Rudy Fuller has a coach's problem. There are three goalkeepers on his roster: freshman Ben Berg, sophomore Kevin Sweetland and junior Drew Healy.
Before the team's game against Seton Hall on Monday, none had ever played in college soccer.
Even though Sweetland started against Seton Hall and played well in Fuller's eyes, the coach is not ready to name anyone as the man. In fact, he was tight-lipped right up until the trip to South Orange, N.J.
"I didn't find out I would be starting until the day before," Sweetland said.
And it was Berg, the freshman, who won the substitute spot on the roster over the older Healy. According to Fuller, Berg also played well.
But a 6-2 loss means that something is not right between the pipes. Much of the blame rests on the shoulders of the defense, but Fuller fully expects to tinker with the goaltending depth chart in order to get the formula right. He's even entertaining the possibility of playing it by ear, week in and week out.
"There are two or three keepers that are going to be in the mix and we're just going to have to roll with it and see who's in form each week and make a decision before each game," Fuller said.
"Certainly Kevin and Drew are both capable goalkeepers and Ben will be coming along as the season goes on, but that's going to be a good problem for us all season long," he added.
Sweetland said that he isn't fazed by the uncertainty of the position.
"Whatever [Fuller] says, he's the coach," Sweetland said. "My job is to work every week and be ready for whatever happens."
This year's team is expected to match last year's results and once again contend for an Ivy title. But if Fuller wants to stay in the race, he'll have to find the answer to the goaltending question.
