Joe McSorley Ready For Role Of Backup With Terriers

One of the most highly touted recruits since Boston University went D1 is goaltender Joe McSorley.

The former Calvert Hall standout is the backup for the Terriers in their fourth season as a varsity program, but he is very much the goalie of the future.

Senior Christian Caron-Banister is one of the backbones of the senior class that includes 17 for BU, their first significant senior class in program history. His importance was evidenced this past weekend in his 16 save performance against Providence, a double OT win.

While “CB” has an established role for this season, and the senior goalie has been a hallmark player and will be one of their leaders this season, McSorley’s process of becoming a starter begins now for the freshman.

“We’re happy with Joe McSorley, but Christian Carson-Bannister is our starter unless something happens,” BU head coach Ryan Polley said. “Joe has really impressed us. He’s a really capable backup. We’re very confident in Joe.”

McSorley saw his first looks in the preseason this January, seeing action in all three scrimmages, including against D1 teams Quinnipiac and Marist. In the game against the Bobcats, the freshman made four saves and allowed two goals.

“It’s awesome, these scrimmages, just getting out there,” said McSorley. “Not even seeing shots, just being out there is awesome.”

With Calvert Hall, a Baltimore high school and one of the best lacrosse prep schools in the country, McSorley was a four year starter and he captained the team in both of his upperclassman years.

In his limited action before the season, the freshman is already seeing the adjustments he has to make.

“The pace of play,” said McSorley. “The obvious answer is the shots are faster, but it’s the pace of play. Guys are way more intense, you just gotta keep up with it.”

The Maryland native can learn from a large group of goalies, with Carson-Banister leading the way along with (La Salle College High School product) Colin MacDougall, Tommy Connelly, and Sean McGovern on the bench with him.

“The goalies, just taking everything I can from them, and the 17 seniors,” McSorley said. “They’ve worked for four years to lay down the foundation for all of us.”

McSorley is part of a freshman group that has high hopes with the BU program, being the fourth freshman class in the history of the program. He’s joined by John MacLean, who scored his first career goal on Saturday, and defender Chase Levesque as players who bring a lot of promise to the future.

“We’re all very close,” the goalie said. “We all live with each other, we’re with each other 24/7 with class and especially with the team, and we’re always in the locker room hanging out, so there’s a bond that’s pretty strong.”

It’s unlikely McSorley will see much time at all this coming season, but he is considered the number two goalie, so if Carson-Banister is out for any reason, it will be the first year player with the first opportunity to step up.

Either way, it’s all a learning experience for McSorley in year one.

“Just take it all in. We’re here to support CB, he’s done a great job. It’s going to be a helluva season, just excited.”