East Aurora’s Carlos Fabela isn’t afraid to bend physics to do whatever it takes to prevent a goal.
The junior goalkeeper loves playing the ball with his feet and is always willing to take flight or throw his body into the air to satisfy the rigorous demands of the position.
“Playing goalkeeper means you just have to want it more than other people,” Fabela said. “You got to have a little bit of crazy on your side.
“I just feel like I’m a different type of goalkeeper because my father has trained me all of my life to play with my feet.”
Fabela showed his acrobatic flair and physical style Thursday night by making seven saves for the host Tomcats in a 0-0 tie against Fenton in an Upstate Eight Conference crossover game.
It was the second shutout of the season for Fabela, who has allowed only thee goals this fall for the Tomacts (1-0-3). He has a 0.75 goals-against average.
He was particularly active and spectacular in the first half, leaping sideways or soaring to stop several point-blank shots and set piece opportunities by the Bison (2-0-2).
“I have to give credit to the defense as well,” Fabela said. “They’re holding up really well back there. Without them, maybe there are more goals against us.
“I’m just really composed. Honestly, when you’ve been playing for so long, you just see the plays coming from far away. My mentality is the biggest difference.”
East Aurora coach Nathan Parry pointed out that Fabela always had the ideal physical attributes for the position — size, athleticism, quickness and excellent anticipation.
His emergence has enabled a talented, inexperienced team find its early identity.
“He’s really bailed us out a lot the first part of the season,” Parry said of Fabela. “Even though he’s just a junior, he’s playing like a seasoned veteran.
“He’s way more mature out there now. He’s taking his craft way more seriously. He’s so good with his feet. We like to invite pressure and then we look for the gaps. He has a strong foot and his distribution is really good.”
Junior defender Fernando Garcia is a team captain and leader of the back line. He confirmed the play of Fabela has empowered the rest of the team.
“I think Carlos is a really good player and someone the rest of the team is able to rely on,” Garcia said. “He’s a different player from last year. He is a hard worker and doesn’t mess around.
“He’s a lot more confident now that he’s not sharing time. I just know every time I pass it back to him, the ball is going to be safe. I don’t think we’re ever going to lose a ball because of him.”
Fabela credited the active role of his father, Carlos Sr., for his deep immersion into the game, from extensive training to developing his technique.
“My dad played forward and that’s what I did when I first started, when I was probably 5 or 6,” he said. “My youth team didn’t have a goalkeeper and they put me back there.
“Back then, I was probably the worst one. I learned you really have to be hungry to play the position. When you’re out there and determined to play well, you are focused and locked in.”
The few times that he concedes a goal, Fabela doesn’t take it personally.
“After it’s happened, you might get mad at yourself,” he said. “By the time the ball gets kicked off again, you have to be ready and focused. I just know I have to be better.
“There is nothing like the adrenaline you get when you are making those saves.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
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