Moraine Valley men’s soccer primed for breakthrough as experienced core returns

The biggest strength for Moraine Valley Community College men’s soccer this season is its number of returners. With their experience, plus some high-level recruits, the team is looking for its turn in the region spotlight.

Last year, the Cyclones had 22 freshmen on the team, which meant big learning curves for most of the squad. With 15 of them returning, the Cyclones have an added level of confidence.

“I know top teams in our conference and region last year graduated a lot of players. Not knowing their recruits, we should be in the top echelon of teams with a high number of returners. Hopefully, it means it’s our turn this year, and that experience turns into wins for us,” explained Head Coach Chris Koloffon, entering his seventh season leading the program.

Among the Cyclones’ returners are several from the backline, as well as goalkeeper Giovanni Gonzalez (Oak Lawn). Last year’s starting center back, Jesus Villanueva (Chicago Hope Academy), played every game and knows what it takes to compete at this level. He’ll be a captain this season. His partner in crime could be sophomore center back Brian McCracken (Lincoln-Way East) or newcomer Nicolas Zaragoza (Morton).

A big advantage for the Cyclones is the strength of the midfield returners. Dimitri Latka (Shepard) and Rafael Ramirez (Morton West) should return at left back and right back, respectively. The strongest returner in midfield is Diego Ochoa (Reavis). “He’s the most dangerous attacking player, and we expect him to put the ball in the net. If he can get into the box, he’ll be dangerous,” Koloffon noted.

After sitting out the season due to an early injury, sophomore Jamal Morad (Oak Lawn) will be another attacking player in his third year with the Cyclones. Sophomore forward Francisco Martinez (St. Laurence) is a dark horse and could be a big scoring contributor, according to Koloffon. A positive force on the team and solid utility player is sophomore Peter Baffoe-Blankson (Saint Hubert Seminary), who will be a good role model for his younger teammates.

Additional power will stem from newcomers Sebastian Sanchez (Bremen), a left-footed center midfielder, who should play some formative minutes; forward Mohammad Saadeh (American), who could score some goals; 6-3 defensive midfielder Joshua Grant (Homewood-Flossmoor), whose height will be an advantage; and transfers Ivan Pelayo (Oak Forest) at midfield and Elyas Edders (Oswego East) on the backline.

The Cyclones also have another strong keeper in transfer Guillermo Vences (Eisenhower). “Between Giovanni and Guillermo, we have two top-notch keepers. Either could be a top goalie in the conference. This is a really good thing to have,” Koloffon commented.

Like so many other teams they’ll face, the Cyclones still need a main scorer, but everyone will have a chance to prove himself.

“I’m excited that someone could step up and be a goal scorer. I told them they all have a chance,” Koloffon noted.

The starting lineup will be competitive, but Koloffon is confident the team should have the defense to allow less goals this season. Once all the pieces come together, the Cyclones should return to their winning ways.

“I’m looking forward to see what we can do,” Koloffon added.

The Cyclones season and home opener is Saturday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m., against Kankakee Community College.

For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.