2Nov06 2006 Chicago Suntimes All-Public League Boys Team

Improving city schools bursting with talent

ALL-PUBLIC LEAGUE BOYS SOCCER TEAM

November 2, 2006

BY JOE TROST

Since the Illinois High School Association eliminated the Public League's automatic bid to the state quarterfinals in boys soccer, some suburban soccer experts have said there never will be another city team in the Elite Eight.

That has been true to this point, but the Public League gets one step closer each season.

The Public League had three teams advance to sectional play this season, with Young advancing to the sectional final. In the Pepsi Showdown, which is dominated by suburban programs, the four Public League representatives -- Farragut, Lane, Kelly and Young -- posted a combined 10-7-3 record.

A big reason for that success is the talent in the city. Here's a look at the All-Public League first team:

GOALIE

Elliott Wall, Young: The senior is looking at Colgate and Brown after posting 10 shutouts and a goals-against average of 0.83 in 24 games.

DEFENDERS

Peter Bielecki, Lane: This dominating senior would start on most teams anywhere.

''He wins balls in the air and has impeccable timing on tackles,'' coach Andrew Ricks said.

Caesar Mondragon, Lake View: Whether in the back or in the midfield, the senior did it all.

''Caesar was an indomitable defender with excellent vision and touch,'' coach Fernando Rodriguez said.

MIDFIELDERS

Willie Lara, Young: In 24 games, this DePaul-bound senior had 19 goals and 10 assists. He was voted the top player in the city.

Jonel Hyske, Taft: This senior was a workhorse for the Eagles on offense and defense.

Armando Rodriguez, Prosser: The play of this senior was why Prosser advanced to the Public League semifinals and came within inches of upsetting Lyons in regional action.

FORWARDS

Johan Basto, Hubbard: Finished the season with 10 goals and seven assists.

''He came out and led the team not only with his speed, agility and ball skill, but emotionally, too,'' coach Frank Ocampo said.

Monroe Bell, Amundsen: Considered by many to be the best underclassman in the city, this sophomore had 12 goals and four assists.

''He has all the offensive skills: passing, trapping, dribbling, a great shot and terrific moves,'' coach Rich Straka said.

Irvin Jimenez, Kelly: A rising star, this sophomore finished the season with 12 goals and seven assists.

''Irvin was a major factor in why we did well in the city playoffs and state tournament,'' coach Raul Magdaleno said.

Jeyser Perez, Payton: His 36 goals were tops among Public League players.

''He has tremendous pace and is a crafty player with the ability to cause many problems for defenders,'' coach Jean-Jean Gregoire said.

Edwin Rodriguez, Lane: Helped the Indians to a sectional semifinal berth with 19 goals and five assists.

''Edwin is a powerful forward who is gifted with good speed and a passion to score,'' Ricks said.

ALL-PUBLIC LEAGUE

BOYS SOCCER

FIRST TEAM

GOALIE

Elliott Wall, Young, Sr.

DEFENDERs

Peter Bielecki, Lane, Sr.

Caesar Mondragon, Lake View, Sr.

MIDFIELDERS

Willie Lara, Young, Sr.

Jonel Hyske, Taft, Sr.

Caesar Mondragon, Lake View, Sr.

Armando Rodriguez, Prosser, Sr.

FORWARDS

Johan Basto, Hubbard, Sr.

Monroe Bell, Amundsen, So.

Irvin Jimenez, Kelly, So.

Jeyser Perez, Payton, Sr.

Edwin Rodriguez, Lane, Sr.

SECOND TEAM

GOALIE

Leonardo Garcia, Hubbard, Sr.

DEFENDERS

Luis Alvarado, Amundsen, Sr.

Cesar Martinez, Kelly, So.

MIDFIELDERS

Kamil Bober, Young, Jr.

German Cervantes, Lane, Sr.

Erwin Cruz, Steinmetz, Sr.

Edgar Rivas, Kennedy, Sr. FORWARDS</B< b>

Juan Coria, Hubbard, Sr.

Lukasz Kapica, Taft, Sr.

Jason Strohmayer, Northside, Sr.

Artur Wilk, Prosser, Sr.

Edwin Rodriguez(sr.) All-Public League First Team: Edwin is an amazing goal scorer who scored 19 goals this season for Lane Tech. Edwin helped lead Lane Tech to first ever Supersectional Berth for a Public League team in 2005. He was also named All-state in 2006. He also kicks field goals and extra points for Lane's football team.

Peter Bielecki(sr.) All Public League First Team: Peter has a great combination of strength, size, and skill. This make him a tough battler for balls in the air and is a good header. Peter has a strong accurate kick and Lane Tech coach Andrew Ricks give Bielecki the duty most of the time on free and direct kicks. Bielecki was named to the prestigious All-tournament team in the Pepsi Showdown. Furthermore, Peter kicks off for the Lane Tech football team

German Cervantes(sr.) All Public League Second Team.  German Cervantes(sr.) is one the best defensive midfielders in the talent rich Public League. He has great skill in controlling the ball in the midfield and often kicks corner kicks for Lane's team.