Up front or in back, Plagakis made impact for Spartans, earns Chronicle POY

SYCAMORE – Sycamore senior Isaac Plagakis showcased his versatility as a defender and a scorer to earn the 2019 Daily Chronicle Boys Soccer Player of the Year honor.

“This is a tremendous honor,” Plagakis said. “There’s a lot of good players in the area, and to be able to be selected from my peers is a huge accomplishment.”

Plagakis, a three-year starter and two-year captain for the Spartans, led the team with 22 goals from his back-line position.

“It’s a lot of pressure [to be asked to score as a defender], but I know we have a lot of good players up there, so they’ll be able to get balls to my feet,” Plagakis said. “I can finish well. That’s something I can bring, 1-on-1 finishing.”

Plagakis credits his soccer skills to his ability to see the field and anticipate the actions of the other team.

“My soccer brain is really good,” Plagakis said. “I’m not the biggest and definitely not the fastest one, but I just know a lot about the game. I can usually tell what’s going to happen before it happens. I’m really good at deciphering what’s going to happen, sniffing it out and get[ting] the ball out.”

His coach, David Bachta, credits Plagakis’ play to his focus and determination.

“I think it’s a commitment to everything that he does, whether it be academics or soccer,” Bachta said. “It’s almost like he’s an old soul. He gets it. He understands that nothing comes easy, so he kind of has this work ethic.”

Plagakis knew he had a chance for a special season when he scored six goals in a half to lead the Spartans in a comeback win against Rochelle.

Sycamore had trailed, 4-0, at halftime in that game.

“I think that’s the moment that I knew that I was playing well, that I was on top of my game,” Plagakis said.

Despite that big game, Plagakis said his biggest accomplishment was leading the Spartans to their first regional title in 10 years against Hampshire in a weather-shortened mudfest.

“Just to be able to say that we’re regional champions is something we haven’t been able to say in 10 years, so that’s huge,” Plagakis said. “Plus, it’s something that you’re working for each of the previous three years, and to finally be able to do it, in the conditions that we did, that was a huge win for us.”

Plagakis’ team valued not only his play, but also his leadership by unanimously voting him team captain.

“It meant everything,” Plagakis said. “I love everybody on that team. That’s something that I take pride in. It felt great to captain those guys and be their leader.”