St. Laurence’s Juan Hernandez realizes that his high school journey is coming to an end.
That fact, however, won’t stop the senior forward from doing what he does best.
“My left is my natural foot,” Hernandez said, recalling the goal he scored Thursday night. “My best quality is that shot. It’s a rocket. Once I put it there, I always expect it to go in.
“I’ve played here for four years, and it felt amazing going out like that.”
Hernandez ended up celebrating his final regular-season home game by scoring a goal for the Vikings in a 4-0 victory over Oak Lawn in Burbank.
Sophomore midfielder Kris Caravantes also scored a pair goals in the first half for St. Laurence (18-2-4), while junior forward Alonso Gonzalez added a goal.
Sophomore goalkeeper Josemy Neri-Martinez made seven saves for Oak Lawn (11-5-4).
In scoring his 11th goal of the season, Hernandez meditated on the past and everything that the game has meant to him. At 5-foot-5, he’s not physically overpowering.
But his combination of speed, skill on the ball and accuracy of that shot unlocks his game.
“I’m always one of the smaller players on the field and maybe I’m not going to get as many chances,” he said. “I’m just a playmaker, and wherever the coach puts me, I just play my hardest.”
Versatility and the ferocious power he generates with his left foot have been been critical pieces in the Vikings’ offensive equation.
“He’s the X-factor,” St. Laurence coach Jaime Alonso said. “He has the ability to change the game with his long-distance shot.
“You always want to play a nice possession game, but sometimes, you just have to bang one from outside the box. He has the ability to do that anytime.”
Senior goalkeeper Vin Diesi called Hernandez’s exuberance and open playing style a natural extension of his leadership.
“He’s been up here since the beginning, always ready to work and always ready to give it his all,” Diesi said of Hernandez. “He’s a great leader.
“Sure, we have our fun, but when it’s time to get serious, he makes sacrifices for the team.”
Hernandez and the other 10 seniors took part in a special halftime ceremony. His family made signs and posters recognizing his contributions that helped weave all the memories together.
As a sophomore two years ago, Hernandez scored three goals and tallied an assist as St Laurence took third place in Class 2A.
“I’ve played every position — the back, the wing and now up top as a forward during that time,” he said. “I just love playing the game. It doesn’t matter where I am.
“Center back, right back or now forward, just as long as I’m on the field.”
Hernandez’s personality is quiet and determined. Music is his passion, and he’s never shy about singing, especially classic Spanish songs.
But it’s the force brought by his left foot that creates quite a show.
“Honestly, I like to play a little flashy sometimes,” he said. “My coach tells me to keep it simple and that’s what I try to do. Playing forward or the striker at the top, you are the workhorse.
“I’m always ready to score.”
Named after his father, Hernandez is affectionately called “Juan Boy” by his family and teammates. He has two older sisters along with a younger sister and a brother.
All of the kids play soccer.
“My father came here from Mexico to give us a better life,” Hernandez said. “He started me out playing when I was 4 years old. I’ve always played for them, wanting to make them proud.
“I saw pretty soon that I was good. I just had that feeling that this is what I was meant to do.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
