Naperville North defender Alex Arredondo had an ice bag on his left elbow and his arm in a sling following Thursday’s game against Lyons.
That’s not a good look for the Huskies.
Arredondo, who starts at left back, is a crucial piece of the defense.
“He was the best player on the field for us today,” Naperville North coach Jim Konrad said. “Unfortunately, he got hurt there, so hopefully he’s OK. Without Alex on the edge today, we would have been in deep trouble.”
If Arredondo misses extended time, the Huskies (1-1) could struggle against their typically tough schedule. They lost 2-0 to Lyons.
Fellow seniors Adam Zielke and Ryan Konrad have more varsity experience than Arredondo, who moved into the starting lineup last season. But Arredondo is making his mark while marking opponents’ most dangerous wing players. He was named all-conference last season.
“My contribution is just holding the back line together, kind of keeping us all organized,” Arredondo said. “I’m not the biggest guy on the field, but I feel like I’m more mentally strong.”
That’s a good quality for a left back. Those who play the position are often left on an island facing an opponent’s best attacking players, most of whom are right-footed.
What’s the toughest part about playing the position?
“I’d say being composed when an attacker is coming at you, so it’s basically positioning yourself to force them down the line,” Arredondo said. “I like to use my speed to force them one way. I try to force them down the line, so I position my body that way.”
Arredondo is not afraid to put his body on the line to keep opponents from getting behind North’s back line. That’s what he was doing when he wrenched his elbow and had to leave Thursday’s game with 8:43 left in the second half.
“I went for a slide tackle, and I got my arm caught under me,” Arredondo said. “So I landed awkwardly.”
Arredondo was planning to get an X-ray. Jim Konrad said he is hoping for the best.
“I wish I could play him somewhere else because he really could be a great midfielder for us or up top,” Konrad said. “But he’s such a lockdown defender that I can’t afford not to have him in the back.
“He’s been fantastic and has really grown into quite a leader for us. I hope he’s able to play because that would be a huge hole to fill.”
Arredondo’s ascent has been impressive considering he played on the freshman team. Senior Alex Barger, an Indiana recruit who plays in the midfield, was the starting left back on varsity that season, and Arredondo paid close attention.
“I did watch him play,” Arredondo said. “Me and Alex are great friends, so we talk a lot about the position, especially last year when I was coming into it. He really helped me a lot fitting into the position and understanding what to do.”
Barger, who was recruited by Indiana as a defender, gave Arredondo some advice.
“Mostly he said just keep calm, don’t get all upset over the little mistakes,” Arredondo said. “Because when you play defense, you’re the last line, so you have to be composed and listen to coach.
“That’s the main part … listening to coach’s strategies and don’t think you’re above the program.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
