CL South's Oliver consummate team player

Charlie Oliver could have bailed on his Crystal Lake South teammates in favor of club soccer.

He chose otherwise.

Already an elite player on the club scene, the 5-foot-9 striker could have copped an attitude two years ago when he was elevated to the CL South varsity as a freshman.

Instead, he tried humbly to fit in.

The 16-year-old resident of Crystal Lake has more soccer talent in his instep than many players have from head to toe and, therefore, could single-handedly dominate possession if he wanted to turn a given match into the “Charlie Oliver Show.”

But seeking the spotlight is simply not his style.

“He for sure has exquisite soccer talent, but the best part about Charlie is that he's such a wonderful kid on and off the soccer field,” Crystal Lake South coach Brian Allen said of his leading scorer. “Last year was his breakout year as a sophomore. The confidence grew, but the cockiness was never there. He continued that way, which is why he was given the captain's armband of this team this year as a junior.

“It's because he includes his teammates so well. He wants to make them better, not just himself. Really, that's what's meant the world to our program and our success the last couple of years. It's been about team. It's never been about him.”

The 2010 Gators (21-1-2) have won Fox Valley Conference and regional titles for the second year in a row. Oliver has been key to that success with 11 assists.

“I see myself as a leader, but I don't like trying to steal the show,” Oliver said. “I like getting everyone involved, and when it does come down to me having an open look or me having an opportunity I'm going to take advantage and finish it.”

Oliver has finished 28 such opportunities thus far, upping his three-year varsity scoring total to 54 goals to go with 22 assists. It's the kind of production that has earned him recognition as a two-time all-FVC and two-time all-sectional pick.

For his excellent season, junior forward Charlie Oliver of Crystal Lake South has been named the honorary captain of the Daily Herald All-Area Team.

Before his sophomore season in 2009, Oliver wrestled with the question of whether to stay full time with his club team, the Chicago Magic, or play for his high school. In the end, he chose CL South's green and gold.

“I always enjoy coming out and representing my school,” Oliver said. “It's such a different atmosphere. You're proud to represent your school and go out and have fun with your teammates. That's what it's all about.”

In order to avoid the same decision in the future, he transferred last summer to the Chicago Fire Academy, which encourages its players to play for their high schools.

Despite their remarkably sound defense and top-notch goalkeeping, it's hard to say where CL South would be without Oliver heading the attack. Not only does this Gator have a knack for the net, he has impeccable timing. Last year, he scored twice against Cary-Grove to earn CL South the Valley Division title. In a sectional semifinal against Larkin he drilled the first goal of the match, though the Gators would eventually see that lead evaporate in a season-ending loss.

Last Friday, Oliver scored arguably the biggest goal of his career to date, one of the most important goals in CL South soccer history.

With his team trailing host Jacobs 1-0 with under three minutes remaining in the regional title match, he took a pass from teammate Trevor Bittenbender about 25 yards in front of the right post. He used his quickness to beat one defender and gain the space needed to put the ball on his right foot.

“I really wasn't sure how far out I was until I ended up turning the ball,” Oliver said. “I'd gotten a good pass from Trevor. I turned it and looked and I had an open shot. I heard someone, I think it was Trevor, say, ‘Shoot it.' So I turned and shot it.”

Everyone on the CL South bench held their collective breath.

“He took the touch, hit it and it hooked, I would argue, outside of the far post back into the upper-90 corner,” Allen said. “It was just one of those phenomenal strikes.

“It's just another example of your big-time player stepping up and doing big-time things in the biggest situations. That shot has to be right up there, not just in the quality of the strike it was but the magnitude of importance.” The Gators went on to win the regional title on penalty kicks.

College programs are interested in Oliver, whose deft scoring touch and 3.64 grade-point average have drawn interest from some Big Ten programs and some in-state universities. He will eventually play at the Division-I level, but don't expect a scholarship offer to swell this grounded star's head.

“He gets the big picture,” Allen said. “He gets what it means. He makes the game fun and enjoyable and it's contagious for the coaching staff as well. We get a kick out of watching him out there, too.

“It's really that demeanor that makes him stand apart from other players I've coached and coached against.”