Two new coaches, losing their first five games, and a difficult conference didn’t stop the Trojan Varsity Soccer Team from ending with a successful season. Through teamwork, motivation, and players stepping up to the plate, DGN finished their season 10-10-1, setting the best record in the past three years.
The 2023 season was former women’s coaches Rafal Slomba and Martin Manzke’s first experience with the Men’s varsity soccer team. As the new head coach, Slomba knew it would be difficult to create a team culture and connection in just one season. However, he focused on building one on and off the field and setting goals for his team.
“There are many programs in the school that have had great success in the last 10-15 years that we hope to emulate,” Slomba said “Implementing core values to build an elite program was at the top of my list. The focus during the beginning of the season was to establish a winning culture and mentality at every practice which would translate into games.”
Practices were more intense, and compared to other seasons, this year was heavier on fitness and working out. The coaches also tried new techniques and weren’t afraid to move players around. Junior Danny Graham started the season as a striker before being moved to center back where he started every single game for the remainder of the season.
“The way we practiced was different, some of the formations we played were different, and even the positions of players could change game to game compared to last year where everybody knew where they played,” Graham said.
The season started with an upsetting losing streak of five games. However, the Trojans turned the season around shortly after. Senior Will Beatty attributes the team’s successful end of the season to their work ethic and connection.
“I’m very proud of everyone sticking together and working hard after we lost our first five games. The rest of the season really showed the character of our team going 10 for 15. We had a great connection between everyone,” Beatty said. “I couldn’t have asked for better teammates and everyone pushed each other to be better while also really having fun with each other.”
The Trojans season came to a devastating end in the regional championship Oct. 21 after a 5-1 loss against state runner-ups Lyons Township (LT). This was the Trojans’ third regional championship appearance in the past three years.
With a total of 12 seniors the majority of the varsity team was upperclassmen, however, this season allowed for freshman and sophomore players to shine as well. Ty Peboontom and Dylan Graham were two freshmen on varsity who earned their time on the field.
“My proudest moment this season was playing with my little brother,” Junior Danny Graham said.
One of the most memorable wins of the season was the crosstown classic match against DGS. DGN defeated the Mustangs 2-1 and took home the Downers Grove Cup for the first time in three years.
“This is a great community to be a part of that has provided our program with a lot of support that our players and coaches really appreciate. This first year as a head coach was amazing and I am looking forward to continuing to take steps forward as a program for years to come,” Slomba said.
