Felip Lopez has played defender most of his life, including during his first two years at Marist.
But Lopez missed part of his club’s season after tearing his hamstring in March. When he returned to action in July, the team needed him at a different position.
“When I came back, I started playing midfield,” Lopez said. “I felt like I came back stronger. I’ve been working on getting better in the midfield. I feel like I can be more dominant there than on defense.”
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Marist’s coaches agreed. And the position change paid off immediately in the season opener.
In overtime, Lopez — who is only a junior — scored the first goal of his high school career Tuesday night to lift the visiting RedHawks to a 1-0 win over Lincoln-Way Central in a Windy City Ram Classic first-round game in New Lenox.
Jack Heidemann provided the assist for Marist (1-0), while Michael Finn made four saves for the shutout. Colin Barry, Rayon James, Darren Bridges and Patrick Mucksavage led a strong defensive effort.
Jimmy McKendry made 10 saves for Lincoln-Way Central (0-1), keeping the Knights in the game with a highlight-reel worthy display of diving and leaping stops.
The game-winner for the RedHawks, meanwhile, came just under two minutes into OT as Heidemann played a long, looping pass ahead. Lopez outraced a defender down the right side of the field before ripping a shot inside the left post.
“I saw an opening,” Lopez said. “My player played a great overhead ball and I just needed to use my speed to get around them.
“It felt amazing. It’s my first goal and it goes as a game-winner. It was a hard-fought game. That felt great. I’m just going to keep going from there.”
Marist coach Sean Maxwell trusts Lopez to thrive in any role. This year, that includes being a goal scorer. So far, so good.
“Felip is a great player and he can make a difference wherever he plays on the field,” Maxwell said. “He’s very versatile. He wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s tough as nails.
“Beyond that, he’s just super skilled. He’s got a nose for the goal. “
Lopez’s heroics put the finishing touches on a strong opening performance for Marist, which struggled to an 8-13 record last season while Lincoln-Way Central finished 18-5 and won a sectional championship.
On Tuesday night, however, it was the RedHawks who created more scoring chances and controlled the flow of play before finally breaking through in overtime.
“This feels great,” Mucksavage said. “For the beginning of the season, having a nice, really hard win, it’s huge. We’ve worked hard in the offseason and we’re looking good.”
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Mucksavage also had become accustomed to having Lopez on the back line with him. But he’s liking what he’s seeing from Lopez at his new position.
“Felip has always been a very strong player,” Mucksavage said. “I saw him moving up this year and he’s looked great so far, so we’re probably going to keep him up there.”
Soccer has always been the only sport Lopez is interested in. He has played virtually his whole life after being introduced to the game by his dad, Rigoberto.
“My dad played semipro soccer in Mexico,” Lopez said. “He was a goalie, but I never really wanted to play goalie. He taught me the basics and I went from there.”
Lopez’s love for soccer has never wavered. One of the best parts for him is getting to share his passion for the game with his dad.
“It’s amazing following in his footsteps,” Lopez said. “I know he’s proud of me and I’m going to keep making him proud.”