GOOOOOAAAAALLLL!!

Trinity’s soccer team has heard that exclamation more than a few times this season, recording a near perfect record so far, going 17-1-2 heading into postseason regional play tomorrow against Collegiate at home.

Their lone defeat was an upset loss to Male High School, 2-1 on Sept. 24.  This loss didn’t derail the Rocks, who still have one goal in sight, a state championship.

Trinity head coach Dale Helfrich said his team has only improved since the loss to the Bulldogs.

Helfrich said, “Our group has become even more resilient since the loss against Male.  We have always learned not to overlook any opponent.”

Trinity has done so well this year they have received national attention, coming in at 22nd nationally, according to Top Drawer Soccer.

The Rocks more than justified their ranking with impressive victories over perennial powerhouses Saint Louis University High School and Salesianum High School (DE) at Trinity’s Marshall Stadium.

Of those wins, Trinity captain Drew Goetz said, “They were definitely the toughest teams we have played all year.  Both teams were so fundamentally sound in every aspect of their game.”

Much of the team’s success can be attributed to the senior leadership of Goetz and Greg Fischer.  Their experience and skill level reflect four years of hard work and dedication.   Behind the leadership of the Rocks’ 13 seniors, the team is a favorite to win state.

Despite their success, Trinity has followed the theme for the school year,  remaining “hungry and humble,” not letting the rankings or predictions go to their heads.

Senior Dave Mueller said, “Coach (Helfrich) always tells us these ranking aren’t a big part of our team at all. It doesn’t define us as a team.  All we see it as is something that looks good on paper.”

This humility has paid off with a home win streak of 41 games. Trinity has not lost at home since October of 2011. According to the players, this record can be attributed to their head coach.

Senior Brooks Hoddinott said, “(Coach) is extremely important throughout the games.  At halftime he always gives speeches and asks how we can improve as a team and how bad we want to win.  We can talk about our struggles as a team and how we can make positives out of our mistakes.”

Goetz said, “Although at the end of the day, it is up to us to go out there and compete, having the coaching staff to fall back on in tough games is a huge help.”

Of course every team in every season, regardless of the sport, has the goal of beating rival St. Xavier.  The soccer Rocks beat the Tigers 2-1 for the third straight year.

Hoddinott said, “Obviously, we need to put as much effort into this game as we do all of our games, but since the rivalry is so big, we put a little more in every day so we can have those bragging rights.”

The team said they appreciate the support they’ve received this year from the students. Goetz said, “Making a huge play and hearing the student section reaction is always very encouraging.”

The Rocks fell in the state quarterfinals last year. What could lead this year’s team to win it all? Helfrich said, “We have a great group of seniors that have experienced their share of heartbreak over the years.  They don’t take kind to losing.”

Goetz said, “I think it’s because of how tight of a team we are.  We put our hearts into every game and leave it all out on the field.  We have come close to winning state the past couple of years, and for the upperclassmen, we’re tired of being close. We want to go out this year and accomplish the ultimate goal of winning state.”

Check out some action recorded by editor Robert Davis: