Senior forward Bella Matty realized the moment everything changed for Aurora Central Catholic.
Matty talked about how the Chargers found their voice after losing the first two games of the season by a combined score of 16-0. Most teams would falter after that type of start,
“In the beginning, we would get shot on and everybody would just fall apart,” Matty said. “We picked up a phrase that bonded us. Every time somebody said it, I knew we would be OK.
“We would have each other’s backs and we would lift everybody up.”
Matty continued to provide that lift Friday, but ACC’s spectacular turnaround season ended in a 2-0 loss to Rockford Christian in the Class 1A Hinckley-Big Rock Sectional championship game.
The Chargers (11-5-3), who were seeking their first sectional title since 2018, had a seven-game winning streak snapped despite dominating in shots on goal and time of possession.
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ACC conceded a goal in the third minute and scrambled the rest of the way to catch up. Matty, who finished with a team-high 13 goals and added two assists, led that rally for ACC.
Senior midfielder Olivia Lujano, for one, wasn’t surprised.
“Bella’s an awesome player who’s always motivating everyone,” Lujano said. “I love playing with her — she makes soccer so much fun. She always supported me.
“She was always someone I could go to before or after a game.”
The duo switched roles this season, with Matty moving from facilitator role to primary scoring option that Lujano previously occupied.
“During the season, she just became much more aggressive,” ACC coach Enrique Anaya said of Matty. “Bella’s confidence shot up in the middle of the year. She was the first one there.
“She went on a scoring spree, especially during times when we needed to find a goal.”
Matty ended her career with eight varsity letters as a four-year standout in soccer and cross country. She’s set to attend Iowa as a student.
Matty credited the impact of the Lujano sisters — Olivia and younger sister Viviana, a sophomore midfielder — for her offensive emergence.
“Obviously, they practice together a lot and they let me in on their passes,” Matty said. “I feel like we just know how to play with each other, so every time an opportunity comes along, I just take it.”
Growing up in Sugar Grove, Matty developed her passion and instinct for the game at an early age. She understood quickly where she belonged and where her talents were best suited.
“I knew I couldn’t really play defense, so I’d always go out and take shots out of the box,” Matty said. “I’d take a water break and reset, knowing I have to practice and work on my shooting.”
Matty and Olivia Lujano were two of ACC’s five seniors. Huddling for a final photo with Anaya, the moment crystallized her personal journey to being a brash, outspoken leader of the team.
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”There’s a special sisterhood when you play this game,” she said. ”When you score or make a big play, everyone’s here to congratulate you. The relationships you build make or break the sport.
“I’ve had great teammates and coaches. If the coach loves the game, it makes it that much easier to want to keep playing and do well.”
Fighting back tears afterward, Matty was still processing the sudden end to her career.
“I knew there was a chance this might be my last game ever,” she said. “I’m not very shy. I’m very outspoken and outgoing. It’s amazing just knowing I’ve helped the team get this far and helped the younger girls find their confidence and voice. I’ve left a mark with the upperclassmen.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.