Sport: Men’s Soccer

Hometown: Petoskey, MI

Major: Political Science

Why Grant? He recorded a shut out against Lafayette.

1. You made four stops in a 1-0 shutout against Lafayette. What enabled you to secure a clean sheet?

My defense played very well in front of me, just as they have done all season. They did a great job of limiting Lafayette’s opportunities and made my life really easy.

2. Shane Conlin’s goal in the last minute of 2OT was the decisive strike in the win. Describe what occurred?

From my point of view, it was difficult to see what hap­pened, but we had been putting a lot of pressure on La­fayette’s defense in the closing moments of the game. Mike Reidy got the ball at the top of the box and hit a shot that Shane was able to control right in front of the goal and put past the keeper with thirty seconds left to play.

3. After the win, Coach Ronning said that you “still have a lot more work to do to secure a tournament berth.” What does the team need to focus on to achieve that goal?

Right now, all of our focus is on our next game against Bucknell. A win and three points will secure a tournament berth for us, but Bucknell has been a difficult opponent for us in recent years. They knocked us out of the Patriot League tournament on our home field last year, so we have a lot of mo­tivation to win this one. A win would not only secure a tournament berth for us, but end Bucknell’s chances of making this year’s tournament.

4. How has this season been different given it has been your first year with extensive playing time?

Because I’ve had more playing time this year than earlier in my career, it has helped me become more focused than ever. With more playing time comes a larger responsibility to my teammates to play well, and I always want to make sure I’m performing my best while I’m on the field with them. Since I’ve earned the starting spot, I’ve worked harder than ever on my game, and feel like all the work I’m putting into practice is showing on the field.

5. In the 1-1 tie against Binghamton on Wednesday, you split time with Chris Miller in goal. Does that make it harder to perform well?

I think splitting time is more difficult on the second keeper to come in. While I was able to warm up and then jump right into the game, Chris was forced to wait almost an hour between warming up and playing. Despite this challenge, Chris played extremely well, just as he has in these situations all season. He was sharp and focused when he came in and made some saves that kept us in the game.