The National Soccer League congratulates the Illinois State Select Team for winning the 2004 Region II Select Team Tournament held in Fort Wayne, Indiana on May 29-30, 2004. NSL clubs formed the backbone of the squad, contributing 16 players to the 18-man roster, listed below.

Ben Aguilar (FK Kozarac)
Jesus Aguilar (FK Kozarac)
Nick Aguilar (FK Kozarac)
Edwin Arreola (Winged Bull)
CJ Bachmann (Winged Bull)
Will Bloom (Winged Bull)
Justin Dugena (Winged Bull)
Adnan Ejupovic (NK Prijedor)
Arsim Ibraimi (RWB Adria)
Bob Kruse (Winged Bull)
Dani Martinez (Chicago United)
Dino Melitas (Winged Bull)
Mark Michalak (RWB Adria)
Awadallah Morad (Winged Bull)
Greg Stellatos (Winged Bull)
Brandon Ward (Winged Bull)

The starting 11s for Illinois (Orange & Navy) and Nebraska begin their walk to midfield to open up play in the Region II Select Team Tournament. Illinois shut out the 2003 Champions by a score of 2:0, thanks to goals from Arsim Ibraimi and CJ Bachmann.

Minos Vlamakis of the National Soccer League coached Illinois to an undefeated record of 3-1-0. Illinois beat defending Region II Champions Nebraska 2:0 to open the Tournament and drew with Minnesota 1:1 later on Saturday. Illinois stepped up their play on Sunday, registering a pair of shutouts. Illinois easily disposed of hometown favorites Indiana 3:0 and then sent Wisconsin packing with a 4:0 whipping to clinch our state’s first Regional Championship in nearly two decades.

Brandon Ward (left) wins a head ball while CJ Bachmann (8) and Edwin Arreola (11) look on against Minnesota during Illinois’ second game of the tournament. The teams battled to a 1:1 draw, thanks in part to Mark Michalak’s first goal of the tournament.

Illinois players rightfully dominated the post-tournament honors. Seven players made the All-Region II First Team: Edwin Arreola, CJ Bachmann, Justin Dugena, Arsim Ibraimi Bob Kruse, Mark Michalak and Greg Stellatos. These players will be members of the team representing the Midwest Region at the US Soccer Festival, to be held in Milwaukee in July. Ibraimi also took home an extra piece of hardware for being named the tournament’s MVP.

Will Bloom (right) works the ball in the midfield in Illinois’ 3:0 win over Indiana. Goals by Edwin Arreola, Awadallah Morad and Dino Melitas practically clinched the title for llinois.

Kudos to Vlamakis and Executive Administrator Ante Loncar (RWB Adria) for preparing the team for this big competition. The result is a clear example that the NSL is loaded with players and teams of the highest quality year after year. Our new 2004 Region II Champions must now prepare for the National Championship (also known as the George F. Donnelly Cup), which will be held January 15-17, 2005 at the Home Depot Center, home of MLS’s Los Angeles Galaxy.

Illinois left back Bob Kruse (2) falls to the ground after winning a ball in the air to clear a corner kick by Indiana. The former DePaul University standout helped anchor the tournament’s best defense, which allowed only one goal in four games.

Illinois players recharge at halftime of the Indiana game by drinking Power Horse, the official energy drink of Team Illinois.

Arsim Ibraimi is presented with his award for being named the Most Valuable Player of the Region II Select Team Tournament.

Region II Director Bruno Trapikas presents Illinois Coach Minos Vlamakis with the Region II Championship Trophy.