micah Van Bruggen (Andrew), Christian Boyle (Sandburg), Seth Veloz (Morton West), and Steve Brown (Andrew) scored a goal. They were assisted by Waksmundzki, Luis Montoya (Eisenhower) and Ivan Lopez (Argo).

September 22, 2010
Big win for Cyclones

After losing some close games this season, the Cyclones fell into a scoring rhythm, blanking Waubonsee Community College 12-0 in their match Sept. 21.

September 15, 2010
Cyclones topple Spartans

The Cyclones jumped back to form with a 3-2 win over Elgin Community College Sept. 14. Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis) scored two goals and the third one was accidentally scored by the Spartans.

September 13, 2010
Tough outing for Cyclones

The Cyclones had a rough and tumble outing with Truman College Sept. 11, losing in overtime 5-4. Collectively both teams accounted for three red cards.

September 8, 2010
Cyclones shut out

The Cyclones endured another tough defeat, losing 3-0 to Oakton Community College on Sept. 7. The Raiders played directly and kept pushing forward, which has hampered the Cyclones early on this season. With aggressive pressure, the Cyclones struggled to get a handle on the ball and score.

September 7, 2010
Close battle for Cyclones

The Cyclones fought the wind and a tough defense in their 2-1 loss to College of DuPage Sept. 3. Sophomore Miguel Rivera (Bogan) scored the lone goal in a solid shot. Wind was the culprit in aiding the Chapparals' first goal.

September 1, 2010
Home opener a winner

The Cyclones dominated McHenry County College with a 6-2 win at their home opener August 31. Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis) had a standout game with four goals while Erik Gomez (Eisenhower) scored the other two.

August 30, 2010
Cyclones maximizing potential in 2010

After a busy and successful 2009 season that included competition in Italy, the men’s soccer team is ready to maximize their potential and progress even deeper in the Region IV tournament in 2010.

The 2009 Cyclones had an outstanding regular season, scoring 59 goals and holding a 13-3-1 record going into the post-season. They also squeezed in an eight-day trip to Milan with the women’s volleyball team to compete in the 2009 World Interuniversity Games. Overseas the team held their own and finished 2-2-1 and earned the Fair Play Award. After returning from Italy, however, the Cyclones fell short of expectations in the post-season, losing in the quarter-finals of the NJCAA Region IV Championship Tournament. The 2010 season promises a renewed intensity to push further into post-season without the distraction of a European trip and a few changes to help minimize any late season fatigue.
 
“Our goal, as always, is to improve on last season. However we performed last year, there is always room for improvement. That is what we as a team focus on,” said coach Chuck Bales.

Since Bales took charge of the men’s soccer team more than 10 years ago, one of his main objectives was to make sure the freshmen returned for their sophomore year of soccer. This is critical to the success of the team as well as the academic success of the student-athlete. It ties in with one of Bales’ goals, which is to help as many soccer players as possible achieve their dream of playing soccer at the next level, be it NCAA or NAIA.

With nearly all last year’s freshmen returning and some exciting prospects, the 2010 squad is looking primed for a successful year. Leading the group of returning sophomores is captain and defensive player Jorge Flores (Argo). Flores was a member of the Chicago Fire Academy team and brings a wealth of skill and experience to the Cyclones. His leadership on and off the field will be key. Joining him will be major contributors from 2009 including top goal scorers Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis) and Mostafa Abdelrahman (Oak Lawn). Eisenhower products Luis Cajero and Luis Montoya will contribute to a sound defense. The team’s depth lies in midfield and its five returners: Miguel Rivera (Bogan), Zach Dahlman (Andrew), Steve Brown (Andrew), Matt Berman (Andrew), and Christian Boyle (Sandburg).

Topping the list of freshmen this year are Erik Gomez (Eisenhower) and Ivan Lopez (Argo). Both will be expected to contribute from the start and are fully capable of leading the team to success this year. “Erik is a player who loves to have the ball at his feet and sees things on the field other teammates don’t. His passing range and ability to play out of tight jams will be critical,” Bales said. “Ivan is a work horse who clearly loves to just get stuck-in. He doesn’t shirk from a challenge and has adapted quite well to the speed and intensity of college soccer. Both athletes will be expected to be leaders on and off the field.”

Goalkeeping is always an important element to team success, and this year the Cyclones will be as strong as ever with two freshmen and one sophomore at the post. Matt Calhoun (Andrew) spent his freshman year at Norwich University in Vermont playing D-III soccer before transferring to Moraine Valley. He will be joined by Danny Mack (Lincoln-Way North) and Angel Yanez (Argo).

