Senior forward Alex Chavez loves having the freedom to make his own mark for Streamwood.
“When I think about soccer and my own style and what I bring to the game, I think what defines me is the flair I bring to the game,” Chavez said. “I love to play with energy and a kind of high style.”
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Chavez, a four-year varsity starter, is the player who ignites Streamwood’s attack. As a junior, he scored 12 goals and contributed 10 assists as the Sabres reached a Class 3A sectional final and finished 14-6-2.
Streamwood coach Matt Polovin said Chavez brings a brash personality to the team. Polovin quickly added Chavez is not in the least bit a selfish player.
“He’s one of the best offensive players in the state and he is very fun to watch,” Polovin said. “He is a great talent who makes his teammates around him better.”
Chavez has scored three goals and added four assists this season for the Sabres (5-1). Streamwood beat Mount Carmel 1-0 last Saturday to win the prestigious Barrington Classic.
In the past, his leadership was more by example. This season, he has become more direct and vocal.
“We have a lot of young guys — sophomores and juniors — on the team now,” Chavez said. “I think it is my job to show them the right way and how to play the game.”
Due to graduation, Streamwood has been tasked with the chore of replacing quality players like all-state forward Aldo Lazaro.
The most significant absence to Chavez also is the most personal — his older brother Oscar, who was a four-year starting midfielder.
“Once Oscar graduated, Alex opened up his game even more,” Polovin said. “He has the speed and technical ability as any top forward. His finishing capabilities are one to watch.”
Now, Alex Chavez is ready to go out in style.
“Soccer is all about making memories,” he said. “That’s why I play — having fun times with my friends and teammates.”
Rivalry game: Senior forward Omar Lopez continued his torrid start by scoring both goals Elgin edged rival Larkin 2-1 at home Wednesday afternoon.
Lopez has scored 13 goals for the Maroons (5-1). Senior defender Alex Kunicki assisted Lopez’s game-winner.
Another standout has been senior midfielder Jesus Millan, who has one goal and three assists.
“Our captains are leading the charge,” Elgin coach David Borg said. “We have 15 players back from last year who saw action. The new guys are also fitting in.
“We strengthened our schedule, and we are taking every team we play very seriously.”
With so many returning players, continuity has been a breeze.
“We have almost the same team back as last year and we are winning with the same mentality,” Kunicki said.
Size doesn’t matter: With an enrollment of 207, Harvest Christian has had early success by underscoring quality over quantity.
In his debut, third-year coach Sina Vidic established a program record for victories in a season by going 15-3-1. The Lions won a 1A regional title for only the second time in program history.
The record dipped last year to 9-7-1, but a lot of younger players saw significant action. The team graduated just three seniors.
Senior forward Eric Oehler, senior midfielder Patrick D’Alessandro and junior midfielder Johnny Constante have been the early standouts for the Lions (2-1).
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“We have 18 players back, and our core has been together for a couple of years now,” Vidic said. “It’s a seasoned and hungry group, and we have set our goals very high this year.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.