Role of Table Setter

Senior midfielder Jimmy Kelly thrives as a table setter for Oak Forest’s soccer team. He relishes the thrill of delivering precise passes that set up goals for the Bengals. Kelly acknowledges his knack for assisting rather than scoring.

My shots are hit or miss, but my crosses are usually good. I think I’ve always been more of an assister than a scorer. I’ve always been one of the better players on our team, but I’m never the top scorer.

Kelly often plays a pivotal role in initiating goal-scoring plays, even if he doesn’t always get credited with the assist.

Key Performance Against Rival Bremen

In a recent match, Kelly displayed his playmaking ability by assisting on a goal from Ulysses Morales in a 1-1 tie against district rival Bremen. Nate Dunaj contributed seven saves for Oak Forest, while Bremen’s Jose Cardoso scored with an assist from Osvaldo Mata.

Coach Huber Saucedo noted the intensity of the rivalry, highlighting mistakes that sometimes hindered Bremen’s game.

Kelly’s well-timed pass to Morales led to a goal in the 18th minute, equalizing the match. Morales appreciated the chemistry he shares with Kelly, stemming from years of playing together.

Impact and Leadership

This latest assist marked Kelly’s seventh of the season and was met with enthusiastic support from fans. Kelly has consistently provided sparks for Oak Forest since joining varsity as a sophomore. He recounts a pivotal moment when his coach pushed him to take on a leadership role.

Oak Forest coach Alex Alvarez lauds Kelly’s relentless energy and effectiveness on the field. He values the strong connection and communication between Kelly and Morales, crucial for the team’s success.

Family Tradition and Inspiration

Kelly’s soccer journey began at age four, inspired by his older brothers, Mickey and Will, who also played for the Bengals. Playing alongside his brother Mickey during his freshman year provided invaluable lessons on leadership and composure.