BRADENTON, Fla. – Chicago Inferno U16 playmaker Jonathon Hernandez made a strong impression in the Group A opener of the Super Y League North American Finals on Friday at IMG Academy. Hernandez factored in every goal during the Inferno’s 3-1 win against National Soccer.

After Chicago and National Soccer traded first-half goals, Hernandez set the tone with an assist to Alejandro Rivas and a penalty kick conversion later in the second half to put the match out of reach.

“After they scored, we just kind of slowed down and played our game and controlled the game,” Hernandez said. “We just moved the ball the way we know how to, working it side to side.”

Hernandez had a strong start to the tournament, proving his value in the middle and attacking thirds of the pitch. He netted the game’s opening goal and then showcased both strong precision on the ball and awareness near the 18-yard box.

With the score tied at 1-1 in the second half, Hernandez whipped in a cross from the right flank to split the National Soccer defense and Rivas eventually was able to fight off his defender and slot home the go-ahead goal. Then Hernandez instinctively drew some contact in the box to gain a PK. Even with some pre-conversion antics from his opponent when Hernandez was setting up, he remained poised and fired into the left side of the frame for a 3-1 lead. 

“They were a very good team,” Hernandez said. “We just kept going at it, and in that crucial moment, we sealed the game with the PK. I turned my back and was looking for the contact.”

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Hernandez has had an exciting year on the soccer front that also included taking part in the first USL Experience. The multi-day residential event, hosted by FC Cincinnati in April, certainly served as a unique opportunity that Hernandez soaked in.

“It was a great experience for me,” Hernandez said. “You see their lifestyle, what it takes to be a pro and what you have to do to get to the next level. I was the only Chicago Inferno player, so I made new friends and learned how to play with different types of people and different styles of the game.”

Hernandez is now looking to cap off 2016 with a title at the SYL Finals, something the Inferno enjoyed one year ago.

“Last year, these other guys won it at the U-14s, so this is a good experience for me,” Hernandez said. “Hopefully we can get the trophy and get what’s ours.”