NTL BOYS' SOCCER: SENIOR HODLOFSKI SHINES IN YOUTHFUL YEAR FOR TROY (2021-11-15)

Northern Tier Sports Report
Troy boys’ soccer saw one of the most brilliant individual seasons of play this year as they worked to rebuild during their 2021 campaign. They went 5-11 on the year, but could’ve easily been 8-8, and a playoff team, had a few more close games gone their way. 

“This was my sixth season coaching the Troy boys soccer team,” said coach Jason Hodlofski. “Every year is a learning process with the dynamics of new players mixing into the team. This year was no different than previous years.”

Wyatt Hodlofski, one of four seniors on a team that was two-thirds freshmen and sophomore, finished with 26 goals on the year to be named the NTL Player of the Year. He scored over half of his team’s goals during the season.

Troy opened with an exciting 4-3 loss to NEB, one of five matches this year where they lost by two goals or less. 

They won their next two games, out scoring their opponents 12-5, but then went on a 4-game losing streak to fall to 2-6.

A three game win streak saw them get to 5-6, but they ran out of gas down the stretch, losing their final six matches.

“This year we started off with some hard play, and earned some wins,” remarked Hodlofski. “As the season progressed we had some injuries, and missed a few players due to Covid contact tracing. With such a small squad, any missing players makes it hard on the whole team.”

They swept Galeton and Towanda this year, while splitting with Williamson. They also played perennial playoff contender Sullivan County to two tough losses, 5-3, and 5-4.

Fellow senior Conner Foust helped anchor the team’s defense as they worked the offside trap. When it didn’t work, he used his speed to corral strikers, along with fellow defenseman CJ Stanton.

They also broke in a new full-time goalie in Eli Randall, who was an NTL second team all-star.

“My captains really stepped up to lead this team this year, and the recognition they got was well deserved,” said Hodlofski. 

They lose just four players, though all four were strong contributors. However, with 16 underclassmen, and another possible half dozen incoming freshmen, things are looking up for the Trojans.

“I saw a lot of great things from my younger players and I am really looking forward to next year’s team to see who steps into leadership roles,” Hodlofski said.