Grayslake North boys varsity soccer is back and the Knights are picking up where they left off.
The team had a lot of success in the 23-24 season with a record of (12-9) and a Regional Championship on their belt. The team is looking to keep the momentum from last season and build from it in the 24-25 season.
Junior Captain Alonso Morales, and Senior Captain Chris Von Briesen are looking forward to another successful season. Morales is a captain for the third year and takes the title very seriously.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity and very honored that I can lead this team for another year,” Morales said.
Head Coach Adam Decaluwe is very ecstatic for the season and is pleased by the captains for the 24-25 season.
“Chris and Alonso are quality captains as they both do what is right on and off the field and are looked at as leader by every one of their teammates,” Decaluwe said. “They are leaders by example, they organize our play, and are the base on which we build our team and play off of.”
Morales is the center-back alongside Von Briesen they both aim to lead the team and stay strong, solid, consistent contributors. While the season is starting, the team had their Knights Invite Tournament to come together.
The Knights had their first home opener game against Harvard, the Regional Champions in 2A. The back line shut down Harvard’s forwards, including goalkeeper Gio Rodriguez, center-back Chris Von Briesen, center-back Alonso Morales, full-back Andy Swigert, and full-back Adrian Hernandez.
They fought hard against the Warren Township Blue Devils but came short with a 2-1 loss. Varsity boys were able to bounce back with a 3-1 win against Prairie Ridge with Javi Villegas, Noah Sanzana, and Steven Valdivia helping the team secure the Knights Invite title by ending the tournament with a record of (2-1).
The Highland Park Giants were their next match up. GNHS took the win with the score of 4-1 with new transfer Gio Rodriguez making a PK save to help keep the score 4-1. His teammates remarked, “Thank you Gio for moving to Grayslake North.”
After a long break in between games, the team was able to have team bonding helping the community by going to Feed My Starving Children and was able to attend the Northwestern vs. Marquette Men’s Soccer Game. When it was time to take the field again, the Knights opened their conference schedule with a 5-1 win against rival Grant High School.
The Varsity boys team is 5-1 overall and looking forward to what success they’ll have for the 24-25 season. The next big test is Sept. 19, when the Knights face crosstown rival Grayslake Central.
