Garcia the Backbone of Strong Chargers Squad

To boys' soccer goalkeeper Andrew Garcia, it didn't matter that his team was leading Camden Catholic by four goals.

It didn't matter that his team, one of the best in South Jersey, was going to run away with an easy win.

It didn't even matter that he wasn't in the game anymore, having been relieved by backup Trevor Tierno at halftime.

Garcia was up on his feet on the sideline Tuesday afternoon, pointing and yelling out to the younger Chargers on the field, telling them where to position themselves on an Irish free kick.

That is just one example of what makes Garcia not only a great goalie, but also a great leader.

“His teammates voted him as a captain because they know what he brings to the field,” said Timber Creek head coach Sean Ortzman. “He's not allowing any junk on the sideline or on the field. He gets on his players when they don't perform the way they're supposed to. That's what you look for in a captain.”

Garcia stopped four of five shots in the first half of the . Though Ortzman decided to give the young Tierno playing time in the second half, that didn't stop Garcia from being a large sideline presence and vocal leader of his team.

“I'm always in the game even when I'm out,” Garcia said. “If I'm on the bench, if I'm injured or if I'm on the field, I'm going to be the same exact player.”

Garcia, a senior who has established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in South Jersey this season, has been highly sought after by big-name colleges. Duke, Georgetown, Hartwick and St. Joseph's all expressed interest in bringing Garcia on board for the 2012 season. However, Garcia ultimately made a verbal commitment to St. Francis on a soccer scholarship.

“It's about the school, academic-wise,” Garcia said. “All of the other schools that have been talking to me, there's a lot of students. I like having a small classroom, so teachers will get to know you more.”

St. Francis will be getting their money's worth in Garcia. He has started every game in net for Timber Creek this season. There has only been one game this season in which he has allowed more than one goal—that came in a 3-0 loss to Cherokee. In all, he's allowed just six goals in seven games and has recorded three shutouts thus far in 2011.

“He's the best goalie I've ever coached and I've had some really good ones,” said Ortzman. “He's by far the best and most talented. It's good to see all his hard work has paid off.”

The Chargers, who had a 5-1-1 record after Tuesday's win, appear to be one of the top contenders in South Jersey Group III this season. Garcia knows that as the season winds down and his club enters the postseason, his role is going to be magnified every greater.

“In some games, not all the players are playing their top level,” said Garcia. “So I just have to play, how I should play every game and just do my best out there.”