UGA’s McCall Earns Goalie of Week
ATLANTA – After leading Georgia to its first victory over Florida State in 10 years, Bulldog junior netminder Reed McCall has been tabbed the MCLA Division I PEARL Goalie of the Week for the period ending Feb. 12.
In Friday’s 12-11 loss to Florida, McCall entered the game in the fourth quarter and made eight stops while allowing just one goal.
This effort earned him his first start of the season on Saturday against the No. 13-ranked Seminoles – a team undefeated against Georgia since 2013.
The Sparta, N.J., native was spectacular, finishing with 28 saves (70%) while also scooping up four ground balls as the Bulldogs won, 15-12.
For the weekend, McCall finished with 36 saves and just 13 goals allowed – a save percentage of 73.5.
"Over the past two years Reed had to overcome multiple knee injuries to work his way back on the field,” said Georgia coach Holin Axley. “He kept his head down, supported his teammates, and just kept working to get better when he was not named the starter week one after an intense goalie competition through fall and early spring.
“Reed came into the Florida game at the beginning of the fourth quarter making critical saves to help UGA get the score back to even after being down by three. The following night, the he made every save imaginable, from door-stop saves to time and room step downs, keeping the lead the entire game as the team fed off of his energy."
For earning the PEARL’s Goalie of the Week, McCall will receive a prize package from Guardian PEARL, a ball that lasts longer than the rest and never greases. Guardian PEARL is the proud partner of the MCLA.
Hunter LeClair, Senior – Virginia Tech
LeClair and his Hokies defense put the clamps on East Carolina and Western Michigan, with LeClair finishing with 14 saves and five goals against in two games.
Christopher Lopetugui, Freshman – South Florida
The Bulls defeated D-II power Florida Atlantic, 8-6 thanks to a dozen stops from rookie from Miami.
Dylan Radke, Junior – Missouri
Mizzou picked up its first LSA conference victory against SMU and Radke was impressive, turning away 22 shots against three goals against.