Varsity Boys Soccer - Fall 2011
_________________________________________
___________________________________________
Timothy Wins Third Straight, Defeats University High 5-1
10/5/11
Timothy Christian took on University High today for another non-conference end-of-the-regular season challenge as the team prepares for the post season. The final result and the quality displayed showed the high level of play that Timothy is capable of achieving.
Another strong start saw Timothy take a 2-0 lead into half time. Timothy dominated possession and earned 7 corner kicks. Goals by Junior forward Jake Hooker and Senior midfielder Colin were results of corner kicks. Nolan Du Bois and Matt Robinson picked up assists on the two first half goals.
University High started the second half on the right foot with a goal, but Timothy immediately answered with a goal of their own. Senior Nick Groenewold capitalized off of a free kick from distance. Groenewold's blast from 35+ yards found the back of the net to put the Trojans comfortably back in the driver seat.
10 minutes later, senior Brody Bilthouse took a Nick Groenewold pass, dribbled past a defender, and ripped a shot from 20+ yards just inside the far post and into the side netting for the 4-1 lead.
The final goal was another phenomenal effort from the Trojans. This time, it was the two captains linking up, as Justin Rink placed a beautiful pass into a danger area at the top of the penalty area. Nolan Du Bois beat the goalie to the bouncing ball, flicked a looping lob over him, and watched as the ball sunk back softly into the net to cap off the convincing 5-1 victory.
All three second half goals by the Trojans were nominees for goal of the year. Overall, it was another strong showing for Timothy as the team continues to progress toward the post-season.
Up next for Timothy:
In the regular season finale, Timothy takes on a tough St. Joseph team on senior night at home. In addition to the fun of Friday Night Lights and senior night, there will be a huge all-high-school bon fire after the game. Come on out and support your team for the final time this regular season!
Trojans Upend Dons With Convincing 4-1 Victory
10/3/11
The Timothy Christian players were challenged before tonight's game versus the Dons of Niles Notre Dame to begin building. Building momentum from last Saturday's dramatic overtime winner over Illiana to cap off TCSFest. Building momentum in the final week of the regular season toward Senior Night and toward the IHSA class 1A state tournament.
Build is exactly what the Trojans of Timothy did- with an impressive 4-1 victory. In a full-team effort, Timothy controlled possession, won the lion share of 50/50 balls, and out-hustled the opposition for the full 80 minutes.
Timothy started strong with a Nick Groenewold penalty kick goal in the game's third minute. Jake Hooker earned the assist the hard way by beating his man into the penalty area and drawing the foul. Groenewold calmly finished the chance.
The Trojans second goal was slammed into the side netting by senior midfielder Colin Middel. Junior Jason Kuiper would push the Trojan lead to 3 by finishing off a chance generated by a Matt Robinson throw-in. Before the half, the Dons would get one back to put the halftime score at 3-1.
Early into the second half, Junior defender Matt De Jong would put the game out of reach with a blast from distance. Junior captain Justin Rink collected a loose ball laid off a beautiful back-pass to the in-stride De Jong who would leave no doubt by placing the ball perfectly into the side netting.
Timothy finished off this strong effort by not allowing many scoring chances. Goalie Danny Leach finished the night with 8 more saves. The defense of Nathan Slager and Devon Loerop continues to be strong for the Trojans.
Up Next for Timothy:
A day of practice followed by an away match versus University High in the city. Timothy continues to look to build.
TC Puts Exclamation Point On "TCSFest" With 2-1 OT Win Over Rival Illiana
10/1/11
Saturday, October 1, 2011 marked a major milestone for Timothy Christian Schools as "TCSFest" hosted the outdoor celebration of the school's 100th year. There was food, fun, entertainment, rides, games, and many other fun activities to help the Timothy community celebrate the school's 100th. For the men's soccer program, there was also the added perk of hosting a soccer game versus MSC rival Illiana as the final portion of the day's ceremonies.
Despite the huge crowd and festive atmosphere, the Trojans of TC came out slow in the first half. Illiana Christian capitalized with a terrific goal to put the Vikings up 1-0. That score would persist to halftime.
