SOCCER: Mikal Outcalt Settles In At Goal For Cleveland SC

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Stepping into a new team is never easy, especially in a club’s first season in a position as critical as goalkeeper. New teammates and new surroundings have not kept University of Pittsburgh’s redshirt junior Mikal Outcalt from earning a starting role and finding success in the early stages of Cleveland SC’s inaugural season.

Three clean sheets in four appearances at this point of Cleveland SC’s campaign from the Pitt Panther and Strongsville native put the conference and league on notice that getting goals past Outcalt and his defensive line would be a difficult task. Even after a disappointing result against Fort Pitt Regiment, Cleveland SC remain one of the league leaders in goals conceded.

For Outcalt, the decision to take the next step of his soccer career in the NPSL was made easier as the young goalkeeper chose to represent his hometown club in both his and the club’s first season in the league.
“It’s an honor, to live here all my life, it means a lot to be able to come home and represent the city I love so much,” said Outcalt.

Outcalt’s standout performances at Saint Ignatius High School and his first two years at Pitt have translated well into the NPSL. The 6’3” keeper’s accolades make him one of the most exciting prospects in the Cleveland SC squad. Those accomplishments include two Ohio Division I State Championships, being named Boys Soccer Goalie of the Year by Cleveland.com, and inclusions in the First Teams of All-Greater Cleveland, All-Region, and All-Ohio squads, the first netminder to accomplish all three from the Greater-Cleveland region.

Outcalt can now add first win and clean sheet in Cleveland SC history to his list, which also includes a clean sheet against 7th-ranked Notre Dame in his most recent campaign as a Pitt Panther.
The decision to join Cleveland SC for the summer started with a conversation initiated by Head Coach Ryan ‘Ozzy’ Osborne.

Thus far in the 2018 season, Outcalt has enjoyed acclimating to the differences and challenges facing players in the NPSL, citing great competition, high level training sessions, and terrific supporter atmospheres, as well as playing alongside his former St. Ignatius teammate Hayden Parente.

Outcalt’s participation in local soccer does not end with the final whistle either, as he also coaches youth soccer during his free time while also pursuing a business degree at Pitt.

Cleveland SC’s man between the posts hopes to continue the club’s fast start behind the continued support of the Cleveland faithful. “The support around the team this year has been awesome and we look forward to the continuous support and providing an exciting brand of soccer for the fans that will make them and the city of Cleveland proud,” said Outcalt.

Outcalt and the rest of his teammates are preparing for another two-match weekend with a Friday fixture in Rochester followed by a home match Sunday, June 17 against FC Buffalo. Tickets for Sunday’s match are available at ClevelandSC.com.

Content of article provided to author by Cleveland SC