First-year coach Matt Klosterman has eight players back from the 2022 East Suburban Catholic Conference co-champion Redwings (14-5-1), headlined by all-state senior defender Nick Roe, a Loyola commit and fourth-year starter, and senior defenders Nick Nirtaut, Jack Walsh, Sam Trunnell and Drew Fieldman. Senior Matthew Benka and junior Jack Kuelthau could be joined in the midfield by freshman Jack Wesley, the son of former coach Sean Wesley.

Coach Josh Robinson is excited about a hungry young group that is determined to help the Mustangs (5-14-4) win more games this season. The midfield is the most experienced line with juniors Anthony Hildreth and all-sectional pick Cameron Leys and senior Michael Senese. Sophomore defender Michael Birkner and sophomore forward Nico Villalobos are the top newcomers.

The Redhawks (26-3-1) will have a tough time defending their Class 3A state championship after losing 85% of their offense that produced a program-record 99 goals. Leading scorer Chase Adams left to play for the Columbus Crew’s academy program. But the defense should be rock solid with seniors Patrick Bohan, an all-sectional pick, Patrick Berryman and Michael Cavalleri back along with senior goalkeeper Dylan Scott.

The usually defensive-minded Huskies (17-4-4), who lost to Naperville Central in a 3A sectional final, might follow a different script this season with an inexperienced back line aside from senior Ryan Gaccione and just three returning starters. But their attack could be robust with junior forwards Jaxon Stokes, an all-sectional pick, and Noah Radeke and senior midfielder Hindo Allie, another all-sectional pick. Sophomore forward Josh Pedersen and sophomore defender Sam Hess could be major contributors.

The Wildcats (6-10-2) have eight returning players and are experienced on the back line. Senior defenders Jack Doll, Justin Senese and Ege Tunar are back, as is all-conference senior goalkeeper Nick Varrone, who will be backed up by younger brother Charlie. Senior captain Andrew Tedrow anchors the midfield, but the team will need attacking players to emerge.

The Warriors (8-15-2) will be young after 13 players graduated. Of four returning starters, goalkeeper Abraham Tiburcio is the only senior. Junior forwards Lachlan Ladd and Amiel Nichani lead the offense, while junior Cade Valek anchors the back line. Coach Jose Garcia likes the chemistry of his team, which includes freshmen Rihaan Gupta, Lucas Garcia and Evan Wojtowich.

Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.