Paul Labbato has guided the Lyons Township boys soccer team to 82 wins the last four years, highlighted by a 2009 state championship. The Lions’ head coach believes his perennial state contender is poised for another strong campaign this season despite losing stars like Horacio Sanchez and Kyle Kurfirst to graduation.
The Lions (22-2-2 last season) fell short in their bid to repeat as state champs last fall in a close supersectional loss to Naperville North.
“I’ve talked with the team already about the vision I have of them playing well,” Labbato said. “The potential is there; I can see it with these guys. All that’s needed is some intangibles like leadership, team chemistry, and a few lucky breaks. We have excellent leaders, good role players and solid team depth.”
Senior midfielder Elliot Borge (10 goals, 10 assists last season) returns as the Lions’ unquestioned best all-around player. Borge, who won a national championship playing with the Chicago Fire Academy team over the summer, is a probable All-Stater and definite college prospect.
“I’m talking with some Division I schools,” Borge said. “I’m also considering a few Division III options that I don’t necessarily consider lower level. It’s really still wide open.”
In the meantime, Borge and his LT teammates are focused on the season at hand.
“Even though we lost some great players [to graduation], we have a good group back,” senior defender Matt Thomas said. “We have to play with a lot of heart this season. I don’t know if we’ll be the best technical team, but we have to work hard and play with energy.”
Other key returnees for LT include junior forward/midfielder Brett Heimerdinger (9 goals), senior midfielder/defender Kovas Zygas, junior defender/midfielder Ben Larson, junior forward Jack Thomas and senior forward Hector Godinez. Senior Max Hadley also returns as LT’s goalkeeper.
While implementing a primarily possession-style attack, LT will face stiff competition all season, particularly within the rugged West Suburban Conference.
“Our conference is so strong,” Labbato said. “Both the Silver and Gold Divisions are extremely talented. Hinsdale Central, Downers Grove North, York, Oak Park will be formidable on our side. Morton, Leyden and Downers Grove South are also top teams [in the Gold].”
LT opens the season against highly-regarded teams Sandburg, Young and Neuqua Valley.
“I think playing a challenging schedule has helped us [in the playoffs] the last few years,” Labbato said. “We never get down on ourselves if we fall behind in a game 1-0. It’s an opportunity to learn about staying positive and competing against excellent teams.”