Boys Soccer: Infante's dream becoming a reality

RTHS alum earns trial with Monarcas Morelia soccer club in Mexico

Russell Hodges
Posted 2/19/20

Before ending his prep career as Rochelle Township High School’s all-time single-season scoring champion, former Hub striker Jessee Infante had dreams of playing professional soccer.

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Boys Soccer: Infante's dream becoming a reality

RTHS alum earns trial with Monarcas Morelia soccer club in Mexico

Posted

MORELIA, Mexico — Before ending his prep career as Rochelle Township High School’s all-time single-season scoring champion, former Hub striker Jessee Infante had dreams of playing professional soccer. Those dreams may soon become reality, as Infante will undergo a trial period with Monarcas Morelia of Liga MX, Mexico’s top-tier professional soccer league.

Infante will train with Monarcas Morelia’s U20 team for one week before coaches make a decision on whether or not he will stay with the program. If he completes his trial, he will become a full member of the club, with an opportunity to move up to the Liga MX team possibly awaiting him down the road.

“This opportunity is really important to me because it has always been my dream to play professional soccer, and I’ve always dreamt about my career starting out at this very club,” Infante said. “I hope to supply the team with an attacking option who can score goals, break defensive lines and play with passion.”

It was around Christmas time this winter when Infante decided to forego the remainder of his schooling and collegiate athletic career at Kishwaukee College to pursue his dream. Infante moved to Mexico in early February and found residence with his grandparents, who he said he had never met prior to beginning his international journey.

“This is my first time with my grandparents and it’s been a different experience because it’s never cold here,” Infante said. “There are a lot of things for me to see, eat and do here.”

Infante graduated RTHS in 2019 as the soccer program’s all-time scorer, totaling a record 43 goals and adding 28 assists at the striker position during his senior season. He signed to play for Kishwaukee College, and in his lone season with the Kougars this fall, he led the team with 19 goals and seven assists. Infante played four years of varsity soccer for the Hubs, earning Northern Illinois Big 12 All-Conference First Team honors twice.

“Playing in Rochelle really gave me the confidence to come down to Mexico and test my skills and see if I can make it professionally,” Infante said. “Playing for Kishwaukee College gave me more experience and brought out a more physical side of me.”