The Moraine Valley Community College men’s soccer team took the season one game at a time, leading to a magical season.
Right from the start, the Cyclones elevated their game to a higher level after years of building the program to this point of success, according to Head Coach Chris Koloffon.
“We practiced well, watched film well and everybody got it. I attribute a lot of that to the returners, how they are as athletes and students. That was key: returning players being able to make it a mature team and being a good example for the freshmen. It all came together,” said Koloffon at the end of his fifth season leading the team.
That maturity was evident in the Cyclones’ domination. They collected five shutout wins, never allowed more than two goals, scored 45 goals collectively and finished 11-2-2 overall and 5-1-1 in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference for second place. They were ranked in the NJCAA Division II most of the season, with the highest ranking at No. 14. They also defeated powerhouse Morton College and tied with another tough team from Prairie State. Their only losses were to the same team – Elgin Community College – one of which was in overtime in the NJCAA Region 4 semifinal match to end the season.
“We’re disappointed we ended earlier than we wanted, but we learned we don’t need to be scared to compete with anybody. Getting to this point was the hard part, now we have to stay here and be consistent,” Koloffon said. “As long as I’m here, I want us to always be one of the top four teams in the region.”
In addition to having the right players, another key to the Cyclones’ success was allowing so few goals. “The thing I’m most proud of is we gave up less than a goal a game on average. Goal scoring stats are a big thing, but for me the No. 1 thing is goals you give up. If you don’t give up a lot, you’re a disciplined and good team and have a very good chance of winning,” Koloffon explained.
Although a handful of players earned honors, many more deserved the recognition, according to Koloffon.
Because the team was loaded with talent, many players, such as sophomore defenders David Soria (Argo) and Michal Gacek (Argo), had less time in games. Gacek was a backup center back and a goalkeeper for one game. He scored a pivotal goal in the Region 4 quarterfinals to help his team advance. Sophomore defender Jose Aceves (Oak Lawn) started in every game at right back during both of his seasons and was a big influence. Sophomore midfielder Abdallah Omar (Stagg) was one of the most consistent players and played wherever the coaches needed him.
Among the freshmen was forward Jacek Malinowski (Stagg), who scored big goals off the bench while forward Bartlomiej Jaskowski (Stagg) was another valuable player. Forward Jamal Morad (Oak Lawn) was a walk-on who earned his way to a starting position. Jose Flores (Stagg) was the back-up goalkeeper and learned to play at the college level. Defender Fabian Villanueva (Chicago Hope Academy) was the only first-year player on the back line but started every game.
Among the award-winners, freshman forward Emmanuel Calixto (Eisenhower) and sophomore goalkeeper Rylan Decker (Lincoln-Way West) each earned both All-Region and All-Conference first teams. Calixto was a big scorer for the Cyclones, collecting 14 goals, and was runner-up for Conference Player of the Year. Decker made some big saves with a .881 save average. Sophomore captain and forward Yael Diaz (Hubbard) was named to the All-Region first team and All-Conference second team. Sophomore captain and defender Mark Vitaily Hul (Ukraine) earned All-Region and All-Conference second teams. Sophomore defender Niko Kunz (Sandburg) earned All-Region second team and All-Conference honorable mention recognitions. Freshman midfielder/forward Fernando Alvarez (Epic Academy) earned All-Region second team honors and scored the golden goal in the region quarterfinals. Freshman midfielder Diego Zarate (Hubbard), who started every game and was a top defender, also earned All-Conference honorable mention.
“We had so many guys who did their jobs well,” Koloffon said. “It’s going to be hard to replace the sophomores, but I hope they inspired the freshmen. We have good recruits, but the key is to get most of our guys back because they have the experience and maturity. We’ll have a good mix of all positions coming back.”
For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.
