Mundelein goalkeeper Nathan Espinosa’s reaction skills are reaching a peak level.
That could be good for the senior’s baseball career.
After playing a reserve role for Mundelein’s boys soccer team during the abbreviated spring season earlier this year, Espinosa has become a vital contributor.
With a confident and productive Espinosa in the net this season, the Mustangs (5-6-2) picked up quality wins against Prospect, St. Patrick, Stevenson and Crystal Lake South and are looking to add North Suburban Conference leader Warren to the list on Thursday.
A second basemen, Espinosa said baseball is his favorite — and best — sport. But he’s happy with his growth as a soccer player.
“Baseball has always been my main (sport) because that’s what I grew up playing,” he said. “Soccer has been something I’ve always enjoyed doing on the side. I never wanted to stop playing soccer. In the years before, I was very nervous. I’m starting to get more comfortable and more mentally focused and getting more comfortable in the net.
“Baseball is a lot of quick reactions. Soccer has helped me with baseball, and baseball has also helped me with soccer.”
He noted “there’s not many (athletes) who play goalie and baseball.”
Espinosa has recorded four clean sheets in 11 games this season. He has shown rapid improvement from the spring, compiling 43 saves in 791 minutes.
Mundelein coach Sebastian Falinski said Espinosa is helping the back line with his communication and leadership. Falinski said Espinosa and Carson Kowalski helped steady the team during some tough early losses.
“I think what makes Nathan special, and it could be seen lately in the last few games, is his ability to make the incredible save that keeps his team in the game,” Falinski said. “When the team needs him most, he’s right there coming up with the big play, sacrificing his body and keeping us in the game.
“He’s also become a vocal leader in the back organizing our team and demanding more of them. He definitely leads by example but has taken on a more vocal approach as of late.”
Espinosa said his work this past summer with the Mundelein Lions played a big role in his improvement. He played soccer games on the weekends when he wasn’t playing baseball.
Espinosa earned the starting spot in early August, beating out senior Angelo Gallardo. A three-year varsity soccer player, Espinosa said beating highly regarded Stevenson on Sept. 14 remains the highlight of the season.
“The Stevenson game was one of the coolest moments this season for me,” he said. “I had a lot of nerves. We definitely played together that game and capitalized on the moments, and our defense played great.
“We have six games left. As a team, we have to keep grinding so we can do well in the playoffs. It’s nice having a bond with your teammates, and having Angelo by my side really helped me.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
