Sepp Dasbach has always been critical to the success of his U17 Yardley Makefield Soccer team, but in the last two months his importance has come to the forefront.

Or, the backline, depending on how literally you want to look at it.

When starting centerback Jacob Fields went down with a PCL injury two months ago, it was Dasbach who was thrown into the fire.

The longtime YMS (Pennsylvania) product couldn’t have been more prepared.  

“I was nervous at first, but there were a lot of players who were there to boost my confidence,” Dasbach said. “I talk to (Jacob) a lot. He comes to a lot of our tournaments and he’s almost like another coach out there helping me from the sidelines. It really sucks that he got injured, but he has been a big help to me.”

In some respects, taking on a starting role has lessened Dasbach’s responsibility. Prior to filling in for Fields, Dasbach was Mr. Fix-it. He could find himself playing anywhere on the pitch – minus goalie – at any given time.

The uncertainty that came with this role made him a great student of the game and heightened his awareness.

So when Dasbach had to take over centerback permanently, it wasn’t as big an adjustment as it may have been for an ordinary sub.

“It’s such a big plus to be able to play a lot of different positions,” he said. “You’re always involved in the game because you have to know what every other guy is supposed to do. It helps you to be a well-rounded player.”

“He’s been with this team for a long time and has always filled an important role on it,” said coach John Greaves. “He’s a strong defender who can command the air and has a great understanding of the position. He has filled in at midfield and now he brings us balance in the back. He’s capable of helping us in so many ways, and he just plays, he has never groaned.”

Joining Eric Schoenle, Brian Powers, and Ryan Tessler in the starting defense is one thing, but feeling like one of the starters back there is quite another.

Dasbach felt like he personally earned his stripes in early March during a Region I Premier League match against the arch rival Lower Merion Velez, of the suburban Pennsylvania Main Line.

For YMS, there is no more important game than one against Lower Merion, and the fact that Dasbach was able to perform well in a 1-0 victory was reassurance that he’s filling in seamlessly.

Of course, you’re only as good as your last match against Lower Merion, and the two teams will meet again on April 18 in Philadelphia to determine the winner of their US Youth Soccer National League Division.

An automatic berth to nationals, as well as major regional bragging rights are on the line.

“This is our future right here,” Dasbach said. “We went to nationals and it was one of the greatest feelings in the world. This game can decide our future and getting back there. We want the national title, the regional and state titles – we want it all.”

Yardley Makefield is a strong club top to bottom with talented players like Drew Hutchins, Dalton Carroll, Alec Neumann, Zachary Pfeffer and Alex Neumann, and the Xplosion may indeed be ready to add to the prestige of the club by winning a national title.

If the Xplosion does take it all, it may look back on Dasbach’s emergence as a pivotal part of the year. Dasbach looks at it as just another role filled and a lesson learned.

“You can’t get down on yourself or lose your confidence because you’re not getting in the game maybe as much as you want,” Dasbach said. “There were times in the past where maybe I was a little dissatisfied but I looked at it as I’m still a big part of the team. In the end, I love my coaches, and love my team, so there was never anything to be disappointed about.”