Benjamin Marcano is determined to make the most out of his senior year at Lockport, soaking in as many new experiences as he can.
This fall, Marcano is not only a key defender on the soccer field, he’s also kicking for the Porters in football.
“It’s not easy doing two sports in the same season but it’s definitely manageable,” Marcano said. “I love my teammates on both teams and it’s a great experience.
“It’s my first year of football, as a senior, so it’s completely new to me and it’s a lot of fun.”
Marcano experienced another memorable first Tuesday night. In his final home soccer game for the Porters, he scored his first goal of the season to help lift Lockport to a 3-1 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Lincoln-Way West.
Marcano added an assist for the Porters (11-5-1, 5-3) in their regular-season finale, while Aleko Kolliniatis and Josue Arroyo also scored goals.
Tommy Brown scored the goal for Lincoln-Way West (6-7-1, 4-4). Phil Obiala had the assist and Zack Szubryt made seven saves.
With the Porters clinging to a 2-1 lead, Marcano got his head on a corner kick by Chris Cutrone and directed the ball off the inside of the near post and into the net to give them some breathing room with 19:58 to go.
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Marcano had been searching for that first goal, coming up empty on some other chances off corners over the course of the season.
“It was very special,” Marcano said. “Me and Justus (Ulinskas) are the tallest guys on the team, so we’re always going up and trying to get our heads on the ball. I just happened to get that one.
“It felt great, especially on senior night when we were only up one. It helped us secure the game.”
Kolliniatis was thrilled to see Marcano break through in the goals column, but he knows Marcano has also been bringing plenty to the team aside from scoring.
“He’s a great player,” Kolliniatis said. “He’s a left-footed left back. There are not a lot of those out there. He’s huge for us. He’s a good defender, a great personality. I love the kid.”
Marcano also set up Arroyo’s goal with a long throw-in, something he confirmed he has been spending a lot of time working on and something that’s becoming a big weapon for the Porters.
“It’s kind of like a corner when I can get those long throws into the box,” Marcano said. “It worked out well (Tuesday).”
Lockport coach Chris Beal appreciates the many different ways Marcano contributes to the team.
“Ben’s one of those very consistent performers,” Beal said. “We know what we’re going to get from him. He’s very physical. He makes a lot of one-on-one tackles. He can distribute the ball. He’s got a dangerous throw-in.
“You just know that, from game to game, he’s never going to let you down. He’s a senior who leads with his character and his physicality.”
As for football, Marcano is getting his chance to kick in games for the first time after an injury to fellow senior Zane Szynkowski.
“I was the backup before, but it’s cool to get an opportunity now,” Marcano said. “I’ve been working hard to be ready.”
Soccer remains the sport that has Marcano’s heart, however He has played for 12 years but doesn’t plan to continue in college, so he’s savoring every moment.
“When I don’t play soccer, there’s always something that feels missing,” Marcano said. “I love to get out here and play. It’s senior night, it’s coming to an end, so it’s bittersweet, but I love being out here with these guys.
“Hopefully, we can keep it going and make a long run in the playoffs.”