Timothy Falls 3-1 to Illiana Christian

Small sprouts of grass struggled to cover up the dark patches of dirt lining the Timothy Christian soccer field.  The field, which was under water after heavy storms in July, needed a lot of work before the defending 1A state champion Trojans could host their first home game of the 2010 season Sept. 14. 

The home-field advantage, however, did not pay off. The Trojans fell 3-1 to Illiana Christian. 

"We expected to win this one," head Coach Rudi Gesch said. "We lost twice to them last year. We set a goal at the beginning of the year to beat them twice, sort of a traditional rival of ours. We didn't bring it." 

The Trojans entered the game coming off a 4-0 win over Earlville High School Sept. 11, but they found themselves down early after the Vikings found the back of the net off a cross pass. 

The Trojans responded after a throw-in was kicked in, catching the Viking's defense off-guard, but the goal was called off because the Trojans had too many men on the field. 

A foul drawn in the penalty area by sophomore Matt DeJong, who was filling in for the injured senior captain Mike Pizzello, earned the Trojans a penalty kick.  Senior forward Corey Phillip found the bottom right corner to convert the kick and tie the game 1-1. 

"It was the first game that we played without (Pizzello)," said Gesch.  "In his absence, he showed how valuable he is to this team." 

The Trojans controlled the ball for most of the first half, but the scored remained tied 1-1 at the end of the half. 

The Vikings took advantage in the second half, adding another goal to take a 2-1 lead.  Then with five minutes left in the game the Vikings squeezed another goal by sophomore goalkeeper Danny Leach to seal the victory. 

"On paper and skill-wise we are way better than (Illiana Christian)," Gesch said.  "But to their credit they always bring maximum effort and always play their hardest against us."

Gesch also noted his disappointment in his team's effort. 

"A very poor effort all around," he said. 

Ball movement was also a problem for the Trojans. 

"We didn't move the ball around as well," junior midfielder Nolan DuBois said. "We didn't keep possession and just didn't have a lot of effort out there. They outplayed us." 

Despite the loss, the Trojans still have their sights set on returning to the state championship. 

As for their expectations for the year, "Still sky high," Gesch said.  "Our goal is to repeat as champions.  All and all after the first 10 games of the year to be 8-2 is still not a terrible record.  These are the games we can't let get away.  This is the game we had to win and we didn't." 

Because of the poor field conditions the Trojans were forced to reschedule the first part of their season, playing nine consecutive road games. During that period the Trojans went 8-1 with a 2-1 record in Metro Suburban Conference play. 

Along with the work that was done on the field, a new press box was added atop the stands. Gesch hopes the field will continue to get better for the Trojans next home game.   

"We don't have another home game until a week from today. So hopefully it didn't get hurt to bad and maybe it will come back even stronger hopefully next week," Gesch said. 

The Trojans will visit Westmont High School at noon Sept. 18 before returning home at 6:15 p.m. Sept. 21 to face Ridgewood High School in a conference match.