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has played defender for just about his whole life, but with Lincoln-Way Central needing some more offensive firepower, the junior moved to forward this season.It wasn’t an entirely smooth transition for Bettenhausen at first, but he’s developed into a key goal scorer for the Knights.
“It was a big change but it’s kind of clicked,” Bettenhausen said. “It didn’t click immediately. It definitely took time and progress but eventually it came and everything just started flowing.”
Bettenhausen got into the flow again Thursday night, coming through with his sixth goal of the season to spark host Lincoln-Way Central to a 2-0 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Andrew in New Lenox.
Timothy Garcia also scored for the Knights (9-4, 5-2), while AJ Garcia and Charlie Hrebic each had an assist. The win sets up a showdown for the conference championship Wednesday against Stagg (12-4-1, 5-2).
The back line of Hrebic, Jacob Jumes, Tom Hanenburg and Paxton McIntosh dominated in holding the Thunderbolts without a shot on goal, helping Jimmy McKendry and Tanner Ivanoff combine for the shutout in the net.
“We just defended as a whole team,” Hrebic said. “All 22 guys on our roster came on the field and played a role defensively. We stayed strong with our tackles and had high energy.”
Epaminontas Stamus made three saves for Andrew (4-11, 2-4), while George Kavroulakis added two saves.
The Thunderbolts held the Knights in check in the first half and the game remained scoreless until just over 28 minutes remained.
Thar’s when Bettenhausen made a run down the right side of the box, took a pass from AJ Garcia and ripped in a high shot.
“I try to give my teammates everything but when the chance is there, I’ve got to take it,” Bettenhausen said. “It was big to get that first goal and it was really fun to celebrate with my teammates.”
The Knights have relied heavily on its defense this fall, having scored just 18 goals but having allowed only six.
So, Bettenhausen’s six goals make up a third of his team’s scoring. Lincoln-Way Central coach Dave Brown knows how vital his former defender’s offense has been.
“We struggled scoring goals in the first few games of the season and we took a peek at something a little bit different,” Brown said. “I knew Will is an athlete who can read the game and who could be a target player for us with his size and speed.
“With his ability to strike a ball, he can pose some problems for defenses.”
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Bettenhausen confirmed he felt some pressure to do big things early in the season, but he’s gained confidence in his ability to lead the offense.
“In the beginning of the season, we had a lot of new players and we needed someone to step up,” he said. “I just felt like it had to be me with scoring goals.”
Hrebic certainly misses having Bettenhausen beside him on defense but loves seeing what Bettenhausen is doing up top.
“He used to be our center back but now he starts our defense from all the way up top with his press,” Hrebic said. “With his speed and his ball work, he’s able to get behind defenders and put away big-time goals for us.”
Bettenhausen is the youngest of three brothers to play soccer for the Knights, following in the footsteps of Jay and Matt.
“It comes with high expectations playing here after what those guys did,” Bettenhausen said. “But I learned a lot from them.
“As the young one, I definitely got teamed up on. But I feel like it made me become a stronger human and I have a thicker skin which is good because people don’t get under my skin now.”