Matt Pyzdrowski: A Global Excursion, A Homebound Passion
10/8/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 8, 2008
Pyzdrowski Photo Gallery
For Marquette men's soccer goalkeeper, Matt Pyzdrowski, the game of soccer has become a ticket to see the world. It has also become a dream. After beginning his soccer career at age five, Pyzdrowski has developed into one of the most distinguished soccer players in the nation. After traveling to places such as England, Holland and Sweden for soccer over the years, this Marquette junior admires the "cruel" nature of the game itself.
"On any given day, any team can win, and you can't really say that about many high level sports," says Pyzdrowski. "I just love the challenge presented everyday of taking your game to the next level."
A native of Hinsdale, Ill., Pyzdrowski transferred to the Golden Eagles after playing one year for the UW-Milwaukee. As a UWM Panther, he trained under men's soccer coaches, Louis Bennett and Stan Anderson, who he decided to eventually follow to Marquette.
"I was at UWM with Coach Bennett and Coach Anderson, and they were the primary reason I went there [UWM] in the first place," he says. "They are first class coaches and exemplify what soccer is all about, and that's what drew me to their program."
Pyzdrowski also found out that the coaching was not the only aspect that he would enjoy during his term wearing blue and gold. Having the opportunity to play with the top players in college soccer and compete against some of the best teams in the country are the trademarks that have been imprinted on his career.
"He's made a commitment to put himself in the best situation over the years to play and garner experience," says associate head coach Stan Anderson, who primarily works with the MU keepers. "He came over [to Marquette from UW-Milwaukee], because he saw an opportunity to play."
He began his Golden Eagle career as a red shirt freshman in 2006, when he started 14 games. As a sophomore, Pyzdrowski held eight teams to one goal or less and tallied 46 saves. This season, Pyzdrowski has already been named to the College Soccer News Team of the Week, in addition to collecting BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week and BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll. Through 10 matches this season, Pyzdrowski has started every contest, racking up three shutouts and 33 saves with a 0.93 goals against average.
"He's earned what he has earned this year, along with the help of our back line," says Anderson. "There have been games this year where he's had to stand on the top of his head -- Louisville and Penn come to mind -- and he's been like an octopus in front of the goal."
Along with a hectic soccer schedule, Pyzdrowski has also managing a marketing and finance double major. Avoiding procrastination and using the student-athlete resources Marquette offers have been necessary for Pyzdrowski to excel both in the classroom and on the field.
While the six-foot-four-inch goalkeeper has also captured numerous honors, being fortunate enough to play the game across the globe ranks as the most significant contribution to his career. After spending his 2008 summer in Sweden training with one of the oldest soccer clubs in the country and a top-flight professional team, GAIS (Gothenburg Athletics & Sports Association), Pyzdrowski spent a solid three months improving footwork, distribution, and ball handling.
With the unique experience of playing soccer in Europe, the game has become the ambition for Pyzdrowski to pursue after college.
"When I went to Europe, it made me want to take my game to the next level even more," Pyzdrowski says. "I know if I get that chance to play professional soccer, there is no way I would ever pass it up."
"He has grown to point where a setback doesn't set him back for the game or the season," Anderson says. "In training, if he's scored on he comes back right away. His has a level mental approach and uncanny athleticism. If he maintains his focus and work rate, then I see no reason to have ceiling on potential."
Continuing to build on his career as a Golden Eagle, Pyzdrowski still has a full season ahead, and being able to build this program into a national contender is what he likes the most about wearing blue and gold.
Pyzdrowski owes his love for the game to his youth coaches -- especially those who coached his soccer club team back home when he was ten years old.
"They brought such enthusiasm and passion for the game that I just loved," Pyzdrowski says of his coaches then. "This is something I have developed into my game, and I think it's the reason I love and enjoy the game of soccer so much today.
- By Jackie Steuter, Marquette Athletics Media Relations
