There was a new face starting at goalkeeper for the Eastern men’s soccer team in its 3-0 loss to Valparaiso Tuesday at Lakeside Field.

Redshirt freshman R.J. Hill got the call to start at goalkeeper in place of junior Mike Novotny, who had started in all eight of Eastern’s games.

The decision to start Hill in place of Novotny was “a personal thing,” according to men’s soccer coach Kiki Lara. However, Lara added that everything with Novotny was fine.

Hill was kept busy by the Crusaders’ offense in the box as Valparaiso fired 18 shots in the game, but on the other hand, he was glad to be out on the field making his first start of the season.

“It felt good. I was happy to see a game this year and gain some time,” Hill said. “I was happy to be out here. It was a tough game, Tuesday on a weekday, but we’ll bounce back Saturday.”

The final 3-0 score is deceiving as to how Hill actually played. Despite surrendering the three goals, Hill put on a solid performance at goalkeeper.

Hill had nine saves overall, which is the most by a Panther this season; however, he still felt he could have played better.

“Personally I always think I could have done better,” Hill said. “(I had) a couple of good saves, unlucky goals, some turnovers, but overall it was a decent game for me.”

While he was pleased with his nine saves, Hill made it known he would trade the saves for a win.

“If you want to look at numbers, yeah, I’d be satisfied. But I’d rather have one save and more wins,” Hill said. “I mean I’d rather have the wins than the saves. But nine blocks, that’s a good game, I guess.”

JJ Bullock can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].