Gianni “Bonbon” Luque watched from the stands as De La Salle played in a state semifinal Friday. The next night, the junior goalkeeper was the Meteors’ starter in the first state championship game — in any team sport — in school history. Talk about a mind-blowing 24 hours.
“I didn’t think once that I’d be starting in the state championship game,” Luque said. “In my head, I was a little nervous, but I just knew I had to be prepared for what was coming.” Luque, who was pressed into service after starting goalkeeper Jahir Anaya got a red card for taunting after Friday’s game had ended, performed admirably.
Although Lugue made five saves, the Meteors’ dream run ended heartbreakingly short as they lost 3-2 in overtime to Belleville Althoff in the Class 2A state championship game at Hoffman Estates. Alex Panduro had a goal and an assist, Mario Ramirez added a goal and Brandon Olvera chipped in with an assist for De La Salle (27-2-2). Tyler Birdsong finished with a hat trick, including the game-winning penalty kick with 3:37 left in overtime, to lead Althoff (26-4).
Tyler Pollock had two assists and Zach Winkler made four saves. De La Salle coach Francisco Martinez said there was plenty for his team to be proud of. De La Salle goalkeeper Gianni Luque (0) makes a save against Belleville Althoff during the Class 2A state championship game in Hoffman Estates on Saturday, Nov.
9, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown) “They’ve done a lot more than they realiz.
