Boys Soccer: Crete-Monee’s Carlos Posada a cut above the rest

Updated: November 2, 2011 6:03PM

He is not an island. Even so, Carlos Posada stands alone.

The Crete-Monee senior forward obliterated the career state scoring record with 177 goals. He surpassed former Brother Rice’s star Billy Savarino’s previously considered untouchable mark of 159.

Posada has now posted the second and fourth highest individual season scoring marks in state history. The 68 he scored this year followed the 63 he recorded last year.

For his unparalleled offensive explosion, Posada is the Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year. His coach, Julian Lagunas, said Posada achieved his sterling numbers within the framework of the team. In the process he elevated the Warriors to a new level of recognition.

Posada is equally powerful with either foot. What sets him apart is a burning desire to succeed.

“I have two older brothers and I always competed with them,“ he said. “It was just burned into me that I want to win, and that I hate losing.“

In person, the quiet and soft-spoken Posada almost downplays his accomplishments.

“I give most if not all of the success I had to the rest of my team,” he said. “They did a lot for me, playing 1-2 balls, crosses and other integrated passes. They’re the major reason for the success I had.”

He led the Warriors to consecutive Southland conference titles and 35 victories the last two seasons, keying this year’s 18-3-2 squad that lost a 5-4 overtime thriller to Bremen in the Class 2A sectional semifinals.

“He put Crete-Monee soccer on the map,” Lagunas said. Taking over the program three seasons ago, Lagunas immediately installed the fast, agile and explosive Posada as the centerpiece.

“He scored 26 goals as a sophomore, and though we didn’t have a successful season as far as our record, he set a tone, a mindset, that helped create a new identity and enthusiasm around the program,” Lagunas said.

The next step remains an open question. Despite his prolific output, Posada has not been recruited by Division I programs. His size, just 5-5, is seen as a detriment at the next level, Lagunas said.

“At the college level, a lot of activity occurs in the air, and they don’t think Carlos is that kind of player,” Lagunas said. Posada is considering attending junior college as an alternative rout for securing a Division I scholarship.

For the moment he is content to reflect on the stunning events of the last few months.

“I’m going to remember the goal that broke the record, but I’m going to remember winning conference, getting the regional and all of my teammates,” he said.

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