After playing sparingly as a freshman and sophomore, De La Salle midfielder Fernando Orozco was confident his junior season was going to be his breakout year.
The minutes were there early, but his playing time started to shrink as the season went on.
So for Orozco, his senior year took on even bigger importance.
Orozco passed for an assist on the game-winning goal on Sept. 22 as De La Salle defeated host Mount Carmel 1-0 in a Catholic League Blue matchup.
“I was very impatient (last year),” Orozco said. “I felt like junior year was my time. I’m really patient now. Right now is my time to step up as a senior and help the underclassmen.”
Freshman Kris Anderson scored for De La Salle (10-3-4, 2-1 through last week) with Orozco and sophomore Anthony Vega both assisting on the goal.
Senior goalkeeper Kobe Ibarra had two saves for the Meteors.
Sophomore goalie James Stosich finished with three saves for Mount Carmel (9-5, 1-2).
The defending Class 2A state champion Meteors graduated a senior scoring machine in Alex Panduro, who led the team with 38 goals and 13 assists. He is now a freshman at Roosevelt University.
Still, there wasn’t much concern about the team’s offensive capabilities with a strong returning core.
“We have so many good pieces,” Orozco said. “We knew everyone could contribute. We don’t have a weakness in the starting 11. That’s made us so good.”
In the 36th minute, De La Salle finally broke through after an energetic first half that saw both teams with chances but neither able to bury a shot.
Vega sent in a free kick from 25 yards out to Orozco on the right side who headed it to the far post. That’s where Anderson was waiting to head the ball in with an uncontested shot on the winner.
“This win means everything,” Orozco said. “We came off a tough loss to Marmion. We keep going and by the grace of God, we’ll end up on top (in the CCL).”
Coach Francisco Martinez said Orozco took a big step in his game from junior to senior year.
“Fernando matured a lot and has grown into himself,” Martinez said. “He’d question it sometimes (last year). He showed that patience and to work while you’re waiting. He took that to heart and came back a lot more prepared. He’s taken that leadership role and is doing it on the field.”
Mount Carmel senior forward Jordan Thomas said he loved the his team’s effort, even in a shutout loss.
“One loss doesn’t define us as a team at all,” Thomas said. “It’s been a really big improvement from last year. The guys are ready to go. We’re a really good team. We’re positive, close with the young guys and we have a different culture going on.”