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[ Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1999 ]
Mauch stands tall in net for Vikings
By THOMAS ORSZULAK
Collegian Staff Writer
Cleveland State Viking's goalkeeper Geoff Mauch delivered the excitement of the last night's game by holding the offensive attack of Penn State men's soccer team to only one goal.
Mauch is a sophomore on a young Vikings team that features 16 new players and fields no seniors.
In his first year at Cleveland State he put in his time on the field to advance his skills, and is now putting those tools to use.
"Last year was a growing period for him," Cleveland State coach Brian Doyle said. "By the game, he gets better and better."
PHOTO: Doug Todd
Cleveland State goalkeeper Geoff Mauch watches Penn State’s Greg Oldfield charge toward the net last night at Jeffrey Field.
Mauch closed the entrance to the Lions' goal like an all you can eat buffet does when it sees a fat man coming to the door.
He held Penn State to no goals in the first half by clearing all shots the Lions could muster toward the net. In the second period his dominance of the crease existed until 8:44 was left in the contest.
An error by his own teammate gave the Lions an opportunity to score the game's only goal and allow Penn State to escape with the win, 1-0.
One or two points usually decide the game of soccer and key saves are a must.
Mauch made at least three tremendous saves on shots that were destined to go into the back of the net. These saves kept the game within reach for the Vikings and the intensity level of the game running high.
"He probably made at least three great saves," Doyle said. "It's gotta be at least three."
This is not the first time Mauch kept his team in a game with great goal keeping.
Against Wisconsin, the Vikings goalkeeper set the tone for the game by providing excellent goal protection, making five clutch saves in the game and helped Cleveland State hang on to the 2-1 win.
"He was the reason we won the game," Doyle said.
With the lack of experience the Vikings have, they are playing defensive-minded to keep teams from scoring.
"We try to play quick counters and get back to defend against the offensive attack," Mauch said.
Intense goalkeeping will keep the Vikings in games.
Mauch's goal tending isn't going to make it easy for teams to score. He blankets the box and falls on everything in side of it.
"We had shots but they weren't going on target," Penn State men's soccer coach Barry Gorman said. "The keeper made good saves."
