Round Lake midfielder Alessandro Valadez realized his first varsity season was going to be different.
But he still played timid at times as a sophomore last year, lacking his typical assertiveness.
“I knew it was going to be a difficult challenge with everybody faster, more competitive and aggressive,” Alessandro Valadez said. “I was really nervous.”
So as Alessandro Valadez approached this season, he wanted to share his experience with younger players, and he had one person in particular in mind: his brother Cristian, a freshman midfielder.
“I talked to him and told him that everyone is going to play rough, and when you get to a higher level, playing with older people and better competition, they will play aggressive,” Alessandro Valadez said. “I told him to manage it by playing your game, being equally as aggressive as they are and always being strong.”
Since Cristian Valadez was promoted to the varsity team midway through this season, he has given Round Lake’s offense more punch, and he credited Alessandro for preparing him.
“I got nervous from the crowd in my first big game,” Cristian Valadez said. “He talked to me about just focusing on the game and the ball and that the stands didn’t exist. That kept me focused and allowed me to play a good game.”
Together, Alessandro and Cristian Valadez have helped Round Lake finish second in the Northern Lake County Conference and head into the postseason with six wins in its past eight games. The sixth-seeded Panthers (11-9-1, 6-1), who reached the Class 3A sectional finals last year, will play 11th-seeded South Elgin in the 3A Huntley Regional semifinals on Tuesday.
The Valadez brothers complement one another. Each has scored three goals.
“They are starting opposite of each other,” Round Lake coach Hugo Tellez said. “Alessandro is right-footed on the left side, and Cristian is left-footed on the right side.
“Alessandro is a very smart kid with a good IQ. He’s not as quick as his brother, but he’s overall a great kid and player.”
Alessandro Valadez said uncertainty about his grandfather Francisco Estrada’s health has motivated him.
“He’s always been there for us, not just in soccer but in life,” Alessandro Valadez said. “He helped me on how to manage adulthood and my emotions in difficult situations. Since I found out about him, I’ve been dedicating my game to him.”
Cristian Valadez said Estrada has been a significant influence for him too.
“My grandfather showed me how to play, showed me all the skills I know,” Cristian Valadez said.
Tellez was already familiar with Cristian Valadez’s skills before this season. Tellez has coached him in club soccer and was confident about promoting him to varsity.
“Cristian is very disciplined and puts a lot more pressure on himself,” Tellez said. “He wants to perform at a high level. Cristian is just a warrior. He doesn’t give up on balls.”
Alessandro Valadez said he likes having Cristian on the field with him.
“It’s been fun with him playing right next to me,” Alessandro Valadez said. “I’m proud of my brother stepping up and playing well against older players, seeing him score. He’s always been the goal scorer in our family. I knew he would contribute right away.
“I’m excited about next year and feel we will have more opportunities. I can push him and carry on our success and build our trust.”
Cristian Valadez wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “I’ve always seen him as a major role model in my soccer career. I’ve always looked up to him and wanted to be like him in his style of play. Sharing the field with him is a big opportunity.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