After being challenged, the Trojans came out for the second half with much more focus and intensity. While controlling much of the possession, Timothy pulled ahead on a beautiful head-ball flick from senior Nick Groenewold. Senior Matt Robinson earned the assist off of a beautiful throw-in.
Timothy finished regulation play with a strong effort, but could not find the back of the net. Regulation ended at 1-1. In Metro Suburban Conference play, there are no ties- all games go to two, 10 minute golden-goal overtime periods, followed by a penalty-kick shoot-out if necessary.
Timothy would not need more than the first OT to put an exclamation point on the TCSFest activities. Off of another Robinson throw-in, the ball found senior captain Nolan DuBois on the far post. Du Bois settled the ball, passed it across the open mouth of the goal to Junior forward Jake Hooker, who buried the point-blank shot for the dramatic 2-1 victory.
The win puts Timothy's MSC season record at 4-2, and the overall record to 9-6-1. Danny Leach finished the game with 11 more saves as he continues to put forth a strong season in net.
On a personal note, thanks to all of the volunteers who made TCSFest such a great event. We're glad to have been able to contribute to the festivities!
Up Next for the Trojans:
A week of three non-conference games on Monday (Home vs. Niles Notre Dame), Wednesday (At University High), and Friday (Home for Senior Night vs. St. Joseph High School). The Friday game will be followed by a student-council sponsored all-high school bon fire. Keep coming out to support your team as we progress through the final week of the season, and into the playoffs!
Timothy Plays Northridge Prep to 0-0 Draw
9/30/11
The elements played a major role in Friday Night's game versus Northridge Prep. The game had already been moved to Friday from Thursday due to field conditions at Northridge.
Then, half-way through the Fresh/Soph game, lightning sirens went off, declaring play too dangerous to continue.
After a LONG wait, the teams were able to finally play a weather-shortened game. By the end, the two teams fought to a 0-0 draw. Junior goalie Danny Leach was especially impressive in net for Timothy, ending the shutout with 6 saves.
Up Next for TC:
A HUGE rivalry match versus MSC foe Illiana. This game will be part of the closing portion of Timothy's "TCSFest," an outdoor celebration of Timothy's 100th year of existence.
Glenbard South Drops TC 2-0
9/27/11
Many factors made Tuesday's game versus MSC foe Glenbard South unique. Weather-related field conditions led to the game location being changed- this was Timothy's first ever game on the beautiful (and large) turf field at College of Du Page. The game itself proved to be unique in that three Trojan yellow cards and two red cards were issued, and a Timothy goal was called back.
Ultimately, when the dust settled, it was another hard-fought loss versus this MSC opponent. Devon Loerop, Danny Leach, and Nick Groenewold played well for Timothy in the loss.
Up Next:
A game versus Northridge Prep High School- a non-conference opponent that is new to the Timothy calendar
Timothy Edges Riverside Brookfield 1-0 to Improve
MSC Record to 3-1
9/21/11
The Trojans of Timothy have played some epic games at Riverside Brookfield. Last season's 6-4 come-from-behind victory was certainly one of the high points of the 2010 season. As an encore, Timothy's 2011 performance against the Bulldogs had one tenth the scoring, but 100% of the drama of last season's conference match.
Coming off a tough 8-2 loss against the blazing speed and skill of Fenton, the Trojans took a defensive posture, a new formation, and a renewed focus on "defense-first" against an equally fast Riverside Brookfield team. The focus paid off, as the Trojans frustrated the Bulldogs throughout the first half. At halftime, the scoreboard read the same as the beginning of the game: 0-0.
Flipping the tables to start the second half, Timothy came out in a more conventional, offensive minded formation in the second half. This shift paid off. Through a tough, back-and-forth effort, Timothy eventually emerged the victor.
With less than 14 minutes remaining in regulation (All MSC games go to 2 10-minute golden goal overtime periods and then to a penalty kick shootout if necessary), Junior captain Justin Rink released a through-ball to senior wing midfielder Colin Middel. The ball was perfectly placed near the edge of the penalty area, so the Bulldog defense and goalie were placed in difficult positions. The ever-energetic Middel knifed in front of the keeper, one-touched the ball past the goalie, and passed the ball into the net. The head's up hustle goal would prove enough to win the night.
