Naperville Central's Beasley led by example

High school soccer teams undoubtedly change from year to year as seniors graduate and underclassmen move up through the ranks and get their chance to make an impact.

But you'd have a hard time finding a team that had to adjust as much as Naperville Central did this fall.

The team welcomed new coach Troy Adams, added a new artificial playing surface and had to address a severe scoring concern. The Redhawks scored 56 goals in 2009, thanks in large part to the performances of Art Garza (DePaul) and Chris Prince (Wisconsin). The two established school records during their playing days in Naperville, Prince with 38 career goals and Garza finishing with 35 assists. Last season the team scored 56 goals collectively, but only 10 came from players who were on the team's roster this season.

As Adams stepped into his new role he tackled the scoring concern immediately by moving defender Peter Beasley to the midfield. A fourth-year player who sees the field extremely well and is very skilled on the ball, Beasley had never scored before.

Yes, you've read that correctly, Beasley entered the season with 0 career goals, and now he would be playing a considerable role in helping the Redhawks control games and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Beasley didn't set any scoring records, and the Redhawks, like the majority of soccer teams in the state, struggled with scoring consistently. What he did do was sacrifice himself for the benefit of the team, put himself in the impossible situation where he was able to be successful even though it was impossible to fill the void left by Garza and Prince. Through his leadership he helped the Redhawks to an 11-7-1 season in which they didn't lose a single game by more than one goal. The team compiled a 6-7 mark in games decided by one goal.

For all of these things, the Northwestern-bound Beasley was named captain of the DuPage County 2010 All-Area Boys Soccer Team.

“He was the glue that held us together and he allowed everyone around him to be a better player,” Adams said. “With his experience in the back that past three years and then moving to the midfield he allowed us to have scoring opportunities while he still directed us defensively and offensively. It was kind of like having a coach on the field.”

The top players on most teams have experience playing different positions on the field. Basically, if you're a very good soccer player then it's likely that you can perform well as a defender, midfielder and forward. Still, players grow accustomed to their role and generally the hard work and dedication, as well as the familiarity of the position, allow them to specialize and achieve great success. The transition for Beasley was seamless.

“It speaks to his experience and his leadership skills,” Adams said. “We had a transition with a new coaching staff and everything from how practice would be run to the expectations of the program, so it wasn't just moving to midfield but a lot of other things.”

Beasley admitted that was nervous when he was asked to move to midfield.

“When coach (Adams) first told me I was excited about it but nervous because I hadn't played it in my high school career very much,” he said. “I definitely looked forward to it and since I'm a very competitive guy I love to win so my main focus was on winning for the team, and whatever I'm needed to do I'm willing to try it.”

It didn't long for Beasley to make his presence felt as the team came out of the gate strong, winning four of its first five games. It was in the second game of the season when Beasley also scored his first varsity goal. It came in a 3-0 victory against Lincoln-Way East on Aug. 26.

“Scoring that first goal at home against Lincoln-Way was a nice byproduct of his hard work and determination,” Adams said. “Then in our first conference game against West Aurora he picked up a huge goal on a dead-ball play to help us win.”

Naperville Central tied for second place in the DuPage Valley Conference at 4-2-1, and Beasley scored or assisted in all but two of those contests. The two that he didn't score or assist in were also the two that the Redhawks went home with losses.

“He's such a smart player and he was able to go from his comfort zone into a spot where he had to push us,” teammate A.J. Seaman said. “He's constantly thinking all the time out there, and he uses his instincts from the back in order to attack more.”

A goal and assist against Hinsdale Central and a pair of assists in the regional opening win against Metea Valley were just a couple of the games where Beasley's efforts showed in the box score. His ability to help control the midfield also carried over in the team's stingy defensive play. The Redhawks only surrendered 15 goals in 19 games this season.

“I'm not exceptionally quick, but I have awareness on the field and believe I read the game better than most players,” Beasley said. “I made quicker decisions and try to be one step ahead, and while some want to be the strongest or fastest or most skilled, I just want to be able to beat my opponents.”

As fired up as he might get to help his team win, Beasley also displayed poise this season, something that was especially needed with 13 one-goal decisions.

“He was our calming presence on the field, and with such vision and touch he very rarely ever looked panicked,” Adams said. “He has a confidence that transferred over to the other players, which allowed them to settle down and not play with the hurriedness that early varsity players will have.”

Now that his brilliant four-year career has come to a close after a 1-0 regional championship loss to Benet on Oct. 23, Beasley has had a chance to reflect on it.

“It's been very eventful and I've been able to play with some great players,” he said. “It's been a great experience, and some of these guys like Art Garza taught me so many things and helped me grow as a player.”

While Beasley will be in Evanston at this time next year, it's safe to assume that there will be quite a few Redhawks who will be better players next year thanks to having played alongside him.

“Playing with a top-notch player like him has been a great experience and it makes you always want to be a better player,” Seaman said. “He always wants to win and wants you to go at it 100 percent but will give 110 percent and then expect you give to give 120 percent. I love the competitive edge with him.”