The Role and Responsibilities of a Midfielder in Soccer

An undergraduate student at Florida State University, Madison Leigh Gerhard is pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology. Madison Leigh Gerhard graduated from Colts Neck High School in New Jersey and previously attended Peddie School, where she played midfield on the school's varsity girls soccer team.

Midfielder is one of four primary positions in soccer, with the others being goalkeeper, defender, and striker. Each of these positions, save for goalkeeper, has sub-positions with different responsibilities. Those playing the middle of the field generally see more action in a game than strikers or defenders. Their roles, meanwhile, can be either defensive midfielder, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or wide midfielder. Players in the latter position contribute offensively and provide defensive support on the flanks of the field.

The other three midfield positions are self-explanatory. A defensive midfielder, commonly referred to as a holding midfielder, plays in front of defenders and is primarily tasked with intercepting opposition passes and keeping the ball out of their zone. Central midfielders are the most involved in the action, as they have to support defensive and offensive actions. As a result of these requirements, they should be skilled passers and ball handlers. Attacking midfielders, often the most skilled playmakers on a team, are tasked with driving the offense and creating scoring opportunities for strikers. 

How to Check Your Horse’s Temperature and Pulse Rate

Colts Neck, New Jersey-based Madison Leigh Gerhard attends Florida State University, where she studies psychology. A horse enthusiast, Madison Leigh Gerhard previously participated in horseback riding and equine care at Due Process Stables from 2015 to 2016.

A critical component of equine care is being able to check a horse’s vital signs to determine if the animal is not well. Veterinarians advise horse owners to take their horse’s vital signs when the animal is healthy to have a reference point of what is normal. In the event it is suspected the horse is unwell, the normal vital sign values recorded earlier can be compared to the new readings. Body temperature and pulse rate are two of the most important vital signs.

Taking a horse’s body temperature is most commonly carried out by inserting a thermometer into the horse’s anus and recording the temperature after the specified time required. A normal temperature reading for a horse ranges from 37 to 38.6 C.

To check a horse’s heart rate, first locate the animal's pulse by placing your fingertips on the artery located under the cheekbone. Press inwards and upwards next the inside edge of the lower jaw using your fingers. A normal pulse rate is from 30 to 40 beats per minute.