Ben Solano's prep soccer career did not get off to a rousing start.

Solano broke his foot during a 3-on-3 offseason soccer tournament and missed his entire freshman season at Boone Grove. Solano never played a game that year, but he also didn't miss a practice either.

"I just kept showing up," Solano said. "I wanted to show that I was dedicated and prove that I would stay with the team."

Solano is halfway through his third season on the field. He has eight goals and six assists this year for the Wolves (8-3).

Solano's actions as a freshman left an indelible impression in coach Brian Sherwin's mind.

"Some other kids might have just started to miss practices altogether and just lost interest," Sherwin said. "You could tell he was disappointed, but he kept his focus on soccer. When we did drills, he would stand right with me and try to learn what was going on. He couldn't wait to get back."

Now Solano is crucial member of the Wolves' squad. He played outside right and left midfield as a sophomore and junior. He started at center midfield this season. After an injury to stopper Chris Vasquez, Solano moved to a more defensive role.

"He's got really great vision, and he has the ability to deliver a nice clean pass," Sherwin said of Solano. "I realized with his skills that I could play him anywhere on the field.

"He accepted the new role, and he's willing to do whatever he can for the best of the team."

Just as the transition from outside to center midfield took time, Solano had to adjust to his spot at stopper.

"I'm naturally a center mid," Solano said. "I just had to control my runs, but I still played the role as a distributor."

Vasquez has returned to the lineup, so Solano is now back at center midfield.

"I don't mind moving back to center midfield," Solano said, "because Chris is a phenomenal stopper."

Solano now has more opportunities to make plays with fellow seniors Matt Malone (forward) and Mitch Aguilera (midifelder).

"We've played together pretty much our whole lives," Solano said. "I can just look up and know where they will be on the field. That helps with me trying to put the ball in the best position for them."

After an undefeated regular season a year ago, the Wolves are in a different position. That doesn't stop Solano from thinking positive about his final prep year.

"It has been tougher, but I feel like this team has better chemistry," he said. ... "I enjoy being the backbone of the team. I like being able to distribute scoring chances rather than being the one to get all the glory."

BOYS SOCCER

Times Top 10

(Last week's rankings in parentheses)

1. Munster (1)

2. Lake Central (2)

3. Valparaiso (4)

4. Bishop Noll (8)

5. Andrean (10)

6. Chesterton (3)

7. Griffith (6)

8. Portage (7)

9. Michigan City (5)

10. Crown Point (9)