After missing most of last season with a hip injury, Eisenhower’s James Acevedo was worried when a concussion sidelined him earlier this fall, leaving him uncertain when he would be able to return to the field.

But the junior midfielder was cleared to come back to the team after missing just one week. And that was a huge relief.

“I hate being out,” Acevedo said. “I love being on the field with my boys. The concussion, that was scary, but the doctor reassured me a lot. I was so happy to get back.

“I just love playing soccer. That’s all I want to do.”

Acevedo saved his best soccer for the perfect time. He recorded the first hat trick of his high school career Monday night, leading the host Cardinals to a 5-2 win over Bloom in a Class 3A Eisenhower Regional semifinal in Blue Island.

An

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