Also impressive during the pre-season were Micah Van Bruggen (Andrew), Jonathan Rodriguez (Oak Lawn), Seth Veloz (Morton West), and Pete Mataragas (Stagg). “Van Bruggen is capable of starting because of his strength with the ball. His running and work-ethic make him stand out. Mataragas is a hard worker capable of playing anywhere in the attack. He should only get better during the season and will be a significant contributor throughout the year,” Bales said. Rodriguez and Veloz surprised the coaching staff with their ability to adapt to the speed and power of the college game. Both may end up starting if they continue to play and train hard.

Other freshmen that should be beneficial to the team include Greg Letocha (Reavis) on defense, forwards Emanuel Avalos (Eisenhower), Lukasz Szczesniak (Reavis), and Sergio Prouty (Argo), and midfielders Marek Szczesniak (Reavis) and Daniel Diaz (Argo).

The goal this year is to finish the regular season stronger than in previous seasons and make an extended push into post-season play. “In the past, we have always started very strong and been one of the top teams in the regular season but suffered unexpected early post-season losses. This season we are attempting to reverse that trend, and we’ve changed our training and style of play to help us achieve this goal,” Bales said. “We also have a very strong and deep team which will help us spread out the minutes so that a few of our best players do not get overly fatigued by the end of the season. It will be a challenge because we play in the toughest junior college region in the nation, but we have all the ingredients in place.”

July 23, 2010
Soccer team tryouts

The men's soccer team is looking for a few good men to join the squad for the fall season. Tryouts will be held Sunday, August 1, from 10 a.m. to noon on the soccer practice fields, which are just northwest of the game field 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.

2009 Season

Season Record: 15-4-1
Conference Record: 4-2-1

All-Region first team: Jose Alonso (Whitney Young) and Eric Garcia (Bogan)
All-Region second team: Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis)
All-Region Honorable Mention: Mostafa Abdelrahman (Oak Lawn), Victor Ayala (Richards), Jorge Flores (Argo), Carlos Gomez (Eisenhower), Christian Marquez (Argo), Kyle Mastey (Andrew), Juan Rivera (Bogan), Miguel Rivera (Bogan)
All-Conference first team: Mastey, Gomez and Waksmundzki
All-Conference Honorable Mention: Juan Rivera, Alonso, Flores, Christian Marquez, Miguel Rivera, Garcia

*Denotes Conference Game

October 30, 2009
Solid season ends for Cyclones

There were great highs with a nine-game winning streak, stellar play and trip to Italy, and the low of losing in the semi-finals. But the men’s soccer team played well all season long to the bitter end, culminating with a superb 15-4-1 season record.

The Cyclones ended their season Oct. 28 with a disappointing 2-1 loss against Morton College. There were chances to win, but Moraine Valley could not get the ball in the net.

“I think we were good enough to go all the way to the finals. We had the team to go further. We just couldn’t make it happen,” said coach Chuck Bales. “The guys did everything they could during the game, but just couldn’t get the ball past Morton.”

At the onset of the season the Cyclones played well, even brilliant at times. The squad was deep with 12 sophomores and several stellar freshmen. From Oct. 8 to 17 just 16 soccer players were able to join Moraine Valley’s women’s volleyball team in Milan, Italy, to compete in the World Interuniversity Games and perform an environmental service project. The end of the season saw more players with fatigue, players out of certain games after receiving red cards and being affected by sloppy field conditions.

“We had a really great season except for the very end. A lot of players got meaningful minutes in games, we went to Italy for a week in between the regular season and a lot of freshman played good soccer. Everyone played well. It’s hard to just pick out a few standouts. Each player rose to the challenge and stepped up when needed,” Bales said. “I look forward to those freshmen returning next year for an outstanding season.”

October 19, 2009
Cyclonic class acts in Italy

Class and stellar playing sums up the men’s soccer experience at the World Interuniversity Games in Milan, Italy, Oct. 12-16. The team has played overseas in international competition on two other occasions in the last four years.

The Cyclones started their competition against a team from Finland, winning 2-1. They went on to win 2-1 against the Milan team, followed by a 3-0 loss against Iran and a 0-0 tie with Belgium. Moraine Valley qualified for the quarterfinals meaning they had to play last year’s champion, University of Nancy from France. In a tough battle the Cyclones fell 7-2 to France, who eventually won the tournament. Because of their overall competitiveness and attitude during the tournament, the Cyclones were given the Fair Play Award.

