There are plenty of reasons for optimism when it comes to the IC Catholic Prep boys soccer team this fall.
Coach Miguel Garcia returns a plethora of talent from a 2025 team that went 9-8-1 overall and won its own Class 1A IC Catholic Prep regional title. The Knights then defeated Westmont in the sectional semifinals before losing 4-2 to Chicago Hope Academy in the Class 1A Westmont sectional title game.
Back is senior forward Alan Salgado, who scored 26 goals to go with eight assists last year on his way to all-Chicago Catholic League and all-sectional honors.
Senior defender Gael Mendoza is a four-year starter and tallied four assists last season. He was named to the all-sectional honorable-mention team.
Senior midfielder Aaron Orozco also is back as a four-year starter. He had four goals and nine assists last year. Junior midfielder Szymon Gibes tallied eight goals and 11 assists in 2025 and also earned all-Chicago Catholic League accolades.
The Knights also will be aided by the additions of freshman midfielder-defender Jayden Nunez, along with junior midfielder-defender Michael Hanafee.
“We have an extremely strong roster with a lot of experience and talent,” Garcia noted. “Our goal is to make a run deep into the playoffs with a state qualification on our minds.”
IC Catholic Prep faces Crossroads Christian on Wednesday at home at Lewis Stadium at Plunkett Athletic Complex in Elmhurst. The Knights also host Chicago Heights Marian Catholic on Sept. 4 at 4:30 p.m.
IC Catholic Prep boys golf
IC Catholic Prep senior Sam Rucker shot a 38 in a recent non-conference match against York at Sugar Creek in Villa Park.
Rucker is one of IC Catholic Prep’s key returning golfers along with senior Evan Madrigal and sophomore Sean McDonough.
Juniors Patrick O’Donnell and Carmine Murphy are newcomers who will help the Knights.
Madrigal is a returning sectional qualifier.
