WAUKEGAN — Even though there’s an airport just two miles north of the school, Waukegan has flown under the radar all season, creating nary a blip on the prep soccer screen.
That, however, will change for the better Tuesday night if — and, make no mistake, it’s a big IF — the Bulldogs can stun New Trier in the Class 3A Supersectional that will be played at 7 p.m. at Loyola University.
This is the first time Waukegan’s been playing soccer in November, and if — that word again — it wins, it will advance to Friday night’s state semifinals at North Centrral College in Naperville.
When you get there, everybody associated with prep soccer takes notice.
“No one even knew we existed at the beginning of the year,” said Waukegan coach Joe Martinez, a soccer-coaching guru in his second year at the wheel who has turned out to be one of athletic director Dave Perkins’ best hires to date.
“But that’s fine with us. We believe in ourselves, and we just go out on the field and play as well as can and see what happens. Win or lose, these kids can walk off that field (Tuesday) and know they had a great season.”
Win or lose against New Trier, Waukegan has already had the most successful season in school history, compiling an 18-2-3 record.
But a win against the Trevians, whom the Bulldogs tied 1-1 earlier this season, would definitely be something to remember.
“These kids have faced adversity all season and have come on top,” said Martinez. “They’ve made a lot of sacrifices and bring a lot to the table. We believe in ourselves. Though New Trier is a very good team, they’re going to have to play very well to beat us.”
The Bulldogs have a mix of seniors and underclassmen, and have really bonded as team in every sense of the word.
“They respect each other. And more than that, they really like each other,” said Martinez. “And they are all good kids and hard-working players.”
Waukegan is led by seniors Kelvy Guaderrama, Roberto Acosta, Lionel Cervantes, Leroy Victorio, Servando Flores, Guadelupe Montoya and goalie Josue Mazon, who has recorded a school-record 14 shutouts this fall.
“My seniors have all been very good leaders on the field and off,” said Martinez. “I couldn’t ask any more from them.”
The Bulldogs also have some very talented underclassmen in juniors Walter Carreno, Julian Roman, Lucas Lopez and leading scorer Julio Ibarra.
Sophomores Luis Medina, Kelvin Martinez and Victor Luganus — the latter who came off the bench to score the winning goal in Saturday’s sectional-final win over Deerfield — give the team some depth.
Martinez also has a couple of freshmen who have played well in Miguel Cortez, high-scoring Francisco Sajuan and speedy Jesus Medina.
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