After transferring from Mount Carmel to St. Laurence, Noah Mendez couldn’t play varsity soccer last fall due to eligibility rules. He spent the season watching, as the Vikings finished as the Class 3A state runner-up. Mendez aimed to step into the starting goalkeeper role and excel during his senior year.
“I learned the standard,” Mendez said, reflecting on his brief participation in junior varsity games. “I knew I would be ready for this year. Sitting out was tough, but I already planned our success for this season.”
His assumptions have been accurate so far. In the Windy City Ram Classic championship game at Reavis in Burbank, Mendez shined brightly, making eight crucial saves, including a penalty kick. This performance helped secure a 1-0 victory for St. Laurence over Lockport.
Jesus Salazar scored the only goal with assistance from Adan Gutierrez. The Vikings, now with a 6-0 record, won the 32-team tournament for the first time. Defenders Pauly Rzadkosz, Heriberto Luna, Andrew Martinez, and Josue Garcia provided firm support ahead of Mendez.
Ben Szudy made eight saves for Lockport (4-1), and Aleko Kolliniatis had four shots on goal. The critical moment arrived after Orlando Dominguez earned a penalty kick, following a foul in the box just over a minute after Salazar’s goal gave the Vikings the lead.
Mendez anticipated the challenge. “I knew I would get it, even before the ref blew the whistle,” he recalled. “The rebound shot hit my chest. You cannot be scared. You must ensure the ball stays out of the net.”
Salazar noted a positive change in Mendez. “I’ve played with Noah in the club,” he said. “He’s found new confidence and is proving his place. Though undersized, he makes the big plays without fear.”
Salazar also led the attack, cutting into the middle and sending Gutierrez’s pass into the net from 15 yards. This victory was a first for St. Laurence in the Windy City Ram Classic.
“An exciting game,” Salazar commented. “Playing in front of a large crowd was thrilling. We’re aiming higher now.”
Mendez is thankful for his return to goalkeeping, a position he briefly left in seventh and eighth grade. “I know I was born to be in the net,” he said.
St. Laurence coach Jaime Alonso commended Mendez’s progress. “Sitting out last year sharpened his hunger,” Alonso observed. “He demonstrates it daily.”
Mendez approaches each match with urgency. “I have one year,” he stressed. “I must give my all in every game. I play every game as if it’s my last.”