2011 Preview: Wheaton Warrenville South Boys Soccer

Head coach: Guy Callipari (21^st season)

2010 record: 7-13-2 overall, 1-6 in the DVC

Key players

Dan Burns, F (Sr.)

Alec Brazeau, F (Sr.)

Max Carey, M (Jr.)

Joe Holz, D (Sr.)

Will Huesing, D (Sr.)

Mike Kania, D (Sr.)

Erik Yamane, F (Sr.)

New additions

Cody Drafke, D (Jr.)

Elliot Kettle, M (Fr.)

Javier Rojas, M/F (So.)

Season outlook

If the Tigers’ 5-1 triumph in their season-opener vs.—along with a 2-1 win over New Trier Monday at the Barrington Classic—are indicators of what’s in store, 2011 should be much more successful (not to mention less frustrating) than last year.

Callipari, the Tigers’ veteran coach, estimates that 90 percent of his team’s 2010 contests were decided by plus or minus one goal. WWS scored 36 goals all told for the season while surrendering 47.

“We played good,” he said, “but we had to play perfect if we wanted to win.”

Play continued at the Classic this week as the Tigers faced Barrington on Wednesday and Lake Zurich Thursday. The tourney is an early-season test for WWS, and Monday’s win over New Trier, a 2010 3A regional champion, undoubtedly was a confidence-booster.

“Those are just three big programs that have shown a lot of consistency in being successful teams over the years,” Callipari said. “Not only are there a number of games in a short amount of time (this week), but the level of competition will test our ability to manage the length of the week, as well as what is going on each and every game.”

Although only one game, WWS’ scoring binge against Hinsdale South may be a sign that the Tigers’ offense won’t be as hard-pressed for goals this fall.

Burns, a co-captain and the team’s leading scorer in 2010 (14 goals, 8 assists, 36 points), is the Tigers’ top gun once again. Callipari thinks Burns will get some help in the scoring department throughout the year with Brazeau (a co-captain), Carey and Yamane stepping up their games.

“Alec likes to come in from the right side and into the middle,” Callipari said. “Max is a technical player, and we go a lot through him. Erik absolutely needs to take some of the pressure off of Dan, and he does. He does a great job of alluding pressure and creating chances for himself.”

Callipari also likes what he’s seen from Rojas, a sophomore.

“He’s a great offensive weapon,” Callipari said. “Even on turf, his passing is terrific.”

Defensively, the Tigers are solid with a trio of seniors—Holz, Huesing and Kania—taking care of business. Huesing also is one of the team’s co-captains.

“In this system, we ask lot of Joe, and he does a very good job,” Callipari said. “Will has great recovery speed, understands the game and anticipates everything. Mike brings a lot of experience, is terrific in the air and gets back in transition well.”

The DVC, as usual, will be tough. Naperville North, a Class 3A state tournament qualifier in 2010, is nationally ranked. Naperville Central is expected to be strong, while West Chicago and Wheaton North are improved.

“The goal is always to finish in the top half (of the DVC) and be competitive,” Callipari said. “We’re definitely better, and I know we’ll be competitive.”