Like father, like son

Finnegan waited on the sidelines for three seasons behind All-American Matt Russell, seeing only sparse playing time during that time. As a sophomore, he saw no varsity action. When Navy finally put Finnegan between the pipes this season, the former St. Mary?s standout didn?t disappoint.

Despite allowing 10 goals in Saturday?s loss at Georgetown, the5-foot-10, 160-pound Finnegan is among the to goalies in the nation. His 5.32 goals-against average and .667 save percentage rank first and second, respectively, among Division I goalies.

“This season has definitely been a great experience for me so far,” Finnegan said. “I?ve always tried to contribute any way I could, but it?s a different feeling when it?s on the field.”

One benefit Finnegan has had throughout his career is being able to call upon the wisdom of one of the top goalie coaches around in his father, Ray Finnegan. The elder Finnegan, a 1975 Navy graduate, has served as a Navy volunteer assistant for the last 15 years. He was a second-team All-American selection as a goalie in 1974.

“It?s been great having the chance to work with my father,” Colin said. “He?s really impacted my style of play. This season has definitely been extra special because I?ve been able to be there and talk with my father.”

Navy junior defender Jordan DiNola said the No. 6 Midshipmen (8-1) have not lost a beat defensively this season with Finnegan in goal.

“Colin?s done an awesome job this year,” DiNola said. “We couldn?t ask for much more.”

Navy coach Richie Meade has said all season that he?s not looking for Finnegan to be another Russell. He also doesn?t put Saturday?s loss to Georgetown on Finnegan?s shoulders. The Mids expect Finnegan to come through with a big game again tonight when Navy hosts No. 11 Maryland (7-3) at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

“Those are all just great plays,” Meade said, referring to several of Georgetown?s goals. “Those are not plays you can?t do a whole lot about.”