A high-scoring senior forward for Aurora Central Catholic, Matthew VanDeman sees soccer as a philosophical conflict between the concept of one’s self and the greater collective.
First of all, VanDeman recognizes the necessity and framework of the team. But at the same time, he also understands that — by using his unique talent — he plays a very important role.
“I just like how soccer is both a team game that is also individually structured,” VanDeman said of the sport’s ultimate balancing act. “It takes a whole team to win a game, obviously.
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“There are also those moments as an individual player where you can just step up. I love scoring goals, and seeing the ball hit the back of the net is the greatest thrill for me.”
VanDeman provided a bunch of those thrills last season, scoring 31 goals and adding eight assists to help ACC (18-4-2) make program history by winning a Class 1A sectional championship.
The Chargers’ 2-1 supersectional loss to Mendota was their only defeat against 1A opponents.
With 17 returnees, ACC is ready to take the next step forward this fall. The Chargers also will be making a step up as the Illinois High School Association has pushed the program into 2A.
After breaking ACC’s program record for goals and improving his career total to 59, VanDeman flourished on the national stage with the Galaxy’s U17 team, a club based in Naperville.
“Matt is one of our most talented midfielders,” said Brett Strang, the Galaxy’s technical director and coach of the U17 team. “His exceptional technical ability sets him apart from his peers, making him a standout on the field.
“He’s a gifted goal scorer and a sharp distributor, and Matt consistently creates scoring opportunities and poses a constant threat around the box. He’s poised to be a dominant force this high school season.”
In July, VanDeman was a starter and key contributor as the Galaxy qualified for the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.
He showed his versatility and unselfish style, giving up his typical attacking role to play more of a creative in the midfield. The action showed, as far as soccer, he’s more than a one-trick pony.
But if scoring has always come naturally, VanDeman pointed out how he had to learn to assert his presence and establish his voice for that talent to be thoroughly fulfilled on the field.
“I scored some goals when I was a freshman, but I think I still lacked the leadership qualities,” he said. “As a sophomore, I started off as a captain and that definitely helped my leadership skills.
“Now, I think all of the freshmen and even the seniors look up to me. I’m trying to be a good role model.”
Junior midfielder Alan Acosta and senior midfielder Neil Mayer share the captain role with VanDeman for Aurora Central Catholic. Mayer knows exactly what VanDeman brings to the table.
“He’s a great teammate and a great leader who makes everyone around him better,” Mayer said. “His decision-making is very strong, and he knows where to be to make goal opportunities.”
Growing up in North Aurora, VanDeman started organized play in the park district at age 4. The game just clicked with his sensibility and competitive flair.
For VanDeman, from Aurora Central Catholic to Galaxy, the game is like a river, continuous and never-ending while being open to continual surprises and discoveries.
“I’m the first person in my family to play soccer and I felt my talent for the game right away,” VanDeman said. “As soon as I started, I always wanted a soccer ball at my foot.
“After that, I didn’t really want to play any other sport.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
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