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Pioneer Press boys soccer preview: North Suburban Conference

Must-see: Libertyville senior forward Evan Rasmussen. Ryan Wittenbrink contributed 39 goals and 17 assists last season but now plays for Indiana, so it’s Rasmussen’s turn to shine. His imposing physical traits and high soccer IQ make him someone opponents are constantly marking. Coach Kevin Thunholm said that Rasmussen, who will play collegiately at Michigan, is dangerous in dead-ball situations, and he almost always wins jump balls in the box. He’s a clutch player as well: His final goal last season was the game-winner in the Class 3A state semifinals against Bradley-Bourbonnais. “I’ll be trying to fill Ryan’s shoes the best I can, but we’ve got a really well-rounded group of guys to help me out,” Rasmussen said. “I’m not as good as him at holding the ball at my feet but feel pretty good about how I am in the air. I have a lot of confidence that we’ll do just as well as we did last year.” Others to watch: Bryan Alba, Mundelein; Alan Cecherz, Lake Forest; Alem Duratovic, Stevenson; Grant Herbek, Libertyville; Jaden McCreary, Lake Zurich.

Save the date: Waukegan at Libertyville, Sept. 20. The Wildcats’ lone loss of 2017 came in a 1-0 setback in the Class 3A state title game, but a tie at Waukegan kept Libertyville from laying claim to the outright North Suburban crown. Thunholm said he expects another formidable challenge from the Bulldogs, but this year’s tilt is on Libertyville’s home turf. “Despite our playoff run, not getting the outright conference championship really bothered our guys, and it’ll really mean something to them this year,” he said. Other top games: Stevenson at Glenbrook South, Aug. 29; Lake Zurich at Barrington tournament, beginning Aug. 27; Libertyville at Mundelein, Sept. 27.

Beyond the box score: Lake Zurich coach Mike Schmitz enters 2018 most confident in the Bears’ defense. Despite the return of 14 players from last year’s 9-12-2 squad, Lake Zurich will have to develop its scoring identity. The Bears will have to grow into their playing style, but they have plenty of players who know their way around the pitch. “We have a lot of ‘really good soccer guys’ — guys who have played a lot of soccer and understand the game,” Schmitz said. “I hope that leads to us being able to make a lot of adjustments, both in-game and depending on the opponent.”

Making a difference: Stevenson coach Mark Schartner said he is most proud is his team’s involvement with Allied Soccer, a co-ed, six-team soccer league for special needs students. Forty-five Stevenson soccer “buddies” were involved in helping prepare players for competition last spring. Meanwhile, Lake Forest will host its ninth annual Christopher Quon Alumni Game on Saturday. The event raises money for the Christopher Quon Foundation, named in honor of the 2005 Lake Forest graduate who died unexpectedly at the age of 22 in 2009. In addition to the fundraising aspect, attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods to be donated to Beacon Place Community Center in Waukegan.

On the rise: Coach Rob Parry felt Lake Forest was better a year ago than its 4-13-2 record showed. That’s partially becauase six of those losses came in the last five minutes of games. Among the chief reasons Parry is optimistic that a big step forward can occur this fall is a strong junior class that has gained varsity experience. Parry especially is counting on his defense. Junior John Walsh will start in net for the third straight year and figures to have a solid group in front of him, led by co-captains Konrad Ziaja and Aved Markarian, plus Jamie Phalen. “We just haven’t defended well in front of (Walsh),” Parry said in an email. The Scouts also should be better at possessing the ball through the midfield this season.

Oh Captain! My Captain!: Stevenson’s trio of Kai Mayahara, Luka Lezhava and Ethan Bende embraced their role as captains the minute that the Patriots’ season ended last October. Throughout the offseason, they organized workouts and other team events. This season is the culmination of their work. “Character is a big deal,” coach Mark Schartner said. “Some captains lead by example, and some lead with heart, authority, grace or compassion. These three guys have all the right tools. They’re the whole package.”

This and that: Thomas Pearson has elected to play for his club team, so Libertyville’s starting goalkeeper with be senior Zach El Ghatit. Thunholm has no reservations about El Ghatit, saying “he would have started for almost any other team in the state last year.” … Mundelein’s solid core of returning players, which includes seven seniors, will be bolstered by two transfers — junior Darren Gray (Maryland) and senior David Taymazov (Buffalo Grove). Coach Ernie Billittier expects both to make an impact. … Mundelein’s goalkeeper, senior Chris Villasenor, already has his post-graduation plans in place: He’s enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.