Cyclones men's soccer always has their work cut out for them because they compete within a talented region, but with their roster of experienced returners and skilled freshmen, they're ready to take it to the next level.

Entering his fourth season leading the program, Head Coach Chris Koloffon said every year the team has gotten better and had more success. Last year, they went 8-5-2 and only lost four games by one goal, including to the eventual national champs, Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference rival Prairie State College.

"Our goal is to be in the top echelon, knock those teams out and challenge them for a championship. Our talent is there, but it depends on how quick they mature. Our region has older and international players, so this is important," Koloffon explained. "We want to be in these games and turn some of those one-goal games into wins. We need to make big plays in big moments."

Among the returners who should make an impact are Pedro Guzman (Reavis), a midfielder who netted five goals and had eight assists with an All-Conference honorable mention last year, as well as Kostandino Latka (Shepard), who was a big scorer at the end of last season and should be a game changer on the attack with his speed. Anthony Quintana (Catalyst Maria) was injured last season but still will be counted on as a returning forward.

Koloffon recruited a solid lineup including, Yamir Gallegos (Solorio Academy), an attacking midfielder with Division 1 talent; Yael Diaz (Hubbard), a 6-2 left-footed player who will give the team different scoring options; Jesus Gael Hernandez (Acero- Major Hector P. Garcia M.D.), a big midfielder whose sister competes on the women's team; Mark Vitaily-Hul (Ukraine), who brings experience from playing in European leagues; and Ruben Aguilar (Ogden International School of Chicago), who's competed with the Chicago Fire Club and will help the defensive line.

Koloffon will be joined again on the sidelines by Assistant Coach Javier Roman, who also will be head coach of the women's soccer team, Fernando Alvarez and new assistant Brendan McLaughlin.

"I'm looking forward to being with the coaching staff and players and taking this journey together, competing and watching the players turn into men," Koloffon said. "We're ready for some new things to happen. We should be good. I'm optimistic."

The Cyclones season and home opener is Wednesday, Aug. 23, 4:45 p.m., against Kishwaukee College.