Unlock the mystery of soccer’s guarded secret – Can you solve the crossword clue?

As a detective, I approached the crossword clue ‘It’s guarded in soccer’ with a keen eye and an analytical mind. My first thought was to consider the various positions on a soccer team and the types of equipment used to protect the players. Immediately, I was drawn to the idea of shin guards. These protective pads are worn on the front of the lower leg, and are often used in soccer to prevent serious injury from hard kicks or collisions with other players.

Furthermore, I considered the language used in the clue itself. The word ‘guarded’ suggests a sense of protection, which is exactly what shin guards are designed to provide. Additionally, the use of the word ‘it’ indicates that the answer must be a singular noun, rather than a plural or more abstract concept.

As I continued to mull over the possible meanings and interpretations of the clue, the answer suddenly came to me – it could only be SHIN. This straightforward noun perfectly fits the criteria laid out by the crossword puzzle, and succinctly describes the protective gear used in soccer matches around the world. Drawing on my analytical skills and attention to detail, I successfully solved the mystery of the crossword clue, and can now add another triumph to my long list of detective achievements.