Trinity’s Alex Damon looks to make a play for the team on Tuesday night against Eastern Greene. Damon had the lone goal off an assist from Ezra VanCuren to defeat the opponent.
Dakota Locker | The Tribune
Trinity’s lone senior Kade Gillaspy loads up to kick the ball during the second half of the game on Tuesday.
Dakota Locker | The Tribune
Trinity’s Ezra VanCuren looks to make a play with the ball during the second half of the game on Tuesday. VanCuren recorded the only assist for either team.
Dakota Locker | The Tribune
Trinity goalkeeper John Harris clears the area after saving a ball on Tuesday evening. Harris protected the goal throughout the game for the shutout.
Dakota Locker | The Tribune
Trinity’s Dane Gillaspy looks to move the ball during the first half on Tuesday night.
Dakota Locker | The Tribune
Trinity’s Kade Gillaspy looks to score for the Cougars in the first half on Tuesday night.
Dakota Locker | The Tribune
It always feels great to grab a victory on senior night, especially after a hard-fought battle where the win was fully earned.
That transpired on Tuesday evening for Trinity Lutheran’s boys’ soccer program, who found the back of the net once in the second half, hanging on to defeat Eastern Greene 1-0 on senior night, improving to 4-5-1 on the season.
Alex Damon got one past the Thunderbirds keeper in the 58th minute, off an assist from Ezra VanCuren. The goal would be enough for Trinity, allowing lone senior Kade Gillaspy to get a win on his special night.
Goalkeeper John Harris also locked down the goal for Trinity, making multiple saves throughout the 80 minutes to keep Eastern Greene scoreless.
Trinity Head Coach Nathan Pyle spoke about the win afterwards.
“We kind of let the game get a little closer than it should’ve been,” Pyle said. “We had 22 shots and only had one go in tonight. We were doing everything right up until the finishing part.”
Regardless of the missed opportunities, Pyle was still pleased with the effort and grit from the team.
“These boys fought and pulled it out and kept them off the scoreboard for a win,” Pyle said. “They all did what was necessary to get our lone senior (Kade Gillaspy) a win on senior night.”
Gillaspy had plenty of chances to get on the scoreboard, but still was happy with the win from the team on Tuesday.
“It’s a great feeling, especially since we haven’t been able to get that win over the past couple of seasons,” Gillaspy said. “It stings that I couldn’t get one in, but it happens, and I’ll take the win over a goal any day.”
Gillaspy leads the team in goals this season. He spoke about why he’s had success during this season.
“Lots of practice for sure,” Gillaspy said. “I have been doing a lot of extra work and practice on the weekends with coaches and my brother (Dane) has helped with that too. I also have some great teammates who have helped me out.”
The senior genuinely enjoys his teammates on the Trinity boys’ soccer team.
“They are just awesome in general,” Gillaspy said. “They are always there to cheer for you and help you when you need it, and they love you. It is a great relationship that we all have as a team.
Pyle was asked about his favorite part of being head coach in his first season, adding to that he was also asked what he loves about this group of Trinity players.
“I just enjoy being able to pass down what I grew up playing and what I have learned,” Pyle said. “It is a family over here with these guys. I see these boys the same way that I see my son at home. I love every one of them and it’s just so much fun working with them.”
Trinity hits the road for three straight matches, traveling to South Dearborn, Southwestern (Shelby), and Brown County for matches next week.
The Cougar Cup then takes place next Saturday before the final home game is against Henryville the following Monday on Sept. 30th.
Coach Pyle spoke about what the team must improve before the end of the regular season.
“Our passing needs to clean up and obviously our finishing needs to become more efficient,” Pyle said. “It is something that could hurt us later down the season. We must focus on making passes and finishing when we get those opportunities and easy shots. I think if we can do that then we will be a tough out in the postseason.”
Trinity Lutheran 1, Eastern Greene 0
Scoring
Second Half: TL- Alexander Damon (Ezra VanCuren) 58th minute.
Statistics
Shots: Trinity, 22.