As a freshman, East Aurora’s Jay Umana had the good fortune of being anonymous, especially at the beginning of last season. And that has definitely changed.
“Nobody had any expectations for me,” Umana said. “Now that people know what I can do, I feel like I have a little bit more pressure and higher expectations on my back.”
Umana, who is primarily a midfielder but also shifts to the top of the formation if the Tomcats need to energize their attack, enjoyed being an unknown quantity a year ago.
It has its own unique pleasures, as Umana discovered. He could learn at his own pace and develop his skills in the shadows while studying how to compete at a higher level.
Still, Umana seized his opportunity when the moment arrived. He quickly proved he was capable of playing varsity for a strong program.
In the process, he proved something to himself.
“Some people told me not to even bother going to tryouts because I wouldn’t make varsity,” Umana said. “Now, seeing how everything turned out, I am grateful.”
Umana scored his first goal of the season Saturday for the Tomcats in a 2-2 tie with archrival West Aurora in the Aurora Cup.
He passed the first test, showing the necessary toughness and mental fortitude to thrive, according to senior midfielder Erick Magallon.
“Jay has always been a very outgoing person and player,” said Magallon, who’s a captain for the Tomcats. “He was never intimidated by the players who were older than him.
“He was always very confident in his own ability.”
Last season, Umana started all 23 games and contributed four goals and three assists as the Tomcats (14-5-4, 7-0-2) went undefeated in winning the Upstate Eight Conference.
As a sophomore, Umana is a different player under new circumstances.
The Tomcats graduated their top two scorers in all-state forward Roman Hernandez and midfielder Jael Chavez.
The altered equation has left a scoring void in the center of East Aurora’s attack.
“That was a massive boost to my confidence last year, and I was very lucky to be able to play with the seniors I did,” Umana said. “We have great chemistry. We know we can step and fill those shoes.”
The 5-foot-8 Umana blends size, speed, quickness and a superb first touch.
Along with starting goalkeeper Efrain Rosales, he’s one of just two sophomores on varsity for the Tomcats.
Junior midfielder/forward Jayden Patino said Umana’s teammates love his competitiveness.
“What makes Jay so special is his passion for the games,” Patino said. “He won’t give up until the last buzzer. If we don’t create chances, he will create them himself.
“He has this great way of motivating the team when we are feeling down.”
Umana has shown an excellent feel for the game — the ability to read and anticipate actions on the field.
Part of his maturity and savvy for the game came from having a much older brother, Eric, who was his greatest influence growing up.
Eric was a four-year standout at Streamwood.
Jay Umana’s family moved to Aurora just as he was starting kindergarten. He saw an individual path in front of him.
At the same time, he wanted to honor his brother.
“I even wore the No. 3 as a freshman because that was his number at Streamwood,” Jay said. “What I learned from my brother is definitely how aggressive you need to be.
“The game is a lot more physical and fast-paced.”
Most importantly, Umana knows he belongs in any conversation of top prospects in his class.
“Since the very beginning,” Magallon said, “Jay always wanted to show why believes he is the best.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.