Sept. 7, 2012

By Paul Lazdowski

When the Holy Cross men’s soccer team fell 2-1 to Quinnipiac University at the Linda J. Smith Soccer Stadium on Thursday night, it marked the final season opener for senior goalkeeper Evan Polanik.

It’s been a long journey for the Holliston native and Xaverian Brothers graduate, one that has tested his resolve, reinforced the importance of hard work, and helped him identify the manner in which he will pursue his post-college aspirations.

As a sophomore, Polanik started 17 games for the Crusaders, posted a .759 save percentage, and was twice recognized as the Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week. In his junior campaign he suffered numerous injuries which sidelined him for all but six starts, and his save percentage dipped to .659. It was a disappointing season, one that Polanik still uses as motivation.

"I pretty much sat out all of last year when I tore my groin twice," Polanik said when asked to describe his injury history and current status which kept him out of Thursday’s game. "I came back to start this season pretty strong after doing a lot of rehab over the summer, but I ended up pulling it (groin) about a week into practices. I’m hoping to be back to 100 percent by mid-next week so that I can compete for a starting spot."

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