(MSUB Athletics release)
BILLINGS – Adding a valuable veteran goalkeeper to his roster for next season, Montana State University Billings men’s soccer head coach Alex Balog introduced Ludvig Rhodin to the Yellowjacket program on Tuesday.
Rhodin was the starting goalkeeper at the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., in each of the last three seasons, and brings an experienced presence to MSUB’s roster.
“We are excited that a goalkeeper of Ludvig’s caliber decided to come to MSUB and finish his career here,” said Balog. “With Ludvig we are getting a proven goalkeeper at the NCAA Division II level, who at the same time is a quality student. The battle between him and (freshman goalkeeper) Javier (Hernandez) will be an interesting one to watch this coming spring. We also want to thank Coach Cook and the University of Mary for making this a smooth process.”
Rhodin is no stranger to MSUB, facing the Yellowjackets four times as an opponent over his first three collegiate seasons. The 5-foot-11, Hoganas, Sweden, native has started 42 matches in three seasons, and logged seven shutouts in his collegiate career. He figures to help fill the large void after 2017 senior and second-team all-Great Northwest Athletic Conference goalkeeper Tom Lohmann graduated.
“When Coach Balog showed interest in me, I knew this was definitely a good step for me both with my soccer career and academically,” Rhodin said. “I am looking forward to playing competitive soccer and to being at a school where I can finish my degree.”
Rhodin is coming off his best season yet, with a career-low 2.18 goals-against average in 2017 while making 69 saves and starting all 14 of his team’s games. Overall he has accumulated 203 career saves and played more than 3,900 minutes in goal. Rhodin is finishing a marketing degree, and carries a 3.24 grade point average.
Prior to his time at the University of Mary, Rhodin competed at Filbornaskolan in Helsingborg, Sweden, and played for Helsingborgs IF Academy from 2011-14.
The Yellowjackets went 9-10 in the 2017 fall season and finished in a tie for third place in the GNAC standings with a league record of 6-6.
