Senior forward Edeson Maradiaga is making sure his only full season at Zion-Benton is worth the wait.

Maradiaga was forced to sit out nearly all of last season after transferring from Carmel and got to don the Zee-Bees’ uniform for only the final five games. That has motivated him.

“Since I didn’t get to play as much last season, I didn’t want to take my senior year for granted,” he said. “I play every game like it’s my last game ever, so I give it my all. I pour out everything I have in me each game in order to get a positive result.”

Positive results have become common for Maradiaga and his Zion-Benton teammates this season. The captain has a team-high nine goals and five assists for the Zee-Bees (9-2, 2-1), who are in contention for the North Suburban Conference title following a 1-0 win over Warren on Thursday.

Zion-Benton coach Marco Matute saw this coming.

“Even in limited games last year, you could tell he was our guy,” Matute said of Maradiaga. “He was going to be a leader and score goals for us. He has a passion for the game and holds everyone accountable. He’s a kid who will put everything on the line for his teammates and do anything to win for the team and this group.”

Zion-Benton’s Edeson Maradiaga takes a shot during a North Suburban Conference game against Warren in Zion on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. (Rob Dicker / News-Sun)

Matute said Maradiaga’s frame is deceiving.

“He has such grit,” Maradiaga said. “He’s not afraid to challenge anyone. When you look at his size, you think you can push him around. He’s ready for every challenge, even with a 6-foot-6 player. His IQ is ahead of most players. He plays at a high level and his experience is higher.

“He also has an ability to keep everyone together when things go sideways. His leadership sets him apart.”

Maradiaga, a three-year varsity player, said the leaders during his sophomore season at Carmel — then-seniors Roman Lynch, Sammy Arroyo and Matt Lochner — were instrumental in his growth.

“They were all very intense and prepared me for high school soccer,” Maradiaga said. “They helped put me in a position to succeed and helped me figure myself out. It wasn’t a very good season for the team, but they helped me see my full potential.

“Nobody pushed me to my fullest until then. I’m really thankful they helped me become the player I am today. If not for my sophomore season, I would not be in my current position.”

Maradiaga has impressed Zion-Benton junior midfielder Alan Gonzalez.

“Edeson fights for every ball with everything he has in him,” Gonzalez said. “He’s always ready to make the runs and defend. Edeson will always give you a good game wherever you put him. It was easy for him to get used to the team because his talent stood out a lot.”

Zion-Benton’s Edeson Maradiaga controls the ball during a North Suburban Conference game against Warren in Zion on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. (Rob Dicker / News-Sun)

Maradiaga said he prepared for a full slate of games by spending more time on his conditioning and skills in the offseason.

“I wanted to help the team, so I did more home workouts,” he said. “It helped me a lot. I got stronger physically and mentally stronger by working out by myself a lot. I was focused and did breathing exercises and even watched a lot of film from soccer games on YouTube.”

Led by Maradiaga, Zion-Benton is a team to watch this season.

“I know I can be a dangerous player, and winning gives me and the team a spotlight,” he said. “I’m very happy with my performance and will keep fighting the whole year.”

Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/19/soccer-zion-benton-carmel-transfer-edeson-maradiaga/