Soccer games, more often than not, are won and lost in the central portion of the field.

That is the mentality of Lyons Township boys soccer coach Paul Labbato, and that is why his team features three center midfielders, as opposed to a more traditional lineup with two center mids.

“It is so crucial that we play three there,” Labbato said. “It makes each of their jobs easier. There’s less defending because you have an extra guy and there are more options to pass the ball to.”

The Lions, who are 16-3 on the season and currently ranked in the top three in the state by area publications, turn to seniors Brian Heimerdinger and Zach Pearsall, and junior Kyle Kurfirst to patrol the center of the field. Each has his strengths, and each helped put LT in position to make a deep run in the postseason.

“I enjoy the sense of responsibility that is associated with the position,” Kurfirst said. “A lot of the play during a game has to come through us, and we have to always be active in switching the point of attack.”

Kurfirst is more of a defensive center midfielder compared to the other two, but when there is a ball to be won in the air, no one on LT is better at getting to it than him.

“Kyle Kurfirst is smaller than just about everyone on our team, but he is the strongest player in the air,” Labbato said. “He is one of the best in the state at it.”

The three center mid formation is ideal for Heimerdinger, whose strength, in Labbato’s eyes, is his overall vision on the field.

“It’s great that I’m always involved and never just sitting around and doing nothing,” Heimerdinger said. “I’m pretty much everywhere the ball goes.”

With three center midfielders, the Lions usually play with three defenders — one less than usual — as they did on Oct. 3 in their 1-0 victory over Morton, another team who has frequented the state’s top 10 all season. When LT needed a goal in that game, it was Heimerdinger who stepped up.

LT’s strength all season has been based on the strength of its defensive line. But make no mistake. If it were not for strong, steady play by Heimerdinger, Pearsall and Kurfirst in the center of the field, the Lions would not be where they are today.

“They need to be able to get back and defend, and they need to be able to go forward and score, which has been a key for our team this season,” Labbato said. “They’re the leaders on the field in terms of where the ball is going to be played.”


Three keys to the position
1. AWARENESS Always have to know what’s going on around you. You have to be able to look over your shoulder and know where your teammates are and where the other team is
2. COMPOSURE Good skill on the ball allows you creatively dribble or pass while under pressure.
3. VISION Must to be a playmaker, facilitating the attack from 18-yard line to 18-yard line


Pro players that epitomize the position
Chris Armas (former center midfielder for the Chicago Fire and U.S. National team)
“He was not very big, but he worked extremely hard, had good vision on the field and never backed down from a tackle.” — Kyle Kurfirst

Andrea Pirlo (center midfielder for AC Milan and Italian National Team)
“He’s really creative with the ball. He always knows what to do with it and he has a great touch with it. He never gets himself stuck in a position he doesn’t want to be in.” — Brian Heimerdinger