Warren senior Luis Sandoval didn’t like the idea of playing a different position when he first heard about it.
Blue Devils coach Jason Ahonen asked several players to change positions this season, and he wanted Sandoval, who likes to attack, to move from center midfielder to defensive midfielder.
“Playing the six position is more getting your hands dirty and you get half the credit,” Sandoval said. “At first, the transition was very hard. Every ball goes to you, but you don’t attack and you have to defend more, and it’s more about winning the game. I had my doubts about the position and where I was needed the most.
“My junior year, when I had the ball, I drove up top, and this year, I have to control the ball in the back and find the key pass to move it forward.”
But Sandoval has adapted to his new responsibilities and has even managed to make a difference on both offense and defense. North Suburban Conference leader Warren (11-0-2, 4-0-2) has allowed just seven goals while recording seven shutouts, and Sandoval has contributed three goals and seven assists.
“I feel like we are really stepping up as a team,” Sandoval said. “A lot of us have given up a lot. I gave up my favorite position to help put the team in a better spot to win games.
“I can’t ask anything better so far for my senior year. I’m really happy in this position. I’m trying to do whatever I can to help the team win.”
Ahonen said Sandoval, who had an assist during the Blue Devils’ 3-1 nonconference win over Grayslake Central on Thursday, is an unsung hero.
“As a coaching staff, we wanted our best 11 on the field, so we needed lefties all playing on the left side of the field,” Ahonen said. “Luis has done a fantastic job. He’s very good defensively and very good on the ball and dangerous from distance. He has a very well-rounded game, which allows the other players to have more freedom.”
Of course, Sandoval is used to having the freedom to push forward.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it because on almost every team in my past I could drive forward,” he said. “Switching positions threw me off. I had to get in the right spot for the team. .. It was more in my mind, not physical.”
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Sandoval said he didn’t fully grasp his new role until mid-September. He set up the winning goal with an assist to junior midfielder Elias Chaires in the 74th minute of a 1-0 conference victory over Zion-Benton on Sept. 22.
“I love how I’m playing now,” Sandoval said. “I’m not attacking or taking on players nor a threat up top like before. I’m now looking at the game trying to keep the score clean by making that slide or tackle.”
Warren senior defender Julio Diaz agrees that Sandoval has adjusted well.
“Luis does really well distributing the ball, making great plays that gives us opportunities to score,” Diaz said. “He also does really well at 1v1s, and if you give him space, he will shoot. Luis is playing way better this year.”
Sandoval said he has played soccer his “whole life” and credits his parents’ support for his success.
“I’ve grown up with a ball, just any kind of ball, and I’ve always loved kicking a ball,” he said. “Soccer bonded my family. My parents have always been hard workers. My dad has two jobs, and my mom works a lot. I’m trying to make them proud through soccer.”
Sandoval is certainly making an impact for the Blue Devils, who have postseason aspirations. They haven’t won a regional title since 2019.
“The team is doing really well and not allowing many goals,” Sandoval said. “For me as a defensive player, that means I’m doing my job.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.