The boys soccer team capped its 2024 season with a 16-7-5 record, finishing second in the Big 12 Conference at 7-1-2. The Ironmen’s postseason run ended with a 2-0 loss to Edwardsville in the IHSA 3A Sectional Final on Nov. 1, marking head coach Mr. Matt Chapman’s first sectional final appearance since the 2018 campaign.

Junior midfielders Believe Avida and Joyce Lubika spearheaded the Ironmen’s offense, combining for 32 goals and 23 assists.

Avida led the team with 18 goals and 12 assists, earning Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association First-Team All-Sectional honors alongside Lubika, who contributed 14 goals and 11 assists.

The duo, Chapman said, are “terrific players” who were “fun and exciting” to watch this season.

Senior Cassius Sharp anchored the Ironmen’s backline while also contributing offensively, tallying seven goals and six assists.

Sharp’s standout season earned him IHSSCA All-State honors. The senior displayed his versatility, begining the season attacking from the midfield before transitioning to defense.

“Ultimately,” Chapman said, “we determined that we needed more strength in our in our back line. We needed some better defense to advance in the postseason. 
That was an important change we made got into the final month of the season and helped us.”

Sharp, Chapman said, “was definitely a difference maker” for the Community this season.

The Ironmen’s playoff journey was highlighted by three gritty victories. A 2-1 win over Minooka avenged an early-season tie, while a 1-0 shutout against East Moline United Township in the regional final showcased the team’s defensive tenacity. In the sectional semifinal, the Ironmen overcame Moline—a team they lost to earlier in the season—in a penalty shootout, with senior goalkeeper Bode Thompson leading the charge.

Thompson, who posted eight shutouts and a 1.19 goals-against average, was lauded by Chapman for his growth and leadership.

“This group of players really found their identity as the season progressed,” Chapman said. “Their ability to come together and execute in high-pressure situations was incredible.”

The Ironmen boasted a deep roster with contributions from players across all classes. Sophomore Cooper Lee tallied six goals and five assists, while junior Logan Lelm added eight goals and six assists.

Looking ahead, Chapman expressed optimism about the program’s future, citing the return of key juniors in Avida, Lubika and Logan Lelm.

“We have a solid core of players ready to come back,” Chapman said. “If they continue to grow and prepare, we can build on this season’s success.”