Ibrahim Qaisi has only been in the United States for about three months, moving in June from Jordan and enrolling at Stagg.
It’s been a huge change, but Qaisi already feels at home at his new school. Soccer has played a major role in making the transition easier.
“Soccer helps me out so much,” Qaisi said. “It’s my go-to thing. I love soccer, and being able to be out here and play with these guys and meet new people, it’s been great. I love it.”
Qaisi, a senior defender, is making an immediate difference for the Chargers. He was a key part of a huge defensive effort Tuesday night as visiting Stagg earned a 1-0 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Lincoln-Way Central in New Lenox.
George Panou scored the lone goal for the Chargers (8-1-2, 2-0) off an assist from Victor Czajkowski. Christian Komosinski made three saves for the shutout. The back line of Qaisi, Evan Ibarra, Trent Banik and Sebastian Kornak gave Komosinski plenty of help.
Jimmy McKendry finished with three saves and Josh DeMik chipped in with a pair of stops for Lincoln-Way Central (9-3, 2-1).
Qaisi, meanwhile, had to sit out the first several games while waiting to be ruled eligible by the Illinois High School Association. He was cleared to play just over a week ago.
“When I couldn’t play, I was just looking at how the team plays and trying to learn,” he said. “I was focused in training. I was taking my coaches’ advice and trying to help the team in practice.
“I was just waiting to play so I could help out the team.”
Panou is certainly glad that Qaisi is able to play now.
“It’s a big help,” Panou said of Qaisi. “I have confidence in him to clear the ball and be strong in the back. He’s helping us a lot.”
Panou, a sophomore midfielder, sped past a defender down the left side of the field and buried a shot inside the far post to break the scoreless tie with 17:59 remaining.
It was his second goal of the season.
“Before the game, I was telling myself I was going to score,” Panou said. “I was focusing on other things earlier and I needed to focus on the game, so I told myself I was going to score and then I had to go do it.”
Qaisi and the defense took care of the rest.
“This game was very tough,” Qaisi said. “Me and the back line were able to obtain what the coaches call a ‘blue mind,’ which is just composure, calmness and making the right plays.
“It’s making sure we do our jobs all the time and don’t let any goals go in.”
Stagg coach Mike Kealy sees Qaisi adding to both his team’s talent level and its culture.
“He’s been a great addition to a young team,” Kealy said. “We played seven sophomores in this game and started four, so it’s nice to have three seniors in the back. He’s got life experience and the physical nature of an 18-year-old young man.
“He’s a great kid and he fits in great with all these guys. Their team chemistry has been terrific.”
Qaisi, who grew up in Saudi Arabia, moved to Jordan and attended the American Community School in Amman, where a U.S. school curriculum is taught. He also played soccer.
“I made varsity when I was a freshman over there,” he said. “It was pretty much the same thing as over here. It was fun playing there, but over here, it’s the same intensity and the same physicality.
“Over here, there are great people, amazing soccer, amazing coaches. It’s such a great community to be a part of.”