ROCHELLE — Five members of the Rochelle varsity boys soccer team received All-Conference First Team recognition by the Northern Illinois Big 12 after the Hubs completed their most prolific season in school history this year. Two more members including senior Juan Montemayor and junior Max Torres were given All-Conference Honorable Mentions.

Senior forward Jessee Infante was named both All-Conference First Team and Conference MVP this fall after setting school records in both goals (43) and assists (28) this season. Infante finishes his high school career as a two-time All-Conference First Team player after receiving the honor last season.

“It feels really good to win these awards because we all put in a lot of effort and we tried really hard every day in practice,” Infante said. “My role as a leader increased this year… I needed to really step up and be the leader that everybody on the team listens to.”

Senior Adolfo Flores also earned All-Conference First Team honors this season after being named to the same team his junior season. Flores patrolled the midfield for the Hubs once again, totaling five goals and seven assists.

“It feels amazing to have won All-Conference,” Flores said. “The season we had was unbelievable and seeing all the hard work we put in made me feel great… I scored more goals this year and I was communicating more this year. I was a bit quiet last year but this year I was more talkative.”

Sophomore forward Brayan Orozco also returned to the All-Conference First Team after winning the honor during his freshman season with the Hubs. Orozco tied for second on the team in goals this season, recording 21 while adding 16 assists which also ranked second overall.

“I worked hard during every practice and I really focused on what I was able to do during games,” Orozco said. “I improved my communication and I helped give other players instructions on where to go on the field.”

Senior defenders Josue Almaraz and Ruben Herrera each earned All-Conference First Team recognition for the first time this year after Almaraz took home an All-Conference Honorable Mention last year. Both center backs were integral pieces of the defensive unit that surrendered only 13 goals in 22 games this fall.

“It feels great to receive All-Conference First Team since I was an Honorable Mention last year,” Almaraz said. “This was my first time being a captain on the varsity team and I was able to talk to my teammates more. Our teamwork was much better this year and I think that’s what helped us this year.”

“I feel honored to earn All-Conference and I was a little surprised to be honest,” Herrera said. “I feel like I improved on being a leader and having more confidence. I never got nervous in important games this year… I knew how to control myself and I knew what to do during those important games.”