MORGANTOWN — The Trinity boys’ soccer team secured a spot in the regional semifinals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Harrison on March 15, 2024. The decisive goal came in the 66th minute, courtesy of Austin Porta, propelling the No. 3 seed Warriors into the next round of the Region II Class AA/A tournament. They will face Moorefield, who defeated Notre Dame 4-0, at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
This playoff encounter was marked by a tense defensive battle, with both teams struggling to create quality scoring opportunities. Earlier in the season, Trinity had overwhelmed South Harrison with three first-half goals, but the playoff matchup proved to be a different challenge entirely.
A Tactical Showdown
From the outset, the match illustrated the hallmark of playoff soccer: grit and determination. South Harrison adopted a defensive strategy, often retreating to protect their midfield, which limited Trinity’s attacking options. Despite dominating possession, the Warriors faced a resilient defense that forced them to the flanks.
Trinity found some early chances, with Evan Knight setting up Jonathan Sheffstall in the 17th minute. Sheffstall’s shot, however, rolled just wide of the goal. Eight minutes later, Parker Hopkins struck a loose ball that deflected off a defender, but the Hawks’ goalkeeper, Jon-Michael Radabaugh, managed to recover just in time, preventing the ball from crossing the line.
As the tension mounted in the second half, Trinity pushed for the all-important opening goal. They created several opportunities within the first ten minutes but failed to convert. A close call for South Harrison came when Peyton Heckert unleashed a powerful shot that hit the crossbar, energizing the Hawks but ultimately failing to yield a goal.
In the 65th minute, the breakthrough finally arrived. Sheffstall delivered a long throw-in that found Porta at the far post. With a composed finish, Porta nudged the ball into the net, giving Trinity a crucial 1-0 lead. Reflecting on the moment, Porta remarked, “I’ve had that kind of shot on my foot so many times, but I was still pretty nervous as I saw it coming. This was one of those games where the first goal means everything, so I was glad I was able to put it in.”
Following the goal, Trinity maintained their pressure, effectively managing the game. They utilized strategic sideline clears and controlled possession, forcing South Harrison to struggle to advance the ball. The Hawks were unable to penetrate Trinity’s defense, with goalkeeper Parker Hopkins confidently handling any threats.
Warriors’ coach Dan Lohmann praised his team’s performance, acknowledging the significant improvement of South Harrison since their last encounter. “They were very compact, disciplined, and solid,” Lohmann said. “We knew we had to be patient and maintain our composure, and to be ready when our opportunity came.” He also highlighted the decision to switch goalkeepers in the second half, a move aimed at bolstering the team’s defensive efforts.
With this victory, Trinity has not only advanced in the tournament but demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting semifinal match against Moorefield. The Warriors will look to build on this momentum as they continue their pursuit of regional glory.
