This past Saturday, Trojans soccer made history by clinching two sectional titles in two equally entertaining and zealous games. The #3 state ranked Trojan Boys ended regulation in a 1-1 tie against the  11th ranked team in the state, the Crown Point Bulldawgs. After a scoreless 14 minutes overtime, the Trojans prevailed 4-3 in 6 penalty kicks to defeat the Bulldawgs. 

     The Lady Trojans soccer team pulled the upset victory over the 4th ranked team in the state, and previously unbeaten Valparaiso Vikings, 2-0 using impressive teamwork and defense. The team started quickly, scoring in the 11th minute, and never looked back, allowing the strong defense and goalie play to carry them to victory.

   The Chesterton boys, who had finished their regular season schedule 15-2, came into these playoffs hungry for a 4th consecutive sectional title. Senior captain and goalie Charlie Eaton knew it would take a strong performance to earn a second road victory against Crown Point this year.  

      “I was nervous, But I knew we were going to find a way to win, like we have so much in the past.” said Eaton, who had numerous saves, including three in a row during the PK session, as well as the final penalty kick to win the game. “I convinced Coach to let me take that final kick, as a Senior and a Captain, I knew that I could handle that stress.” 

     Zach Bowser was stopped on a PK around the 66th minute mark, which Ryan O’Dell was able to catch the rebound of.  O’Dell’s rebound attempt was amazingly stopped by Crown Points goalie, but Bowser never gave up on his original miss, and snuck the ball between a Crown Point defender and the right post to tie the game at 1. The Trojans advance to play The 17-0-1 Plymouth Pilgrims at Goshen High School on Saturday the 17th at 9am central standard time.

     The girls team took an early lead on the 4th ranked Vikings with full intent to cause an upset. In the 11th minute, sophomore Gina Geenen took a pass from senior captain Addy Joiner to give the Trojans momentum, and the early lead.  The Vikings had plenty of opportunities to score, but junior goalie Carley Balas would deny them all, playing a crucial role defensively with 8 incredible saves. Balas credited the win to the excellent teamwork. 

     “Yes, the winning is nice, but the best part by far is the team. They’re my family. Knowing you have people backing you up on the field is the best feeling.” 

    Besides Geenen, Joiner called her own number in the 66th minute to score on a direct free kick from about 35 yards own.  The impressive goal all but sealed the deal for the Trojans in an unbelievable win. The LadyTrojans head to regionals at South Bend Adams High School, to take on the #17 ranked Crown Point Bulldogs also on Saturday, at 11am central standard time.