The Curiosity Correspondent: Here’s what it takes for a pro goalie to stop a screaming soccer ball

Some people just aren’t made to be professional soccer players. Benjamin Crutcher is one of those people.

But he was still curious about what it would be like.

Could he stand in the goal with confidence? Could he block a ball? Would his face stay the same shape if it were slammed with a soccer ball?

For the first episode in our new video series, Crutcher, our Curiosity Correspondent, goes to the StubHub Center to take a lesson with LA Galaxy goalie Dan Kennedy and learn: How hard is it to be a professional soccer goalie?

I asked Crutcher a few questions about his experience.

How hard was it physically? You appeared exhausted at the end of the video.

I was. Sports are tough for a guy like me. I look great, but I’m a real clunker inside.

When you look at yourself, and then look at Dan Kennedy, what differences do you see?

Muscles. The guy is an outstanding athlete, with an extra helping of charisma on top of it. He’s got about a foot and 50 pounds on me.

You actually blocked a few goals. How did it feel to prove everyone wrong?

I’m the king of all sports! I think I even surprised myself a little when I actually got a glove on the ball. I had gone into the day expecting to try hard, and do my best — but never actually anticipated blocking any shots. It was a great ego booster, even if Dan was going a little easy on me.

How nerve-racking is it to stand in the goal and await the soccer ball?

It’s terrifying. Way too much pressure. Like most sports you watch on TV, the perspective is a little deceiving. The distance between the ball and your face is so much less than you’d expect. There is literally no time to react.

How sore were you the next day?

I was sore in muscles I forgot I even had. Plenty of scrapes, bruises and grass stain to remind me that I’m far from a world-class athlete.

Did your opinion of soccer goalies change after this experience?

Totally. Dan was the best. You have to be fearless to voluntarily be the last thing standing between a rubber missile and points on the board.

What’s the most important lesson you learned?

No matter what you do, block the ball.

Lakers cheerleader? Rams kicker? Do you have something you want Ben to try? Write it in the comments or email mark.potts@latimes.com and let us know.

Do you have any questions for our Curiosity Correspondent? What would you like Ben to try next? Let us know in the comments.