The tears were flowing at halftime for Eisenhower midfielder Galilea Esparza, who was honored along with her fellow seniors during a senior night ceremony at halftime.
By the end of the emotional night, however, there were plenty of smiles as Esparza led the Cardinals to their second South Suburban Red championship in three years.
“It was just a lot of happiness and it’s going to be something to remember,” Esparza said. “I’ve been a part of this team for the last four years and they’re all my sisters at this point.
“I still haven’t processed it but I’m going to miss this field and this school and everybody.”
Esparza, a South Suburban College commit, scored her 17th goal of the season as host Eisenhower found the net three times in the first half Tuesday on the way to a 3-0 win over Oak Lawn in Blue Island.
Tania Frausto led the Cardinals (11-6-2, 9-1-1) with a goal and an assist. Julie Mendoza added a goal and Angelique Gallardo made two saves to record the shutout, getting plenty of help from a defense led by Morelia Medina, Jasmine Almazan, Annaliyah Ortiz and Aryana Perez.
Eisenhower will share the SSC Red title with Argo, which beat Shepard 2-0 on Tuesday to also finish 9-1-1 in conference. The Cardinals and Argonauts tied 1-1 on April 16.
“It feels amazing,” Esparza said. “I knew the girls could do it. Everybody worked really hard throughout the season. It wasn’t just me. We all put the time and effort in and we really worked as a team this year.”
Haydee Manriquez recorded eight saves for Oak Lawn (8-8-1, 3-7-1). Zuzanna Radgowska and Addison O’Donnell each had a shot on goal.
Esparza, meanwhile, made her final goal at home a memorable one as she buried a hard shot under the crossbar from 30 yards to give Eisenhower a 2-0 lead in the 32nd minute.
Frausto scored less than two minutes later to make it a comfortable halftime edge.
The Cardinals finished things off and the celebration was on — just like it was two years ago when they last won the Red title.
“It’s crazy because it was exactly the same way my sophomore year,” Esparza said. “We played the last game against Oak Lawn just like this. It was at home. This was a repeat of it, and it feels great.”
Eisenhower coach Iran Rodriguez said Esparza has made a huge impact on the program, starting for four years and serving as a captain for the last two.
“I think she’s grown,” Rodriguez said. “As a freshman, being asked to start and contribute was an adjustment for her. She’s grown to take that role as leader and captain the past two years.
“She’s taken it by the horns and led this team to a great season. The girls love her and you could tell at halftime that it was very emotional for her and all her teammates.”
Frausto, a junior midfielder, also became a varsity standout as a freshman and found it very helpful having Esparza’s example to follow.
“I learned from her to be patient, trust the process and not give up,” Frausto said. “She’s a good support out there. She assists me all the time.
“The seniors mean a lot to me. We’ve grown such a great bond and this night made me so emotional, but it meant a lot to get the win for them.”
For Esparza, it’s been a great final chapter to an eventful high school career.
“I feel like it was overwhelming at first, coming into a new place and having people expect a lot from me,” Esparza said. “Over the years, I’ve managed to stay humble and work with each player, see what they can do and can’t do and try to help them out.
“This team has meant so much to me.”
