With a new school year starting, there are many things to get excited about at Niles North. As the fall sports season begins and the weather gets colder, the school’s focus often shifts to football. But at Niles North, there is another team that demands attention.

The boy’s varsity soccer team has just kicked off its season by participating in two tournaments, coming away victorious at the Vernon Hills Invite. With a talented core and a terrific coach, Filip Cejovic, in his second year at the head of the team, the Vikings are poised for another great year to follow their regional-winning 2015-2016 squad.

The Vikings have many talented players returning from last year, including standout defender Alem Zukancic, forwards Edwin Alfaro and Ben Antlept, and goalkeeper Zac Sward. Joining these seniors is a talented junior class that can also contribute to the team’s goals of repeating last year’s success.

Cejovic, now beginning his second season as head coach after a great first year that saw the team go 11-8-7 and win the regional final against Maine South in penalty kicks, will be looking for 2 successive winning seasons. Cejovic’s brother Milo is the head coach at Niles West, so soccer runs in the family.

His previous playing experience and ability to relate to his players gives the team confidence, and the team seems to enjoy playing under him.

[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Coach Filip is a great coach and mentor to myself and the rest of the team, playing under him is a pleasure.”[/perfectpullquote]

“Coach Filip is a great coach and mentor to myself and the rest of the team, playing under him is a pleasure.” Aziz Abdul, senior, said.

The Vikings are currently 6-4 after participating in the Vernon Hills Invite and the Titan Invite. Their next game is September 7 at home, against Maine East. Come out and support your Niles North varsity soccer team!