Carlos Posada talks about the 63 goals he scored this season for Crete-Monee, feeling that he left quite a few other scoring opportunities out on the field.
He believes he could have done much more for the Warriors.
"I could do better," Posada said. "I think I could do it, get even more."
Posada's prolific scoring -- the 63 goals led the state this season -- helped earned him the honor of Times boys soccer player of the year.
His offensive output also marks the third-highest single-season goal total in state history and helped elevate Posada to the all-time leading goal scorer at Crete-Monee with 109. David Allen held the previous record with 92 goals.
Posada's breakout season has also landed him 50 goals shy of the Illinois state record of 159 goals set by Brother Rice's Billy Savarino from 1990-1993.
Still, Posada believes he could have done more during his junior campaign.
A relentless worker whether it's in practice or in the game, Posada was at times given challenges and limitations by coach Julian Lagunas to help the forward improve aspects of his game where his coach thought he needed help.
There were games in which Lagunas suggested Posada take only shots outside of 18 yards and even recommended using his left leg to help the forward become more ambipedal.
"It definitely makes me a better player," Posada said of his coach's challenges. "I don't like it because I always want to score, but I know that in the long run it will make me a better player."
Becoming a better player can sometimes seem like the only thing on Posada's mind. Posada pushes his teammates to succeed through his own will and drive to become a better player himself.
"He does all the things that you need to perform at a high level even in practice," Lagunas said. "His success isn't an accident, it's hard work. He wants everybody to be pushing themselves at the same level that he's pushing himself."
His 19 assists this season showcase his ability to make others around him better and his determination to make the Warriors a better team.
Rest assured that Posada will be pushing himself, too, during the offseason, playing on three different soccer teams. Soccer is life, and every night without a soccer match is a night that's missing something.
"I have a match about every night of the week," said the Southland Athletic Conference player of the year.
Posada will take the recognition that comes with all the goals scored, but the ultimate rewards come from the entire team and his high school. The Warriors will have 10 of 11 starters returning next season.
"Hopefully we'll get a regional that I never got," Posada said of 2011. "Then maybe a sectional title."
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