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Last fall, the Riverside-Brookfield soccer team won its first-ever regional championship with an impressive 6-2 victory over St. Francis. During the regular season, the team cruised to the Metro Suburban Conference title.
So, what about this year? That’s a good question, especially for RB head coach Danny Makaric. The affable, veteran coach lost eight players to graduation, but RB also returns several talented strikers.
“We may struggle a bit just because we lost so many starters,” Makaric said, “but I think we can surprise some teams this year.”
The Bulldogs’ bid for another conference title and solid postseason run begins with skilled scorers like junior Rubin Chavez and senior Alex Amaya. Chavez scored 22 goals last season, including three goals against St. Francis, while Amaya netted a hat trick of his own in a critical conference game against Timothy Christian.
“Rubin plays well for us in crucial games and he’s in great shape for this season,” Makaric said. “Alex was our second leading scorer and is very skilled with the ball.”
Sophomores Cayetano Chavez and Eduardo Marentes and freshman Ben Brandos offer promising depth up front.
“I am excited about Ben’s potential,” Makaric said. “He’s a very skilled player that spent four or five years in our feeder program. I think he will do well on the varsity level.”
The Bulldogs also welcome back experienced players in the midfield with seniors Tyler Polanski and T.J. Armic. Polanski scored two goals and Armic chipped in one against St. Francis. Joe Zyck, another senior, moves from forward to center defense this fall to bolster the Bulldogs’ back line. In the net, RB replaces all-area keeper Mark Benya (graduated) with Max Ohli. Much of the remaining roster is littered with promising but unproven underclassmen.
“Most of our younger guys play year-round through our feeder program,” Makaric noted. “They understand the game, but we want them to develop their technical skills on the field. Our players have a very good attitude and respect our coaches. It’s their job to take responsibility of the team.”
With Glenbard South joining conference this season, the Metro Suburban is undeniably formidable.
As usual, RB takes on a tough nonconference schedule in hopes of developing its team for the playoffs. OPRF and premier goalkeeper Sam Euler, as well as perennial powerhouse Morton square off against the Bulldogs this season.
14-4 overall record)