Elia knows what it takes to succeed

by Matthew Ondesko, Managing Editor

They are the last line of defense, and get more grief than praise. While the forwards get all the press for scoring the goals that could win the game, it’s defense that takes the hits.

If a goal is scored, the defense is one the one that gets highlighted on why it happened. Playing at that end of the pitch is not for the faint of heart.

McKenzie Elia knows what it takes to play a strong defensive game. The Wilson High School defender is one of the best in Western New York. She knows to pay a great defensive game you need to have great soccer IQ.

Most teams press high. They put pressure on the defense to try and play the ball out of the back. That puts a lot of pressure on the defenders to make the right decision. It also doesn’t give the defenders that much time to get a breather.

Unlike the other positions on the pitch, the defenders normally will go the entire 90 minutes without a sub.

“A big part in being a good defender is having a great soccer IQ. Most people think its all about the physicality and speed of the game but mentally you need to know how to beat your opponent,” stated Elia. “The best players in the world know what they are going to do with the ball way before they receive it. They are always watching for the other teams weakness. The hardest part of being a defender is the pressure of being the last inline on the pitch to stop the other team from scoring. Good teams press high so you don't get breaks on the field to recover. Usually, another thing is working for 90 minutes on the field, but not getting the recognition the defenders deserve in the papers. Defense wins games/championships as they say but not to often do they make the papers for a story.”

Elia has worked on being one of the best in Western New York. It’s not easy all the time going up again some of the best forwards one on one. Earlier in her career Elia might have not been as patient, and that led to getting beat from time to time.

That is one of the biggest parts of her game that she has worked on over the years. She knows to be good at her craft it takes discipline, and making the other player make the first move.

“Things I have worked on to become the defender I now have patience.. Patience is the key to becoming a great defender. Also having good chemistry with your defensive line, you all work as one and need to know each others strengths and weaknesses. When I step to a offensive player I need to know if I cant get to her my teammate is running to recover for me. You have to have each others backs all the time,” stated Elia. “The best tactic when pressuring the attacker with the ball is to keep them on the outside and don't get caught up in their footwork, make them make the mistake and attack then. Always keeping them out of shooting range or anywhere they can make an impact.”

The fact Elia is playing at this high of a level is a testament to her mental fortitude. Elia has not had an easy soccer life. She has been through a lot in a short amount of time, including tearing her ACL three times.

It’s tough enough to come back from one major injury, but to do it three times is pretty impressive. It also shows the type of person, and competitor Elia is. Coming back from the first one is tough mentally.

But, when she tore it two more times, the mental toughness she needed to just keeping going through the physical therapy, and the stress it takes on a person, was impressive. She wasn’t going to give up her dream of playing soccer at the highest level possible.

“Things I have learned about myself, I’m stronger then I give myself credit for. I have had not one but three ACL injuries that sidelined me, and had to sit out and recover from,” stated Elia. “This was physically taxing but what most don't talk about is the mental side of recovery. That is where I now know that I’m strongest. You have no choice when you enter the pitch again, you've worked to hard to get back to the game you love.”

This is why her signing day was extra special. Going through what she has could have casted doubted on playing soccer at the next level. Instead of casting doubt, Elia turned that into a positive.

She signed to play for Nazareth, and they are going to get a player who is determined to prove she belongs at this level. She has worked on her physical, and mental self, and is ready to take on any challenge.

“When I committed to play soccer in college I felt a huge relief. I am so excited to be able to continue to play the sport I love and be surrounded by a great group of girls and coaches,” stated Elia. “During the recruiting process I learned that everything happens for a reason and you will know when it's the right fit. Also you need to start early in your search for schools, it takes time to see them all and build a relationship with coaches.”