Junior forward Dylan Lenarz had the perfect mentor to guide his offensive growth at Chicago Christian. His older brother, Casey, is now playing as a freshman midfielder at Illinois Wesleyan.
Last season, Casey set a single-season program record with 45 goals.
“I learned a lot from my brother in our two years together here,” Dylan said of being teammates with Casey for the Knights. “I’ve always liked to score. I’ve always played an attacking role.
“Now, I’m really happy to step into the role and take the next step as the emerging leader.”
Lenarz played that part to perfection Wednesday night, scoring three goals and adding two assists for host Chicago Christian in a 7-0 season-opening win over Evergreen Park in Palos Heights.
Senior forward Garrett Murphy also scored three goals for the Knights (1-0), who led 5-0 at halftime. Junior goalkeeper Adriel Mena made six saves for the Mustangs (0-1).
Lenarz assisted on Murphy’s first goal in the 10th minute and then Murphy returned the favor on Lenarz’s first tally in the 23rd minute for a 2-0 advantage.
“It’s really fun to play with him,” Murphy said of Lenarz. “He’s developed really nice dribbling skills, and he’s definitely able to finish or create chances. He knows how to find all the corners.
“His dribbling, passing and shooting are very skilled.”
Danny Mack has coached both brothers for Chicago Christian. Their father, Josh, is in his second year as an assistant. He spent 23 years as the women’s head coach at Trinity Christian College.
Dylan’s youngest brother, Ryder, is a freshman playing soccer on the lower levels
Mack, meanwhile, doesn’t want to overburden Dylan with unrealistic comparisons.
“It would be very hard to say we’re going to take player X and put them in player Y and get the same output,” Mack said. “They’re different players. Dylan is very creative.
“So maybe he doesn’t get 45 goals, but he gets everybody else involved. Players who had four goals last year now have the chance to get 10, 11 or 12.”
More Top Picks Tinted Glasses For Kids When Theyre Worth Trying
Dylan was an ideal complement to his brother. His 13 assists last season were tied for the team’s second-highest total, just behind the 14 that Casey created. Dylan also scored seven goals.
“I really like assists,” Dylan said. “I also like to dribble a lot and find my shot. I’m very good at making the extra pass.”
Dylan, who’s 5-foot-7, tries to optimize his speed, quickness and ability to anticipate the flow of the game. Training with Casey taught him how to relate with teammates and develop a right mindset.
“My first year playing varsity, I was really just one of the players who was there,” he said. “Now, I’m trying to be more of a leader, not just on the field but off, on how to act or how to play.”
Growing up in a soccer family, Lenarz remembers playing the game at a very early age.
“My dad was the coach at Trinity for almost 25 years and I’ve been around the environment my whole life,” he said. “When I was younger, I would practice with dad’s team.
“I got a lot better just from that experience.”
He’s also the first to admit it’s not realistic for him to replicate his brother’s scoring prowess. But his drive, ambition and quest to achieve his own level of success makes him pretty singular.
The game fits a creative need.
“I’m an outgoing person and very competitive,” he said. “When life gets too stressful, I always turn to the game. When I step on the field, everything about life is put on pause and I just enjoy it.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.