As the Georgetown men’s soccer team (6-2-1, 3-1-0 Big East) has jumped out of the gates to a great start, the team’s hallmark has been its defense. Although the Hoyas have been aided by the strong play of defenders—like senior Alex Verdi, who was just named to College Soccer News’ national Team of the Week—when all else fails, Georgetown can count on their keeper. However, if you look back into the Georgetown net, you won’t necessarily see the same face each time.
Head coach Brian Wiese has implemented a two-keeper system, with junior stoppers Mark Wilber and Matthew Brutto sharing time in goal. So far, the technique has led the Hoyas to accumulate seven shutouts this season, only three shy of the team record of ten.
Wiese had visions of this plan back before the two goaltenders arrived on the Hilltop.
“I was honest about it when I recruited them,” Wiese said. “I told them I wanted them to help us win a national championship, but we have another keeper we’re trying to bring in.”
Both Brutto and Wilber accepted the opportunity and challenge of playing at Georgetown while competing with a keeper in their own class.
“I knew that if I worked hard and did my best, I would get a chance to play,” Wilber said. “I really had no qualms about coming.”
When it comes time to decide who will start the game, Wiese cannot make a wrong decision.
“We’re blessed to have two of the best goaltenders in the nation,” he said. “It’s almost unfair to have to pick one instead of the other because you look down the bench and think, ‘Why isn’t that guy playing?’”
The goalie flexibility came in handy against Villanova. Wiese had Brutto penciled in at goal, but Brutto came down with bronchitis and was not cleared to play. Wilber was called upon to make the start, and he did not disappoint.
“He won the game for us,” Wiese said. “He jumped in there and made some unbelievable saves.”
Both Wilber and Brutto bring their own style to the goalie position.
“Brutto is a great organizer,” Wiese said. “He really communicates well and manages the game.”
As for Wilber, Wiese describes him as “aggressive,” a description the keeper doesn’t dispute.
“I like running into people,” Wilber said.
Despite the competitive nature of the coach’s decision, it doesn’t seem to be causing any tension.
“We’re great friends,” Wilber said. “If anything, it pushes us to do our absolute best. You see the other guy have a great game, and you try to go out and match him or play better.”
So far, both goalies have been on fire. Wilber has yet to allow a goal in four games, halfway to the eight game shutout streak accomplished by Brutto last season.
With two extremely solid goaltenders to anchor the defense, the Hoyas are in good hands as they seek their first trip to the NCAA tournament since 1997. Brutto and Wilber will look to post two more shutouts when the team travels to face UConn and Seton Hall this weekend.
