Skinner's Versatility Allows Lake Forest Academy to Attack from the Back

It was love at first sight for Kyle Skinner.

The junior loved soccer right away growing up in Lake Forest. And soccer loved him back.

"Right away I had a natural talent for it,'' Skinner said. "I have been playing since I was 3 years old and it is by far the sport I enjoy the most. Even though the United States does not like soccer as much as the rest of the world, I still think it is the most exciting sport. It takes a lot of work and skill and it is fun to watch."

Skinner is another key player in Caxys coach Kevin Versen's lineup. Versen is happy to have this versatile player on his team this fall.

"He plays as a midfielder on his club teams, but we needed him as a outside attacking back,'' Versen said. "And he has exceeded our expectations. I actually think the outside left position is the better position for him in the end."

His midfielder experience makes Skinner valuable on the offensive.

"Kyle has secured that outside left back position,'' Versen said. "That is very important to our style of play. Not many programs can say they have strong outside left attacking backs."

Skinner is well aware the IHSA doesn't allow Lake Forest Academy to play in post-season tournaments. So he fully takes advantage of any tournies his team enters like the Glenbrook North Tournament.

"The highlight of the season so far is probably the Glenbrook North tournament we just won,'' he said. "We played really well in all three games and moved the ball very well. After this tournament, our team has become as close as it has ever been and it was a great win for us."

It still bothers Skinner that the full measure of this team can't be measured in the state playoffs.

"I am very disappointed that our team cannot participate in the playoffs,'' he said. "It is hard to tell how good we are compared to other teams in the state, but I feel that if we could compete we would have a very good chance of winning."

Regardless, the year has been beneficial to Skinner and the Caxys.

"Kyle is an excellent player,'' Versen said. "Kyle has grown in his confidence as well and has done a great job in learning the game particularly when to attack and when to support as a back."

Skinner's soccer career has taken him to both coasts, but it's too early to determine where he will land for college.

"Right now I am talking to a few colleges,'' Skinner said. "But my main focus is getting good grades and getting better at soccer so when the time comes I can get into the college I want to go to."