Oct. 29--Though 12 months have passed since Timothy Christian's loss in last year's Class 1A boys soccer state final, the sting of defeat still feels fresh.
The pain of that 2-0 loss to Columbia has had a useful companion this season, though -- a dogged determination that the Trojans hope ensures that their return trip to the Corn Crib in Normal this weekend ends on a more jubilant note.
"Losing that game definitely put a chip on our shoulder," senior tri-captain Ben Lodewyk said. "Seeing how close we got last year was really hard to swallow."
Vying to complete their unfinished business, the Trojans (17-4) embarked on a season in August that offered several challenges.
Gone to graduation was high-scoring Tyler Vlasak and his 27 goals and 16 assists. There was also the task of breaking in a new goalie, junior Noah Marrera, whose first formal exposure to the sport came midway through last season.
But the biggest undertaking was adapting to a third coach in three years, with Stephen Fernandes taking over for Joe Grit in mid-July. Grit helmed the program for only one season after Rudi Gesch's seven-year run from 2007-13, which included the 2009 1A title.
"I came in knowing that there was obviously a good group of players, who were all very hungry," said Fernandes, who finished his playing career at Wheaton College last fall. "But I wanted this to be a new team that played a little differently than last year."
The biggest tactical modification Fernandes made was coaxing his players to become a more possession-oriented team. Switching the point of attack was something he believed would make the offense more diverse and would help remove a layer of complacency that he was told sometimes plagued the 2014 squad.
"Guys on the team are very passionate about soccer but very coachable," said senior tri-captain Mitch Evenhouse, who Fernandes calls the heart and soul of the team. "It was easy to buy in to what Coach wanted to do. I can honestly say now that when we possess the ball well, we play our best."
The offense has shown plenty of punch, averaging 5.5 goals per game, including three double-digit outings and 24 goals thus far in five playoff wins. Sophomore midfielder Jimmy Allen's 33 goals lead the way, and junior tri-captain Josh Anderson has added 18, including the Trojans' first score in Tuesday's 2-1 supersectional win over Latin, which avenged a 2-0 loss earlier this month.
Marrera has been a revelation in net, improving in leaps and bounds to spearhead a defense that has shut out 10 of 21 opponents. Lodewyk, who missed a month with a hip flexor injury, has bolstered a sturdy back line, anchored by Evenhouse, who shifted from midfield for the playoffs.
With both sides of play clicking, the Trojans are confident they're peaking at the right time.
"We're really jelling together now after progressing for the whole season," Lodewyk said. "Our goal has been to win state and now it's time to go out and get it done."
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Class 1A boys soccer state tournament
Where: The Corn Crib, Normal
2014 champion: Columbia
Friday's semifinals
--Anna-Jonesboro-Cobden (19-5-1) vs. Rockford Keith Country Day (21-4), 5 p.m.
--Timothy Christian (17-4) vs. Urbana University (24-0-1), 7 p.m.
Saturday's schedule
Third place, 3 p.m.
Championship, 5 p.m.
