After coming off an impressive season in 2024, rather than carbon copy their prior success, Cyclones men's soccer is aiming to build on the legacy of their returning roster and add to it a group of talented newcomers.
At the community college level, each soccer season is different as student-athletes graduate and transfer, so comparing seasons would be a disservice. Head Coach Chris Koloffon, entering his sixth season leading the program, knows how talented his guys were last year and was disappointed they came up short at the end of an incredible run, but he looks forward to what his new crew can bring to the table.
"We're young and reloading this year, but we expect to compete because of the culture of the program. We don't use being young as an excuse, though. We have expectations because of what we've built here, and that will carry us through," Koloffon explained. "The rotating roster is not unique to Moraine Valley; this goes for everybody at this level. We'll be prepared either way and toughened up from preseason. From what I've seen so far, we'll be able to compete."
Leading the squad will be the lone returning starter from last season, Fernando Alvarez (Epic Academy), who earned All-Region second team honors and scored the golden goal in the region quarterfinals. He will be the captain and lead the center midfield. Also returning is Dawid Kurzeja (Stagg), who was a sub last season but has worked hard to be exactly what the team needs on the field this year. His speed and tenacity will be used on defense.
Among the newcomers are Jesus Villanueva (Chicago Hope Academy), a key starter with experience in center back; David Perez (Morton East), who will be solid in the midfield; Julian Soto (Morton West), a transfer who will be another strong presence in center back; Diego Ochoa, an All-State midfielder from Reavis; Miguel Puntos (Cristo Rey Jesuit), a talented left-footed midfielder who can play a variety of positions on the outside; Francisco Martinez (St. Laurence), a goal scorer who could be key in opening the offensive attack; and two goalkeepers in Giovanny Vega (Cristo Rey Jesuit) and Giovanni Gonzalez (Oak Lawn).
Although it may seem like the team is starting from scratch, Koloffon recruited experienced players who will continue to make this squad a competitive threat on the field.
"We have the tools. We'll compete for a conference title. We just need to get the highest seed we can in regionals, and we'll be ready," he said.
Joining Koloffon again on the sidelines as assistant is Javier Roman, who also is head coach of the women's team, and newcomers Christian Perez and Abraham Shaban.
The Cyclones open their season at Kankakee Community College on Saturday, Aug. 23, noon. The team home opener is Saturday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m., against Bryant and Stratton College.