Patel returns in net for Hinsdale South

Updated: August 26, 2011 12:06PM

Paras Patel was the only goalkeeper listed on the roster last season for Hinsdale South’s boys soccer team.

No wonder Patel played every minute of every game last season.

The senior from Darien could easily do it again. He’s one of at least six returning starters for the Hornets (8-12-4, 2-4 West Suburban Gold), who hope to challenge defending conference champion Morton.

“(Patel) runs the show from the back,” said Hornets coach James Van Denburgh. “He’s a phenomenal athlete, a good leader, he’s smart and does things the right way.”

Hinsdale South also returns a top forward with senior T.J. Kubiesa, who was named all-conference last season after scoring 19 goals.

“(Kubiesa handles) the pressure up there,” Van Denburgh said. “I always say, he smells the back of the net.”

Hinsdale South will be immediately tested, against Morton, to open play in Hinsdale Central’s Devil Cup at 5 p.m. today. The Mustangs beat the Hornets 6-0 in last year’s tournament title game. The two teams will meet again at Morton on Sept. 22.

The Mustangs will be without standout senior forward Joel Salmeron, who reportedly will miss six weeks after injuring his left knee in a scrimmage on Aug. 19. Salmeron scored 26 goals and had 17 assists last season, and is expected to return in October.

In addition to Patel and Kubiesa, the Hornets are built around senior returnees Joe Gangi, Matt Schuster, Ernie Yanez, Adam Garcia and Matteo Hoch.

Garcia is the top returnee on defense, and Schuster is a cousin of P.J., the starting pitcher and first baseman for Hinsdale South’s baseball team.

“We are looking to use the team chemistry developed over the summer and preseason to compete in an already tough conference,” Van Denburgh said. “We are also looking to make a deeper run in the playoffs.”

Downers Grove North ended Hinsdale South’s season with a 2-0 victory in an IHSA Class 3A regional final.

One of Van Denburgh’s top newcomers is senior Nick Campagna, and that’s because the Darien resident missed the entire 2010 season due to a knee injury. Other newcomers include senior Rory Caputo, juniors Kenny Ida, Jeremy Leganski and Jordan Wood, and sophomore Giancarlo Cianelli.

“I’ve been at the high school for seven years,” Van Denburgh said. “This is the first team I’ve seen where there’s a spirit there. There is team chemistry. Everyone is ready and excited. We have team unity before the first game, which is nice to see. They are motivated and have a good sense of spirit.”

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