CALUMET CITY | Fabian Leon has been changing positions since his freshman year when he played forward and led Thornton Fractional in goals scored.

Coach Alejandro Lagunas often calls on his players to play their positions for the overall good of the team, and some are called on to change positions and move where the team needs them. Leon is no different.

"It all depends on where we need you that year. He started out as a freshman being a forward," Lagunas said. "He had support from the midfield and defense and I could put him as a forward and he led the team in goals. His sophomore year he moved down to a midfielder."

This year Leon, as a senior, will be moving back to midfielder after playing last season as a sweeper on defense. As a four-year starter and contributor, Leon is ready to make his senior season a memorable one.

"Most of my guys who have been with me throughout high school and grade school years, they're seniors too so we're really hoping to accomplish something this senior year," Leon said.

Leon, along with fellow seniors John Carroll and David Chavez, will look to lead Thornton Fractional deep into the IHSA tourney again. They have been looking forward to this season for four years.

"We've been talking about it since freshman year," Leon said. "Trying to win something big and trying to do history with our school."

Leon is ready to lead Thornton Fractional and recalls last season's successes as a foundation for greater things in 2010.

"Last year was a great surprise, a great impression. I was very happy how we did last year, and this season we're looking very strong, too," he said. "The schools that were looking at us with it a little bit of an easier match, now they're looking at it as an even match."

Leon has a deep-rooted love for soccer and spends his free time working as a referee for recreational youth soccer matches at South Suburban College.

"It's youth 12 and younger and I really like watching them because they give me a type of inspiration," Leon continued. "I saw me when I was a little kid and now I see them and how much fun they're having, and I still have that same fun. To me that really is what soccer is: having fun playing the game that you love."

Leon has his coach to thank for introducing him to refereeing the youth matches and helping out with coaching clinics here and there.

"Throughout all of high school, Coach Lagunas has been there to help me and help my teammates," Leon said. "I really want to make him proud. I think it's time that somebody said thank you to him. At least the way we play, give him a thank you for what he's done throughout these four years for me."

Lagunas is confident his seasoned veteran will have the year that he is capable of having. Leon, who was an all-sectional pick in 2009 and also won a state cup championship on his club team, plans to play soccer beyond the high school level.

"He's a leader and he's a great kid. He should have a great season this year," Lagunas said. "I'm expecting him to lead like he's been doing this summer and so far this year."