East Aurora knows exactly what it’s going to get from Erick Magallon.
The senior midfielder/forward can definitely score goals, but he prefers to pass. Growing up, he avidly watched Belgian star Eden Hazard and sought to emulate his style.
“I idolized players like him,” Magallon said of Hazard, who plays winger and attacking midfielder. “I always tried to recreate the same plays when I was out there on the field.
“Ever since, dribbling by players and making plays has always given me the greatest satisfaction. It’s what I dreamed about. I loved scoring, but I grew up to be a playmaker.”
If every player fundamentally carves out his own narrative, Magallon’s story is one of perseverance and transformation for East Aurora (10-6-3).
The three-year varsity player is a two-year starter, the team captain and one who brings positional flexibility and diversity to the Tomcats’ attack.
His listed position is as a midfielder. In the recent games, he has played forward. He has played in the middle, on the outside and at the top of the attack.
East Aurora coach Nathan Parry has sought to utilize Magallon’s speed and quickness. It has given the Tomcats a boost, according to senior midfielder Javier Aguirre.
“He’s one of the most versatile players we have,” Aguirre said. “He can play up top, wing or middle. He knows how to finish. He takes his responsibilities as a captain seriously.
“He likes to talk and get everybody involved.”
Still, Magallon had to literally grow into his position.
“In the beginning, I was a small but ambitious player who was itching to impress but never got much playing time,” he said. “As I continued to improve and gain more experience, I became an important player who does his best to lead by example.”
(Mike Mantucca-The Beacon-News)
His ballhandling, speed off the dribble and ability to find players in space make Magallon the fulcrum of East Aurora’s attack. He has eight goals and five assists this season.
“I describe my playing style as very direct yet creative,” he said. “I always try to look forward and attack when I grab the ball. I love to take on defenders and be unpredictable.”
A middle distance runner in track, Magallon plays with a relentless and active motor.
If a professional in Hazard was an idol, Magallon had a more personal role model. His brother Nicolas, who is 13 years older, was a standout for the Tomcats.
“I was always motivated to improve thanks to him,” Magallon said. “Since I was a baby, I used to go to his games and watch him play.
“After that, my father signed me up at a very young age on my own team.”
The game has always held a deeply personal significance for Magallon, who translates that love into being a captain.
Junior forward Jayden Patino pointed out how his teammates have taken notice.
“If somebody makes a mistake out there, he is the first one to come up and tell them ‘pick your head up’ or don’t get down,” Patino said. “He is like our motivator, the one who helps get our energy.
“It’s also how he plays. Erick always looks to go forward, to win or get the result he wants.”
Heading into the final week of the regular season, Magallon has stitched together all the important parts, emphasizing team work and chemistry.
“My favorite part of the game are the memories and friendships we make,” he said. “From final wins and losses to the memorable goals and assists.
“You always want to do it alongside people you can trust and who have your back. My job is to make sure we stay united and focused.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