To see the game to victory, the Trojan defense hung on for the final 13 minutes against a very formidable Riverside Brookfield team. The Bulldogs generated several chances, but the Trojans exhibited a strong "bend but don't break" approach. Junior Goalie Danny Leach continued building on his strong season with a 10 save shut-out.
The win improves Timothy's overall record to 8-5, and their conference record to 3-1.
Up Next for the Trojans:
A quiet weekend precedes an important final week to the conference portion of the season. Timothy will take on MSC foe Glenbard South at home on Tuesday night. Come on out and support your team!
Varsity Soccer Tames Tigers With 1-0 Win at Elmwood Park
9/15/11
The Trojans of TC made it 3 wins in a row with a 1-0 victory over the Tigers of Elmwood Park. The game also marked the Trojans second straight 1-0 victory against a Metro Suburban conference foe. With an overall record of 6-4 and a conference record of 2-0, the Trojans look to be slowly figuring out how to play together as a team.
Despite dominating the possession in the midfield, and generating 4 shots on goal Timothy couldn't muster a first half goal. The games lone goal was scored 10 minutes into the second half off of a corner kick. After the ball was sent into the box, Senior Joel Brouwer blasted the ball into a mix of players. Junior forward Jake Hooker was there to deflect the ball into the back of the net. That lone goal was all the Trojans would need. It was another strong performance from Defenders Matt De Jong, Kurt Munson, Devon Loerop and Goalkeeper Danny Leach. The team denied their third straight opponent from scoring.
Junior captain Justin Rink deserves special mention for his outstanding performance at the central midfielder position. Rink, together with Senior Defender Matt Robinson dominated the middle of the field and controlled possession for lion share of the game.
Timothy continues to rise above key injuries. Senior captain Nolan Du Bois, Junior Defender Adam Garza, and Senior Midfielder Nate Slager all missed this game. Senior Forward Nick Groenewold's recovery continued with a strong showing and an increased work load from his previous games.
Up next for the Trojans:
Practice on Friday with a focused eye on Saturday morning. Timothy will take on 1A opponent Westmont at 10:00 AM. Hope to see you there!
Timothy Opens MSC Conference Play With Strong 1-0 Victory Over Ridgewood
9/13/11
The Timothy Christian mens soccer team kicked off Metro Suburban Conference play tonight with a hard fought 1-0 victory over the Rebels of Ridgewood.
Senior midfielder Colin Middel would score the game's lone goal 17 minutes into the first half off a free kick set piece from distance. The Rebel's defensive wall opened up and the Middel shot deflected and found the back of the net.
That was all the scoring that Timothy would need as the Trojan defense earned the home shut-out against a very skilled, fast, physical Ridgewood team. Junior defender Matt De Jong played an especially important role at center back. Junior defenders Kurt Munson and Devon Loerop also turned in strong performances. Junior goalie Danny Leach had 9 saves to preserve the blank sheet.
In addition to opening up conference play in a big way, the Trojans also had more good news in the return of two key players. Both Senior captain Nolan Du Bois and Senior forward Nick Groenewold were able to work back onto the field for the second straight game. Both three year players continue to work themselves back to full health and game shape.
Up next for Timothy:
A Wednesday practice precedes Timothy's 2nd conference game in 3 days. The Trojans will take on the Tigers of Elmwood Park.
Varsity Soccer Loses Late, Big to Wheaton St. Francis 5-1
9/6/11
The vast majority of Tuesday Night's home game versus Wheaton St. Francis was a closely fought contest. That is an unusual statment for a 5-1 soccer game, but this game was certainly unusual on a number of fronts. The game was originally scheduled as an away game for TC, but due to field conditions at Wheaton St. Francis, the game was moved to Timothy.
The Spartans of Wheaton St. Francis scored the first half's lone goal in the game's 8th minute. Timothy fought back and started the second half off in a big way with a goal in the 4th minute. Junior Captain Justin Rink slammed home a rebound off of a Matt De Jong long-range free kick.
