Josh Goepper is a Keeper

Josh Goepper has played on the field for the Utica High soccer program for three years.

Surprise!  This year, he's the Cheiftains' goalkeeper.

In an act of unselfishness and solidifying his reputation as a total-team player, the Utica senior volunteered to play goalkeeper this season for the Chieftains.  Goepper played midfield and forward during his freshman and sophomore years on JV and midfield last season for the varsity team.

"I played keeper when I was a little kid, but it's been about six years" said Goepper.  "I actually like playing goalkeeper better then being on the field.  I think I'm pretty good at it and I'm very mobile.  I can dive a lot and I'm fast off the ball.  As for the season, I'm thinking we'll be really strong this year."

The Utica coaching staff is thrilled with Josh's unselfish decision. 

"We are very lucky to have him," Utica assistant varsity coach Scott Mukhtar said.  "He's a tremendous field player and an ultimate team player.  He's probably the best athlete we have on the team with both his hands and his feet.  Our back line feels very comfortable with Josh in goal, especially playing balls to his feet.  He scored a lot of goals for us last year and has said he wanted to score a lot of goals in his senior year.  What's so great is that Josh has sacrificed that scoring goal to play goal for us.  He wanted to take the role and he wanted that responsibility.  Josh has great soccer sense and is a true team player."

Goepper has his sights set on the chiropractic or medical field, and possibly goalkeeping, at Oakland University next fall.