It?s uncommon to see a soccer team succeed with two goalies sharing playing time. Often, such a platoon is indicative of inconsistent play.
For the Towson University men?s soccer team, the consistent performances of junior Billy Chiles and senior Greg Flaherty have strengthened the team?s defense. Towson coach Frank Olszewski has started each player eight games so far.
“That?s a position on a team that should be steady at all times,” said senior captain and defender Andrew Marshall, on the conventional expectations of the keeper position.
“They?ve both done a great job, and every time we need a big save, they?ve made it,” junior midfielder Pat Healey said.
The No. 20 Tigers ? 13-1-2 overall and 9-0-1 in Colonial Athletic Association play ? have ridden that strong defense and shocked a conference in which they were predicted to finish seventh in a preseason poll. Perhaps that prediction was based upon inexperience at the goalkeeper position.
“Both of those keepers, coming into this season, haven?t had much experience,” Marshall said.
But Chiles, from Silver Spring, and Flaherty (Pa.) have excelled, as Towson has allowed an average of 0.54 goals per game between the pair.
“Billy and I have pushed each other, and I think it?s made both of us better,” Flaherty said.
Chiles, a transfer from Rutgers, recorded his fifth shutout of the season in Friday?s 1-0 win against James Madison. In 743 minutes of play, he has allowed an average of 0.24 points per game and is currently on a streak of 423:07 scoreless minutes.
Flaherty is with the program for his fifth and final season, and will graduate after this semester. He?s seen the worst of the program, when the team won just one game in 2003, and is looking forward to ending on a high note.
“We?ve done some things, but we really haven?t accomplished much,” Flaherty said.
Flaherty made seven saves in Sunday?s 2-1 win over Virginia Commonwealth, extending the team?s unbeaten streak to 11 games. With last weekend?s sweep, Towson is atop the conference standings.
“I don?t know that coach would have stuck with [two starting goalies] if it didn?t work well,” Flaherty said.
So much for conventional wisdom.
TIGER GOALKEEPERS
» Towsoncarries four goalkeepers on the roster. Aside from starters Billy Chiles and Greg Flaherty, freshmen Zach Bailet and Max Warren provide depth.
» Chiles has played 743 minutes, while Flaherty has played 757.
» The Tigers have outscored opponents, 26-9, and allowed just two first-half goals in 16 games.
