Despite setbacks, Moraine Valley men’s soccer surges midseason to secure playoff spot

Even when things didn’t go their way, the Moraine Valley Community College men’s soccer team never got discouraged and continued their streak of reaching the playoffs each year. Their efforts showed sparks of a team that knows how to win and compete.

After the squad’s wildly successful run in 2024, the Cyclones prepared for a season featuring a core group of returners and a hefty number of freshmen. However, the 2025 team’s season was largely comprised of newcomers, altering expectations.

“It’s the story of our season – we expected to have a strong returning core, then it was medium to almost no returning core. We were riding high last year, and we planned accordingly for this year. But it was two returners and 22 freshmen, which was tough,” said Head Coach Chris Koloffon, who culminated his sixth year leading the program. “The upside is that there’s a potential 22 returners.”

A competitive preseason left the Cyclones with several injuries that affected morale and contributed to some unexpected losses. However, the squad never gave in to the setbacks.

“I’ll give us credit because we could’ve put our heads down, but we made a midseason surge with a four-game win streak. We made the playoffs after that,” Koloffon added.

The Cyclones faced tough opponents at season’s end but defeated Morton College and tied with Oakton and Sandburg colleges, the latter being the No. 2 team in Region 4. Moraine Valley finished 6-7-2 overall and 2-4-1 in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference, culminating in the first round of the region playoffs.

“Even in a down year, we still could show enough flashes that we know how to win and can play with top teams,” Koloffon explained. “I’m proud we made the playoffs. That’s a streak we need to keep alive. That’s something that has to happen, even if it’s not a top year for us. The freshmen have to carry that into next year.”

The lone sophomores – midfield/forward Fernando “Chino” Alvarez (Epic Academy) and midfielder Dawid “Junior” Kurzeja (Stagg) – scored the final two goals of the season, an appropriate sendoff for the captains. “Their leadership was great all year. Junior had a great work ethic, and both were good examples for the team,” Koloffon shared.

Kurzeja earned All-Region first team and All-Conference team second honors while Alvarez secured All-Region second team and All-Conference honorable mention.

Among the impressive freshmen was David Perez (Morton East), the most consistent midfielder who started every game and led with seven assists. He earned All-Conference honorable mention.

The Cyclones were fortunate to have two quality freshmen goalkeepers – Giovanni Gonzalez (Oak Lawn) and Giovanny Vega (Cristo Rey Jesuit). Provided both return next season, they will be the backbone of a strong backline.

Midfielder Diego Ochoa (Reavis) had a solid season and shows promise for next year while Jesus Villanueva (Chicago Hope Academy) was solid as a starting center back, playing well even while injured. Midfielder Jacob Lesnikowski (Stagg) was a big goal scorer for the Cyclones before suffering an injury that sidetracked him, but he should be on track for a big year in 2026.

“I told the freshmen, ‘You have to condition your body for three months of a beating.’ Some freshmen learned the hard way, but those are our main guys, and if they return, we’ll definitely have something,” Koloffon said.

Looking ahead, Koloffon and his assistant coaches will recruit more talent while continuing to develop a successful program – and they’re ready to keep the streak alive.

“I learned a lot about what can happen from one season to the next. Overall, we’re not satisfied, but we’re proud. The morale never dropped,” Koloffon noted. “We were still able to stay in the top echelon of teams. If we can keep doing that, I’m still pretty confident in the program. Everyone is excited for next year.”

For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.