West Aurora’s Carlos Garcia has a keen sense of the moment.
The senior goalkeeper, who represents the last line of defense, has learned to suit his play to the action — and not lose his control.
“My coaches have always taught me there is a certain time for aggressive play and there is time for tactical play,” he said. “By playing tactical, I mean being calm, playing with my feet and making the saves that my team needs from me.”
A transfer from East Aurora, where he played his first two years, Garcia jumped across the river and helped the Blackhawks reach a program milestone.
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He registered six shutouts and made 70 saves as West Aurora completed its first perfect season in program history by finishing 18-0 in the spring.
The 18 wins were the highest total of any boys soccer team in the state during the shortened spring season.
The Blackhawks, who defeated Plainfield North 2-1 in the Southwest Prairie Conference championship game, were certainly threatened during their run.
Garcia, however, stood out for his attention to detail and his grasp of the finer points. He allowed just 13 goals in those 18 games.
“There were saves that could have been goals, saves that could have impacted the game or saves that might have tied the game,” he said.
The 5-foot-10 Garcia combined range with excellent footwork and a high motor. He also showed an intensity that made an impression on his new teammates.
“He takes the game very seriously,” West Aurora coach Joe Sustersic said. “I think the most telling thing about him is his willingness not to accept failure. Even if it’s a practice or shooting drill, he gets very upset when he gives up a goal.
“He is somebody who is not content with mediocrity or just going through the motions.”
Garcia learned the game from his father and uncle, who played in recreational leagues in Aurora when he was growing up.
What he took from his father was never dwelling on the moment or getting caught up with his emotions to the point of losing the larger focus.
“That’s when bad things happen in soccer, but I believe I have a very good mentality,” Garcia said. “If you talk with my friends or anybody who knows me, they will tell you I am never a negative person.
“I like to stay positive.”
The only downside to the perfect spring season for the Blackhawks was not having a chance to prove their value against the best teams in the state.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Illinois High School Association canceled the state tournament for the first time in 50 years.
“We had a great season, but we were not satisfied,” Garcia said. “We had an amazing team that could have challenged for the state (title).”
The sudden restart to the fall season creates a fresh beginning with a full slate of games and the promise of a state tournament.
It also means enhanced visibility for college scouts.
“It’s my dream to be a college athlete,” he said. “The success we had in the spring only gives us the confidence to make us play even harder this new season.”
Being a goalkeeper, the position demands physical and technical talent with a mental acuity for the game. Sustersic said Garcia passes the most important test.
“When you play goalie, you have to get the respect of your field players,” he said. “Carlos is well put together and he is going to control his box. He puts himself in the right positions to excel.
“He is not going to be fearful of anyone.”
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Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.