When Brownsburg High School junior backup goalkeeper Riley Gaughan’s number was called when starter Ian Anderson was injured, he was ready.
“He had a penalty kick save and a shutout against (then) No. 3 Noblesville,” Bulldogs coach Sean McGrath said of the 1-0 victory. “Riley stepped up in a big way in his first ever varsity start.”
Anderson has returned to the lineup but Gaughan showed he can perform when needed.
“It really boosted my confidence,” Gaughan said of his first start. “I was a little nervous because Noblesville is a really good team. I was able to come out and get the job done, keep my nerves down and be able to perform when it mattered.”
Gaughan said the goal for the team is to go into sectional play with confidence.
“We want to make a deep run into the state tournament,” he said. “We did well last year and got into regionals. We can definitely do it again if we go in there with confidence. Our chemistry and confidence are definitely key for us.”
The Bulldogs finished 19-1-1 last season. They lost to eventual state champion Carmel 2-0 in the IHSAA Class 3A regional championship.
Gaughan, who turns 16 Sept. 26, said his biggest improvements in goal have been improving ...