Noah Mendez transferred from Mount Carmel to St. Laurence after his sophomore year. He couldn’t play varsity soccer last fall due to eligibility rules, but he focused on supporting his team and learning from their journey as Class 3A state runner-up.
Mendez played in a few junior varsity games and gained insight into playing ‘Viking soccer.’ This experience prepared him for his senior year. He expressed his resolve, saying, “I learned the standard. I learned what it was to be a Viking and play Viking soccer. I just knew I was going to be ready for this year. It was so tough sitting out last year, but I already knew what we were going to do this year.”
His anticipation proved accurate. On Thursday night, Mendez excelled as the starting goalkeeper, making eight crucial saves, including a remarkable penalty kick stop. His performance helped St. Laurence secure a 1-0 victory over Lockport in the Windy City Ram Classic championship at Reavis in Burbank.
Jesus Salazar, assisted by Adan Gutierrez, scored the decisive goal for the Vikings, who celebrated their first-ever win in the 32-team tournament. The defensive trio of Pauly Rzadkosz, Heriberto Luna, Andrew Martinez, and Josue Garcia provided Mendez strong support.
Lockport’s Ben Szudy also made eight saves, with Aleko Kolliniatis taking four shots on goal. The defending moment for Mendez came after a penalty kick awarded to Lockport’s Orlando Dominguez with 21 minutes remaining. Mendez managed to deflect Kolliniatis’ shot and then blocked another attempt from Kolliniatis.
“In my head, I knew I was going to get it, even before the ref blew the whistle,” Mendez remarked. “Then the rebound shot hit me off the chest. You just can’t be scared. You’ve got to put your life on the line there to make sure the ball doesn’t go in the net.”
Salazar acknowledged Mendez’s improved self-confidence, stating, “I’ve played with Noah on club and I see his hunger. He always had a little bit less confidence than he should, but he’s showing he’s a dog now. He can fit in with everybody. Even though he’s a bit undersized, he makes the big plays and he’s not afraid of anything.”
Salazar scored by moving into the box and connecting with Gutierrez’s pass to net the game-winner from 15 yards out.
St. Laurence’s Noah Mendez impressively defended against Lockport’s Alexander Kolliniatis during this pivotal match on September 3, 2026.
“It was an amazing, exciting game,” Salazar expressed. “Playing in front of a big crowd so early in the season was so fun. This is the first time St. Laurence wins this Windy City Ram Classic and we’re going for more.”
Mendez has made a significant impact after returning to goalkeeping. Reflecting on his journey, Mendez said, “I’ve been a goalie since I was a little kid, but I stopped for a little bit in seventh and eighth grade. In high school, I decided to get back in the net. I know I was born to be in the net.”
St. Laurence coach Jaime Alonso praised Mendez’s progress. “Noah has taken tremendous strides over the last year,” Alonso said. “The fact that he had to sit out last year definitely drove a different type of hunger inside of him and he shows it every day.”
With determination, Mendez plays with urgency, understanding the importance of his final year. “I get one year,” Mendez declared. “That’s how I think about it. I have to make all of it. I’ve got to make every single play in every single game and play every game like it’s my last.”
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