Soccer: Jack-of-all trades enjoying role as central defender

By TERRY MADDAFORD

In eight seasons of senior soccer, Nick Hyde has played in every position bar goalkeeper.

He first played as a sharpshooting attacker. These days he marshalls his University Mt Wellington troops from a central defensive role.

"I've played everywhere, including right and central midfield," the 24-year-old Hyde said.

"Now I'm at the back I'm enjoying the change. I set myself a goal of keeping a clean sheet in ensuring the player I'm marking doesn't score."

Promoted to the captaincy of the early high-flyers in the Ansett NZ national club competition, Hyde sits comfortably with the added responsibility of leading one of New Zealand's most successful soccer clubs.

"I have had to learn a lot but I'm lucky to be playing alongside players like Kara Waetford and Andy Brown," Hyde said. "Andy is one of the most under-rated players around. Against Nelson last Sunday he scored one goal and set-up another."

In switching from an attacking to defensive role, Hyde has had to adjust his approach.

"I don't think about the glory of scoring goals so much as working hard to make sure we don't have to score too many to win," he said.

After wins over Waitakere City and Nelson Suburbs, University-Mt Wellington go into Sunday's third-round clash with Dunedin Technical as the only team with a two-from-two record and the early lead.

Hyde and his team-mates are looking forward to playing the Chatham Cup-holding southerners, who have Blair Scouller among their ranks. Scouller played at the Mount last season.

In the other game in Auckland on Sunday, Central United have the opportunity to put a stuttering start - a draw and a loss - behind them when they meet Napier City Rovers at Kiwitea St.

Waitakere City are away to Christchurch City and Metro play Manawatu in Palmerston North.