General of the Week: Dylan Ritch, ’19
Dylan Ritch, ‘19, was selected as the ODAC Men’s Soccer Player of the Week after scoring one goal and logging one assist in the 3 to 0 victory over Eastern Mennonite University, and helping the team to their unbeaten streak to a program-tying 12th victory during the week ending in October 28. His assist broke the program’s career assist record. Ritch also scored both goals in the 2 to 0 victory over nationally-ranked Virginia Wesleyan University. The Phi sat down with Ritch to talk about his life on and off the field at Washington and Lee.
Dylan Ritch, ’19. Photo courtesy of Washington and Lee Sports Information.
November 6, 2018
Ring-tum Phi: You scored the only goal in the game against Roanoke. Can you tell me how you created the opportunity?
Dylan Ritch, ’19: The opportunity was created after we forced a turnover from Roanoke. I received a pass in midfield and passed back to Erik Recke. He zipped in a pass to Jack Parham who dribbled into the middle and I overlapped down the right wing. He cut back and played a great pass in front of me. I received the ball and took two touches around the defender and hit it off the far post and in.
Phi: You lead the team in goals and assists. What has allowed you to have this type of success this season?
Ritch: I play on a really talented team. They get me the ball in great spots on the field which al- lows me to have success. They also make great runs which makes it easy to get assists.
Phi: What are your personal goals for the rest of the season?
Ritch: I want to keep causing goals to happen and we keep winning. I want an ODAC title again and I would love a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Phi: What do you like to do off the pitch? Hobbies?
Ritch: I’m a Young Life leader at RCHS, I play FIFA and I watch a lot of soccer.
Phi: You guys haven’t lost in 12 games. What has been the key to your late season success? What are your team goals for the rest of the season?
Ritch: After our unfortunate start to the season, our attitudes changed. We got hungrier and focused and knew we had the talent to be dangerous. We have dominated some games and grinded out others but overall we just don’t want to lose again. My personal goals are the same as the team goals. Get the ODAC title back and go deep into the NCAA tournament.
Phi: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?
Ritch: Come out and support us as we host the ODAC tournament as we thrive on having support. We promise to put on a good show.