Brother Rice’s Anthony Piech got a huge opportunity to play on a big stage in May when he was selected for the Elite Academy national team, which traveled to Spain to compete against top European club teams.
Piech came home with an appreciation for how hard the Europeans play — and the belief that if he matched that intensity, the senior forward could hold his own against the very best.
“It’s a different type of game out there,” Piech said. “People are always saying Europeans are better, but there’s no reason the U.S. can’t compete with these European clubs.
“I think it’s a more physical game out there. I think they carry a little more passion. They fight for their badge a little more. But if I can compete with those guys, I can compete with anyone.”
Piech is backing that up so far this fall. He scored his fifth goal of the season Tuesday night, helping the host Crusaders earn a 1-1 tie against Providence in a Catholic League crossover in Chicago.
Junior goalkeeper Arlan Hernandez, who had the assist on Piech’s goal, made nine saves for Brother Rice (2-2-1).
Aldo Dominguez scored off an assist from Roman Guzman for the Celtics (4-2-1). Aleksander Chavez finished with three saves.
Dominguez returned after missing two games with an injury and made an immediate impact, giving Providence the lead in the 27th minute, much to the delight of coach Mike Taylor.
“It was good to have Aldo come back and get that goal,” Taylor said. “It was a nice finish. Then we gave it away. We had a lot of chances that we didn’t put away. “
Brother Rice certainly had less opportunities, but Piech made one count with just over a minute left in the first half. Hernandez sent a long ball from near his own net that made it all the way into the box after a high bounce.
Piech was able to collect the ball, fight off a defender and bury a well-placed shot.
“It kind of slipped past the defender,” Piech said. “I saw a gap. I got a little touch on it, got around the guy and put it in at the back post.”
Piech continued his hot streak after scoring twice in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over rival Marist.
Junior midfielder Julian Gaona would expect nothing less from Piech, who is a four-year varsity player.
“He’s always going until the end,” Gaona said. “He’s our leader. He’s always pushing us to be our best and leading the troops every time we’re down. He’s consistent scoring goals and he’s there when we need him.”
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And now Piech brings international experience to his high school team. On the trip to Spain, he competed against academy teams for European powerhouses Liverpool FC and AS Roma.
“My club coach thought I had what it takes and he submitted an application for me to be looked at for the team,” Piech said. “It’s a blessing I got chosen. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I got to play against those great teams. I got to go to Europe for the first time in my life.
“It was amazing.”
And as for that extra love for the game that Piech admired in the European players, he’s bringing that kind of devotion to the Crusaders.
“It’s the passion I’m bringing to the season,” he said. “I don’t have any other season. It’s my senior year. I’m here to leave a statement and show who I really am.
“I’m going to give it my very all until the end. I want to leave a lasting impression at Brother Rice and I want the team to. I want people to be like, ‘Remember that 2026 team?’”