Gutierrez Sparks St. Laurence Soccer Victory

Adan Gutierrez, known by his middle name Jett, demonstrates remarkable play for his St. Laurence teammates and coaches. The name Jett holds special meaning, as Gutierrez’s father wished him to be named Jett at birth, though his mother hesitated. Gutierrez embraces the name and endeavors to embody it on the soccer field.

On Thursday night, Gutierrez excelled by scoring two crucial goals during the final 25 minutes, helping St. Laurence secure a 3-2 win over De La Salle in Chicago. This victory maintained St. Laurence’s undefeated status with a record of 16-0-2, 3-0-2. Jesus Sanchez also added a goal, with Josue Garcia and Pauly Rzadkosz providing assists, while Noah Mendez made four saves.

De La Salle’s Joshua Lawson and Kevin Gates scored for the Meteors, who now stand at 11-4-4, 3-2. Kobe Ibarra recorded three saves in goal for De La Salle.

The match, featuring reigning Class 2A state champion De La Salle against the previous year’s Class 3A runner-up St. Laurence, was played amid heavy rain and showcased numerous momentum shifts. Gutierrez led St. Laurence’s comeback after De La Salle took the lead twice.

“We knew if we didn’t win this game, it didn’t look good for us in the CCL,” Gutierrez commented. “We needed that win. We needed two goals and I luckily stepped up.”

In the game, Gutierrez showcased his scoring instincts. He capitalized on a rebound following Ibarra’s save, leveling the score 2-2 with 24:13 left. Later, he clinched the victory by scoring with a sliding volley, connecting with a long cross from Garcia.

“It really can’t get any better than this,” Gutierrez expressed. “Seeing teammates rush toward you, sliding on the wet field, it’s an incredible feeling.”

Gutierrez’s seventh goal of the season demonstrates his impact, appreciated by Sanchez who believes Gutierrez infuses energy into the team.

“Adan plays a big role on our team, coming off the bench, especially in the second half,” Sanchez said. “He’s a fighter, always finding the first ball and competing, exemplified by those two goals.”

Gutierrez saw limited play as a sophomore, scoring five goals and absorbing guidance from senior teammates. This experience molded him into his current form.

St. Laurence, with nine returning starters from their state runner-up squad, sees Coach Jaime Alonso working to integrate Gutierrez further.

“He’s taken tremendous strides,” Alonso stated. “With many starters back, finding where to play him is a challenge. He’s versatile, excelling in different roles. When we need goals, he leads offensively, positioning well and capitalizing on his chances.”

Gutierrez aims to maximize his time on the field.

“I consider myself a super sub,” Gutierrez remarked. “I aspire to impact through goals or assists, assisting my team whenever I’m in play.”