With the men’s soccer season in full swing, redshirt freshman Jeff Smoker seems to be in the pole position for the starting goal-keeper spot.

Smoker, of Finneytown, has been in competition with true freshman Dylan Schoettley and junior Steven Topper for the role as the Falcons No. 1 keeper.

After splitting time with Schoettley for the season’s first three games, coach Eric Nichols gave Smoker a full 90 minutes in both of this weekend’s games.

But Smoker is not taking his role as Falcon’s top-choice lightly.

‘I think keeping the No. 1 job comes down to consistency,’ Smoker said. ‘I have made a couple big saves, as well as the ones I am supposed to make.’

Although Smoker is getting more time between the posts, he knows Schoettley is right behind him.

‘We have a good competition, because we are always pushing each other,’ Smoker said. ‘If one person is playing better at any given time, the other realizes it and steps up, so he doesn’t lose a chance to play in goal.’

Smoker has been more than suitable during his time in goal for the Falcons, recording 196 minutes without conceding, until Kentucky finally broke through earlier this season.

The keeper was also named to the all-tournament team at the Duquesne Invitational over the weekend, after saving seven shots and earning a clean sheet in a double overtime match against the hosts.

Smoker, listed at 5-foot-11, does not possess the typical size and reach expected from a goalkeeper but makes up for it in other departments.

‘Jeff is wiry and very athletic,’ goalkeepers coach Eric Pfeifer said. ‘His small frame allows him to burst towards the ball and make some big saves.’

Schoettley, on the other hand, has the typical goalkeepers body, standing at 6-foot-3 with a sizable reach and has all the physical tools necessary to play for the Falcons.

‘Being taller makes its easier to get balls in the air and cover goal space,’ Schoettley said. ‘I can use my height to get to the ball a lot easier.’

Schoettley understands that he is in a competition but doesn’t let that take away from the friendship that he and Smoker have formed.

‘Jeff and I get along really well, but we are competitive,’ Schoettley said. ‘Jeff has been playing better lately so he deserves the starting spot.’