Men's Soccer 8/15/2026 10:33:00 AM

Harper Men's Soccer Enters 2026 Season with New Leadership and a Renewed Identity

Palatine, IL: The Harper Hawks men's soccer team enters the 2026 season with a new head coach, a strong group of returning players, and a roster of more than 30 student-athletes. Craig Genteman takes over the program looking to establish a fast-paced, unified style of play as the Hawks prepare for a 14-game schedule featuring exclusively Region 4 opponents.

Genteman brings more than a decade of coaching experience and deep roots in the Northwest suburban soccer community to Harper. Most recently, he served as a coach with Chicago Inferno Soccer Club, working with both boys' and girls' teams. Prior to that role, he coached with Palatine Celtic Soccer Club. His coaching career began while he was serving on active duty in the United States Army, where he continued to work with local soccer clubs.

A native of the Harper College area, Genteman attended William Fremd High School and competed for several prominent local soccer clubs, including Sockers FC Chicago and Eclipse Select SC. Following his graduation from Fremd, he enlisted in the United States Army as a combat medic attached to infantry units.

Genteman completed multiple deployments to Iraq during his 11 years of service and was medically retired after sustaining injuries during those deployments. While serving on active duty, he continued his involvement in soccer as a member of the All Army Sports Program men's soccer team, although his participation was eventually limited by increased deployment cycles associated with the Global War on Terrorism.

Following his military service, Genteman returned to the Palatine area and began his collegiate career at Harper College before transferring to Northern Illinois University. He graduated from NIU in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in political science with an emphasis in public administration and public policy.

Genteman also brings extensive coaching education to the Hawks. He possesses several U.S. Soccer Federation National Coaching Licenses, the United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma, United Soccer Coaches Performance Analysis Level 1 and Level 2 Diplomas, Barça Coach Academy Levels I and II, and the La Liga Formation Methodology Level 3 Certification.

The Hawks will be led on the field by four captains who bring experience and leadership to the new-look squad. Ryan Andresen will wear No. 3 and contribute at both left back and right back, while Erik Cerda, No. 11, will see time at center midfield and right wing. Kristian Vladimirov, No. 14, provides versatility at center back and center midfield, while goalkeeper Danny Duarte mans the net in the No. 0 jersey.

Seven Hawks return from the 2025 team, providing an experienced foundation for Genteman's first season at the helm. Along with Cerda and Vladimirov, the returning group includes Victor Del Rosario Silva, Orlando Angelina, Joseph Molina, Abdul (Abdurakhmon) Abduvaliev, and Jakub Chmielewski.

With more than 30 athletes on the 2026 roster, the Hawks enter the season with increased depth and competition at every position. The roster combines the experience of returning players with a large group of newcomers who will look to establish themselves within Genteman's system.

Harper will play all 14 of its games against Region 4 opponents, giving the Hawks a challenging schedule from beginning to end. The season will provide an opportunity for the team to establish itself within the region while developing the fast-paced offensive identity Genteman hopes will define the program.

Following a 2-9-2 campaign in 2025, the Hawks enter 2026 focused on the future. With a deep roster, seven returning players, four captains, and a new coaching staff, Harper will look to turn its renewed energy and pace into consistent results throughout the season.

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Players Mentioned

#15 Abdul (Abdurakhmon) Abduvaliev: CB / RB; Sophomore

#7 Orlando Angelina: LW; Sophomore

#11 Erik Cerda: CM / RW; Sophomore

#6 Victor Del Rosario Silva: CAM / ST; Sophomore

#18 Jakub Chmielewski: ST / CAM; Sophomore

#10 Joseph Molina: ST / LW; Sophomore

#14 Kristian Vladimirov: CB / CM; Sophomore

#3 Ryan Andresen: LB / RB; Freshman

#0 Danny Duarte: GK; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#15 Abdul (Abdurakhmon) Abduvaliev
: Sophomore
: CB / RB

#7 Orlando Angelina
: Sophomore
: LW

#11 Erik Cerda
: Sophomore
: CM / RW

#6 Victor Del Rosario Silva
: Sophomore
: CAM / ST

#18 Jakub Chmielewski
: Sophomore
: ST / CAM

#10 Joseph Molina
: Sophomore
: ST / LW

#14 Kristian Vladimirov
: Sophomore
: CB / CM

#3 Ryan Andresen
: Freshman
: LB / RB

#0 Danny Duarte
: Freshman
: GK