Goalkeeper Collin Krieg was exceptionally good in the North Carolina men’s lacrosse team's 16-4 win against Monmouth at Dorrance Field in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The best part about Krieg, though?
He’s only a first-year.
Krieg still has at least three more years wearing Carolina Blue, and after his performance on Saturday, the future in goal for the Tar Heels is looking bright. Krieg logged 15 saves and allowed just two goals before being taken out shortly after the start of the fourth quarter.
“Krieg’s been exceptional," head coach Joe Breschi said. "For a freshman to play the way he has in the daunting task of the ACC and now in his first NCAA game, he’s a special player and he’s got a great future.”
The goalkeeper played loose in the crease all game and dared to venture out of it multiple times after making saves to start the transition, and he chased after errant shots in an attempt to gain possession for UNC.
His style of play has been a defining characteristic all season. He plays every match like it's a backyard game with friends, running all over the defensive end of the field looking for a breakout pass.
“I just try to be relaxed, loose, have fun, just go out there and do my best,” Krieg said. “I work really hard in practice and during the week and go out there and let it loose in the game and do the best I can and see what happens.”
Krieg’s play in goal against the Hawks was certainly impressive, but it wasn’t even the most impressive thing a player from the UNC sideline did in the last 48 hours.
