Patrick Bohan’s contributions for Naperville Central often went overlooked last season.
Bohan was vital for the Redhawks, who won their first state championship. But he’s a defender.
“After playing outside back for a major chunk of my career, I know it’s hard to get recognition as a defender unless you’re great in the air or some type of a dead ball specialist,” Naperville Central coach Troy Adams said. “It’s hard to get a lot of credit.
“There are great defensive players, but it’s really hard to single those out at times unless you really know soccer.”
Bohan’s days in the shadows appear to be over. The senior was one of 90 players, including 15 from the Midwest, invited to participate in the inaugural ECNL Conference Cup, which was held from July 31 to Aug. 4 at the Chula Vista Elite Training Center in California.
“It definitely boosted my confidence,” Bohan said. “I knew I was selected by other teams’ coaches, and I was surrounded by a lot of very high-level talent. It was a great experience to play with all of them.”
Last year, Bohan was surrounded by a lot of talent on the Redhawks, who set program records with 99 goals and 26 wins. Most of that firepower is gone as six starters graduated and leading scorer Chase Adams, who had 21 goals and 19 assists as a freshman, is training with the Columbus Crew’s academy team.
“It’s definitely going to put a lot of pressure on the defense because we don’t know what formation we’re going to play,” Bohan said. “But I think we have a great team surrounding me, so I think our defense is definitely going to be one of the strong points this year.”
Indeed, the Redhawks (26-3-1) return three starting defenders: Bohan, senior Patrick Berryman and senior Michael Cavalleri. Senior defensive midfielder Carter Adams and senior goalkeeper Dylan Scott, who split time in the net last season, also are back.
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But Bohan, an all-sectional pick last year, will be the linchpin. Battling Chase Adams in practice last year seasoned him, and the trip to California gave him even more experience.
“I think I have very good 1v1 defending skills,” Bohan said. “I can read attackers very well, and I’m very physically in shape. I can compete with any player at any level.”
Troy Adams said Bohan checks most of the boxes needed to be an elite player.
“There’s kind of four pillars of soccer,” Troy Adams said. “You talk about the technical, the tactical, the athletic and then what they call the social-emotional, which is basically your attitude — how do you lead, how do you take criticism and coaching.
“He has the physical; he’s a strong kid, and for his strength he’s pretty pacey. He’s very technical: good with the ball at his feet, good in the air, battles for everything.”
Troy Adams said he also likes Bohan’s leadership skills. That leaves one category to fill.
“The tactical side will be the adjustment this year,” Troy Adams said. “We know he can play in the back, so can we find another spot for him that maybe he can help us a little more? It’s going to be uncomfortable for him.”
That’s because the Redhawks are unlikely to be as prolific offensively, meaning Troy Adams could move one or more of his defenders up the field to help with the attack.
A move to the midfield could also benefit Bohan’s recruitment by adding to his versatility. He doesn’t have any offers yet.
“He doesn’t always fit the exact profile of what you’re looking for,” Troy Adams said. “I do believe he will be a Division I player. It’s just taking a little longer to sort it out.”
A strong senior season would boost Bohan’s stock, but he’s not worried.
“As of right now, I’m looking to play at a Division I school,” he said. “Obviously, not everybody can play at that level, so if it doesn’t work out, I know I’m capable of playing at a higher-end DIII school. I’m happy however it ends up because I know I will play soccer in college.”
For now, Bohan is focused on helping the Redhawks defend their Class 3A state title.
“It was truly an amazing experience last year,” he said. “Everybody was coming to support us at all of our games.
“Having all these new guys, everyone is going to want that same experience happen again. So it’s just going to push us to work our hardest every game, especially knowing that everyone is gunning for us.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.