First-Year Goalkeeper Allowed Just Two Goals in 13-3 Win over Vermont
(Hamilton, NY – Feb. 20, 2014) Colgate first-year goalkeeper Brandon Burke picked up Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors Monday for his work in Saturday’s 13-3 win over Vermont.
Burke stopped nine Catamount shots and allowed only two of the three goals in his nearly 55 minutes of work. The Potomac, Md., product is one reason Colgate is 2-0 and sporting a 3.5 goals allowed average.
“We’re definitely jelling,” Burke said of the defensive unit. “We’ve been playing together since September, and having a veteran like Bobby Lawrence out there – he’s our captain and he does a great job of getting us in the right positions. We kind of follow his lead.
“It feels like I’ve been here for a while and I feel confident that I can play within myself. I know if I do that, I’ll be just fine.”
Lawrence also drew notice from the Patriot League’s awards voting panel, earning honorable mention on the defensive side after picking up seven ground balls and two caused turnovers against the Catamounts. He leads Colgate with 10 ground balls and four caused turnovers for the young season.
Burke has won the first two starts in goal of his collegiate career. His early numbers are a 3.13 goals-against average and .750 save percentage, along with the two victories.
“It’s been humble to have played well in these first two games, but we’re just focused on Lafayette,” Burke said. The Raiders visit Lafayette this Saturday for their Patriot League opener in a noon start.
Others honored by the Patriot League were Holy Cross’ Sean Wilkinson on offense, Lehigh’s Tripp Telesco on defense and Lehigh’s Matt Poillon at goalkeeper.
Earning Votes: Colgate’s 2-0 start, with convincing wins over Bryant and Vermont, is garnering attention. The Raiders didn’t crack the top 20 in either major poll but received votes in both.
Syracuse (2-0) sits atop the USILA Coaches Poll, while Duke (2-0) is first in the Warrior Media Poll.