Freshman crashed the penalty box in the bitter Ohio fall, with just five minutes left in a 1-1 tie. A magical strike from Andrew Porucznik’s right foot earned him his first piece of college hardware.
Porucznik slid onto a squared-in ball from junior forward Gabin Thomelier, nestling it into the bottom right corner. The goal secured St. John’s their fifth win of the season and proved to be the decider in their Oct. 3 matchup against Akron.
After scoring, the freshman didn’t wheel away in flashy celebration, nor did he hurry to shush the Akron crowd which had been virtually silenced by the freshman’s goal. Porucznik simply stood as his joyous teammates mobbed him, a moment, symbolizing the maturity and commitment to the squad exemplified in the freshman.
This Big East victory was crucial for St. John’s, marking the Red Storm’s first win over a top-20 opponent and extending their undefeated record against ranked opponents with a record of 1-0-2. The Johnnies were coming off a 2-0 loss against Georgetown that would effectively drain their spirits if followed by another loss.
Thankfully, the win furthered the Johnnies’ winning record to 5-3-3, and propelled them up the ladder of an increasingly even conference.
Porucznik’s right-foot trickler was his third shot of the night and his second goal of the season. The New Jersey native has managed to fit snug into Coach David Masur’s system, proving to be a reliable and versatile attacking option for the Johnnies and clocking in the most minutes out of all freshmen on the team.
Porucznik has started in all 11 matches this season, and is second in goals only to Guilherme Gomes, another freshman midfielder who was awarded the same honor as Porucznik on Sept. 2.
This weekly honor reflects more than just one decisive goal; it recognizes Porucznik’s emergence as not just one of the best freshmen, but one of the best players on his team.
Porucznik has been one of the most tactically important players for the Johnnies. His quickness and composure on the ball allow him to play anywhere across the frontline or midfield, particularly excelling as a false nine or central attacking midfielder.
He routinely threads inch-perfect through balls to his leading attackers and consistently makes sure to tuck in and help his trailing midfielders. His work ethic is also outstanding; Porucznik is a relentless presser and tracks back tirelessly when needed.
With seven regular-season games left on the Johnnies’ calendar, Porucznik’s breakout couldn’t have come at a better time. As St. John’s continues to battle for a secure spot in a tightly packed Big East conference, every result holds immense importance. If the freshman can maintain his form, combining creative playmaking with clutch goals, he’ll be a central part of the Red Storm’s postseason aspirations.
As St. John’s eyes the postseason, they’ll look for Andrew Porucznik to keep delivering, and if his first 11 games are any indicator, he will.
