Five Returning Standouts for 2026 Herald-News Soccer

Proven end product up front

Three of the names to watch come with established attacking numbers.

• Andrew Guzy reportedly returns to Lemont after scoring 19 goals last season.
• Jovanny Gonzalez is said to be back for Providence after producing 18 goals and nine assists.
• Joel Martinez reportedly brings 33 career goals and 18 career assists into another year with Plainfield North.

That is not just reputation. It is repeatable output. Guzy looks like the focal point for a Lemont side that reportedly kept 17 players from a team with 16 wins. Gonzalez gives Providence a direct source of goals and final-ball quality. Martinez, meanwhile, appears to offer the broadest toolbox of the three: attacking midfield craft, set-piece threat and the ability to move higher when needed.

Two goalkeepers, two defensive identities

At the other end, Nicholson and Skedel arrive with the kind of numbers that can anchor a season.

• Carter Nicholson reportedly helped Coal City to 24 wins and a state-finals run.
• The report says he allowed only six regular-season goals, made 198 saves and posted 14 clean sheets.
• Nolan Skedel is said to have conceded 16 goals in 22 matches for Minooka, with 11 clean sheets.

Those are program-shaping figures. Nicholson looks like the established benchmark, while Skedel appears central to a Minooka side trying to build on a record-setting campaign.

Leadership will decide the ceiling

Preseason features often focus on talent. This one is really about control. Guzy, Gonzalez and Martinez can tilt games in moments. Nicholson and Skedel can keep teams alive across entire weeks.

The next storyline to watch is simple: which returning star turns individual pedigree into team momentum first when the new season gets underway, especially with Lemont reportedly entering a fresh chapter under new coach Rafal Slomba.