Noah Mendez’s Stellar Performance in Windy City Ram Classic

After transferring from Mount Carmel to St. Laurence following his sophomore year, Noah Mendez had to sit out of varsity soccer last fall because of eligibility rules. He observed as the Vikings finished as Class 3A state runner-up and anticipated stepping into the starting goalkeeper role for his senior year. Mendez remarked, “I learned the standard. I learned what it was to be a Viking and play Viking soccer. I just knew I was going to be ready for this year. It was so tough sitting out last year, but I already knew what we were going to do this year.”

Mendez’s predictions for this year have been accurate. During Thursday night’s Windy City Ram Classic championship game at Reavis in Burbank, he impressed by making eight saves, including a crucial stop on a penalty kick, helping St. Laurence secure a 1-0 victory over Lockport. Jesus Salazar scored the game’s only goal with an assist from Adan Gutierrez as the Vikings claimed their first title in the 32-team tournament.

Defenders Pauly Rzadkosz, Heriberto Luna, Andrew Martinez, and Josue Garcia were key in protecting Mendez. Lockport’s Ben Szudy stopped eight shots while Aleko Kolliniatis had four on target. Mendez’s standout moment came after Orlando Dominguez earned a penalty kick for Lockport. Mendez dove to his left, blocking Kolliniatis’ shot, and then stopped the rebound attempt. The goalkeeper stated, “In my head, I knew I was going to get it, even before the ref blew the whistle. You just can’t be scared. You’ve got to put your life on the line there to make sure the ball doesn’t go in the net.”

Salazar has noticed a change in Mendez’s self-confidence. “I’ve played with Noah on the club and see his hunger,” Salazar mentioned. “He always had a bit less confidence than he should but he’s showing he’s a dog now. He can fit in with everybody. Even though he’s a bit undersized, he makes the big plays and he’s not afraid of anything.”

Salazar scored the game-winning goal by cutting into the middle of the box, receiving a pass from Gutierrez, and striking from 15 yards out. Salazar expressed his excitement, “It was an amazing, exciting game. Playing in front of a big crowd so early in the season was fun. This is the first time St. Laurence wins this Windy City Ram Classic and we’re going for more.”

Mendez’s return to goalkeeping has been pivotal for St. Laurence. He shared, “I’ve been a goalie since I was a little kid, but I stopped for a little bit in seventh and eighth grade. In high school, I decided to get back in the net. I know I was born to be in the net.”

Coach Jaime Alonso is pleased with Mendez’s decision. “Noah has taken tremendous strides over the last year,” he stated. “The fact that he had to sit out last year definitely drove a different type of hunger inside of him and he shows it every day.”

Mendez approaches this season with urgency. “I get one year,” he said. “That’s how I think about it. I have to make all of it. I’ve got to make every single play in every single game and play every game like it’s my last.”