In the early half of Memphis 901 FC’s inaugural season, the club’s young core has shown promise and upside. Several of 901 FC’s players accomplished a number of firsts as members of Memphis' professional soccer team.
One of those players is goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell, who made his first start in goal against Tampa Bay in the season opener back on March 9. Caldwell has quickly emerged as one of the top goalkeepers in the Eastern Conference since and has continued to develop with every start between the posts.
We caught up with Caldwell and asked him three questions about the early half of the season in our new series, The Hat Trick.
901 FC: You earned your first start as a pro early this season. What was that feeling like?
Caldwell: Getting that first start, that first competitive appearance, was something that I had dreamed about for a very long time, so it was obviously a very big moment for me. Compound that with the fact it was also the first competitive game in club history and I don't think words do justice in describing the electric atmosphere that evening.
901 FC: You're learning from a head coach whose specialty is at your position. How's it been learning under Coach Mulqueen?
Caldwell: Yeah, it has been a massive experience for me, especially in the infancy of my career. Having his guidance has been reassuring. It's humbling to reflect on the guys that he's developed, truly the all-time greats in this country and guys who have done it across the international stage. Knowing he's worked with them and that I get to be exposed to their experience by extension, it's invaluable.
901 FC: With every week, you seem to reach another milestone. What is your personal goal at the end of the day?
Caldwell: I mean in the short term, I want to start hanging "W's" in the win column and reassert the fact that we're not only a very good team, but a playoff team. At the end of the day though, it's always been a dream of mine to represent the senior national team and be part of a senior FIFA World Cup. Obviously that's a lofty goal, but if you don't set your sights for the highest possible level of achievement, you do your ambition and your potential a disservice.
2019 Stats (so far): 15 saves, 63 percent save success rate, four clearances, one clean sheet, one penalty save.
The Hat Trick is a new series from 901 FC. Each piece features three questions ranging from in-season progress to off the pitch goals. Be sure to check back at https://www.memphis901fc.com for more features throughout the season.
In the early half of Memphis 901 FC’s inaugural season, the club’s young core has shown promise and upside. Several of 901 FC’s players accomplished a number of firsts as members of Memphis’ professional soccer team.
One of those players is goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell, who made his first start in goal against Tampa Bay in the season opener back on March 9. Caldwell has quickly emerged as one of the top goalkeepers in the Eastern Conference since and has continued to develop with every start between the posts.
We caught up with Caldwell and asked him three questions about the early half of the season in our new series, The Hat Trick.
901 FC: You earned your first start as a pro early this season. What was that feeling like?
Caldwell: Getting that first start, that first competitive appearance, was something that I had dreamed about for a very long time, so it was obviously a very big moment for me. Compound that with the fact it was also the first competitive game in club history and I don’t think words do justice in describing the electric atmosphere that evening.
901 FC: You’re learning from a head coach whose specialty is at your position. How’s it been learning under Coach Mulqueen?
Caldwell: Yeah, it has been a massive experience for me, especially in the infancy of my career. Having his guidance has been reassuring. It’s humbling to reflect on the guys that he’s developed, truly the all-time greats in this country and guys who have done it across the international stage. Knowing he’s worked with them and that I get to be exposed to their experience by extension, it’s invaluable.
901 FC: With every week, you seem to reach another milestone. What is your personal goal at the end of the day?
Caldwell: I mean in the short term, I want to start hanging “W’s” in the win column and reassert the fact that we’re not only a very good team, but a playoff team. At the end of the day though, it’s always been a dream of mine to represent the senior national team and be part of a senior FIFA World Cup. Obviously that’s a lofty goal, but if you don’t set your sights for the highest possible level of achievement, you do your ambition and your potential a disservice.
2019 Stats (so far): 15 saves, 63 percent save success rate, four clearances, one clean sheet, one penalty save.
The Hat Trick is a new series from 901 FC. Each piece features three questions ranging from in-season progress to off the pitch goals. Be sure to check back at https://www.memphis901fc.com for more features throughout the season.
