Sports

Stockton goalkeepers shine, earn NJAC weekly honors

Written for The Argo by Brianna Barretta

The Stockton University soccer teams are making waves both on the field and between the posts. This week, a pair of standout goalkeepers have earned well-deserved recognition, showcasing their exceptional skills and contributions to their respective squads.

Morgan Keil: Defensive Dynamo

In the world of women’s soccer, Stockton’s Morgan Keil has once again proven herself as a formidable force in front of the net. The sophomore goalkeeper, who came to Stockton from Upper Township, after graduating from Holy Spirit High School, has been named the NJAC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season.

Keil’s stellar performances during the past week speak volumes about her skill as a guardian of the goal. Throughout the week, she didn’t allow a single goal to slip past her in an impressive 244 minutes and 30 seconds of play. Keil’s standout moments include record solo shutouts against New Paltz and Coast Guard, as well as a remarkable 64 minutes and 30 seconds without conceding a goal against Drew on September 6.

With a total of 11 saves during the week, Keil has extended her scoreless streak to an astonishing 424 minutes and 30 seconds this season. Her stats are nothing short of remarkable, leading the league in shutouts with four, boasting a perfect save percentage of 1.000, and maintaining a flawless goals-against average of 0.00.

Brady Bartletta: A Rising Star

On the men’s soccer front, all eyes are on freshman Brady Bartletta. Bartletta has been making a significant impact since he touched down at Stockton. Coming from Hainesport, a graduate of Rancocas Valley High School, Bartletta has been named the NJAC Defensive Player of the Week for his outstanding contributions to the team.

Bartletta’s performances last week showcased his poise and talent under pressure, early on in his collegiate career. In two games, he managed an impressive seven saves and held an impressive 0.50 goals-against average. Notably, he posted his first career shutout with six saves in a hard-fought 0-0 tie against the formidable #11 Washington & Lee team on September 5. Bartletta continued his steady play with another crucial save in a 1-1 draw against Washington College on Saturday.

This rookie goalkeeper has played every minute of Stockton’s first three games this season, allowing just two goals. His stellar 0.67 goals-against average ranks third in the NJAC, highlighting his exceptional abilities between the posts. Bartletta also boasts eight saves and an impressive .800 save percentage, placing him third in the conference in both categories.

Next Steps for Stockton Soccer

As the season progresses, the women’s soccer team is gearing up for an exciting week with matches against Centenary and Alvernia. On Wednesday, they will travel to Centenary before facing off against Alvernia on Saturday. Meanwhile, the men’s soccer team is embarking on a journey to Memphis, Tennessee, where they will participate in the Rhodes Classic. They will kick things off against host Rhodes College on Friday and then take on Hendrix College on Sunday.

With such remarkable talents in their ranks, both Stockton soccer teams are poised for an exciting and successful season ahead. Keep an eye on these outstanding goalkeepers and their teams as they continue to strive for excellence on the field.