Towson junior goalkeeper Travis Love's patience may be rewarded – with his first career start against No. 12 Navy on Tuesday night at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
Love, a Westminster native and Winters Mill graduate, was spectacular in the second half of the Tigers' 12-8 loss to No. 6 Maryland Saturday, finishing with seven saves – including five from point-blank range.
Love, who replaced senior Rob Wheeler (Friends) at halftime, may have earned himself Tuesday night's start, according to coach Tony Seaman whose team is off to a 0-3 start.
"That will be a strong topic of discussion among the coaches," Seaman said. "I think he certainly proved himself very well against Stony Brook in the second half and today in the second half. So that's certainly something we have to talk about."
Love opened the second half by stoning Terps sophomore midfielder Jake Bernhardt on a 2-on-1 break and then denying sophomore midfielder Drew Snider's put-back attempt. He then sticked away sophomore attackman Joe Cummings' blast from the slot – and all of this within the first five minutes.
"I was seeing the ball pretty well," Love said. "They were trying to get me low. I don't know if that was from scouting, but they all pointed at me when I walked out – like they knew something to do against me. They were going 5-hole a lot and I was just seeing it. It was a nice start. As a goalie, that first save is huge for you – mentally and everything. So it was big for me to get the first save to kick-start the rest of the second half."
Love was unaware of Seaman's comment after the game and reacted with a shrug when asked whether he deserved to start.
"It's the coach's decision," Love said. "I'm just going to do my part and play my hardest."