ESPN

Young soccer players look forward.

Actually, most players of any age tend to do so. That's where the opponent's net is, where you score goals and where the spotlight shines.

Lyons senior Billy McGuinness has opted to do the opposite from an early age.

"I was looking over my shoulder making sure we had cover in the back," he said. "I don't know why I thought it was more important. Obviously, scoring goals is how you win games, [but] defense is how you don't lose games."

With McGuinness manning the back, Lyons has lost very few games in the past four years. This season, Lyons is 4-1, and has gone 33-10-2 over the past two seasons. His vocal, physical and knowledgeable defensive presence have allowed the Lions to win three consecutive regional titles and remain one of the state's top teams this season.

Lyons coach Paul Labbato can attest to McGuinness' myriad talents.

Labbato on McGuinness' knowledge: "One aspect that Billy excels at is his ability to slow the game down in his head. His knowledge of the game gives him the ability to predict the play before it happens."

On his vocal leadership: "Yes, he is like another coach on the field. Billy is able to give great information to his defenders and midfielders during each situation on the field."

On his athleticism: "Every time he goes in for a tackle, I take notice how smooth [his sliding tackle is] and what perfect timing he has."

McGuinness' all-around ability took a large step to where it is now when he decided to devote himself completely to soccer. Before his teenage years, he used to play a variety of sports, including football and swimming. But soccer was his favorite sport, and he knew that if he wanted to excel at it, he had to drop everything else.

"It takes up a lot of time," said McGuinness, who has narrowed his college choices to Akron, Princeton and Villanova. "You have to train every day. Playing with your feet isn't natural. It takes a lot of practice and concentration."

The dedication has paid off. His touch on the ball has improved. He's more confident when he has possession. He also has developed leadership skills and isn't afraid to hold himself and his teammates accountable on the field.

"They take it for what it is," McGuinness said. "They do respect me."

McGuinness credits much of his progression to his training with his club team, the Chicago Magic. He joined the club when he was 10 years old and only recently decided to leave it. McGuinness said he decided to leave the Magic so he could experience a different coaching staff.

After his high school season, he will join the Chicago Fire Academy, a year-round youth development camp.

Aside from what he's learned from playing with his club and high school teams, McGuinness also picks up things from watching international games. He especially admires the defensive play of FC Barcelona's Carles Puyol, Juventus FC's Fabio Cannavaro, AC Milan's Gennaro Gattuso and former Manchester United star Roy Keane.

Like most defenders, McGuinness enjoys the seldom opportunities to move forward and become a goal scorer. He has scored twice in his career. The first was a game winner as a freshman that beat Wheaton Warrenville South in overtime in the Pepsi Showdown semifinals.

Still, defense is what McGuinness loves most. If he had to choose between being the scorer or the defender in a one-on-one situation, he'd opt to defend.

"It's what I live for as a defender, going up against that goal scorer, shutting them down," he said.

Scott Powers covers high school and college sports for ESPNChicago.com and can be reached at preps@espnchicago.com.