“Our only two losses were against the two teams that played in the final of the tournament,” said coach Chuck Bales. “The soccer team performed excellently in Italy. They showed their true class both on and off the field. I'm sure that each one of them had the experience of a lifetime. Now we are ready to continue our run of form in the NJCAA Region IV tournament.”

August 31, 2009
Strong recruits and veterans look to make winning season

Almost all of last year’s first-year players from the men’s soccer team have returned for the 2009 season, itching for a stronger showing in the conference and region. Along with a solid recruiting class, the team is aiming for continued success this year.

Twelve returnees will provide the backbone of Cyclones soccer, including defensive players Jose Alonso (Whitney Young), Matthew Brady (Brother Rice), Eric Garcia (Bogan), and Kyle Mastey (Andrew); forwards Carlos Gomez (Eisenhower), Djordje Lucic (Sandburg), Hazem Muhsen (Jordan), and Huber Saucedo (Argo); midfielders Efrain Jimenez (Sandburg) and Christian Marquez (Argo); and goalkeepers Victor Ayala (Richards) and Dominik Hradecki (Reavis). Contributions by these sophomores are key to a successful season.

This season brings an extremely strong and experienced recruiting class of 17 freshmen, one of the strongest groups in several years, said head coach Chuck Bales. These players are coming from traditionally strong area high school programs and additionally some Chicago high schools. A wide range of experienced freshmen will mesh well with the veterans. Freshmen defensive players Luis Cajero (Eisenhower), Luis Montoya (Eisenhower) and Cesar Martinez (Kennedy), forward Irvin Jimenez (Kelly), and midfielder Miguel Rivera (Bogan) played on the 2009 Illinois Youth Soccer Association Under-18 State Cup Champion Inter FC soccer team. Freshman midfielder Jorge Flores (Argo) played with the 2009 Chicago Fire Under-17/18 Academy team. The remaining talented freshmen class includes forwards Mostafa Abdelrahman (Oak Lawn) and Matt Berman (Andrew); midfielders Christian Boyle (Sandburg), Steve Brown (Tinley Park), Zach Dahlman (Andrew), Esgardo Marquez (Argo), and Mario Waksmundzki (Reavis); defensive players Christopher Frazzini (Sandburg), Tony Madonia (Sandburg) and Juan Rivera (Bogan); and goalkeeper Damian Jarosz (Reavis).

“The experience and strength of this 2009 team will enable us to compete on all fronts for the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and NJCAA Region IV championships,” Bales said. “Region IV is the strongest, most competitive region in the nation so success is not assured, but the team has been working extremely hard in the pre-season to reach our goals.”

Before the season is over the men's team, along with the women’s volleyball team, both will compete Oct. 8-17 in the World Interuniversity Championships in Milan, Italy. This is the third trip for the soccer team to the tournament, which brings together top squads from all over Europe and Asia in a weeklong competition. The men’s soccer team competed in 2005 in Rotterdam, Holland and in 2007 in Nuremburg, Germany. The volleyball team won second place in Dublin, Ireland during its trip in 2006. Moraine Valley is the only community college ever to compete in the world’s largest university sports tournament. Both teams also will volunteer with the World Wildlife Fund of Italy.

The men’s soccer season began with a home opener against Triton College on Aug. 28.

June 10, 2009
Open tryouts for 2009 season

The Cyclones are holding open tryouts on Sat. August 1 from 10 a.m. to noon for any incoming student soccer players.

Tryouts will be held on the soccer practice fields, which are just northwest of the game field on the west side of campus.

Interested athletes MUST have completed and turned in all medical and insurance forms, which can be picked up in the Athletics Office, G217, or accessed online at www.morainevalley.edu/Athletics/enrollment_forms.htm. 

Anyone who is interested should show up wearing soccer attire and shinguards. Direct any questions to head coach Chuck Bales at (708) 974-5401.

2008 Season

Season Record: 5-7-3
Conference Record: 2-4-1

All-Region IV second team: Jose Alonso (Whitney Young), Miguel Enciso (Reavis) and Eric Garcia (Bogan)

All-Conference honors: Mark Hermann (Andrew), Christian Marquez (Argo), Alonso, Enciso and Garcia

*Denotes Conference Game

Nov. 3, 2008
Soccer team ends season in playoffs

The 2008 Moraine Valley men’s soccer season ended sooner than expected with a 3-2 first-round loss Oct. 15 to McHenry County College in the NJCAA Region IV championship tournament. This was a tough season that showed glimpses of brilliance, but was ultimately finished by inexperience and injuries. But the future looks bright for the Cyclones.

