By: Hunter Tickel | PrivatePrepsPress.com
Preseason expectations: Coach Kyle McClure spoke openly in the preseason about his side’s ambitions to capture a state trophy. With nearly everyone back from last year’s Supersectional finalist, the goal wasn’t a lofty one. Each of the previous five years, the Shamrocks (25-4-3) had upped their win total. The three most recent campaigns were spearheaded by a 2020 class, who startered since their freshman year: Angel Adame (all-sectional), Jonathan Rodriguez (all-sectional), Aaron Moreno, Luis Saucedo and Sebastian Modzejweski.
High moment: The Shamrocks returned to the site of last year’s knockout on November 5 at Barrington for the Supersectional. Following a 1-1 first half against Fremd, St. Pat’s buried the Vikings with a barrage of four goals. Junior all-state striker Josh Torres sprung free for the team’s final goal for a 5-3 win, which staved off the Fremd comeback, advancing St. Pat’s to its first-ever 3A state semifinal. “Even though we came up short (against Morton in the next round), we showed that we belonged there,” McClure said. “I’m proud of the effort my guys gave.”
Honorable mention: Titan Invite championship; repeat River Region Rumble (Kentucky) title; 1-0 win over West Chicago (state champ) in runner-up PepsiCo Showdown tourney.
Shamrock signature: St. Pat’s proved it had one of the best attacks in Illinois. The Shamrocks averaged four goals a game while putting away 21 goals in six playoff matches. Torres, who accounted for the bulk of those, finished with a team-high 40 goals, along with 19 assists. “He’s great,” Saucedo said. “He was a big-time player. He helped us in a lot of big games. It was incredible that he scored (10) goals in (six) games. Every great team needs a great player like that. It’s part of moving up to the next level.” Moreno showcased his playmaking ability with a team-best 23 assists, along with 17 finishes. Junior forward Sebastian Estrada chipped in with 12 goals and five assists, mostly off the bench. Left back Rodriguez ventured into the final third to find the net 10 times and dished out 16 assists.
On the come up: Junior target forward Jaden Buelvas, a new presence after relocating to the States from Germany, helped fuel the squad by burying 15 goals and notching six assists. The striker bagged a brace in the Supersectional, and more importantly, established chemistry with his frontline partner, Torres, as the season progressed. His ability to win balls out of the air will continue make this combination dangerous next year.
Honorable mention: Junior keeper Jorge Cebrero, all-sectional honorable mention.
