Trinity Men’s Soccer – What They’ve Done and What They’ll Accomplish

Sarah Zahoor ’26

Contributing Writer

Coming in confident Monday night, following their success over St. John Fisher University, the Trinity men’s soccer team looked forward to an anticipated win over the University of Hartford. Unfortunately, the Bantams took the hit with a 2-1 score. 

The Bantams started strong, with a goal by sophomore forward Shane Ivey ‘27, assisted by junior transfer Mike Desmond ‘26, within the first six minutes of the game. The early lead showcased the sharp teamwork and chemistry between Ivey and Desmond, who have been instrumental in recent games. The duo are regular starters and scorers. However, the Hawks didn’t let up either; they soon followed suit with a goal by Devan Jessop. 

The score took a wrong turn in the first half when a yellow card on the Bantams allowed the Hawks to capitalize on a second and final goal, ultimately leading to their success. After Hartford’s second goal, the Bantams were quick to pick up their pace. While they did not win, the boys were a showcase of perseverance and practice. In the second half, they dominated the offensive line and got several shots up, a few of which were off by only a hair. An intense corner kick in the last minute of the game kept players and on-lookers alive and on their feet in anticipation of an even score. Freshman midfielder, Dieder Wagner ‘28, who has emerged as a promising talent, showed immense effort and served great direction for the Bantams in their battle against the Hawks. He plays confidently at the collegiate level, creating plenty of opportunities for his teammates and strategically, for himself as well. The Bantams exhibited the mature skills that come with dedicated practice — effective communication, crafty footwork, and adaptability. 

Senior goalkeeper Matt Birnhak ‘25 walked off the field with four saves, keeping the Bantams in good shape. Just last year, Birnhak celebrated four saves under his belt in his first career win in a shutout game, 6-0, against the University of Hartford. Trinity’s head coach, Methembe Ndlovu, entering his third year with the Bantams, was praised by his players for always creating a positive environment in which they feel comfortable to grow and evolve, both on and off the field. 

The Bantams are halfway done with the regular season, facing a 2-5 record. There are still eight games left until playoffs, so there is enough time for improvement and revamping. Junior goalkeeper, Nate Dyott ‘26, who has been splitting time with Birnhak, remains optimistic despite the team’s current record. He says that while the season has been a bit underwhelming, it’s not something that shocks him or even lowers his spirits; the team lost a lot of crucial players in their previously graduated class. He credits the younger players — especially the first-years and sophomores — for stepping up in critical moments and repeatedly contributing to the season. As for the losses, he keeps a steady, grounded attitude. Losses are a part of any game; what matters is what you make of them. “On any given day, any team can beat anyone. If they can outmatch us, we need to use that as motivation.” Dyott commented, reflecting on the season’s unpredictability. This gives him hope for the remainder of the season, as he knows his teammates are willing and determined to put in the work to turn their season around. 

Looking ahead, Trinity will continue to face tough competition, but with their team spirit and hunger for victory, they remain hopeful for a strong finish to the season. As many coaches remind their players, “success is built in the moments of struggle” and the Bantams are more than ready to face those challenges head-on.