Soccer team shows improvement over last year
By Dan Truttschel
Correspondent
It’s early, but things are definitely on the upswing for the East Troy High School boys soccer program.
Now the Trojans want to take yet another step – and up the rungs of the Rock Valley Conference standings.
East Troy suffered its first loss of 2015 last week in a 4-2 RVC decision to visiting McFarland to fall to 4-1-1 overall, but that hasn’t diminished its strong start.
“We have played well, definitely improved from last season,” East Troy coach Nick Datka said.
“However, we need to find a way to dig deep and beat the ‘Big Four’ in our conference if we want to return to the upper tier of our conference. We don’t want to settle for mediocrity.”
Scoring goals in the loss to McFarlan were Max Oldenburg on a free kick and Lucas Bottum.
Two days earlier, the Trojans battled Lake Mills to a 2-2 tie. Scoring goals were Eli Leising and Andreas Evensen, while assists were recorded by Caleb Christiansen and Jared Paullin. Goalie Ryan Griffa had saves.
Defense has been key
Datka said his defense didn’t play as well in the loss to McFarland, but before that match, the effort of that unit had been a key to success.
There are still steps to be taken, but he’s encouraged by the progress.
“Up until McFarland, we had played better defensively, and our offense has been patient and done a better job of finishing,” Datka said.
“We are more mature this year, but we can still be intimidated by the names on our opponents’ jersey, and that needs to stop. We need to be focused on playing to our strengths and forcing our opponents out of their comfort zone.”
Another positive, Datka said, has been the effort of the captains, Vince Baxter and Bottum.
But those two can’t do it alone as the schedule now begins to pick up steam.
“They are doing a great job, but I’m always getting on our players and encouraging them to be a voice,” Datka said. “The more voices we have, the more confidence we have.”
McFarland team to beat
Datka said McFarland appears to be the early favorite in the RVC race with Whitewater, Big Foot and Evansville right behind.
Where the Trojans fit at the end of the season remains to be seen, but he’s definitely encouraged by how things have unfolded to this point.
“We want to keep the momentum going that we started in August, but to do that we need to stand strong against the ‘Big Four’ in the conference,” Datka said.
“We have good squad, (I’m) very proud of the start, but as the old saying goes, it’s not how you start the season, it’s how you finish it.”
East Troy hosted Whitewater Tuesday and travels to Evansville Thursday. The Trojans host Watertown Luther Prep Saturday.