A highly skilled recruiting class meant that the team would not deviate from its passing style of play. Head coach Chuck Bales gives credit to the team for sticking with a more attacking playing style instead of trying to kill games off with a negative, defensive approach. The starting line-up varied between seven and nine freshmen each game. “These freshmen played phenomenally throughout a tough season in which the difference between the teams in Region IV and the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference is shrinking,” Bales said. “In a given year, any of the top eight teams can be champions.”

The Cyclones could not find the consistency necessary this season to put together a string of victories. With the exception of the game against South Suburban College, Moraine Valley never lost by more than one goal. Each of those losses could have turned in Moraine Valley’s favor, but for an outstanding opposing goalkeeper or poor finishing by the Cyclones.

“This is the sign of a young team that is very close but not quite there, yet,” Bales said. “The team attitude and morale was always very good this season. Team chemistry was excellent throughout the season even during tough losses. The team understood that they were close to getting things done.”

Now that the season is over, the team switches attention to keeping the freshmen eligible and hungry for the 2009 season. If this group can stay together and strengthen and refine their skills in the off-season, next year will be a great success, Bales said.

Several athletes were selected for the NJCAA All-Region IV second team, including Jose Alonso (Whitney Young), Miguel Enciso (Reavis) and Eric Garcia (Bogan). All-Region honorable mentions went to Christian Marquez (Argo), Hazem Muhsen (Jordan), Huber Saucedo (Argo), Mark Hermann (Andrew), Ben Gallardo (Eisenhower), and Adrian Gonzalez (Argo). All-Conference team selections were Alonso, Enciso, Garcia, Hermann, and Marquez. Muhsen, Saucedo, Gonzalez, Gallardo, Miguel Farias (Argo), Kyle Mastey (Andrew), and Victor Ayala (Richards) received an All-Conference honorable mention.

August 29, 2008
Men’s soccer team attacking with speed and skill to win in 2008

The 2008 men's soccer team is as strong as ever and expecting another tough but rewarding season while pursuing the Illinois Skyway Conference Championship and the NJCAA Region IV title.

The 2007 team challenged teams on their way to the Skyway Conference Championship, but lost to Morton College at the end of the season. The 2008 team will focus on not letting another chance slip away. Head coach Chuck Bales has adjusted the team’s playing style to take advantage of the increased speed and skill. “Last year we might have been a bit too over-cautious. This year the team will be unleashed to play a more attacking style of soccer,” Bales said. “The central focus, as always, will be on passing and movement off the ball, but I will attempt to introduce a wider style of play to take advantage of the speed on the flanks.”

Bales is building the 2008 team around a solid core of returning sophomores, including Nestor Rico (Argo), Miguel Enciso (Reavis), Ben Gallardo (Eisenhower), Adrian Gonzalez (Argo), Mark Hermann (Andrew), Eddie Pena (Argo), Marcin Gacek (Stagg), and Apo Sioulas (Greece).

The defense will be strengthened by the addition of experienced players Jose Alonso (Whitney Young), Miguel Farias (Argo), and Erik Garcia (Bogan).

In midfield, several key recruits will add speed, skill, and muscle to an already talented sophomore group. Recruits include two-year All-State player Christian Marquez (Argo), Kyle Mastey (Andrew), Efrain Jimenez (Sandburg), Huber Saucedo (Argo), and Hazem Muhsen (Jordan).

In attack, the sophomore forwards will be joined by a hard-working and skillful group led by Carlos Gomez (Eisenhower) and Djordje Lucic (Sandburg).

“Expectations are high and the season ahead will be challenging. The Skyway Conference and Region IV contain the best and toughest NJCAA teams in the nation,” Bales said. “The team is optimistic that they can build on their success from 2007, while using the disappointment at the end of the season to focus on the ultimate prize—a championship trophy.”

2007 Season

Season Record: 10-3-1
Conference Record: 5-2

Conference Player of the Year: Takuya Mamada (Japan)
First-team All-Conference: Ignacio Arroyo (Stagg), James Voutiritsas (Stagg), Ben Gallardo (Eisenhower), and Dong Ha Lee (Korea)
Second-team All-Conference: Miguel Gallardo (Eisenhower), Chase Jones (Indiana)
All-Region IV Honorable Mention: Mamada, Arroyo, Voutiritsas, Ben and Miguel Gallardo, Alecks Beal (Wisconsin), Adrian Gonzales (Argo) and Matt Michaels (Stagg).