The No. 20 boys soccer team takes on the No. 3 Noblesville Millers at home on Saturday. Noblesville head coach Kenneth Dollaske says this game will be a challenge to prepare for. 

“Noblesville hasn’t played Center Grove in over a decade so their playing style is relatively unknown since we don’t have game film on them,” Dollaske said. “We are aware that they work well as a team and look for #15, Ely Detty, who has a majority of their goals.”

Detty is the leading goal scorer for the Trojans this season with seven goals and seven assists, and he hopes the confidence the Trojans have found during the progression of the season can give them the edge they need to come out with a win against the Millers.

“The team’s confidence has increased a lot,” Detty said. “In my opinion, confidence is something that can make or break a team and I think that now everyone is starting to believe in the team and themselves.”  

Noblesville has struggled on the offensive side this season. Led by senior forwards Samuel Divis, a former FC Cincinnati and MLS Next player, and AJ Tippner, the Millers have found the back of the net 13 times, 10 of which came from games against opponents with two wins or less. 

“So far this season we have gotten many offensive opportunities to score, but we haven’t converted,” Dollaske said. “Hopefully we can keep our composure near the goal and start finishing our chances.” 

The heart of the Millers game lies within the defense. Noblesville has allowed just two goals in six matches this season and is led by senior center back Owen Mija, a West Point soccer commit.

“We are very stout defensively. Our back line is very disciplined and we limit opponents’ scoring opportunities,” Dollaske said. 

Center Grove’s senior center back, Luke Silva is making his return from injury Saturday. Although he hasn’t played since week 2, he’s observed enough to understand what needs to change with the Trojans defense ahead of Saturday. 

“We need more defensive communication from the midfield and will need them to drop and defend,” Silva said. “Defensively, we need to stay goal side, and we can not allow ourselves to get split. Too many times we’ve gotten beat because of a defensive break down.” 

Detty recognizes the Trojans have overcomplicated their games this season, something he points out as a reason for some of their losses. 

“The biggest thing the team needs to do on Saturday against Noblesville is keep the game simple,” Detty said. “We tend to over complicate it which can lead to us playing very sloppy and selfish. If everyone’s plays as a whole, then the game should be an easy win.”