When John Stocco throws an interception, he can redeem himself by tossing a touchdown pass on the next drive. If Alando Tucker shoots an air ball, he can come back and ""posterize"" his opponent with a slam dunk. Yet for a soccer goalkeeper, the margin for error is virtually nonexistent. One mistake, a split-second mental lapse or a single false step, could cost his team the game. So who does head coach Jeff Rohrman call on to protect the Badger net?
His name is Settle, Jake Settle.
After posting four shutouts thus far in 2006, it is tempting to say Settle remains neither shaken nor stirred when opponents attack the goal, but the senior from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, said otherwise.
""It's tough . . . you just have to stay focused and try to minimize all your mistakes and not let anything really get to you,"" Settle said.
Now in his second season as a starter, Settle has seen his share of pressure packed contests. This season he and the stingy Badger defense have kept opponents scoreless in five overtime periods.
According to Rohrman, Settle has all the attributes of a solid keeper and a leader.
""He's got a level head on his shoulders. He does things the right way. He takes care of his academics. He applies himself on the field as well. He's just put together. That's something that the players notice. It's something that the coaches notice,"" Rohrman said.
Rohrman also noted Settle's improvement in his senior season.
""I think in the past his highs have maybe gotten too high and his lows have gotten too low. I think he's matured a lot in that area and he's learned how to handle some of that stuff,"" Rohrman said.
Settle led the Big Ten with 76 saves last season, and shut out the Michigan State Spartans in the Badgers' 0-0 tie on Sunday. Still, he aims to build upon his accomplishments.
""Hopefully my high point is still to come,"" Settle said.
Although his head coach might praise his leadership and ""level head,"" Settle's sense of humor might also play a role in his success.
""My brother was a really good high school athlete so it's been really fun surpassing and eclipsing all the things that he has done,"" Settle said. ""I just like the thrill of competition and working hard and beating people.""
In high school, Settle ""beat people"" both on the soccer field and on the gridiron. While playing football for Kennedy High School, Settle earned Honorable Mention All-State as a punter. He also played wide receiver and handled placekicking duties.
Despite sharing the high school record for most field goals in a game with current San Diego Chargers' kicker Nate Kaeding, Settle said soccer remains his true love.
""Football was just for fun. It was what all my friends were doing.""
Luckily for coach Rohrman and the men's soccer team, Barry Alvarez never recruited Settle.
""He knows that we're going to depend on him,"" Rohrman said. ""He's done a great job and we're fortunate to have him this year.""
As the Badgers prepare for their showdown with the undefeated Illinois-Chicago Flames Thursday night at the McClimon Soccer Complex, Settle remains optimistic.
""I think we can do some really good things this year and I'm really looking forward to what we can accomplish.""
When the score is tied, and the pressure rises with each kick, keeping an opponent off the scoreboard might seem like an impossible mission. Some goalies might get nervous, but that just wouldn't be Settle, Jake Settle.
