Kacper the friendly forward
Rejuvenated Dziubek stays calm, scores goals for Stagg
Amid the adrenaline rush, senior forward Kacper Dziubek finds peace for Stagg.
It doesn’t count if there’s chaos on the field — the random physicality or collisions that seem to pop up. None of that registers when Dziubek feels the ball at his feet.
“Whatever is going on in my life, either good or bad, everything goes away when I am playing,” he said. “It is very peaceful and natural. Nothing else matters.
“I just go out and play.”
In his fourth varsity season, Dziubek also plays to an all-state level. His importance was magnified during a six-game absence as Stagg (14-3-1) suffered a string of losses.
Now fully healthy from a foot injury, Dziubek is the offensive centerpiece for the Chargers, having scored 10 goals in only 12 games this season. He has toggled between positions in his career, watching his role expand each year.
“Even when he is man marked or double teamed, he finds a way to get involved, either by distributing or making runs off the ball,” Stagg coach Mike Kealy said. “He has the ability to finish with both feet, is unselfish, and he possesses an advanced soccer IQ.”
Dziubek’s goal-scoring emergence has been a boon for the Chargers, who take a 10-game winning streak heading into Tuesday’s Class 3A Lockport Regional semifinals.
Among his best efforts recently? Producing two goals and an assist Oct. 10 in a 3-1 victory over Bolingbrook. His scoring touch is just a byproduct of experience, skill and development.
“I don’t quite know where the scoring comes from, to be honest,” Dziubek said. “I always played as a defensive center midfielder. I just think my IQ just allows me to play anywhere.”
As a freshman, Dziubek played on varsity during the pandemic season. Wide-eyed and innocent, he demonstrated poise, grace and toughness beyond his years.
Last season, he earned all-conference and all-sectional recognition.
“From year to year, the game got easier,” Dziubek said. “I experienced so much about the game when I was younger, so I always had knowledge and understanding like position on the field, playing off the ball.
“Anything that might happen in a game, I already saw it when I was younger.”
The month spent recovering from his injury intensified Dziubek’s desire and ambition to make his mark on the game, according to senior goalkeeper Jose Flores.
“I think what makes Kacper so special and different is his ability to