SPOTLIGHT: Jon Robbins, Governor Livingston GK

Jon Robbins, Governor Livingston

Senior Goalkeeper, Co-Captain, 6-0, 155 pounds

JUST THE STATS:  Robbins had 3 shutouts in Governor Livingston’s first 3 games. One to remember was the second game of the year vs. Watchung Hills. Robbins made two huge saves in the 2nd half to lead GL to a 1-0 victory along with the support of a great defensive display from his team.  Robbins and GL have 10 shutouts so far this season.

COACH’S COMMENT:  "Jonathan is back there [and] is very sure handed. He makes all the routine saves and when he has to make that outstanding play to keep you in the game, he does. He is one of those players who earns the respect of his teammates in his playing." -- Coach Bruno Somma

KEYS TO THE 2011 SEASON:  "There have been many keys to the success of our season. But the main keys have been the play of midfielder Jeramey Robbins and forward Julian Light.  Jeramey has delivered many great balls into dangerous areas to allow his teammates to capitalize.  Julian came back from an injury and right away showed that he can score goals and connect with Jeramey.

THE GL DEFENSE:  Sweeper Michael Bamundo teams up with Outside Backs Max Dooley and Torben Halvorsen, and Stopper Kyle Morris, who along with Keeper Jon Robbins have had 10 clean sheets so far.  Dylan Weitz is back and contributing, and Mike Esposito fills in when we need fresh legs, as well.

NO PANIC IN FALLING BEHIND:  GL has found itself behind repeatedly during this season but has come back again and again to get their 18 wins.  The key?

“If we are behind at the half, our coach gets us back into game mode and raises our heads.  We all know what has to be done when we step back on the pitch.  You only live high school season four times if you’re lucky.  But a great season doesn’t always come around like it has this year.  So playing every game like it is your last is what we have been doing.”

SIGNATURE "POISE" GAME:  GL defeats Watchung Hills by score of one-to-nothing and Robbins made 2 huge saves to help the team win the game.  “It was a great defensive display by the boys.”

TEAM CHEMISTRY:  “Many of the players on this GL team played together when they were growing up. This helps the entire team have a cohesiveness that helps our overall play.  It’s clear in our passing game and especially in the defense in front of me.”

COLLEGE PLANS:  “I’ve started to send emails to college coaches," said Robbins. "I have been talking to a few schools to play soccer at the next level.”

ACADEMIC GOALS:  “I want to be a pro soccer player, and also a gym teacher.

PREPARE FOR NEXT LEVEL:  I have been lifting weights and training whenever I get a chance, I try my best to give everything I have every time I play.

STRENGTH OF HIS GAME:   Providing vocal leadership, distribution skills, reflexes and game awareness.

SOCCER BACKGROUND:  Match Fit Chelsea 2003-2010 - State Cup Finalist 2007, State Cup Semi-Finalist 2005 & 2009; Super Y Nationals 2008; Match Fit Chelsea USSF Academy Team 2009-2010; summer 2011 Morris County Colonials Men’s Reserve team; Jersey United Spartans, trained with Glan Letheren U.E.F.A Pro Licensed coach scout (scout for Stoke City and Fulham FC of the English Premier League).

CLUB TEAM: Jersey United Spartans

OTHER SPORTS:  Focused only on soccer

OTHER INTERESTS:  "I like to surf and lift weights.”

HIGH SCHOOL CAREER:  Started as a Sophomore on Varsity (Goalkeeper), High School Senior Captain, 1st team all conference.

The team is 18-1-1 this season. Lost in the quarterfinals against Linden on penalty kicks in the County Tournament.  The team won its Conference for the first time in 17 years and received the #1 seed for the State Tournament.  Currently ranked #17 in the state in Star Ledger Top 20.

TEAM PEAKING:  "We peaked in the beginning of the season by starting out 9-0. We then lost to Delaware Valley, a section rival, 3-2, we gave it our all that game, but the other team just finished their chances.  Everybody wanted to beat us -- we had a bullseye aimed right at us.”

BEST SOCCER ADVICE: “Never let someone tell you, you can’t do something.   No matter how much trouble you have with a team or coach, always play your best. And if you are in pain, don’t cry, get a reward from it.”

FAVORITE MOVIE:  Goal One and Two

FAVORITE TV SHOWS:  "The Walking Dead and anything on Fox Soccer”

FAVORITE MUSIC:  "Rap – Mac Miller and Wiz Khlifa 

FAVORITE VIDEO GAMES: "FIFA Soccer”

FAVORITE SUBJECTS: “English and Intro to Technology”

FAVORITE FOOD(S): "Steak on the rock, chicken"

THREE FOR DINNER: His brother Zach Robbins, Tim Howard and Pepe Reina

(This sports biography put together by GL dad Jeff Bamundo)