Gerdis Provides What Chapman Needs

Mike Sterner has scored 16 goals to lead a Chapman offense that has outshot opponents, two to one, and helped the Panthers win 10 of their first 13 men’s soccer games this season.

But it’s stingy defense that has provided the backbone for Chapman’s fast start.

Goalkeeper Paul Gerdis has eight shutouts, giving up only three goals in his first 12 games. Now, the Panthers (10-4-1) are knocking on the door of the NCAA Division III playoffs.

The top four ranked teams in the West Region qualify for the playoffs, and Chapman is tied for fourth. The Panthers lost one big game to third-ranked Cal Lutheran, 4-1, on Monday, and another to second-ranked UC San Diego, 2-0, Friday, putting their potential playoff berth in jeopardy. Gerdis has been forced to remain focused this season because he is the only goalkeeper on the roster. And his new attitude and added responsibility have resulted in sharper play.

“Paul was shaky at times last season,” Chapman Coach Eddie Carrillo said. “But he worked hard to get in shape for this season and he’s improved. As the season has progressed, you can see the team is pretty secure with him back there.

“And the fact is, our defense has played so well that Paul doesn’t have to come up with a big save that often.”

Gerdis has usually delivered on those occasions when he has to step up. In fact, he had stopped two penalty kicks this season through Monday’s game.

Gerdis gave up his first penalty-kick goal in that game.

“I wasn’t too disappointed with Monday’s loss,” Carrillo said. “It was close all the way. We had five good chances to tie it at 2-2 in the second half, then we made some mistakes in the last three minutes and they scored twice.”

That usually hasn’t been a problem for Chapman, considering the Panthers’ depth and talent on defense.

Juniors Alex Oropeza and Frederic Apcar, who transferred from East Los Angeles College, and juniors Adam Medlin, Eddie Ferrer and Chris Ketcham have all shared time at the three spots, and Chapman hasn’t suffered.

“The defense is not giving up a whole lot of shots,” Gerdis said. “They’ve been fantastic and that makes it a lot easier on me.”