GET TO KNOW ANDREW COUGHLIN
After a stellar performance to beat league rivals, the Baltimore Blast, goaltender Andrew Coughlin was named to the MASL Team of the Week. Coughlin made 18 saves on 15 shots to beat the Blast 6-3. Coughlin has had a great start to the inaugural season for Utica City FC starting with a .646 save percentage through the team’s first six game.
“When a goalkeeper gets the award, it is more of a team award as well. We had a ton of blocks in that game and those guys have helped me tremendously throughout the whole year,” said Coughlin. “We got lucky with some cross bars. But the harder you work the luckier you get, it’s a tribute to the guys in front of me.”
Coughlin has not always been a goalkeeper, he stated that he started out as a forward but was not getting playing time, so he switched to be a goalkeeper. He worked hard to change his position and to get where he is today.
“I was not always a goalkeeper, I started as a forward, but I was not good enough to get on the field, so I figured I would pick up a new position and try. I worked really hard at it and finally got good enough that my coach would play me, and then I fell in love with it.”
He tries to play a pretty simple game, to be quick and have good reaction times. Also, to have clean footwork and focus on his strengths throughout the game to be the best that he can for his teammates.
“My game is quickness and reaction. I am only in my fourth season, so I am still learning the game as I go. I think I am pretty quick and have good reactions and try to get to those strengths.”
Coughlin and Alex Bono from Toronto FC have known each other and played with each other for many years. When they are on break from their respective clubs they get together and talk about different things they have being doing during their seasons or in off season.
“We grew up together and played together in Syracuse. We bounce off ideas of one another. It is fun to get together to have those conversations.”
When asked if he had any pre-game rituals, he said nothing too serious. He said he used to be very superstitious until one thing goes wrong and it is not a good mindset to be in. He now keeps it simple and focuses on his game.
“I try to hang out and do similar things. The biggest thing for me is that I make sure to listen to the same playlist as I am in the locker room and getting warmed up.” said Coughlin.
Catch Coughlin and the rest of Utica City as they take on the league leading Milwaukee Wave in what promises to be a showdown of the top talent present in the MASL. Tickets are still available by visiting www.empirestatetix.com or by calling the Box Office at 315-790-9070.