Adan Gutierrez, known by his middle name Jett, has a remarkable presence on the soccer field. His teammates and coaches at St. Laurence affectionately use this name, reflecting his dynamic playstyle. ‘My dad wanted to name me Jett, but my mom found it a bit unusual, so it became my middle name,’ Gutierrez shared. ‘I hope I can live up to it.’
Gutierrez certainly lived up to his name on Thursday, making a significant impact by scoring two goals off the bench. These goals over the last 25 minutes ensured St. Laurence’s comeback victory with a 3-2 win over De La Salle in a Catholic League Blue match in Chicago. Jesus Sanchez also contributed a goal for St. Laurence (16-0-2, 3-0-2), with assists from Josue Garcia and Pauly Rzadkosz. Goalkeeper Noah Mendez made four crucial saves. For De La Salle, Joshua Lawson and Kevin Gates each scored, while Kobe Ibarra made three saves.
The weather didn’t deter the intensity as the teams battled through heavy rain, with momentum shifting back and forth.
De La Salle, the reigning Class 2A state champion, led twice before Gutierrez inspired St. Laurence’s rally. ‘We knew we needed this win for the CCL standings,’ Gutierrez explained. ‘I stepped up and got the goals we required.’
Gutierrez’s first goal came from a quick rebound after a save by Ibarra, tying the game at 2-2 with just over 24 minutes left. He then delivered the winning goal with a sliding volley off a long pass from Garcia. ‘Seeing my teammates rushing towards me is the best feeling,’ Gutierrez said.
Kris Anderson from De La Salle and Gutierrez were often seen battling for control during the intense match. The performance increased Gutierrez’s goal tally to seven this season, as Sanchez noted his significant impact off the bench. ‘Adan brings a powerful presence, starting in the second half. He’s fierce, fitting our motto: to have that drive,’ Sanchez commented. ‘Adan has that intensity, continuously seeking the ball and contributing when needed.’
Last season, Gutierrez played limited minutes as a sophomore but still managed five goals, drawing valuable lessons from senior teammates. ‘Playing with talented seniors and juniors helped shape my current game,’ he admitted. With nine starters returning, coach Jaime Alonso emphasized incorporating Gutierrez into the lineup more extensively this fall.
‘He’s developed remarkably,’ Alonso stated. ‘We have many returning starters, so it’s been a strategic challenge to fit him in. He’s a versatile player, fulfilling various roles. When we need a goal, he delivers.’
Gutierrez embraces his role, always ready to make an impact. ‘I see myself as a super sub,’ he said. ‘I strive to contribute, whether by scoring or assisting, whenever I’m on the field.’