Rookie Proves His Mettle in the Net

There’s a new freshman goalie in town who’s making a big mark on the Harvard men’s soccer team. Austin Harms has already accomplished a difficult feat, especially for a rookie—gaining a starting role on one of the top teams in the country.

After starting the first two Ivy League games of the season, Harms boasts a .900 save percentage with nine saves. Yet the California native doesn’t feel any pressure from his new role on the team.

“It’s all about how hard you work,” Harms said. “When you perform in situations you’ve got to step up and do your job when you are asked to.”

And Harms has done exactly that. He has helped the Crimson post two shutouts this season, propelling Harvard to a 2-0 Ivy League record. And his accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed.

“He’s really stepped up,” co-captain Luke Sager said. “Coach gave him an opportunity [to play], which is rare for a freshman goalkeeper, and I think he played great in both games. He keeps getting better and better each time.”

Harms was given his first start against Yale on Oct. 4. He was a key factor in the Crimson’s 1-0 win over Yale, leading Harvard to its first Ivy League victory. After his impressive performance, Harms was named Ivy League Rookie of the week.

“He’s been doing pretty well,” senior defenseman Mike Giammanco said. “He’s a pretty solid player all-around.”

The victory against Yale was followed up with a convincing win over Cornell. Harms flourished in the game last Saturday, notching six saves in the shutout.

“Austin saved us a couple times today,” Sager said. “With Austin and Kwaku [Nyamekye] we are starting to get used to playing together.”

Harms made a key save that prevented the Big Red from tying the score before halftime, saving the ball with his legs on a one-on-one against a Cornell striker.

“The hardest thing for a goalkeeper is to handle games where they are not busy all the time and are just called on to make one or two big saves,” coach Jamie Clark said.

Giammanco praised the role Harms has taken on the team these past two games.

“The goalie is a big part of organizing the defense because he’s the one that can see the whole field, especially on corner kicks or free kicks,” Giammanco said. “He plays a larger part than what the untrained eye would see.”

Harms only played high school soccer for one year, losing a season due to a broken toe. But that hasn’t stopped the freshman from achieving success in what looks to be a promising collegiate career.

Despite his laid-back California style, Harms has a strict routine he goes through in preparation for every match.

“I usually listen to my music before games,” said Harms. “I’m particular about my warm-up. It’s a pattern that you have to keep the same in order to play well.”

Harms appreciates the role his teammates have been playing in his success.

“It’s always nice to be on a team where everyone works as hard as they can towards a goal,” Harms said.

But Harms isn’t the only one who calls the net home. Fellow goalkeeper Joe Alexander has started six games this season, and, according to teammates, will keep the rookie on his toes.

“I think we have two very good goalies, and I think they are going to continue to compete for time,” Sager said. “The competition will make them both better. So it’s a win-win situation for us.”

As for the great plays in the last two games and what can be expected in the future, Harms, in his usual fashion, remains cool, calm and collected.

“I feel like making those plays is just doing my job,” Harms said. “It’s something I should be doing. I just need to know that I did my part, and if everyone else does their part, then we will win games.”