MORGANTOWN — Coming off of a 14-win campaign in 2022, the Trinity Christian School soccer team is poised and ready for a highly anticipated 2023. Head coach Dan Lohmann and his club will return a large portion of last season’s roster and, despite the loss of all-state selection Kyle Knight, the Warriors should be in a position to compete with some talented clubs.
“I am most excited to see how this team develops in their understanding of the game throughout the season,” Lohmann said. “The group of four seniors has established the standard across the board and is a major part of why the program has improved over the past couple of years. There were a number of freshmen who earned a lot of playing time last season and got invaluable experience. We’re looking forward to seeing that group continue to develop.”
Senior goalkeeper and captain for TCS, Ben Lohmann, was one of the best goalies in the state last season and will enter this year as one of the top keepers, and players, in the state in Class AA/A.
“As a team, we’re incredibly excited for this upcoming season. We know that expectations are high for us now and that we’re no longer the underdogs,” the younger Lohmann said. “I think it’s vital that we understand the responsibilities that come with that as well. Knowing that the younger guys are always looking up to me is something that is super-important to me. It keeps me on top of my game as well as gives me a platform and opportunity to teach the younger players as much as I can.”
Along with Lohmann, fellow seniors Charles Steptoe and Carter Hartsock will be called upon as leaders for the Warriors. Junior Brock Shuba will be the strength of the defensive line in the middle of the back four and sophomore Parker Hopkins will assist in defensive duties also.
“We have been working to develop a better understanding of space and movement without the ball, but foundationally, our focus always starts defensively,” Coach Lohmann said. “We ask all of our players to take great pride in their individual defending, and then be ready to help their teammates when they’re in a support role. We’ll look for transition opportunities but want to limit open space in our defending third of the field.
“It is cliche, but we truly believe that if no one cares who scores the goals, or gets the credit, then this team can experience success. We talk a lot about effort and attitude, and that no matter what skill a player may have, they can contribute to the overall success. Effort and attitude have been major themes within the program, and we’ll work to push each player to their highest potential.”
The Warriors will kick off their 2023 season on the road against Steubenville Catholic a week from today, August 17. Another road contest faces TCS with a tough matchup with soccer powerhouse Fairmont Senior on August 21. The home opener for the Warriors will see Preston High visit the hill in Sabraton on Wednesday, August 23.
“We have put together a challenging schedule in hopes that it will make us a better team,” Coach Lohmann said. “We are playing a number of very good teams in AA/A along with larger schools from around our area, including Morgantown, University and Preston. In order to get better, we believe that you need to push yourself and play some of the best competition that you can.”
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