Junior midfielder/forward Lance Grandgeorge has the perfect name for Somonauk.
In a tight-knit community, everything about Grandgeorge’s game is outsized and larger than life, according to senior goalkeeper Coleton Eade.
“Lance is about winning all the time — something that gives him an extra drive to score like he does,” Eade said. “He has an extra gear when he’s running to the ball, and his footwork is just awesome.”
Grandgeorge, who is one of the most prolific scorers in the state, has 29 goals and five assists this season despite missing a few games for the Bobcats (8-5-1).
As a sophomore last season, Grandgeorge totaled 36 goals and 21 assists as Somonauk won a Class 1A regional.
His natural leadership was further demonstrated in being named a captain for a senior-dominated team.
Junior defender Carson Bahrey pointed out that Grandgeorge can do more than just score goals.
“What makes him a great scorer and a creator is the fact he always makes the right soccer play,” Bahrey said. “He is going to make the pass if there’s an open guy. He’s not selfish.
“That makes it hard for any defender to try and guard him.”
Graduation losses mandated a positional shift from central midfielder to forward at the top of the Bobcats’ formation.
Scoring, however, is both an art and skill. Grandgeorge has an unorthodox explanation for what makes him so dangerous.
“My left is my main foot and that throws off a lot of defenders,” Grandgeorge said. “I write and do everything else right-handed. I also fully use my right foot.
“Being able to go both ways to change it up really throws defenders for a loop.”
The 6-foot Grandgeorge also is angular and physical. He has the size to play the ball in the air and the speed and quickness to create or shoot off the dribble.
His game has extended repercussions for the entire team. His assist numbers are down, but that just creates other avenues for the rest of the team
Junior midfielder Luke Rader has 22 assists. He estimates 75% are due to Grandgeorge’s elite finishing ability.
“He knows when to make the right move to create space or when to shoot,” Rader said. “He has the vision to see the whole field in one glance and can ping the ball right where you want it.”
On top of that, Grandgeorge is the consummate teammate — demanding but unselfish.
“He is always going to push you to be your best, whether it’s in practice or during the game,” Rader said. “He won’t quit no matter whatever the score.”
Grandgeorge took up soccer at an early age. He was drawn to the natural movement and flow.
“I just started kicking the ball around and fell in love with it,” he said.
At age 8, he started playing travel soccer, working on his skills and playing up against stronger competition from bigger communities.
He plays with the Naperville-based club Evolution.
But playing for Somonauk, Grandgeorge gets a sense of community and pride. The Bobcats are a co-op with primarily players like Grandgeorge who attend Somonauk.
The team has two players from nearby Leland.
As a school with 277 students and without a football program, soccer is the prime attraction during the fall.
“Going far like we did last year in the state tournament, the whole environment was really good,” Grandgeorge said. “Winning the big, tough games and being able to get that with all of your friends is the best feeling.
“I want to get all of my guys involved and have them on the score sheet.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
