Photo by: ©2023 The Ohio State University
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Kirk Irwin
Photo by: Kirk Irwin
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Jay LaPrete
Photo by: Kirk Irwin
No. 2 Ohio State Thrives with Dual Goalkeeper System
10/9/2024 10:17:00 AM | Men's Soccer
COLUMBUS, Ohio – No. 2 Ohio State is enjoying a season of impressive success with an overall record of 9-0-2 and a Big Ten Conference start at 4-0-1.
A piece of this success can be attributed to an unconventional goalkeeper strategy.
Ohio State has used two talented goalkeepers, redshirt junior Max Trejo and redshirt freshman Patrick McLaughlin, so far this season. This dual-keeper system has not only fueled healthy competition but also has played a key role in the team's overall defensive prowess.
Trejo, a seasoned goalkeeper with 24 games under his belt, is 5-0-1 this season. He said splitting time is not the norm but the results have been positive.
"It's definitely different, not what I'm used to," Trejo said. "But what benefits us is Pat and I pretty much have the same style. I think we both have very good feet, we're both leaders and that helps benefit us overall."
For McLaughlin, the experience of splitting time with a veteran like Trejo has been a valuable learning opportunity. Though new to the college game, he has quickly adapted to the system and found that it brings out the best in him.
"Like Max said, it's something that I'm not really used to, but I've grown to enjoy it," McLaughlin said. "Max and I push each other to get even better. We both get game experience and it is nice because we can talk about what we see and what happened, which makes us both better."
McLaughlin added Trejo's leadership qualities have been helpful.
"I will always ask him for insight during games," McLaughlin said. "He has played against almost everyone. It is nice just getting to hear his experience and what he has to say."
Travis Morris, who coaches the goalkeepers for the Buckeyes, believes the dual-keeper system brings out the best in both players.
"A lot of people don't like doing it," Morris said. "They feel like it can take away some of the confidence and reps of a starter but I do think there are benefits. It keeps these guys really focused during training, pushing each other, and it just keeps the level of competition extremely high."
This healthy competition, combined with solid defensive support and a commitment to teamwork, has allowed both Trejo and McLaughlin to thrive.
Another benefit to the dual-keeper system is the knowledge gained from the sidelines while the other is on the field.
"When you're on the sidelines, you see a lot," Trejo said. "You always want the best for the guy in front of you, especially the one who is playing. We give feedback to the goalkeeper who is in the game. If I'm playing, I'll ask them what they saw, especially if there was a play where something odd happened."
"When you're not playing, the game slows down a little bit," McLaughlin said. "You can see what the other does and look to bring that into your own game to help our team."
This shared mentality ensures that both keepers are always engaged, even when not between the posts. The system has created an environment of constant learning and growth for both players, Morris said.
After alternating starts through the first 10 matches this season, Trejo earned the nod in the last two, wins at Michigan (6-3) and at home vs. Washington (2-0). That effort earned him the Big Ten's Goalkeeper of the Week award, his second such honor this season.
The team, off to the best start in program history with its best national ranking of all-time, will put the system to the test next when the Buckeyes travel to UCLA Friday (10 p.m./B1G+) to face the Bruins in the first Big Ten matchup between the two schools.
A piece of this success can be attributed to an unconventional goalkeeper strategy.
Ohio State has used two talented goalkeepers, redshirt junior Max Trejo and redshirt freshman Patrick McLaughlin, so far this season. This dual-keeper system has not only fueled healthy competition but also has played a key role in the team's overall defensive prowess.
Trejo, a seasoned goalkeeper with 24 games under his belt, is 5-0-1 this season. He said splitting time is not the norm but the results have been positive.
"It's definitely different, not what I'm used to," Trejo said. "But what benefits us is Pat and I pretty much have the same style. I think we both have very good feet, we're both leaders and that helps benefit us overall."
For McLaughlin, the experience of splitting time with a veteran like Trejo has been a valuable learning opportunity. Though new to the college game, he has quickly adapted to the system and found that it brings out the best in him.
"Like Max said, it's something that I'm not really used to, but I've grown to enjoy it," McLaughlin said. "Max and I push each other to get even better. We both get game experience and it is nice because we can talk about what we see and what happened, which makes us both better."
McLaughlin added Trejo's leadership qualities have been helpful.
"I will always ask him for insight during games," McLaughlin said. "He has played against almost everyone. It is nice just getting to hear his experience and what he has to say."
Travis Morris, who coaches the goalkeepers for the Buckeyes, believes the dual-keeper system brings out the best in both players.
"A lot of people don't like doing it," Morris said. "They feel like it can take away some of the confidence and reps of a starter but I do think there are benefits. It keeps these guys really focused during training, pushing each other, and it just keeps the level of competition extremely high."
This healthy competition, combined with solid defensive support and a commitment to teamwork, has allowed both Trejo and McLaughlin to thrive.
Another benefit to the dual-keeper system is the knowledge gained from the sidelines while the other is on the field.
"When you're on the sidelines, you see a lot," Trejo said. "You always want the best for the guy in front of you, especially the one who is playing. We give feedback to the goalkeeper who is in the game. If I'm playing, I'll ask them what they saw, especially if there was a play where something odd happened."
"When you're not playing, the game slows down a little bit," McLaughlin said. "You can see what the other does and look to bring that into your own game to help our team."
This shared mentality ensures that both keepers are always engaged, even when not between the posts. The system has created an environment of constant learning and growth for both players, Morris said.
After alternating starts through the first 10 matches this season, Trejo earned the nod in the last two, wins at Michigan (6-3) and at home vs. Washington (2-0). That effort earned him the Big Ten's Goalkeeper of the Week award, his second such honor this season.
The team, off to the best start in program history with its best national ranking of all-time, will put the system to the test next when the Buckeyes travel to UCLA Friday (10 p.m./B1G+) to face the Bruins in the first Big Ten matchup between the two schools.
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Players Mentioned
Goalkeeper
/ Men's Soccer
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