Minnesota Thunder captain Jeremiah Bass calls teammate Nic Platter the most normal goalkeeper he has known, but Platter's rapid rise to starter was unusual.
Thunder keeper defies stereotype by being normal
Nic Platter has given the Thunder solid goalkeeping after only two years as an understudy, and he's a big reason that the team is off to a better start this year.
June 14, 2008 at 3:32PM
Playing a position that attracts eccentric personalities and typically requires long apprenticeships, Platter was promoted after only two full seasons behind Joe Warren on the depth chart. Heading into tonight's 6 p.m. match against Atlanta at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Platter ranks as one of the United Soccer League's top keepers and has keyed the Thunder's 4-4-2 start. Win tonight and the team equals its victory total from last season.
"Nic has always brought a calming presence," coach Amos Magee said. "Even last season he provided a sense of security despite getting his first experience as the No. 1 goalkeeper."
After a combined seven starts in his first two seasons with the Thunder, Platter sought to make an impact last season. He prepared by ramping up his offseason workouts despite recovering from a torn ligament in his right thumb.
Given the start in the eighth match last season, Platter remained in goal for 18 of the season's final 20 matches. Warren, his predecessor, did not win the everyday starting job until his sixth season.
"There are goalkeepers that wait a long time," Platter said. "Some guys don't get their starting job until they are 30 years old. Playing in the USL, you give yourself a time frame. How long are you willing to wait before you move on with your life?"
Utilizing speed and quickness to overcome his shorter frame, the 6-1 Platter enters tonight's match ranked third in the USL with five shutouts, and sixth with a .80 goals-against average.
"I like to win," he said. "I like to get shutouts. I like making the big save. I like it when the crowd goes, 'Wow.'"
He helped Minnesota earn its first victory since 1997 at Vancouver by punching away a shot on goal in the 17th minute. He notched his first career assist in the Thunder's 1-0 victory against Rochester on May 4, and made a key save on a penalty kick; he made eight saves in a 0-0 draw with Carolina.
Magee said Platter "reads the game so well, and that separates him from the other keepers in this league."
"We thought that with a year under his belt he would be one of the best keepers this season," he said. "He's responded how we hoped he would."
Players know anything can happen after major deal shook the NBA over the weekend.
