Quality goalkeeping definitely not a problem for Troy

BY JAKE LOURIM

STUDENT CORRESPONDENT

j.lourim@comcast.net

TROY— Brian Zawislak has one a problem that most soccer coaches would love to have. The first-year Troy boys soccer coach has too many top-notch goalies.

At his disposal, there are three.

Zawislak has junior Matt Smolinski, one of the best in the state. He has sophomore Craig Duggan, who is almost as good. And he has senior Andrew Farran, a third-stringer who would start for most teams and hasn’t given up a goal all year.

The three have combined to give up only eight goals, four each for Smolinski and Duggan.

Now, this goalie stock is becoming more necessary. Two weeks ago at Novi, Smolinski was cleated in the ankle and hasn’t played since. Smolinski should play Monday, but if he’s not, Duggan is more than ready, and can help out the whole state tournament if needed.

Zawislak’s been preparing him for that since August.

“All along, Craig needs to be mentally prepared for it, and I think Craig’s done a good job of filling that role,” Zawislak said. “Not only that, but the back line feels comfortable with him in there too, so it’s not just a matter of Craig coming in, but everything’s in place. We’ve done that purposely throughout the season so that if it comes to that, it’s an easy transition.”

The sophomore learned some lessons against Novi, replacing Smolinski and giving up three goals to the No. 3 team in the state.

But he’s been tremendous as a whole all year, and he’s had plenty of preparation, including Tuesday with one half of action against Troy’s first district opponent, Rochester Adams.

“This experience is really valuable, and in practice you’ve got to get your reps in because it’s really important to stay ready,” Duggan said.

Farran, the oldest of the group, believes Duggan can lead Troy.

“We all have a lot of faith in Craig, and if Craig’s confidence is up then he’ll play perfectly fine,” he said.

The Troy back line typically includes Luke Ridenour, co-captain David Eicher, Willie Maddox, and Brandon Riddle, with Allen Wang helping out at defensive midfielder.

WITH THE LACES: Troy's Matt Smolinski is one one of the state's top goalkeepers and part of a fine three-keeper contingency with the Colts. File Photo

That group has been stingy against opposing attackers, not letting any balls through and keeping shape quite nicely. The defense has 14 shutouts in 18 games this year.

Zawislak would still like to go with Smolinski, rated the top goalie in the county at the beginning of the year by The Oakland Press, and thinks the junior will be ready barring a setback.

“He just needs to make sure he takes care of himself and follows through with what the trainer’s asking him to do in terms of strengthening and becoming better prepared for Monday,” the coach said.

But, as part of the overwhelming riches Zawislak has been left, Duggan is there too.

“You just have to prepare as if you’re going to go in,” Duggan said. “You have to warm up well, you’ve just got to be ready for any situation.”

Tags: boys soccer, high school boys soccer, Prep Boys Soccer, soccer, Troy Boys Soccer

Category: High School, High School (M-Z), Prep Wraps, Troy