GOING FOR GOLD: Andrew Goldsmith tackles the ball during a 2016 game during his senior season for the Princeton High boys soccer team. After wrapping up a stellar career with the Vassar College men’s soccer team last fall, Goldsmith is currently in Israel playing for the U.S. Open men’s soccer team at the Maccabiah Games. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Last fall, Andrew Goldsmith had a superb senior season with the Vassar College men’s soccer team.
The former Princeton High standout served as team captain for the Brewers, helping the team go 11-4-2, earning Division III All-Region Third Team honors in the process. United Soccer Coaches and All-Liberty League Honorable Mention.
“It was my last season and it was definitely my favorite season; it was a combination of doing well at record level, but it was also the style of play,” said Goldsmith, a 6’0 defensive midfielder.
“It’s about keeping the ball moving, the one and two touch approach which suits my style of play. I was able to help the rest of the guys and we were all able to adapt to this system and win games by playing good football. It’s the best feeling out of all of this. I never liked accolades, but I felt like I had my best season and being honored as a regional player was a great feeling too.
This month, Goldsmith savors another honor as he plays for the US Open men’s team at the 21st Maccabiah Games in Israel for his final taste of competitive soccer.
“Being able to wear the United States jersey and compete against other countries is a dream come true,” Goldsmith said. “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while now. One of the reasons I chose Vassar was because I thought I would get a lot of playing time and immediately become a leader. I played football for four years and wanted to get the most out of it. Being able to host this latest all-encompassing football event is going to be an extremely incredible experience.
Reflecting on his first football experience at Vassar, Goldsmith faced some challenges getting up to speed at the collegiate level.
“I would say the biggest jump from high school or club to college is the physicality and athleticism of competing,” Goldsmith said. “More than that, something I quickly realized was that technically your game speed had to be very, very strong, especially if you’re a player like me who’s not going to go out there and be l “the most athletic kid. I had to compensate for that by being able to play extremely fast with one and two touch technical ability. One of the main differences between the two levels is also communicating with your teammates. Guys hold themselves more accountable at the college level. You feel like there’s more to play for when you play in this group.
Goldsmith considers his second season for the Brewers transformative.
“I grew into this role both as a player and as a leader,” said Goldsmith, who ended up becoming a team captain during his junior and senior seasons. “I took on a massive leadership role. Even the seniors on the team looked to me for guidance on where to go in terms of playing style and communication. Sophomore year was a huge year for me in that regard.
After taking time off from school in the fall of 2020, Goldsmith was motivated to return to the field last fall.
“I was looking forward to my final college season which I thought would be a year before, so the excitement was just pushed back,” said Goldsmith, who started all 17 games at midfield in 2021 , leading the team with 1,378 minutes played, helping the defense score a league-low 12 goals against (0.71 per game), and scoring his first career goal on a penalty shot in Win 1 -0 against New Paltz.
“Everyone else on the team had the same build-up, excitement and hunger for a season. To make things even more intense, the majority of our team at that point had never played a college game and had never experienced a full season. My buddy Austin Lukasik and I were the only fifth-year seniors, so it wasn’t like we had a huge fifth-year senior class that could kind of lead it. There was a good group of seniors as well as juniors.
Although Goldsmith made a lot of progress as a player during his college career, he grew more as a leader.
“I think in my four years I’ve realized that the best leaders are those who can lead a team through their words, but also through their actions,” Goldsmith said. “It’s being the first guy in the locker room, being the first guy in the weight room and being the last guy to leave. It’s something I’ve always tried to do in my years there and really motivates the guys. Whether in the classroom, on or off the field, I have always tried to be the best person and the best athlete for the young ones. I wanted them to be able to come and ask me questions. I don’t think any college experience can be smooth sailing. You learn a lot and especially about yourself when you overcome obstacles.
In order to make the U.S. Open Team for the Maccabiah Games, Goldsmith had to clear some hurdles. The program held tryout camps on the East and West Coast last summer. The East Coast tryouts came as Drew University and Goldsmith showed up, believing it was worth a shot despite tough competition.
“It was definitely a very intense three days, the group had a wide range of DI, D-II and D-III players,” Goldsmith said, noting there was one session Friday night, two Saturday and two others. Sunday.”
“There was good competition there. I knew I was among the best guys but I also knew that this open team is always strong. We came in first place overall and we won the Maccabiah Games twice in Israel. There are usually professional or soon-to-be professional guys. This is the majority of DI players.
In September, Goldsmith learned he had made the team.
“I got the email and I was just extremely excited,” Goldsmith said, noting that he is just one of three D-III players on the team that includes DI performers from from programs such as Yale, Stanford, Fairfield and Lafayette. “I knew I had proven that I was a good player, but I would say it’s a cut above Vassar. Many years ago I dreamed of doing this.
Over the past year, the U.S. team has held Zoom meetings to bond, then held a training camp in Los Angeles last month to prepare for the Games, which take place July 12-26.
“It was the first time I met everyone, there were only two or three guys from the East Coast selection who made it, so there were a lot of guys from the West Coast and also some guys who weren’t able to attend the other tryouts because they’re really quality players,” Goldsmith said.
“I was nervous before camp. When I arrived at camp, my nerves completely calmed down. Sport is such a mental game. Once you can prove it to yourself, it’s much easier to prove it to everyone around you. Just warming up, touching the ball and passing with the other guys, my confidence just grew throughout the week. To make things even better. I really enjoyed being with everyone on the team. We had team meals together.
Goldsmith also enjoyed being around Team USA head coach Michael Erush, who guides the Cal State LA men’s soccer team.
“His coaching style seems similar to my college coach in the sense that he’s a very communicative guy,” said Goldsmith, who sees himself playing the role of defensive midfielder for Team USA. “He’s going to be very honest with you and tell you what he needs from you to get playing time and help the team. We had open conversations throughout last year, which only helped me compete for a spot and help the team compete for gold as well.
Participation in the Maccabiah Games will also mark Goldsmith’s first trip to Israel and he is looking forward to off-field activities, which include Israel Connect, a cultural and educational program for athletes.
“Everyone who went there had the most
incredible things to say,” Goldsmith said, noting that the U.S. team will be based in Jerusalem during the competition that brings together 10,000 athletes from 85 countries competing in 45 sports. “I know what an incredible experience this is going to be. I’m not going to take it for granted, I’m extremely excited.
For Goldsmith, the trip to Israel was a natural outgrowth of his time at Vassar.
“I loved my experience at Vassar and everything I learned,” said Goldsmith, who will begin a job with management consulting firm ZS Associates in New York upon his return from the Games. “I’ve grown a lot. I’ve grown in the sense that I’m much more aware as a person. One of the reasons I wanted to go to Vassar was its diverse environment which would allow me to gain the ability to be aware of my surroundings and get to know people from different backgrounds.
