Morton’s Joel Salmeron, a preseason candidate for boys soccer Player of the Year, gave an oral commitment to Illinois-Chicago late Wednesday. The senior selected the Flames over Marquette, which made a last-second in-person pitch on Tuesday after the Mustangs’ 3-1 victory over Addison Trail.
“In the end, it came down to being close to home and liking the school better overall,” Salmeron said. “I went with my gut feeling, and it’s a relief that it’s over. I’m going to be the first one in my family to go to college, and that’s something my entire family is proud of.”
Salmeron is still working his way back from a preseason MCL injury that sidelined him for six games. The forward, who recorded 26 goals and 17 assists en route to a earning a spot on the 2010 Tribune All-State first team, has one goal and four assists in eight games for No. 3 Morton (12-2).
“I’m probably at 80-to-85 percent right now,” Salmeron said. “I’m still trying to find my rhythm.”