Any athlete at any level knows how difficult it can be to sit on the bench.

West Aurora’s Emiliano Lopez has learned the key is answering the call when asked.

“For anybody that’s on the bench, it does stink,” said Lopez, who goes by Emi. “But once you get the chance to prove yourself, everybody knows what they have inside of themselves.

“They have to show what they’ve got on the field, even if it’s a minute or two.”

A senior defender, Lopez has emerged as a key contributor both on defense and pressing forward on offense for the Blackhawks. His versatility was on display Thursday.

Not only did West Aurora pitch a 1-0 shutout in the regular-season finale at Metea Valley in Aurora, Lopez also scored the lone goal of the game, his second of the season.

Junior forward Power Selemani had the assist for the Blackhawks (18-3).

After graduating three defenders, West Aurora coach Joe Sustersic knew he had to find replacements. The Blackhawks had one ready to go in the program with Lopez.

“We wanted to use his height and heading ability on defense,” Sustersic said, referring to the 5-foot-11 Lopez. “We lost three starters, so we knew we had to find somebody.”

That was the opportunity that Lopez, a former forward, needed to get on the field.

“I started in the back because they found out I could play in the back,” Lopez said. “It feels good. I can provide for the team anywhere, defensively or attacking.”

As the season went along, West Aurora’s offense started to sputter. Wanting to inject a spark up top, assistant coach Kevin Briars suggested trying Lopez at forward occasionally.

“We knew he had the skills to help Shauri (Mateso) and Power,” Sustersic said. “Sometimes, it works. Sometimes, we put him back on defense. Every once in a while, we get that spark.”

Lopez was up for the challenge.

“I knew I could get the job done since the beginning,” Lopez said.

It paid off against Metea (7-10-1) with 29:24 left in the first half when Lopez scored on a nifty feed from Selemani.

“It felt nice to put one in the net and having it be the game-winner,” Lopez said. “I passed it to (Selemani). I ran and found the open space, and he set me up. I just shot it.”

For a player who paid his dues, watching Lopez have success was good for Sustersic.

“‘Emi’ is just somebody who struggled a little bit as a sophomore, didn’t see time junior year, “Sustersic said. “It’s nice to see him get a little chance up front once in a while.

“We try to reward him.”

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Metea kept it close, but as has been the case against several top-level opponents this season, the Mustangs couldn’t get over the hump.

“It’s kind of the story of what we are right now,” Metea coach Josh Robinson said. “We’re just a step away. It’s the little things. We compete, we battle and we fight.

“The next little bit is what’s holding us back. We think there’s more to us, and we’ve seen it in spurts. Now, it’s do-or-die. We have to put it together.”

Despite the hard times that Lopez has endured throughout his career, it hasn’t altered his feelings for his team or his pride playing for West Aurora.

“I love this team,” Lopez said. “We want to make history. It’s an honor to wear the badge.

“Hopefully, the upcoming Blackhawks feel honored to wear this badge. Hopefully, they can provide even more for the school.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.