You can second-guess team selections all you like, but the toughest position to predict when it comes to the Boston City starting line up is the goalkeeper.
For several reasons – injury, impressive form in training, giving his keepers an opportunity to shine – coach Michael Bustamante has selected three different players between the posts this season.
Jake Wagmeister started the campaign as number one having been the Ironsides Crew supporters’ player of the year in 2018, but missed a handful of matches through injury and returned at home to Greater Lowell on May 26.
Jake waited patiently for his chance in goal in 2018, eventually starting in the fifth game of the season and was ever-present between the posts until the end of the campaign. He had joined Boston City FC at the start of the 2018 season and is the only keeper out of nine to have played for the club who recorded a shutout on his debut, as the Lions beat Hartford City 2-0 on June 9, 2018.
In the fall of 2018, he played with Boston City FC II in the Bay State Soccer League and U.S. Open Cup qualifying matches. Jake played previously for New York Athletic Club in the NPSL having come through the New York Red Bulls Academy where he played in 2010 and 2011. He played college soccer at the University of Connecticut.
Jason Katz came in for Jake Wagmeister in the second match of the season in a baptism of fire in a heavy loss to Hartford City FC. He then held the starting role for the next three matches against NY Cosmos, NY Athletic Club and Brooklyn Italians.
Jason has enjoyed success with GPS Omens in the Bay State Soccer League and has played locally with Trinity College, Real Boston Rams, Boston Victory, and FC Boston Bolts.
Dutch-born Sandro van Kuijck came in midway through the draw at NYAC and started in the 2-1 win away to Greater Lowell. He has conceded only one goal in the 120 minutes of action he has seen.
Born in Nunspeet in the Netherlands, Sandro moved to Boston at the age of 15 and played for FC Blazers for four years. He plays college soccer at UMass Boston and is entering his senior year. Sandro has lived in Brazil and Panama and played for Chepo FC in Panama.
So, who will start against the Brooklyn Italians this weekend? Well, it could be any one of our three keepers competing for that role.
