Brother Rice’s Julian Gaona felt time slow down. And every ball at his foot was pure and clean.
The sophomore forward brought together every part of his talent, drive and inspiration Tuesday night for a virtually perfect 15-minute stretch of impactful play.
“I looked up, saw the time on the clock and knew what I was capable of,” Gaona said. “I just needed to get the ball. I figured if we could get one goal, we’d be right back in the game.”
One was only the starting point.
Gaona ended up scoring three goals during a late-game blitz as the Crusaders rallied for a 4-2 Catholic League Blue victory at Mount Carmel in Chicago.
Sophomore defender Brody Briggs also scored the tying goal in the 68th minute for Brother Rice (5-12-4, 1-4-1).
Senior midfielder Mateo Atilano scored early in