Lincoln-Way Central’s Jacob Jumes just saw a world of space open up before him.
The sophomore forward then achieved something that had existed only in his imagination.
“I was definitely pretty anxious and getting excited for it and ready for that finish,” Jumes said. “I scored a couple in our summer league, but those aren’t the same thing or as important as these.”
It’s like climbing a ladder.
Jumes took a step in the right direction Wednesday afternoon, scoring his first career goal and fueling the Knights to a 2-0 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Homewood-Flossmoor.
Senior forward Connor Pate also tallied his team-best 11th goal in the second half for visiting Lincoln-Way Central (12-3, 4-1) in Flossmoor.
Senior forward Damian Lopez generated several dynamic plays for the host Vikings (5-7-2, 1-3), while sophomore goalkeeper Jefferson Mansfield made five saves.
For Jumes, however, the moment he scored was something he had been waiting for all season.
“I was ready for whatever comes my way,” Jumes said. “I’m not the most technical player on the team, but I’m bigger and I know how to use what I have out there.”
Sophomore defender Will Bettenhausen generated the assist in the fourth minute off a throw-in.
“During summer league play, Jacob was getting all kinds of header goals,” Bettenhausen said. “I saw him in the backfield and we just connected.
“I see so much in his game, great size, potential and a lot of good character.”
Pate also recognizes part of himself in his younger teammate, with the desire to find your identity and contribute to winning.
“I’ve been on varsity since my freshman year, and now that I’m older, it’s very exciting to see these younger guys make an impact,” Pate said. “He really listens to what the older guys have to say.
“We’re trying to find a forward right now. He’s filling that role.”
At 6-foot-1, Jumes is a natural target who knows how to use his size as leverage.
“He has a big body,” Lincoln-Way Central coach Dave Brown said. “He can get in the box and cause some difficulties and chaos for the other team. He’s been a nice surprise for us at forward.
“On the long throw-in, with his basketball background, he knows how to time his jump.”
Brown moved Jumes, a converted central defender, to the top of the formation in order to take advantage of his athleticism.
“I played defense, but now I definitely have more of an offensive view of the game,” Jumes said. “It’s definitely more fun to be up there playing those shots and having the chance to make plays.”
The goal also crystallized something important about Jumes’ game. Despite his youth, he has a strong sense of timing and situational awareness.
“I try my best to be really aggressive on the ball and make sure that nobody gets over me,” he said. “I also play basketball and I know how to box out.”
Jumes started playing soccer at age 4 or 5. His older sister, Sofia, was a standout player.
“I also have a younger sister who plays basketball, so we’re an athletic family,” Jumes said. “You have to love the game — love playing sports and competing.”
His intellectual passions are in mathematics and finance. He also loves structure and forms.
In a signature moment Wednesday, he provided a memory for his entire team to celebrate.
“Everybody was so happy for me,” Jumes said. “They were shouting and yelling, and the atmosphere and team bonding was just great. What I’ve learned is you really have to work at it.
“I try being a team player — not so much an individual. But I love to set the tone.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.