Things are back to being beautiful on the field for Mount Carmel’s Americo Castaneda.
The senior forward is scoring goals again and playing the game at a high level, something he did in his first two years on the varsity for the Caravan. He knows how special that is.
Last year, however, Castaneda came face to face with some harsh truths, and it was an unsentimental education that has made his comeback story much more poignant.
“I feel blessed because a lot of great players have come through this program,” he said. “I want to be able to involve myself with the team and get back to what I lost.”
Castaneda put Mount Carmel in position to win Monday night, scoring a goal just seconds into the second half against host Glenbrook South in pool play of the Titan Invitational.
The Caravan would settle for a 2-2 tie, but it was Castaneda’s first goal since 2021. After starting his first two years, he missed his junior season to shore up his academic standing.
Even though Mount Carmel reached a Class 2A supersectional last season, both Castaneda and the Caravan felt a void without him in the lineup — the message hitting home hard.
“I think it was very tough for him watching the games from the sidelines,” Mount Carmel coach Antonio Godinez said. “He had a lesson to learn, and it was good for him.
“We definitely missed his game. There is an explosiveness and a desire to go forward in how he plays the game.”
Senior midfielder Jose Guzman also scored on a penalty kick for Mount Carmel (0-0-1). But the excitement of Castaneda scoring on his return Monday was palpable.
The 5-foot-7 Castaneda is a ball of energy. He’s built low to the ground, blessed with a quick motor, fast and quick on his feet, and he’s a constant whirl of activity.
He illustrated that propulsive style by scoring just 26 seconds after halftime.
“I like to get those through balls and play the combination or the one-two with Brandon Razo,” Castaneda said. “We are able to create a lot of pressure off that.”
Razo, a junior, is the other forward at the top of the Caravan’s formation. His pass set up the goal.
“We have been playing together since we were little,” Razo said. “It makes the game easier with him on the top. We’ve known each other for a long time and built a strong friendship.
“When you have that connection off the field, I feel like it just clicks on the field.”
A native of Blue Island, Castaneda was ostensibly born to play the game, which is reflected in his rare first name.
His father is a passionate fan of the Mexican national team, Club America, formed through the consolidation of two rival programs on Columbus Day in 1916.
“If I had been born a girl, I’d have been named America, so instead I was given my name,” he said. “I’ve never met anyone with my particular name before. It’s unique and special.
“I feel a certain thrill to represent my family like that.”
The time away from Castaneda’s game is evident. He confirmed he’s still not in his ideal shape or playing weight.
His speed off the ball and his ability to get to the edge in creating scoring chances, though, came through crystal clear.
“I definitely need to get into better conditioning so I can go hard for 80 or 90 minutes,” he said.
His personality also sparks the team.
“He’s just a high-energy guy,” Razo said. “Brings a lot of passion to the team and how he plays the game.”
His love for the game has only deepened. And he’s ready to go.
“I don’t get angry at my teammates or the other team,” he said. “Sometimes I could be silent on the team, but I am very competitive.
“I see things out there that I always want to be better at.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.