Lucas Bartlett leading Johnnies lockdown defense

St. John’s University graduate defender Lucas Bartlett had never stepped foot in New York City prior to joining the Johnnies men’s soccer team three months ago, but in that short time he has taken the local college soccer scene by storm. Bartlett, who transferred from Drake University in Iowa, was recently named to Top Drawer Soccer’s Midseason Top 100, coming in at the 94th spot on the list compiled by the leader in NCAA soccer news.
“Being at St. John’s has been incredible,” Bartlett says, an Overland Park, KS, native. “It’s been everything; and Coach Masur has been really supportive in helping me be a part of the culture here. I’m learning tons of different things and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
A three-time Big East Weekly Honor Roll selection this season, Bartlett leads the Red Storm with four goals and has totaled three assists for a team-high 11 points. Two of his four tallies have been game-winners, including an overtime penalty kick that beat Villanova on Oct. 9.
“Bartlett’s presence has been a huge addition to St. John’s back line, one of the best in the country. He’s clearly made a big impact along with Brandon Knapp and Matt Chandler,” says Travis Clark, Top Drawer Soccer’s Director of Content. “His comfort with the ball, positioning, and defensive abilities were a few of the traits that landed him on the Top 100.”
After beginning his collegiate career at Loyola Chicago, Bartlett found himself at Drake, where he was a three-year team captain and earned First Team All-MVC honors this past spring.
“Lucas has been a great addition for us this season,” said SJU Head Coach Dave Masur. “He’s a natural leader, experienced, and mature. He’s not only exceptionally technical for a backline player, but he’s good in the air and provides a lot of quality in the attacking third. He’s very complete.”
Bartlett has anchored the Red Storm’s back line that leads the Big East, and ranked in the top 10 nationally with a 0.51 goals against average through games played on Oct. 17. The Red Storm has recorded eight clean sheets in only 13 opportunities this season, while holding opponents to just 9.2 shots per game.
Off the pitch, Bartlett and some buddies have started a golf clothing line they’ve dubbed “Boge.” It’s a lifestyle and athletic performance brand that Bartlett says is designed more for the golf enthusiast than the master, and more accessible to the average golfer.
“It’s for someone who wants clothing that’s just as high quality as Callaway or Nike, but would rather have something that’s more representative of their game and the time they want to have on the golf course,” Bartlett says. “It’s really about just getting out there and enjoying the game and not being too stressed about your score.”
Over the summer, Bartlett spent two weeks training with Atlanta United of Major League Soccer. Although he ultimately chose to return to college soccer instead of turning pro, where he would have likely found a position below MLS in the United Soccer League, Bartlett gained valuable on-the-job experience he hopes to put to use when his time at SJU expires.
“I was in and out with the first-team, training with them every day. The atmosphere was nothing like I’ve ever been part of in terms of professionalism and organization,” says Bartlett. “It’s quite incredible to be a part of it as a player.”