Gaels’ goalie duo holding foes at bay

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Nov. 11, 1999 | 11:21 a.m.

Considering Bishop Gorman's soccer team has averaged nearly five goals-per-game this season, it's understandable that much of the credit for the Gaels' success has gone to the club's offensive stars.

Six, seven, even 10-goal explosions have not been uncommon for a Gorman squad that features three of the state's top scorers in Boomer Arbelaez, Joseph Zaher and Jared Starbird.

But a closer look reveals that the Gaels' gaudy offensive numbers have been just part of the story for a team favored to win this weekend's 4A state tournament in Carson City.

Just as important as Gorman's penchant for filling up the net has been its ability to defend it -- in large part a tribute to goalkeepers Robbie Nelson and Joseph "B.G." Gonzales.

The duo have combined for 10 shutouts this season, and have given up more than one goal just three times this year.

"They're such a key for us," Victor Arbelaez said. "A team all starts with its goalkeeper, and to me these two are both big-time players."

Although Nelson, a senior, and Gonzales, a junior, both boast extensive club team experience, Arbelaez came into the 1999 season planning to choose one starter in goal and stick with him.

But according to the Gaels coach, the two keepers' hard work during the team's preseason made it impossible to keep one out of action.

"At the beginning, I wanted to go with just one, but they're both so good and they both work so hard it's hard to keep one out," Arbelaez said.

Instead, Arbelaez has used the two equally, usually starting Nelson in the first half before going to Gonzales in the second.

"I start with the senior because it's his last year, but either one could start," Arbelaez said. "I won't hesitate to put either one in."

And that's just fine with Nelson and Gonzales, who don't mind sharing the goal, and the spotlight, with one-another.

"I think we're both pretty comfortable with it," Gonzales said. "We've known each other for a long time, so we know what each other can do."

Agreed Nelson: "It's never been real competitive between us. We're such good friends it's always been fun. If I come out of a game, I'm confident in what B.G. can do."

On Friday, when the Gaels (17-0-1) come face-to-face with Nevada's only other unbeaten squad -- 17-0-4 South Tahoe -- one goal could easily be the difference between a berth in Saturday's championship game and an early flight home.