Caitlin Vukorpa | Echo
After a 4-0 start, the Taylor women's soccer team received their first loss of the season Wednesday against the Trolls of Trinity Christian College by the score of 4-1.
In the 34th minute of play, the Trolls struck first, pushing a shot from inside the box past Taylor goalkeeper Kristiana Griffith. Four minutes later, Taylor responded with a goal by sophomore forward Madison Thompson, who found the net from the far left wing, tying the game 1-1.
The Trolls dominated the second half, scoring goals at 59:12, 73:00 and 77:57. Before the match, the Trojan defense had only allowed one goal all season.
Although the Trojans now stand at 4-1, the loss does not come as a hit to the Trojan team unity, which head coach Scott Stan believes is the provider of the team's success in the first place.
"Having a week together in Costa Rica helped get a lot of the freshmen used to the team and how we play," Stan said. "Seven of our nine incoming freshmen went on the trip, and all but one returning player were able to go with us. It grounded us as a team, bonded us, and helped us understand pursuing athletic excellence for God's glory."
With this in mind, the Trojans' season got off to a hot start, beating Madonna in the season opener with a game-winning goal 10 seconds into the extra session by senior All-American Molly Drooger. The Trojans also blew past Asbury University and Cleary University 4-0 and 3-0, respectively, and then continued the streak with a win over Cornerstone University with a score of 1-0.
"I've enjoyed just being a part of the women's soccer team," Drooger said. "We all love and care about each other on and off the field so much, and I feel blessed to have that. The girls on the team have made the experience beyond enjoyable."
With nine freshmen joining the team this year, the returning players and coaches saw nothing but an opportunity to come together while enduring transition.
"Our coaches and players are all on the same page with our expectations this season with team goals and work rate during practices," Drooger said. "We've made a strong effort to be intentional with each other so far this season. With nine freshmen, there's a lot of new faces and people to connect with. We wanted to have that connection on and off the field. I feel like those things have been key in this year's success."
Overall, the Trojans average 2.2 goals per game with 11 goals in 74 attempts, keeping them first in the Crossroads League standings despite the loss. The team looks to move forward, pursuing the upcoming games in the same way as before the loss.
"The day before a game, we run our attacking patterns, practice corner kicks, direct kicks, and give everyone a lot of touches of the ball," Stan said. "The day of a game, after giving the team a scouting report, we will continue to always do the same warm up routine. I am always excited for a season having the opportunity to coach great young ladies. Each season seems to get better and better."
The Trojans will be back in action Saturday at Aquinas with a kick-off of 2 p.m.
