MIGDOL SCORES EX-FORWARD HAS FOUND A HOME ON DEFENSE AT CANYON.

Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer

CANYON COUNTRY - Brandon Migdol used to be a forward who couldn't score. Now he does his best to make sure there are several other forwards who can't score.

After years of being moved around to various positions, often being told he'd make a good forward, Migdol believes he has found the spot that suits him best: defender. His success at the position has made the junior a bright spot on an underachieving Canyon High boys' soccer team and leaves him as the future of the Cowboys' traditionally strong defense. The new role could also be what it takes for Migdol to realize his dream of playing college soccer.

``We moved him to defense and he's done really well back there,'' Canyon coach Pete Getz said. ``The defense is the strength of our team and he's a big part of our defense.''

With fellow standout defenders Ceaser Aguilar and Jamshir Lakdawala graduating this year, Migdol is preparing to take on even more responsibility. The more responsibility he gets, the better, which part of why he likes defense so much.

``When I'm on defense, I know if I get scored on, it's my fault,'' Migdol said. ``In midfield, I don't have the same way of thinking, I guess because there's people there behind you to back you up if they get past you. I just don't try as hard. I play better with the pressure on me. I push myself more. At forward, I'd push myself because I was the first line of offense. But midfield, you're just in the middle. I don't know why, but I don't try as hard there. I think defender makes me try the hardest.''

Playing defense not only ignites the type of effort that sets an example for a team battling for a playoff berth, it also makes parts of the game seem easier for Migdol, such as heading the ball.

``When I'm on defense, heading the ball, winning headers, is so much easier,'' Migdol said. ``I don't know why. When I was forward, I'd never win headers. But defender, I can win every one. I don't know what it is.''

One of his other big mysteries is why teams kept trying to make him a forward. His speed and knowledge of the game - the 16-year-old has played since he was 5 and has given up other sports to play soccer year-round - made him valuable as a playmaker. But he had a glaring weakness for a forward.

``I can't score,'' Migdol said. ``That's my biggest problem. I just create opportunities. I'm good at creating opportunities. ... I can't shoot. I don't know why they like me at forward, but everybody tries me there.''

The Cowboys were among those who thought he'd make a good forward. Migdol entered this season, his second on varsity, listed as a forward and a top prospect to replace the scorers who led Canyon to last year's Foothill League title. He has been used throughout the lineup, but the Cowboys agree he's found his niche.

``I'll play wherever they need me,'' Migdol said. ``But I think defender is the best for me. It's my favorite.''

MIGDOL FILE

Name: Brandon Migdol

Team: Canyon High boys' soccer

Position: Defender

Year: Junior

Quote: ``When I came to Canyon, I was supposed to be a forward. But last year in club, my coach decided to put me as a defender and then some people on this team knew I played defense, so (coach Pete) Getz tried me there, too. I guess I did OK. Now he puts me wherever he needs me. But I like defender best.''

- Brandon Migdol

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Canyon junior Brandon Migdol has found his home in the Cowboys' defense.

Evan Yee/Staff Photographer

Box:

MIGDOL FILE (see text)