Evanston’s Oli Jacques delivers again, scores game-winning goal against Leyden

SKOKIE — Again and again, Oli Jacques has come up with game-winning goals in huge games for the Evanston boys soccer team.

It happened against Maine South last year to clinch the Wildkits’ Central Suburban South title. It happened in the final four minutes against rival New Trier earlier this season.

On Tuesday evening, it happened again.

Evanston and Leyden were tied in the first overtime of their Class 3A Niles North Sectional semifinal when Evanston senior forward Arturo Ramirez got free down the left flank and rifled a cross into the box. Jacques, a senior who was playing right forward, made a run to the middle and he headed Ramirez’s pass toward the back post. Jacques’ header looped up and over the Leyden goalkeeper and dropped into the goal for his second goal of the game.

It was a perfect finish and the difference in Evanston’s 2-1 double-overtime victory. Evanston (16-2-4) will play New Trier at 1 p.m. Saturday for the Class 3A Niles North Sectional title.

“I think he dreams of those opportunities, so when it happens, it’s all part of the plan,” Evanston coach Franz Calixte said. “As a three-year varsity player, that’s what we expect from him. That’s our go-to guy.”

After the game, Jacques and Calixte were both asked why Jacques has been able to come through in the clutch so often over the last two years.

Calixte said Jacques’ fitness is an important facet. When a player’s legs remain strong late in games, his mentality does the same.

Jacques had a harder time pinpointing a reason. Part of it is that he wants to be on the field for big moments, he explained. He enjoys trying to win games late. But it’s also about his ability to put himself in position to score — like he did with his run into the middle of the box — and then having the inner calm to finish — even to finish a rocket of a cross in a pressure-packed scenario.

“My sophomore year, when I got called up to varsity, I think I was kind of shy in front of goal,” Jacques said. “Junior year, I started and got more confidence. This year, I don’t miss chances as much. I’m confident in front of goal, so I feel like if I get a chance, I’ll score.”

Notes

• Leyden went ahead 1-0 with 27:49 remaining in the first half on a goal by senior forward Miguel Mireles. His shot from about 15 yards away rolled just by Evanston junior goalkeeper Adam Masters and inside the far post.

• Evanston answered 3:24 later when Jacques scored the first of his two goals. Junior forward Erick Balthazar, who’s Jacques’ cousin, set up the goal with a deft through ball that put Jacques in on goal. Jacques dribbled around the Leyden goalkeeper and scored.

• Leyden finished its season 12-5-4.