Adan Gutierrez’s Impact in St. Laurence’s Soccer Victory
Adan Gutierrez, commonly known as ‘Jett’ to his St. Laurence teammates and coaches, delivered an impressive performance against De La Salle. His name, chosen by his father but initially debated by his mother, seems fitting given his dynamic presence on the soccer field.
Thursday night, Gutierrez demonstrated his ability by scoring two crucial goals in the final 25 minutes, helping St. Laurence secure a 3-2 victory in the Catholic League Blue against De La Salle in Chicago. The win maintained St. Laurence’s undefeated status, now standing at 16-0-2 in league play. Jesus Sanchez contributed with a goal as well, while Josue Garcia and Pauly Rzadkosz provided assists. Noah Mendez ensured defensive strength with four saves. Opposing team De La Salle had Joshua Lawson and Kevin Gates scoring, with Kobe Ibarra making three saves.
The match was intense and was played under heavy rain, which added to the drama as De La Salle initially led. Gutierrez’s efforts spearheaded the Vikings’ comeback, proving crucial in the league standings. “If we didn’t win this game, we would have faced challenges in the CCL,” Gutierrez shared. He found scoring opportunities around the net and executed them clinically.
Gutierrez’s first goal came from a rebound following a save from Ibarra, equalizing the match with 24:13 remaining. Later, with just 3:30 on the clock, he scored once more, sliding into a volley off Garcia’s long cross, sealing the victory.
Gutierrez’s teammates, including Sanchez, praised his energy off the bench, calling him a vital spark for the team. “Adan plays a big role, especially coming off the bench,” Sanchez said. “He always competes fiercely and showed it by scoring two goals.” His nickname, reflecting the team’s motto of having ‘a dog in you,’ is a testament to his tenacity.
Though he played limited minutes last season as a sophomore, Gutierrez gained valuable experience by learning from seasoned players. “Playing with great seniors and juniors helped me develop my skills,” Gutierrez noted.
Coach Jaime Alonso acknowledges Gutierrez’s growth and versatility, highlighting the challenge of integrating him with the existing roster of last year’s state runners-up. “He’s capable of playing multiple positions, and he often steps up when we need a goal,” Alonso remarked.
Gutierrez embraces his role, aiming to capitalize whenever he hits the field. “I consider myself a super sub,” he said. “I strive to make significant contributions, whether through goals or assists, to support the team.” His dedication is evident as he continues to grow and impress on the pitch.