STC senior Guillermo Garcia-Martinez engages in a scuffle with a player from Grinnell during a match on March 28. The Tigers defeated the Trojans 3-1. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

On March 28, the South Tama boys hosted the first home soccer game of the season at Trojan Field, and they fell 3-1 to their rivals from Grinnell in a very physical match.

After the game, Second year STC head coach Jeff Niederman talked about some key takeaways.

“As a team we didn’t capitalize on opportunities to score. We played a different style of game that was consistent with our scrimmage against Marshalltown. We sent the ball forward instead of building the attack,” Niederman said. “We will work hard on correcting these mistakes in practice this week. We did shoot the ball a lot and that is an improvement from last year’s team. We look forward to making improvements over the season to get ready for the postseason.”

The Trojans lone goal was scored by Sophomore Allen Martinez

“He will be one to watch this season,” Niederman said. “He has an amazing goal presence when he is on the pitch,” Niederman said.

Head Coach Jeff Niederman and assistant coach Joe Miller look on in the opening minutes of the match against Grinnell. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

The Trojans are still ironing out some details in their game and finding key players.

“The line up is always changing as we don’t have a set starting unit yet this early in the season. We will be making adjustments until we find the players that best represent the Trojan ways and work ethic on and off the field,” their coach said. “Stay tuned for a starting line up in the next several games.”

STC’s next game is on Tuesday, April 11 at Marion.