Freshman forward Zenaida Esquivel felt a peculiar mix of joy and relief after scoring her first career goal for Bloom. She had watched chance after chance after chance slip away.
Until the big moment arrived.
“It was a really frustrating game for me because I had so many opportunities,” Esquivel said, recalling a 2-1 win over Dundee-Crown on March 22. “When I finally scored, I cried happy tears.”
But that game-winning goal also was just the start of a bold opening statement.
In her high school debut, Esquivel has showcased speed, quickness and touch for Bloom (3-1). She’s already scored eight goals and contributed two assists for the Blazing Trojans.
With the 5-foot Esquivel at the top of the attack, Bloom is averaging more than four goals a game. She’s a whirling dervish of a player who uses her speed and quickness to attack the net.
“I feel like it’s easier to go around people because I’m smaller,” Esquivel said. “My style is very aggressive. I think my speed really helps with running and getting to the goal.
“I’ve always been able to get by defenders.”
Over the past decade, Bloom has produced several prolific goal scorers. She has immediately demonstrated the potential of being the next breakout star on offense for the Blazing Trojans.
“Her speed and footwork is unlike most freshmen I have seen over the years,” Bloom coach Zack Radtke said. “She’s also very physical for a freshman and that helps her win a lot of challenges against older players.”
Playing against older and bigger players is also nothing new for Esquivel. She honed her game in local south suburban leagues where she was frequently the only female player.
“I think playing against boys my whole life has helped me a lot,” Esquivel said. “I’d often be the only girl, and what I noticed was how they often underestimated me. I caught them off guard.”
She has also made an impression on her new high school teammates, according to junior midfielder Yeranea Marin.
“She’s an outstanding athlete,” Marin said of Esquivel. “Despite being a freshman, she is one of our best players. Her determination inspires the whole team.
“Her ability to adapt quickly and perform at a high level has made such an impact.”
Freshman defender Delaney Garcia said Esquivel has a special way of blocking out distractions.
“Her game is very determined and fun,” Garcia said. “She just enjoys playing and doesn’t think about others. She just thinks about her game and how to become a better player.
“She has a great love and dedication for the sport.”
Esquivel came to the sport relatively late, not beginning organized play until the start of sixth grade. Her first sport was softball. Her mother, Christina Arce, played soccer in high school.
“I feel like my mother is very competitive and I got that from her,” Esquivel said. “I like to have success. Softball and soccer are during the same season.
“I miss softball, but I feel like there are more opportunities at Bloom for soccer.”
An outstanding student, Esquivel’s favorite subject is algebra. She’s also analytical about her game, figuring out the angles to take at the point of attack.
“I’m making a lot of progress,” she said. “I think I’ve been successful because I’ve played the game for a while now. I’m already at the same place as the older girls. I do club soccer.
“What’s surprised me is how many opportunities I’ve had to score so many goals.”
Esquivel scored five goals in an 8-0 victory over Class 1A powerhouse Manteno and added two goals and two assists in a 7-1 win over Shepard.
Her confidence is soaring.
“I really want to put my name on a record,” she said.
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
