Miner goalie sets record with shutout

In the middle of Park City's 2-0 victory over Uintah on Wednesday, the Miners allowed a free kick roughly 22 yards off goalie Rock Christeson's line.

A Uintah midfielder expertly unleashed a powerful shot over the wall and toward the upper corner of the net that would have beaten most high school keepers.

Instead, Christeson read the shot perfectly, quickly positioned himself completely behind the ball and held the shot easily.

"He makes difficult saves look routine," said coach Mike Guetschow.

Christeson, who was the Class 3A MVP in 2004, made that save during his 23rd shutout, which eclipsed the Utah state record for career shutouts.

He received a standing ovation from his teammates and coaches when the Miners returned to their bus after the match.

Alta's John Ragsdale, who played from 1988 to 1990, held the previous mark at 22.

"As a coach it's been gratifying to see the progress he's made since a sophomore breaking into the team," said Guetschow.

The Park City coach realized Christeson's outstanding athleticism in the beginning, but it's been his vast improvement as a soccer player that has set the new all-time shutout leader apart from his peers.

"He's improved from being a very good athlete to being a very good goalie," said Guetschow.

Christeson would be a quality high school net-minder regardless of the team he played on, but the record couldn't have happened without a strong defense in front of him.

"It's a testament to him and the entire defense," said Guetschow.