Amanda Delgado said that goalkeepers are often stereotyped as being unfit or slow, but she debunked that theory with her impressive saves and ability to make an impact on her team when it’s needed.

Delgado is in her senior season with the Matadors after last season was canceled because of COVID-19. She was named Big West Defensive Player of the Week for her big-time save to secure the win against UC Riverside last Thursday.

Delgado has three Big West Defensive Player of the Week under her belt: one in 2018 and one in 2019. “Always getting … recognition it means a big deal,” Delgado said. “We train everyday and it’s tiring sometimes, so to get recognition it means a lot.”

Delgado continues to climb in the record books as top five in saves by any women’s soccer player at the school. She found out about that statline from her mother.

“It means a lot,” Delgado said, but she also credited her teammates for helping her become the player that she is today.

Delgado said that she doesn’t usually watch men’s soccer, but the play of goalkeepers Jordan Pickford from England and Manuel Neuer from Germany in Euro 2020 inspired her to change her game.

“My idol, Manuel Neuer, is a legendary goalkeeper,” Delgado said.

Neuer is known for not being afraid of stepping out of the penalty box and being aggressive, which was something Delgado worked on during the canceled season.

Not having a season last year was different, Delgado said. She said she used her time to stay in shape and get fit for when the season comes back.

“Before 2019, I knew I wasn’t going to be my best if I didn’t workout,” Delgado said.

Delgado said all the training and motivation doesn’t happen without her support team from her parents, teammates and friends.

“Definitely my mom and my dad, they’ve been there for the ups and downs,” said Delgado while also crediting her friends on the team. “My best friend [Sadie Armijo] is always there for my ups and downs.”

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