The versatility of Trent Banik has proven invaluable this season for Stagg as the junior has played every position on the field other than goalkeeper.
Perhaps even more important has been the spark Banik provides coming off the bench. In fact, his knack for entering the game and scoring quickly drew comparisons to a NBA star from the 1980s.
“He has that ability,” Chargers coach Mike Kealy said. “He’s kind of like Vinnie Johnson, ‘the Microwave,’ back in the Detroit Pistons days. Trent can come in and give us that offensive push.
“He’s just a top-notch kid.”
Banik brought the heat Tuesday night, scoring the lone goal as the Chargers edged district rival Sandburg 1-0 in a Class 3A Lincoln-Way Central Regional semifinal in New Lenox.
Jacob Lesnikowski notched the assist and Michal Knych made four saves to record the shutout with plenty of help from his defense, led by Jakub Kasiak, Adrian Tavera, Alfredo Nava and Josue Gutierrez.
Sixth-seeded Stagg (10-5-3), which avenged a 2-1 regular-season loss to the Eagles, will take on third-seeded Lincoln-Way Central (15-3) at 2 p.m. Saturday in the regional final. The Knights beat Joliet West 6-1.
Angel Sevilla made 12 saves for 11th-seeded Sandburg (7-11).
Banik was in the starting lineup to begin the season, playing defender. But his coaches decided his offensive abilities were needed, moving him into a reserve role as a midfielder and forward.
“Playing defense and having a starting spot was great, too,” Banik said. “But I knew I had more capability on the attack, so I was happy getting moved back up.”
In a reserve role, Banik has extra motivation to make an impact when he gets in the game.
“I’m trying to make a difference,” he said. “If I’m starting the game on the bench, obviously I have to prove something more. It pushes me to take advantage of my opportunities.”
Banik delivered his sixth goal of the season, breaking free down the middle of the field off Lesnikowski’s pass from near the sideline and ripping in a shot from 15 yards.
“We really needed it early because in our previous games, when we get scored on first, we always end up losing,” Banik said.
Kealy has become accustomed to Banik stepping up, no matter where he is on the field.
“He’s been our utility player,” Kealy said. “He’s played both forward positions, winger, center mid, defensive mid, center back. He’s that type of kid. He’s willing to do whatever you ask him to do.”
Knych has also accepted his role for the Chargers. He’s split time in the net with fellow senior Michael Calderon.
“During training, we help each other out,” Knych said. “We motivate each other, try to improve together. Sometimes we make fun of each other, but it’s all good.”
Knych made a big save in the ninth minute, denying a good look from Sandburg’s Abdullah Ramadan.
Knych enjoyed having Banik in front of him as a defender but watching Banik come through the way he did Tuesday night is even better.
“I feel like it was a good idea for him to go up there,” Knych said. “He’s been scoring goals for us and he’s been playing great.”
Banik has been playing soccer almost his whole life while being coached by his dad, Rafal, who runs the Sporting Club Miners, a Southland-based club team.
“It’s amazing,” Banik said. “It’s great getting to play for my dad and share soccer with him. I think it’s the best coaching I can get. And there’s no cost, so it’s perfect.”
