Evergreen Park scored six goals as a team in the entire 2022 season. This spring, sophomore forward Itzel Alvarez has more than doubled that all on her own.
In just six games, Alvarez has already scored 13 times. She attributes her sudden success to fearlessness.
“People on our team are starting to step out of their shells, including me,” Alvarez said. “Last year, that was tough for me. I was a bit afraid. I didn’t really know what to do since it was my first year of soccer in high school.
“I was kind of intimidated. But now I’m getting the hang of it.”
Alvarez scored four goals March 20 in a season-opening 7-2 victory over Chicago Christian. She has kept rolling ever since for the Mustangs (3-2-1), who have scored 29 times and have equaled their win total from last season, when they finished 3-10-1.
It’s a far cry from last year, when Alvarez split time between varsity and JV.
“Last year, I wasn’t very good,” Alvarez said. “I switched down to JV and scored a couple goals, but varsity was tough. I joined a club after last season and I just got better. My skills have improved. My teammates help a lot. They give motivation. I worked on my skills a lot with my club and on my own outside of my club.
“Coach Edgar (Montelongo) has really helped a lot, too. He’s pushed me to my limits and made sure that I really got there.”
Montelongo knows he has a major threat up top in Alvarez.
“She’s a striker,” Montelongo said. “She knows how to finish. I think we have the right pieces in the middle to deliver the ball to her. We’ve just been working on crossing and shooting. That’s all we’ve been doing. Itzel is really doing a great job.”
Alvarez has been playing soccer since she was 3 years old.
“My brother, Bryan, introduced me to it,” she said. “We’d pass balls around, and I just fell in love with the sport. I just felt like me when I played.”
Alvarez, who has gained an extra sense of belief in herself, sees that happening with her teammates as well.
“I feel like a new me,” she said. “Confidence is really important. If you don’t have confidence, you’re not at your best. When I’m on the field, I have to think that I can be the best player in that game. My confidence has gone beyond up this season.
“The team confidence is up, too. People have definitely gotten better. It’s crucial because last year we didn’t believe in ourselves as much, and I think that’s why we didn’t win as many games.”
Star power: Lemont is led by a pair of all-state selections from last season in senior forward Suzie Knutte and senior midfielder Paige Bingen, but sophomore midfielder Ella Simpson also adds to the firepower.
Simpson, who scored 22 goals last spring, had a hat trick for Lemont (2-2) in a 5-0 win March 28 over T.F. United.
“I’m really excited about this year,” Simpson said. “I love the team we have and how close we all are.”
Daily Southtown
Twice-weekly
News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday
Lemont coach Rick Prangen is confident his team will be able to score.
“If we can defend, we should able to compete for conference and regional titles once again,” Prangen said.
Record watch: After scoring 55 goals last season, Charlene Mendoza has 16 already this spring for Bloom (4-3-1).
Mendoza, who is now up to 108 career goals, is closing in on the program record of 118 held by Jordan Wallek.
The Blazing Trojans have won three straight games after a slow start.
“We have young players stepping into big roles, and hopefully, we can continue to grow as the season progresses,” Bloom coach Zack Radtke said.
Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
