Soccer Knights Finish Second At IHSA State Finals

By Anthony Jones

Bringing home the best finish in program history, Triad’s boys soccer team wrapped up an outstanding season Saturday afternoon by bringing home a second place finish. The team finished with an overall record  25-1-1.

Their lone loss came in their IHSA State Championship match against Boylan Catholic. With the game tied up at 0-0 and less than a minute left to play, their opponent was awarded a penalty kick after a whistle that came with the ball somewhere near the edge of the box. The Titans converted the shot and went on to win.

Several Knights had great performances in the contest, including goaltender David DuPont. The senior produced several big saves in net for Triad during the close battle.

Triad’s Head Coach Jim Jackson said of his team after the game, “It’s the best team in the history of Triad soccer. When you get up here, you never know the style of play or team you’ll be playing because they are teams you’re not used to. This is unbelievable for our program.”

Outside of their second place finish in state, the squad picked up several accolades throughout the season. Jake Ellis and David DuPont both were named to the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State team, while Roger Weber and Jake Stewart earned All-Sectional honors. Triad’s 25 game win streak also ties them for the fifth longest in IHSA history.

“I just want to thank the community of Troy. My phone was blowing up today from girls players, other coaches in our league and area, college coaches wishing us luck. I know there were a lot of people back in Troy watching the game, so it’s pretty cool to see such great support from the community,” Coach Jackson added.