Penn Profiles: Peter Bennett

Muhlenberg College goalkeeper Peter Bennett ended his senior season with being named to the NSCAA Division III All-America Third Team and the All-Mid-Atlantic Region First Team. He was the ninth All-American in the history of the men's soccer program.

Bennett completed his career with an impressive 0.87 goals-against average and 20 shutouts. In 52 career starts, he finished with an overall record of 33-15-4. He kindly spoke with SoccerCityFC.

- In 2007, Muhlenberg College men's soccer team had a successful year. You shared the regular-season Centennial Conference Championship and received a bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. Are you satisfied with what the 2007 team accomplished?

A: I think if you were an outsider looking in you'd think we'd be satisfied with our season, especially since we were picked to finish 5th in the conference. So we exceeded outsiders' expectations, but, I'm not sure we exceeded our own. Coming into the season we were very excited and we believed we could grab another conference championship. We had some great wins but we also lost to Johns Hopkins twice, and when they're your rival, it’s hard to be satisfied with those results.

As a senior, it was nice to get the personal accolades and recognition I got to end my collegiate career, but I really wanted to win another Conference tournament and survive the first weekend of the NCAA's. So, it's tough to leave those two goals unfulfilled. But we had a lot of fun this season both on and off the field, so overall I'd say I was more satisfied than disappointed with the 2007 campaign.

- Favorite moment from 2007?

A: We had a number of great wins and great moments this season so it’s hard to pick one. Coming home after five straight road games and handing Dickinson their first loss and a shutout felt pretty good as did beating then No.7 TCNJ at home, but I think finally beating Swarthmore at Swarthmore 1-0 in double overtime was my favorite moment.

It rained all game and was freezing cold and the kind of game you love to win but hate to lose and my fellow senior Jonny Kliewer scored probably one of the best goals I've seen in my four years, a goal Swarthmore described in the box score simply as "a 30 yard blast." So that was certainly an exciting and memorable win.

- How was the atmosphere at Varsity Field during your successful season?

A: We always have a great student turnout which creates a hostile environment for opposing players and playing at night provides a great setting for games, and when you're winning the crowd only gets bigger. So, I love playing at Varsity Field but this year was tough because most of our big games were on the road. But when we did come home, it was nice to know we'd always get a good turnout from students and family and community members. In my opinion, it’s the best environment for a game you'll find in the Centennial Conference.

- What away field in the Centennial Conference did you enjoy competing at?

A: Going to Gettysburg is always fun because it reminds me so much of Varisty Field. Their students create a similar atmosphere as our own do by standing right along the sideline. While some players might not like it, it’s fun to play against such vocal and hostile fans.

- What is story on the Mule as a Mascot?

A: Who knows, it doesn't exactly strike fear in many opponents. Reaching back to my freshman orientation weekend, Muhlenberg folklore has it that our mascot used to be the Cardinals, but newspaper sportswriters referred to Muhlenberg as the Mules so I guess that's how the mascot came into being. And really, I'm not sure if Cardinals is any better. At least it’s a little more creative, but at the same I time, I love flipping through the NCAA tournament program and seeing the other crazy, unorthodox names teams have. So, I guess we fit right in.

- Are you looking at any professional soccer options currently?

A: Right now I'm in the process of training/ trying out for the Harrisburg City Islanders which would be a great squad to make but I still have a long way to go and some tough competition to try and out play. If that doesn't work out, I'm going to talk with the coaching staff here at Muhlenberg and see what other options are available.

- Any thoughts on the proposed MLS team coming to Philadelphia?

A: With the great soccer presence in Eastern and Central Pennsylvania I think it’s a great thing to bring a team to Philadelphia. In terms of DIII soccer, there are some great soccer programs in the mid-Atlantic region so adding a team in Philly will only encourage and foster soccer's continuing development in the area. Plus, as a Philly sports fan, I'm thrilled and hope it works out.

Photo Credits: Muhlenberg College Athletics