Why Rochester’s defense is built for another girls soccer postseason run

ROCHESTER — It’s not hyperbole to describe Rochester senior goalkeeper Alyse Day as fearless.

During one such match, Day was walloped by a jarring collision while defending the net. She only returned to the field without any second thoughts — raring to go.

“I knew that I had to get up for my team and I had to get back into the game because I knew I was the best person for the job,” Day said.

“I think that collision really got my blood pumping. I got amped up from that. I was at the half line jumping up and down, I was ready to go back in.”

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‘Game-changer'

Day appreciates a good adrenaline rush while conjuring up exhilarating saves.

Earlier this season, she mopped up a penalty kick save to preserve a 1-0 nonconference win over Quincy Notre Dame.

It’s something that coach Chad Kutscher is more than accustomed to seeing but never takes for granted.

“When you have a goalkeeper that can not only make saves right at her, but can make saves that make you go, ‘Whoa,’” Kutscher said, “that’s a big game-changer right there.”

Day will reunite with former teammates Maggie Gleckler and Zoe Cormier at NCAA Division II McKendree University.

Gleckler was named Great Lakes Valley Conference Freshman of the Year with two goals and six assists.

Kutscher was a former player himself at McKendree under the same coach, Tim Strange.

“I’m really excited to play with them again,” Day said. “They were my best friends last year, so getting to play with them again is going to be great.”

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Soaring confidence

Day contributed to last year’s run to the Class 2A sectional finals with 11 shutouts, only bowing to eventual state champion Chatham Glenwood 1-0 in Normal.

Day first put on the gloves in a youth soccer league. It proved to be a natural fit with her exemplary athleticism.

“I’ve always been athletic enough to be good at sports,” said Day, who also plays basketball, “so playing soccer was just something that I enjoyed. When I was younger, it was just easy to me and I loved it.”

Her confidence has swelled since that time.

“I was a little bit hesitant coming off my line and just in general talking to my players,” Day said of her high school career. “I think that’s something I’ve really improved on. Now I can tell people what to do and not be worried that someone is going to be mad at me or it’s going to cause a problem.”

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She has also lapped up the chance to work with assistant coach Maddie (Gleeson) Butcher, a former all-state keeper who led Rochester to consecutive state titles in 2015 and 2016.

“It’s like a full circle moment having her come back and coach me, especially since she’s someone I’ve looked up to my whole entire life,” Day said.

Tough duo

Day initially shared the post with fellow classmate Ellie Gegen their freshman year.

Gegen now assists the defense as a center back.

“I think it made me better,” Day said. “I think about this a lot. I think I would not be where I am without her. That’s weird to say because she was my competition, but I think she pushed me to be better and work harder.”

It turned out to be a seamless transition for Gegen, owing to her experience and acumen as a goalkeeper.

She is not only aggressive and razor sharp but also makes good passes from the back line, Kutscher said. She will pivot toward academics at Vassar College (N.Y.) with a focus on biology and environmental studies after this school year.

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“Ellie is such a good athlete,” Kutscher said. “She’s a phenomenal goalkeeper, but she’s also a phenomenal center back. She’s been one of the keys of the defense this year. She’s just been extremely solid every game.

“Having her as a center back and Alyse in the goal, that’s two girls with four years of good experience. While we may not have a ton of subs and our overall numbers aren’t eye-popping, having that experience in the back and those two makes a big difference.”

Gegen said she enjoys being physical on defense.

“I think this situation made the most sense with our numbers and our strengths and weaknesses,” Gegen said. “I think it’s worked well. We understand each other a lot. I know where she (Day) wants the ball and when she wants the ball because I have that same experience and mindset that she may have. I think we do work well together.”

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Gegen also shares the back line with junior Ruby Allen and sophomore Myra Gibson. The defensive unit may be a small group numbers-wise, but it has only fostered a stronger bond.

“I know what they’re going to do when they get the ball,” said Gegen, who also played volleyball and basketball. “I know how I can help them and what I can tell them to do and what we all need to work on.

“When there’s just three of us and we don’t sub often, we know who’s going to drop or take the ball, so I think we’ve definitely grown a lot together as a 3-back — and I love my outside backs. They’re very good and I appreciate them a lot.”

A bevy of new faces has wrought its share of wrinkles, but Day believes the team has built a strong rapport in the process.

“I think now we’re so much more connected,” Day said. “We know where each other are on the field and where they want the ball played, so I think that helps a lot.”

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Rochester goalkeeper Alyse Day destined for NCAA DII McKendree