After a year of biding his time on the sidelines, sophomore forward Bryce Wallace planned to show off his skills and leadership on the pitch this season. So far that plan has been in full effect.

Two games, a goal and an assist later, the sophomore took home the Soccer Six Rookie of the Week.

Wallace played 29 minutes off the bench against The College of William and Mary, and within four minutes of being on the field scored his first career goal. His work didn’t end there, he added an assist to his stats in the 79th minute of play.

“I wasn’t expecting anything big to happen, obviously I was only out there a couple of minutes,” Wallace said. “I was just trying to do what was right for the team and I just happened to be in the right spot at the right time.” 

Head Coach Don D’Ambra said he believes the versatility in Wallace’s game is what helped him get to where he is now.

“He was actually a striker when we recruited him and then we made him an outside back,” D’Ambra said. “Now he’s playing wing again. He’s been pushed in a couple different positions and his ability to make plays and score without intimidation definitely shows.”

Along with other new players on the team, Wallace said he spent the previous season working on his game and learning valuable skills from upperclassmen leaders on the team rather than getting playing time. Wallace said this was extremely beneficial.

“Sitting out last year let me adjust to the style and speed I was going to have to play, considering how much smaller I am compared to most guys out here,” Wallace said. “It allowed me to be much more comfortable with the game and with my teammates”  

An overall theme that the whole team has gotten behind is how Wallace has grown as a leader and as a vocal player. 

“He’s a leader on the field, even though he’s not a captain and he’s on the younger side,” D’Ambra said. “His personality is the key to his success. He’s never afraid to speak up when something needs to be said.”

Fellow sophomore teammate Garrett Lyons explained how valuable of a teammate Wallace has been. 

“He always puts his team over himself and is always willing to help,” Lyons said. “He constantly keeps you focused and makes sure we play with a high level. He’s just the ideal teammate you want to have.”         

As the season presses forward, Wallace said he intends to keep up his style of play and build momentum for himself and his teammates. Wallace will always remember the feeling after his first goal and after winning his first piece of hardware.

“I didn’t really expect it,” Wallace said. “There’s so many good rookies in the Philly Soccer Six that when it did come out, it was one of those feelings you’re never gonna forget.”