From high-scoring forwards to brick-wall goalkeepers, the players who score the goals, as well as the ones who keep them out of the net, seem to achieve the highest levels of media and fan attention. However, without a few well-placed passes, the strikers can’t score; and without tenacious defense pressure from the entire team, the goalie is bound to let a few goals slip by.

Center-midfielder and co-captain Harry Hilling ‘15 brings both determined defense and team-first offense to the boys soccer team, and with the help of his leadership and work ethic, the team holds a (as of now 15-4) record.

According to forward and co-captain Patrick Duncan ‘15, Hilling contributes to all aspects of the team’s play.

“He works super hard defensively and makes a lot of passes that other guys can’t make,” Duncan said. “[He also] gets into open space and beats people one on one.”

Hilling currently leads the team in assists with 11, and he admits that passing is one of the greatest strengths in his playmaking arsenal.

“I like to pass the ball,” Hilling said. “I like to keep the ball moving and share the wealth. One of our strengths is to break down teams by passing the ball, so I like to orchestrate the midfield and get the ball to other people without touching the ball itself.”

Hilling’s offensive orchestration isn’t only relegated to passing and setting up his teammates. He also exhibits scoring prowess, as he nearly hit a free kick from 30 yards out against Morton in the PepsiCo Showdown championship game to give the team an early lead (Duncan headed it in after it hit the post). He later scored on a penalty kick in the final shootout near the end of the game.

“He’s able to just find spaces,” Duncan said. “He’s quick and devastating and also really accurate. He’s got a lot of different angles and ways to attack.”

Although his soccer skills are undeniable, both head coach Paul Labbato and Duncan said that much of his contributions cannot be measured statistically, but rather through his competitive, work-first attitude.

“This year, Harry’s leads with his on-field actions,” Labbato said. “He works hard every second of each practice and every game, which is a certain type of leadership that allows younger players to follow.”

Hilling’s competitive mindset also positively impacts the team’s developing players.

“Harry leads by example,” Duncan said. “He’s never a slacker, and he’s a bit quieter than most. [But], he’s a good role model for younger kids on the team by working hard and doing his best every day.”

After falling to Morton in the PepsiCo Showdown and losing the Silver Brick to Hinsdale Central the day before, Hilling said the team has its work cut out for them.

“Even though it was rough losing the Silver Brick and PepsiCo Showdown, now we have a chip on our shoulder come playoffs,” Hilling said. “We have more to prove.”

Labbato doesn’t doubt that Hilling will play a major role in the team’s playoff success.

“He needs to [be a factor in the playoffs],” Labbato said. “And I would expect someone like Harry who leads by example to give every bit of himself in those knockout games.”

The team plays Kelly on Friday, Oct.25 in the second round of the playoffs.