West Aurora’s Cesar Acevedo is often heard before he’s ever seen.
The senior central defender has a loud and exuberant voice that’s a crucial part of the organization and shape of the back line for the Blackhawks. And it has been his approach since childhood.
“Ever since I was young, I always talked a lot, just screaming, being loud and communicating with everybody,” Acevedo said of his outgoing playing style. “It just helps you to always be talking.
“That communication and composure are why I lean toward center back and why the team found me there to be at my best.”
Acevedo was at his best Tuesday night, creating the opening goal with an assist and keying a strong defensive effort for West Aurora in a 2-0 Upstate Eight West win over East Aurora.
Senior midfielder Mason Aguirre scored both goals for host West Aurora (7-4-1, 1-0). Junior goalkeeper Carlos Fabela Jr. made seven saves for East Aurora (3-4-5, 1-1).
So far this season, Acevedo has a goal and three assists for the Blackhawks. In the 14th minute Tuesday night, he linked up with Aguirre for the early 1-0 advantage.
“I always know with the team I have supporting me, if I get a decent ball in, we are going to have to get something from it,” Acevedo said. “I was looking to connect into that open space.
“I saw Mason running, and I knew if I hit it, we’d capitalize on the play.”
Aguirre, who scored his fourth and fifth goals of the season, understands the value and importance of Acevedo.
“Cesar has made a huge step up this year — a big part of what we do,” Aguirre said. “His communication is a key part of the team. He screams at players. Especially with me at central midfielder, he tells me where I need to be.
“We wouldn’t be anywhere without him.”
The shutout was the second straight and sixth of the season for West Aurora.
The larger story for Acevedo is one of perseverance and patience. As a junior, he saw limited minutes last season playing behind all-state defender Pacifique Ndayishimiye.
“He had to wait his turn,” West Aurora coach Joe Sustersic said of Acevedo. “He had great players in front of him. He learned about being on the bench and seeing what others are doing.
“Now, he’s someone who does the right things on the defensive side.”
Acevedo never bristled at his limited role, either. He studied, learned and improved his game.
“I understood it all overall,” he said. “I knew there were great players in front of me, so I just watched every minute and took notes and really paid attention to how they were playing.
“Every time I’m out there now, I’m just trying to do the best for everybody else because I know they have my back.”
His talent for bringing order to chaos is part of his natural personality. If communication and chemistry are vital parts, he likes turning those ideas and theories into concrete actions.
That’s a critical piece of the equation for him.
“I want to study civil engineering,” Acevedo said. “On the field, decision-making and critical-thinking skills are part of that. I always try to make sure they are the right decisions.
“If it doesn’t work, I have to be innovative and get us out of those situations.”
Setting up Aguirre’s first goal and helping coordinate the shutout? That’s his ideal outcome.
“I’ve had a lot of bad moments throughout the year where I was very hurt, I was struggling and people would build me up,” Acevedo said. “What I love the most is being part of the team.
“I had to fight for everything. I’m showing where those minutes are going.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.