Herald-News 2024 Boys Soccer Player of the Year: Lockport’s Ismael Gomez

Gomez had 34 goals and 13 assists on the season

Lockport’s Ismael Gomez (7) celebrates a goal against Lincoln-Way East in the Class 3A Lockport Regional semifinal on Wednesday, Oct. 18 in Lockport

There were plenty of worthy candidates for the 2024 Herald-News Boys Soccer Player of the Year, but there was one player whose numbers spoke for themselves.

Number such as 34 goals, 13 assists, a 17-5-1 record and a supersectional appearance.

Lockport’s Ismael Gomez is a strong choice.

“It feels great,” Gomez said. “I’ve been working for this all my life. For it to come true, it feels good.”

A natural midfielder who also plays striker, Gomez was sensational for the Porters this year, and as a starter in his sophomore and junior seasons as well. His 34 goals were the most by any Class 3A player in the area, but to also contribute to 13 of his teammates’ goals was quite telling.

Porters coach Christopher Beal was most impressed by his all-around ability in multiple areas.

“I think he’s a game-changer,” Beal said. “He’s a difference-maker in terms of driving the fences. He can assist, he can shoot, play the midfield, striker. If he gets behind and finishes, he can change the momentum of the game in an instant. Any minute can make an impact, whether it’s shooting from distance, finishing left foot or right foot, getting other people into the game.

“He raises the level of other people on the team.”

Gomez was proud to have assisted on 13 goals. He believes the one-team mentality everyone on the Porters had is what led them to the supersectional round, where they were defeated by Hinsdale Central 2-1.

“Our team this year was a cohesive group,” Gomez said. “The leadership was great this year, and we felt more like a family than a team.

“When I’m on the field, I always want to win. I’ll do anything I can to help my team, so if I saw a chance to pass, I made the pass to help my teammates score.”

Don’t let Gomez’s modesty fool you. He was the team MVP for a reason. There’s a reason he was an all-state selection and the Southwest Suburban Conference Player of the Year. And there’s a reason why Illinois-Chicago, Northern Illinois, Rhode Island and Bradley have been talking to him about playing at the next level.

Beal, for his part, is confident Gomez will have tremendous success at the next level whichever school he ends up at.

“They’re going to get someone who is going to link the midfield and the attack,” Beal said. “They’re going to get someone who can turn a possession into a scoring opportunity. They’re going to get someone that can create through-balls to forwards, who can shoot from distance. He just links the attack so well. He’s going to score goals and assist on them, so he’ll get those numbers, even at the collegiate level.”

Not only will they be getting an outstanding player on the pitch, but Beal believes they’ll be getting a heck of a person off of it.

“He’s a leader off the field, in the locker room,” Beal said. “He’s a fun personality who gets along well with all the players. He demands that level of commitment, focuses on his discipline and is focused on playing at his maximum level at all times. He’s also got the calm demeanor that, when we were down in a playoff game, he just told everyone to relax and that we got this. The players look up to that.”

Obviously, the Porters will miss Gomez on the field. Goalkeeper Matas Odinas also will be departing, but forward Jacob Hareza will return after scoring 17 goals and contributing 15 assists. Lockport also has a stable of young players who will be back as well to ease the loss.

As for Gomez, whichever school he goes to will get a budding star. As for his time in Lockport, he wouldn’t give it up for anything.

“I’m grateful for the four years I played here,” Gomez said. “I think I made a huge impact here.”

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