Unfinished business: Moraine Valley women’s soccer aims higher in 2026

Moraine Valley Community College women’s soccer Head Coach Javier Roman hopes this season culminates at the national tournament in November; and he believes the team has the players to make it there.

This is Roman’s fourth year leading the program. After falling under .500 midway through last season, he changed practice strategies that led to a seven-game win streak going into the playoffs. He is avoiding last year’s mistakes by having his players run more to increase their endurance and outlast opponents.

“This group is more competitive. Many will compete for positions. If we run, we can be unstoppable. I told them we’ll be the team to beat,” Roman explained. “I have high expectations this year. I think it’s going to be a fun season and that they can win if they come together at the right time.”

Leading the quest are seven returners and a collection of strong recruits. Sophomore captains Josie Ayala (Bloom) on defense and last year’s All-Region 4 second team midfielder Madeline Walsh (Oak Forest) will be leaders on the field. Sophomore goalkeeper Ana Perez (De La Salle) wants to be an All-American player while transfer keeper from Saint Xavier University, Cristina Ramirez (Homewood-Flossmoor), will bring her experience in the net.

Freshmen Galilea Pimentel (Bremen) and Zuzanna Radgowska (Oak Lawn) will carry the defense. Roman has several talented midfielders to work with this season, including sophomore Hala Othman (Stagg), freshmen Viviana Corona (Marist), Julia Khouri (Sandburg), Samantha Sandoval (Garcia) and Dixie Zamago (Solorio) along with South Suburban College transfers Nayeli Gomez (Washington), Ariadne Huerta (Marist) and Melina Perez (Bogan). Zamago and Sandoval, as well as freshman Addison Guerrera (Andrew), will play as forwards, if needed.

Also vying for the forward position are sophomore Itzel Alvarez (Evergreen Park) and freshmen Angelica Carrig (Bremen), Leah Milenkovic (Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences) and Annaliyah Ortiz (Eisenhower).

Roman wants to put this powerful lineup to work in practices as he emphasizes the importance of taking this level of soccer seriously. He aims to earn players’ trust and ensure they can confide in him when needed. With aspirations to make it to the region Final Four and nationals, Roman is excited about what this team can do.

“I make them do workouts they don’t like so they can succeed at this level, especially for the sophomores who want to play at a four-year college. For some, this will be the last two years they play soccer, so they should enjoy the beauty of this time, have fun and get a degree,” Roman said. “The players are excited, and I think it’ll be an amazing season.”

The Cyclones season and home opener is on Saturday, Aug. 22, 1:30 p.m., against Kankakee Community College.

For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.