As a goalkeeper, Brian Rowe knows all about the pressures associated with the position. He knows that a simple mistake can ultimately cost his team the game. He knows about the pressure that comes with trying to keep the opposition from finding the net.
Now, the redshirt sophomore knows what it’s like to be pegged as Brian Perk’s replacement.
“Those are some big shoes to fill,” Rowe said.
Rowe, who had only played 29 minutes of collegiate soccer prior to his first career start on Sept. 17, has the nearly impossible task of filling in for Perk, UCLA’s star senior goalie who is in Egypt competing for the U.S. national team in the FIFA 2009 Under-20 World Cup. Perk will be overseas at least until Oct. 2, when the U.S. plays its final match of the first round. His absence may be prolonged, depending on how the national team fares against Germany, Cameroon and Korea Republic.
As for Rowe, the two-week period serves as an audition for next season’s vacant starting spot, once Perk is gone for good.
“I’m trying to do well these next couple of games to get a spot for myself next year,” Rowe said. “I definitely feel a little nervous but it’s always good to feel nervous. I just need to play to my advantages.”
Like Perk, Rowe is athletic and quick, according to sixth-year coach Jorge Salcedo.
“(Rowe) is very athletic and willing to learn,” Salcedo said. “Like anything in life you just need a little bit of experience.”
The Oregon native stands at 6 feet 1 inch ““ giving him a bit more length than Perk, who is 5 feet 11 inches. Physically, Rowe has what it takes to match Perk.
The challenge for Rowe, though, lies in matching Perk’s strong presence on the pitch. Aside from being a tremendous shot-stopper, he is a proven vocal leader who can be easily heard from high in the stands at Drake Stadium during matches. His skills extend far beyond the goal line.
“I’m going to be vocal and stay connected with the game,” Rowe said. “I’m going to get the defense going and do what (Perk) does … I’ll try to be one of those guys that leads the team and gets them going.”
Rowe, who redshirted the 2007 season, is embracing the opportunity to play despite being relatively inexperienced. He played in just two games last season for a total of 29 minutes, allowing a goal and making one save over that span.
Despite not having played much, Rowe said he feels comfortable knowing there are players around him that have. UCLA has four returning senior starters, not counting Perk and midfielder Michael Stephens, the reigning Pac-10 Player of the Year who is also in Egypt.
“It eases me knowing that there’s some veterans out there that have trust in me,” Rowe said.
Senior midfielder Kyle Nakazawa, who assumes Stephens’ role at midfield, is one of those veterans.
“We’re going to have to rely on other players to step up,” Nakazawa said following a recent home victory.
Rowe is surely one of those, but there are plenty of experienced players that have the ability to make contributions. The Bruins have already showcased their depth early this season, earning a road victory over defending national champion Maryland.
“This is an important time in our season,” Rowe said. “It’s a good test for us to play without Mikey and Perk to see what we’re made of.”
And despite the pressure, it’s time for Rowe to show what he’s made of.
“My time is called so I have to step up,” he said.