NAPERVILLE — Hinsdale Central senior Wes Bergevin is one of the top goalkeepers in the state, even though he hasn’t been challenged often this season.
The main reason is the stellar play of senior defender Evan Floersch.
“He makes my job a lot easier,” said Bergevin, who was the lone junior goalkeeper last year selected all-state by the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association. “I feel more comfortable in goal with him in front of me. He really limits the shots I get on goal.”
Floersch anchors a defense that has posted five shutouts. He came up huge Saturday to help the Red Devils (6-2-2) tie Naperville Central 1-1.
Floersch stopped a potential breakaway by dangerous forward Jordi Heeneman late in the game to preserve the tie with the Redhawks (7-1-3). Heeneman appeared to have a step on Floersch about 20 yards from the goal, but Floersch cut him off using a good angle and knocked the ball out of harm’s way.
“It’s always a privilege playing against the dynamic up-front players,” Floersch said. “I just listen to (Hinsdale Central) coach (Mike Wiggins). I trust him and I trust our system. It’s not really my individual defending, it’s more as a team. Our collective defending is getting a lot better.”
The Red Devils’ co-captain is actually a midfielder with his Oak Brook Soccer Club team, but never had a problem switching positions in high school. He’s now in his third varsity season as a starting defender.
“Coach said we’ll try you out in the back and it worked,” Floersch said of his switch sophomore season. “I kept at it. [Being a midfielder] helps me with the touch aspect of [defending]. I have a better touch than most defenders.”
Floersch, who will continue his soccer career next year at Emory University, will be missed by Wiggins.
“Evan could be one of the best one-on-one defenders in the state, period,” Wiggins said. “What I find interesting is how many schools don’t know that there’s a kid like Evan out there. For what he does for us, you’re looking at a kid who is really off the radar.”
His efforts off the field are impressive as well.
“He takes the time to talk to the younger guys in the program and that’s a big deal,” Wiggins said. “He’s a great example to what we’re looking for from our student-athletes. He exemplifies all those traits that you learn through athletics in what he does off the field.”
Fellow co-captain Bergevin, also appreciates the leadership his Oak Brook Soccer Club teammate demonstrates on the field.
“Evan holds everything together,” Bergevin said. “He’s not much of a talker, but when he does, they know they have to pick it up or not make that mistake again. He always comes to practice, works hard and has a great attitude. Hard work and dedication [makes him successful]. He loves the game and puts in the extra effort on and off the field. He’s a great student and a great player.”