Forward is Ben Wallace's favorite position, but the Valparaiso senior found himself patrolling other parts of the soccer pitch throughout his career.

"I love playing forward," said Wallace, who started playing soccer when he was 4 years old. "That's where I was when I started out. I've played midfield and defense, but I've always liked scoring goals and attacking (the net)."

When leading scorer Torrey Brock moved on to Saint Joseph's College this fall, the Vikings were in need of an up-front scoring threat. In the regular season, Wallace answered the call with a team-high 12 goals and two assists for the Times No. 2 Vikings (11-2-3).

Wallace has become confident about his abilities as a forward, but those feelings didn't start developing until last spring.

Wallace was more of a role player in past amateur soccer campaigns, but he was given considerable time at forward for his Northwest United team. Wallace used his speed and quality leaping skills to make plays.

"I played everywhere before, but I didn't really know what I was getting into," Wallace said. "I played forward before, but it was still like I was a blank sheet of paper. Once things started to happen, I became more confident. It became more habitual."

Wallace spent time as a stopper as a sophomore and played midfield and center mid last year for the Vikings, but Jeftich watched Wallace play last spring.

While brainstorming with assistant Ted Cuson about possible options at forward, Jeftich thought he might have found a replacement for Brock.

"Ben's name came up," Jeftich said. "He's not a true forward, but I knew we could help him become one."

That learning process with Jeftich and Wallace's confidence level suffered setbacks. Wallace broke his nose while attempting a header during game with the Indiana Magic in July. Wallace needed surgery, and he missed the first week of prep practice.

When Wallace returned to the lineup, Jeftich worked with the senior on forward runs and 1-on-1 moves. Wallace still needed time to feel comfortable about going airborne.

"I just couldn't be as aggressive out there," Wallace said. "I was supposed to play with a facemask, but I couldn't see with it. I just backed off, and I lacked that edge."

Just like Wallace, the Vikings' offense struggled in the beginning of the season. Through four games, Valpo scored just one goal. Wallace's first score came against Merrillville in the team's seventh game.

Since a four-goal day at the Fort Wayne Canterbury Tournament on Sept. 20, Wallace has added three goals and an assist in five games.

"It really clicked for me (in the tournament)," Wallace said. "I felt like that I did belong.

"This is such a great feeling, and I never truly expected it. It's a real blessing for me."

Boys Soccer

Times Top 10 Poll

(Last week's rankings in parentheses)

1. Lake Central (1)

2. Valparaiso (3)

3. Munster (2)

4. Chesterton (4)

5. Griffith (7)

6. Portage (8)

7. Crown Point (9)

8. Andrean (5)

9. Michigan City (6)

10. Bishop Noll (10)