By: Kristy Booher Angelo, Associate Athletic Director
For More Info: booherk@gilmour.org
The Gilmour Academy varsity boys soccer team has posted an impressive 7-0-1 record thus far this season. The success has been a true team effort, however, one player has stood alone in goal to make a difference and to earn himself a spot in the Gilmour record books. Co-captain and starting goalie Matt Beck '21 recently recorded the 20th save of his career in the team's 3-0 win against Chardon. That mark made history, bettering the previously set program record for career saves by Dave Corvi '03 with 19.5 during his career from 1999-2002.
In this season alone, Beck has six shutouts with 40 saves, while giving up just three goals in eight games. Prior to 2020, he had racked up 328 saves.
"I am proud to be a witness of his record since I was a witness of the record he broke," said head coach Joe Ciuni '77. "I think anytime you break a school record it is something to be very proud of. Matt works hard at improving his game, so breaking the record did not happen by accident."
"Matt's height makes him an imposing figure in the goal box. As a freshman he was nearly 6-feet tall and is currently about 6-foot-6," said Ciuni. "As mentioned before, he has worked on his game every year and has improved every year. When I first met him and saw him play, I was hoping … and I was correct … that we would be all set at goalkeeper for four years."
"One aspect of his game that he truly perfected in the last four years is his communication with his teammates. I have asked Matt to be my eyes on the field, since the keeper has a better look at the whole field than I do as a coach," said Ciuni. "As a ninth grader, he was not very talkative, however, he has grown from year-to-year to be that second coach on the field for me. Now as a senior captain, he provides the leadership and direction to his teammates that only a keeper can give and his teammates listen."
Ciuni went on to describe Beck's character, describing him as very respectful and even going as far as to say, "I would be proud to call him one of my own sons."
#GoGA #WeAreGilmour