Noah Mendez’s Remarkable Return to St. Laurence Soccer

After transferring from Mount Carmel to St. Laurence after his sophomore year, Noah Mendez couldn’t play varsity soccer the following fall. He observed as the Vikings finished as Class 3A state runner-up. Mendez aimed to become the starting goalkeeper and excel as a senior.

“I learned the standard,” Mendez commented. “I learned what it was to be a Viking and play Viking soccer. I was ready for this year.”

Mendez’s expectations have proven accurate. His performance on Thursday night was exceptional, making eight saves and stopping a penalty kick to lead St. Laurence to a 1-0 victory over Lockport. This win took place in the Windy City Ram Classic championship at Reavis, Burbank.

Jesus Salazar scored the only goal, assisted by Adan Gutierrez. This victory marked St. Laurence’s first win in the 32-team tournament. Defenders Pauly Rzadkosz, Heriberto Luna, Andrew Martinez, and Josue Garcia supported Mendez defensively. Ben Szudy made eight saves for Lockport, and Aleko Kolliniatis had four shots on goal.

The key moment for Mendez occurred after Lockport’s Orlando Dominguez earned a penalty kick with 21 minutes left. Mendez stopped Kolliniatis’ penalty kick and blocked a follow-up shot.

“I knew I was going to get it before the ref blew the whistle,” Mendez said. “The rebound shot hit me off the chest. You can’t be scared. You have to ensure the ball doesn’t go in.”

Salazar noted Mendez’s improved self-belief.

“I’ve played with Noah in a club. He lacked confidence but now he’s confident. He can fit with anybody,” Salazar said. “Despite being undersized, he makes big plays and fears nothing.”

Salazar’s goal came after he took a pass from Gutierrez, broke into the middle, and scored from 15 yards.

“It was an amazing game,” Salazar remarked. “Playing early in the season before a big crowd was fun. St. Laurence won the Windy City Ram Classic for the first time, and we aim for more.”

Mendez’s return to goalkeeping has been impactful. Happy with his choice, he reflected:

“I’ve been a goalie since childhood but took a break in seventh and eighth grades. In high school, I returned to goalkeeping. I was born for the net.”

St. Laurence’s coach Jaime Alonso praised Mendez’s progress.

“Noah’s taken tremendous strides,” Alonso said. “Sitting out last year fueled a different hunger, which he shows daily.”

Mendez approaches the season with urgency.

“I get one year,” he stated. “I think of it this way. I must make every single play in each game and treat everything like it’s my last.”