Abraham Horta’s transition to a new school and soccer team could not be going any smoother.
Horta, a senior forward, transferred from Peotone to Argo for this school year after his family moved. He’s quickly meshed with new teammates.
“This is all new for me, but it’s a great team, a great environment, the guys are great,” Horta said. “I really appreciate the guys are all behind me and helping me in any way possible to succeed.”
Horta is sure finding plenty of success. He scored three goals in less than four minutes to end the first half Thursday night, with his hat trick sending the Argonauts on their way to a 7-1 rout over host Oak Forest in a South Suburban Conference crossover.
Hubert Grele added two goals and an assist, while Peter Chmiel and Sebastian Myrda scored once each for Argo (3-0-1, 2-0 SSC Red). Horta also dished out two assists and Xavier Brant made four saves.
Brian Paladin scored off an assist from Enoch Olukolade and Adam Jedrzejczyk made 11 saves for Oak Forest (3-3-1, 0-1-1 SSC Blue).
Horta, who scored 38 goals last season for Peotone, is already up to seven with the Argonauts.
His addition was quite the pleasant surprise for Argo coach Carlos Marquez.
“I found out the first day of tryouts that we had this kid who transferred here,” Marquez said. “I was looking this kid up and I was like, ‘Whoa, this kid can play.’ Then I saw some of his highlights and I was like, ‘This kid is special.’
“He’s a great kid. He’s always smiling.”
Just three minutes after Paladin pulled Oak Forest within 2-1, Horta started his scoring spree, putting in a rebound after Jedrzejczyk stopped a shot by Krystof Cicha.
Less than four minutes after that goal, Horta had completed a lightning-quick hat trick.
“He’s amazing,” Grele said of Horta. “I’m there to pass him the ball and he’s there to finish. I can always rely on him and trust him. I know he has the ability to finish.”
Grele is excited about his team.
“My freshman year, we won conference but I didn’t do much, so it doesn’t really count for me,” he said. “The last two years, I think I’ve had good seasons but we didn’t go far as a team.
“I feel like this year we have a solid chance.”
Horta said it’s been an easy group to click with.
“Honestly, the hardest part has been just getting to know everyone’s names,” he said. “The preseason helped a lot. Every day, we’ve been grinding. Also, off the pitch, we’ve been building connections. Something as simple as going out to eat.”
Marquez has seen the bonds being formed.
“It’s amazing how quickly these guys have jelled and gotten along,” Marquez said. “I see them in the halls and they’re joking around like they’ve been friends forever and I’m like, ‘You guys just met each other.’
At Peotone, Horta was competing for a Class 1A program, mostly playing against other small schools. The Blue Devils played Oak Forest last season and lost 9-0.
Now, he’s getting used to playing at a Class 3A school against consistently tougher competition. That’s a challenge he’s excited for.
“There are a couple differences, for sure,” he said. “I still respect Peotone, obviously. Peotone always has my heart. But this is definitely a different level.”
Horta said he’s been playing soccer since his dad got him into it when he was 3 years old.
“My dad played soccer but just for fun,” Horta said. “If I was going to follow him, I think he’d want me to become a musician instead of a soccer player. He’s a better musician.
“I play guitar but I’m not good at it. Soccer is definitely my thing.”
