Goalie Dillon Ward exited in the first quarter of the Philadelphia Waterdogs’ most recent game against the New York Atlas after going 0-for-5 on save opportunities. In his stead, Matt DeLuca was nothing short of brilliant, setting career highs in saves (17) and save percentage (71%) in the 12-11 loss to the Atlas. And he did so in just over three quarters of play.

DeLuca, a 26-year-old out of Delaware, stands at 6-foot-6, which is one inch taller than Ward, and has served as the 33-year-old’s backup since 2021. They have different styles but similar strengths in terms of using their size and absurd reaction time to stump opposing shooters.

On paper, goaltending hasn’t been the Waterdogs’ main concern. The team has saved 54.5% of shots, ranking fifth in the league, and Ward has saved shots at a rate of 51.8%. That said, he’s shown multiple vulnerabilities that teams have taken advantage of. Ward is an extremely respected veteran and leader, but his production just hasn’t been up to his usual standard.

Now, with the Waterdogs sitting in last place at 1-6, the question must be asked: Has DeLuca surpassed his mentor? Should he start the remaining three games, all of which are must-wins, as Philly fights for a playoff spot? After DeLuca’s performance in San Diego, it’s hard to argue against it, and here’s why:

Momentum

Ward has been dangerously streaky this season, and it’s put the Waterdogs in tough spots repeatedly. His inconsistencies have manifested during significant moments of individual matchups. 

In the season opener, Ward went 1-for-6 on save opportunities in the first quarter, resulting in a 5-0 run from Utah Archers to begin the game. Philly couldn’t claw its way out, and it lost by one. Something similar happened this past weekend against the Atlas, as they piled on five goals just over eight minutes into the game, and Ward didn’t make a single save before being replaced. 

Previously, Ward allowed three straight third-quarter goals, including two two-pointers, versus the Maryland Whipsnakes. When that stretch started, the Dogs were up 6-5. When it ended, they trailed 10-7 and later lost in overtime. 

Against the Denver Outlaws, Ward didn’t save a single shot over the final 23 minutes. The teams were tied at seven when Ward registered his last save. Denver then won 15-13.

There’s a clear pattern here: Ward has failed to stay consistent. He’s either put the Dogs in a hole out of the gate or hasn’t retained momentum throughout the game. 

In the 2024 Championship Series, DeLuca showed a pronounced ability to sustain a high level of play throughout fast-paced games, leading the tournament in saves (65) by a large margin, as well as save percentage (47.4%). DeLuca was able to ward off consecutive tough shots, which indicates he won’t fall victim to the same struggles that Ward has in a much slower PLL game.

The two-point problem

As I’ve previously mentioned, the Waterdogs have a two-point problem. This isn’t all on Ward, but he’s still struggled mightily, saving half of the shots he’s faced from beyond the arc (9-for-18). That’s worse than his one-point save rate. In total, the Waterdogs have allowed the second-most two-point goals in the PLL (10), and their opponents have achieved better two-point efficiency than any individual team has produced this season.

Ward’s high arc gives him less time to react to these shots, but even when he’s planted firmly in the middle of the crease, he still has trouble tracking the long ball. The most egregious lapse was Zac Tucci’s half-field heave to beat the first-half buzzer during Homecoming Weekend in Philadelphia.

Meanwhile, DeLuca shined against the long ball during the Championship Series… with an arc that’s two yards closer. DeLuca played every second of a tournament where the Waterdogs allowed just eight two-pointers – every other team let up at least 19. 

The contrast is astounding. In the Champ Series, DeLuca excelled at everything that Ward has struggled with this PLL season. So, during a three-week stretch in which the Waterdogs can’t afford to lose, a goalie switch seems necessary.