GHS soccer player a key performer for Mustangs varsity

June 15, 2007

by Chris Helterbrand 

    Grapevine boys soccer coach Heath Bullard said senior-to-be Matt Underwood has been a reliable performer for the Mustangs since moving up to the varsity level his sophomore season, providing solid play at the goalkeeper position.
    "He's a bit of a comedian at times—he does an OK job of mocking me—but when the game gets going he's all business, Bullard said. "He actually became a pretty good leader for the team last year as a junior and I expect that even more so from him next year as a senior."
    Underwood will be one of several returning seniors for a GHS squad that advanced to the postseason but had the misfortune of drawing Marcus in the opening round.
The Mustangs put up a serious challenge against the eventual Class 5A state champion before falling short in the end, 2-1.
    "We tied it [at 1-1] with about five minutes to play but then they scored with around a minute and a half left," Underwood said. "It was tough, but we fought to the very end."
    GHS ended up finishing at 13-7-2 overall after posting a final district record of 8-4-2.
    Underwood is hoping the experience gained while playing with his select team this summer will serve as a springboard into a successful senior year at Grapevine.
    Underwood is part of the '90 Dallas Solar squad, playing alongside several local athletes, including Colleyville Heritage forward Brian Booth and Southlake Carroll midfielder Edgardo Padilla and defenders Bob Miltenberger and Austin Embry.
    The team will participate in several showcase events, culminating with a national tournament to be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma later this month.
    Underwood will then focus his attention on his final season at Grapevine, where he was named as the District 5-5A Player of the Year after an outstanding sophomore season.
    "He's definitely one who I think will do a good job for us," Bullard said. "He likes to have some fun once in a while, but he doesn't mind getting on people when they need it. I think we're going to be pretty good defensively—now if we can just score some goals on offense."
    "We definitely would like to make it back into the playoffs next year and then I'll just see what happens as far as [deciding which college I'd like to attend]," Underwood said. "As of right now the schools that are most interested in me are the Air Force Academy and Marshall.
    "I'd love to go to the Air Force Academy because it's always been a dream of mine to learn how to fly fighter jets like my dad and grandpa."
    Underwood said the decade-long commitment required to accomplish that objective would not discourage him.
    "It's a tough school, but I'd make the commitment in a heartbeat," Underwood said. "That's probably the main reason I've stayed with soccer. You give your whole life to this sport—now [making to the college level] is finally within my grasp and I'm dying to get to it."