Junior forward Matt Grzyb enjoys being in the glare of the spotlight for St. Rita.
While he’s proven to be the type of special talent others depend on, Grzyb is also his harshest critic. And he’s not afraid to offer up a withering assessment of his play.
“Pain is temporary,” said Grzyb, who had just got done running wind sprints after Monday night’s game against Public League program Senn. “I am very hard on myself.
“If I don’t get the ball or finish my chances, like in the first half, I get upset with myself.”
Even so, Grzyb got St. Rita going and then some, scoring in the 49th minute. It was his second goal of the nonconference game, giving the Mustangs their only lead at 2-1.
St. Rita couldn’t protect the lead, though, surrendering three goals in 17 minutes of a 5-2 loss. Thus the wind sprints afterward, and thus Grzyb’s determined demeanor.
Grzyb has been a bright spot with four goals and two assists this season for the Mustangs (2-6). At 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, he blends ideal size with a robust style.
He has athleticism to play the ball in the air and the technical skill to create off the dribble.
“Matt is a very physical player and knows how to attack the wing effectively,” St. Rita coach Eulalio Hernandez said. “He knows how to use his body and create that space for passes.
“His finishing has also gotten pretty good. He needed that first goal for his confidence. I think he had been a little frustrated with not finishing some of his earlier chances.”
Grzyb, in his third year on varsity, has found his place despite the volatility of St. Rita’s program. Hernandez is the Mustangs’ fourth head coach in as many years.
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Despite the adversity, he’s learned to appreciate the opportunity for an expanded role.
“I didn’t play that much my freshman year,” Grzyb said. “We had a lot of big guys, and I was just learning. Last year we had a different coach, and I didn’t really have a set position. He just put me in where he thought I could help the team. I was actually named the captain.”
Grzyb, who grew up in Mount Greenwood, also is a kicker for the football team. He has converted all six of his extra-point attempts and has kicked a field goal.
Growing up, he developed a close affinity for soccer. He loved the creativity and self-expression of the game. Like football, the atmosphere is unbeatable.
“I just love the feeling of playing and everything,” he said. “The setting is great — playing under the lights. I just love the competition.”
Although St. Rita is still trying to find a shape and identity a month into the season, Grzyb provides leadership and a sounding board, according to senior midfielder Jack O’Shea.
“You always want your forward to be your strongest player,” O’Shea said. “You saw that with the way he scored those two goals. Matt is very strong on the ball. He’s a presence out there.”
The best athletes move with the flow and adjust their games accordingly.
Playing a completely different formation than a year ago, Grzyb has simply returned to his innate skill of power, athleticism and strength on the ball.
“At times this year, he has definitely been frustrated with the amount of chances he has,” Hernandez said. “And this year has definitely been a transition.
“He has improved a lot, always looking over his shoulder and making sure he is getting into the right places and using his physical strength to his advantage.”
And feeding off the spotlight, Grzyb plays at one speed.
“Everybody has their own thing about the game they love,” he said. “The biggest thrill I get is the feeling of scoring. There’s nothing else like it.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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