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Note: This is the first installment in our 2017 Republic Depth Chart Series, where the ICS staff takes a look at the Republic’s roster in each position as it stands right now.
Although the off-season is not over yet, it looks like there will be no shakeups this year at the goalkeeper position. The two men between the sticks again this year for the Republic will be the tried and tested Dominick Jakubek and Evan Newton.
Last year both men saw significant playing time, with Dom dominating the starting sheet during the first half of the season and Evan taking over shortly past the halfway point of the season. In fact, the two nearly evenly split the season. Jakubek started 16 games with 1,440 minutes and Newton started 14 with 1,260 minutes.
With all of the moves and transfers that have come this off-season, the benefits of a strong and trusted leader in the back cannot be overstated.
1. Evan Newton
After making the move from Energy FC during the 2016 off-season, Evan started off on the bench for most of the first half, then got in his minutes during the second half of the season. He playing 14 games in USL competition, boasting 6-2-6 record with 41 saves, six shutouts, a 0.93 goals against average, and a 75.9% save percentage.
He was in the box during the Republic single playoff match against the Orange County Blues keeping a clean sheet through 120 minutes eventually losing in penalty kicks.
2. Dominik Jakubek
What can I say, the leadership, experience and control over the game that Dom brings when he is guarding the back of the net is a pleasure to have. He started last season as the go-to starter for the first time in his Republic career, but was relegated to his familiar backup spot for the second half. However, he did post some impressive numbers during his 16 games last year. In those 16 games in USL competition, Jakubek put together a 8-4-4 record, 28 saves, 6 shutouts, a goals against average of 0.89 (fourth best in the league), and a save percentage of 66.7%.
For now, I see Newton being the starter and picking up where he left off last season. That being said, I am indifferent as to who ends up starting in goal because I have confidence in both Newton and Jakubek.
What does your personal goalkeeper depth chart look like? Sound off in the comments below!