This uncharacteristic spring soccer season is more like an extra practice session for the fall. With several talented returners and recruits, the Cyclones believe they have a team that can compete.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the regular fall soccer season was postponed to the spring, and the number of games was reduced to nearly half. However, the team has a "new" head coach and several returners from the 2019-20 team that earned an Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference co-championship. And they're more than ready to get going.

Chris Koloffon had been the Cyclones' assistant coach for four years before taking over the reins last year. He's just as eager as his players to get back on the field.

"We're all excited and happy to be out there again. This is like a springboard for the fall, no one is losing eligibility, and it's a win-win all around," Koloffon said. "And we have a group that can compete for the conference."

Returners include Connor Baker (Sandburg), who was ranked No. 2 in the NJCAA Division I for his save percentage (.911) in 2019. Last year's starting forward, Fernando Barragan (Reavis), will be a captain this year, and Declan Kelly (Chicago H.S. for Agricultural Sciences) will surprise a lot of people after gaining strength and speed in the offseason.

Three big additions to the squad include two recruits and a former Cyclone. Jluis Arreola (ITW David Speer Academy) will be a big part of the offensive attack, and Rafael Soto (Solorio Academy) is a skilled centerback that's hard to find at this level. Eduardo Manzo (Kennedy) was a talented scorer on the 2017 team until injury sidelined him for a few years. He makes his triumphant return this spring.

Koloffon knows expectations of him are high, but he understands what his players need and what their situations are outside of college and soccer. He will be more proactive and make sure the athletes have a quality experience competing at this level. Joining him on the sidelines is Daniel "Dani" Vieyra and former Cyclone goalkeeper Gustavo Flores.

"Gustavo is a great advantage to the team because he played in our program and understands our conference, area, junior college soccer and goalkeeper training. A lot of junior college staff don't have a goalkeeper coach, so that's a bonus," Koloffon said. "Dani is so sharp. He's a student of coaching and will be a future head coach."

The Cyclones will be facing most of their biggest rivals, albeit at a different time of year and with not as many games under their belt, but they still believe they have the talent to do some good work.

"It's going to be tough, but we feel confident we can compete for a title," Koloffon said.