It is rare for a first-year men's soccer player to be on the field during a key match against a regional foe. It is even rarer for that player to record the game-winning goal.

Forward Evan Jastremski '17 did just that. On Sept. 4, the first-year from Marshfield, Mass. tapped in the winner in overtime against the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to give the Judges a 2-1 overtime victory.

Though Jastremski has only been on the team for a few weeks, he has been playing a significant amount of time.
"I think Evan's speed and skill have been really good," head coach Mike Coven said. "What's also great is that he comes back and plays defense. His work-rate is terrific."

Throughout his high-school career, Jastremski accumulated numerous accolades. In addition to being named Atlantic Coast League player of the Year, he earned two incredibly prestigious accolade-being recognized as an All-Scholastic Player in the Boston Globe and being named an All-New England player.

Last year, he scored 32 goals and led Marshfield High School to a quarterfinals game in the Massachusetts Intercollegiate Athletic Association State Tournament.

Still, Jastremski found the adjustment to collegiate soccer a bit of a challenge.

"Everyone is a lot better," Jastremski said. "It's so fast out there, and it's much more physical."

On the other hand, he also says that the unexpected opportunity has been exciting.

"It was a complete surprise to get this kind of playing time, but I feel honored," Jastremski said. "It helps that everyone is so supportive of me."

As a first-year, Jastremski realizes that the encouragement from upperclassmen goes a long way.

"The captains and veterans know how to get the best out of all the players," Jastremski said. "We see them working hard, so we want to work hard."

According to Jastremski, he picks up most of what he needs to know-including improvement in his technical play-by simply watching and learning from the veterans of the team.
"They set a good example for me and the younger players who are learning the intricacies," he said.

Yet, Jastremski is focused on collaborating with the veterans in winning the University Athletic Association and making a second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

So far, the men's soccer team is right on track with a 6-0-0 mark.

While some teams would be thrilled with such a mark, Jastremski says that this is what the team has come to expect.
"At this point it is a tradition. Brandeis soccer is always competitive," he said.

Jastremski hopes to be a key part in that tradition during his time playing soccer at Brandeis.