Combo of talented returners and newcomers bodes well for Moraine Valley women’s soccer in 2025

From forward positions to the midfield, the Moraine Valley Community College women’s soccer team is poised to be a formidable foe this season, and the coaches are hoping it translates into big wins.

“I think we’ll be even better than last year. We have some really good players,” said Head Coach Javier Roman, in his third season leading the women’s program.

The Cyclones were solid in 2024, with a record over .500 and appearance in the NJCAA Region 4 quarterfinals. Several talented, award-winning players are returning, and a number of skilled recruits were recruited to complete the impressive roster.

Sophomore Heather Canny (Lockport) – last year’s All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and All-NJCAA Region 4 tough-as-nails forward and goal scorer – looks to be an energetic leader again. Sophomores Camila Barragan (Chicago Hope Academy), also an All-Conference and All-Region player, and Rachel Rosier (Lockport) will be powerhouses in the midfield. Briana Gomez (Bremen), Lesly Echavarrieta (Argo) and Giselle Mendez (Argo) are back and should be tough defensive players.

According to Assistant Coach Chris Koloffon, the team has some dynamite recruits that should make a difference this season. Taylor London (Andrew) is a transfer student-athlete whose physicality and aggression position her as another key piece in the midfield. Madeline Walsh (Oak Forest) will be a tough ally with Canny at forward. Center back freshmen Olivia Oblazny (Shepard) and Josephina Ayala (Bloom) are strong replacements for some starters who graduated. Alessandra Lagunas (Bremen), another transfer, will bring experience to the team while Itzel Alvarez (Evergreen Park) has a good attack at the top and should be a top goal scorer. Freshman Hala Othman (Stagg), whose speed accompanies her skill with the ball, also is a pleasant addition to the Cyclones.

The Cyclones acquired two true goalkeepers in Daisy Campos (Kennedy) and Ana Perez (De La Salle), whose club experience and training should be big factors in the Cyclones’ defense.

Roman emphasizes to his full roster the importance of training for success and not just practicing. To him, the latter entails kicking the ball around or 5-on-5 and 11-on-11 scrimmages. Conversely, training includes warmups, drills, corner kicks – all the small things that add up to make a team unstoppable.

“We’ll definitely win more. The players are more aware of the game. Once we find the right position for each player to excel, we’re going to be dangerous,” Roman explained.

Between practices and preseason matches, Roman emphasized to his players that while they lost in the first round of playoffs last season, this year they have the skills to fight for the final four and win a conference championship.

“It’s going to be a good year. The players are up for the challenge and are ready. Whoever beats us, we let them beat us,” Roman said. “We have a good combination of sophomores and returners who bring a lot to each other. I’m excited, and they’re excited. We’re looking forward to it. We hope to stay healthy and see you in Phoenix [for the national tournament]!”

The Cyclones open their season on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2:30 p.m. at Kankakee Community College. The home opener is Saturday, Aug. 30, 1:30 p.m., against Bryant and Stratton College. For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.