The game was to remain at 1-1 until the final 20 minutes of the game. That's when the wheels fell off for the Trojans of TC. Injuries, a red card, and sub-par play all contributed to Timothy allowing three Spartan goals within a 5 minute span. This scoring frenzy put the game out of reach, and a late goal in the final seconds put the finishing touches on the 5-1 scoreline.
Before the game started, Timothy was already without senior captain Nolan Du Bois (injury), senior forward Nick Groenewold (injury), and Peoria Chrisian all-tournament team member Matt Robinson. To make things worse for Timothy's team health situation, Junior defender Adam Garza went down in this game with an injury as well. Missing these four key pieces certainly put the team in a difficult position. The Trojans also played the final portion of the game a man short after a Red Card was issued to Senior forward Joel Brouwer for a reckless challenge.
Up next for Timothy- The Trjoans look to right the ship in a Thursday away game on the city field of Francis Parker High School. These two schools last met in the 2009 sectional semi-finals which resulted in a penalty kick shootout victory for Timothy.
Varsity Soccer Adds A Win to Their Record
8-30-11
Timothy improved its early season record to 3-2 with a win over the Broncos of Montini. The two teams faced off on the first ever soccer match on Montini's newly renovated athletic field. The facilities got very high marks from all involved.
It was another game of winning possession (62% for TC) but struggling to finish for the Trojans of Timothy Christian. First half goals by senior forward Joel Brouwer and Junior forward Jake Hooker put Timothy in a comfortable position at half time. Assists by Junior captain Justin Rink and Junior defender Matt De Jong sprung the two Timothy forwards to success in the offensive third of the field.
The Broncos would be first to strike 10 minutes into the second half on a Trojan own goal. Junior goalie Danny Leach would finish the night with 5 saves, but couldn't get to this deflection toward his own net in time. Leach actually dove back into his net to get the close call, but the official indicated that the full ball had crossed the goal line.
As the score drew closer, the game took on a new level of intensity. 4 Montini yellow cards, a bench red card, and an ejected fan were certainly indicators of this surge. Throughout the chaos, Timothy continued to push, controlling the possession and generating chance after chance, but ultimately being unable to put the finishing touch on the ball.
Finally, in the closing minutes of the game, Junior forward Jake Hooker blasted home the proverbial "nail in the coffin." Timothy had the 2 goal lead and the game in hand. A nice driven cross from Joel Brouwer found Hooker who settled the ball and laced it into the back corner of the net. Brouwer finished his first start of the season with a goal and an assist, and Hooker finished the game with 2 goals.
This was the second game in a row without injured captain Nolan DuBois. Timothy came together and grabbed the win without their leader on the field.
Up next for the Trojans: practice and Labor Day weekend rest. Timothy won't play until September 6th against Wheaton St. Francis.
Varsity Soccer - Peoria Tournament
8/26-27-11
Peoria Tournament Game 3 - Timothy Finishes Off Peoria Classic with 1-0 Shutout Victory Over Peoria Christian
In the final game of the Peoria Classic, Timothy took on the Chargers of Peoria Christian. A bit of a friendly rivalry is developing between the two schools- this would be their third match in three years, with Timothy having won the previous two.
When soccer teams play three full games in under 18 hours, the final game is all about fitness and endurance. Timothy finished in a strong way with a 1-0 victory over Peoria.
Controlling the lion share of possession, Timothy had several scoring opportunities, but could only muster the one goal. Senior Matt Robinson continued to thrive in the Trojans new formation and one-timed a Zach Postma pass into the back of the net in the 35th minute.
Behind a strong defensive effort from Nathan Slager, Adam Garza, Devon Loerop, Matt DeJong, and Matt Robinson, Junior goalkeeper Danny Leach finished the Trojan's first shut-out of the year with 3 saves.
Timothy finished the Peoria Classic with a 2-1 record- good for 2nd place in the second annual tournament. All Tournament Consideration went to Seniors Nolan Du Bois, Matt Robinson, and Nate Slager.
Up next for Timothy: The Trojans look to build on a 2-2 season record with another 1A match Tuesday evening at Montini high school.
Peoria Tournament Game 2 - Chicago Christian Slides Past Timothy 2-1 in Game 2 of Peoria Classic
In the second of three games to be played within an 18 hour stretch, the Knights of Chicago Christian and the Trojans of Timothy Christian squared off on the first Saturday morning game of the Peoria Classic. It was a match of old rivals from the now defunct Private School League, where Timothy and Chicago Christian used to face off multiple times each year.
While the final score read 2-1 in favor of the Knights, possession and attempts on target certainly favored Timothy Christian. Timothy had many chances, particularly off of the eleven corner kicks that the team amassed over the course of the game. Despite many chances (in particular a Matt Robinson head ball that was a Chicago Christian goalie reflex-save away from scoring, and another non-keeper save on a Kurt Munson shot) the Trojans of Timothy were only able to find the back of the Knight net once.
The two Chicago Christian goals were both well taken. The opportunistic Knights finished 2 of 3 goals scoring chances on the match.
Timothy's lone goal again came from Senior Captain Nolan DuBois. Senior forward Joel Brouwer earned the assist as the Trojans attempted to mount a comeback. But it was not to be, and Chicago Christian won the pivotal game that proved to see them through to tournament champions.
Peoria Tournament Game 1 - Timothy opens Peoria Classic Tournament With 5-1 Win Over Judah Christian
Timothy responded to their season opening loss in a big way with a 5-1 win over Judah Christian.
The first game of the 2nd annual Peoria Christian invitational tournament was a good one for the Trojans of Timothy. Led by senior captain Nolan DuBois' hat trick, Timothy controlled the flow of play for the majority of the game. Other than a lone breakaway goal, the Trojans defense played a solid game. Junior goalie Danny Leach would finish the game with 2 saves.
Du Bois added an assist to his 3 goals. Junior forward Jake Hooker had another solid game with a goal and an assist. Junior Matt De Jong Had the goal of the match with a nice headball finih Junior captain Justin Rink rounded out the scoring with an assist.
Up next for Timothy: two tough games on a Saturday morning. 9:00 am versus old PSL foe Chicago Christian and 12:30 versus Peoria Christian. Chicago Christian defeated PC by a 4-1 margin in the tournament's only other game of the opening night.
Timothy Christian Drops Tough Season Opener to Defending
State Champion Lisle - 3-1
8-24-11
In the 2011 Men's Soccer season opener, the Trojans of Timothy lost to the Lions of Lisle 3-1. The game featured the last two state champions in the IHSA's class 1A, with Timothy having claimed the crown in 2009, and Lisle in the 2010 season.
Timothy would jump out to a very early lead in the second minute of the game with a goal from Timothy senior Hoon Han. It has been a long road to the field for Hoon, and the goal, just 2 minutes into his varsity career, certainly started things off in style. Senior captain Nolan DuBois found the assist to Han's goal with a throw-in. The throw would bounce around the penalty area, and Hoon touched the ball to himself, and volleyed it out of the air and ripped the back of the net for the very quick 1-0 lead.
A tough defensive effort throughout the first half led by Timothy senior Matt Robinson, Junior Adam Garza, Junior Devon Loerop and Junior Matt De Jong held the Lions in check. While Lisle controlled much of the flow of play, the half-time score remained 1-0.
The second half saw Lisle take control of the game- where they would ultimately score three goals. Goal #1 came off of a corner kick scramble that saw 3 Trojan saves (including Junior captain Justin Rink's non-keeper save) and rebounds until Lisle ultimately pounded the ball into the back of the net. Goal #2 appeared to bounce off of a Lion hand in the box, but with no call, the Lions found the back of the net for the go-ahead goal which would prove to be the game winner. Final, with Timothy in an offensive push, the Lions found space behind the Trojans defense on a through ball, and Lisle finished the game off with a 3-1 final. The final score didn't reflect the tremendous goalie play of Junior Danny Leach who finished the night with 6 saves.
All in all, a pretty good start to the season- with plenty of things for the Trojans to improve upon. While the result was certainly not what the team had hoped for, Timothy will certainly be hungry for this weekend's defense of last season's Peoria Christian tournament championship.
Thanks to the family and friends for coming out and supporting the team. It was a terrific atmosphere on the first school night of the year. We would love to see continued support like this all year!
2011 Fitness Program Explained