Derek Troxell may only be a junior, but he certainly is one of the elder statesman on the Catasauqua soccer team.

He has taken the cue from his older brother, Devon, who graduated last year and was a mainstay on the team as well in the community.

In his team’s recent 7-0 win over Dieruff, Troxell not only scored a pair of goals, but he also provided the team with insight and leadership.

“That was a much-need win for us,” said Troxell, whose team raised its mark to 3-5 overall. “We had three tough losses to Saucon Valley, Bangor and Southern Lehigh. We have been working hard, and we seem to have a good chemistry here.

“A big part of that has been the freshmen we have this year. They really have helped shape the team.”

Troxell sees a different culture that has elevated expectations.

“The past two seasons, we didn’t have good chemistry here,” said Troxell, who has been playing on the varsity team since he was a freshman. “This year, we picked up some early wins and it really helped bring all of us together.”

Head coach Josh Inman realizes how Troxell can bring stability to his team.

“He is a leader and does a great job on the back line for us,” said Inman. “Derek (Troxell) has the ability to score and that has been a problem for us in the past.

“He brings a sense of calm to the team.”

Troxell was a Colonial League Honorable Mention choice last season, and he has set his sights higher this year.

“I really feel comfortable playing and with the team this year,” said Troxell. “I know that I have to give my best effort every day.

“I want to see if I can be a first- or second-team choice for the league this season. I also have been working on being a leader every day. That’s important to me, but I do what is best for the team.”

Troxell played in a winter league and worked three days a week during the summer. He and Inman worked together to improve his ball techniques to strengthen his game.

“We got some time in during the offseason and I believe it has helped all of us,” he said. ‘We played against the alumni during the summer, and that was a great experience. It helped us get ready for the season.”

Playing sports since his earliest days, Troxell is indebted to parents Dave and Gretchen along with grandparents Frank and Pat and Larry and Helen for their guidance and support.

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Against Notre Dame, the score was tied 1-1 at half but the Crusaders pulled away in the second half for a 4-1 win.

Damian DiPaolo scored for CHS in the opening half to help take the tie into halftime as Gavin Tucker scored for ND.

Sebastian Niestepski, Corey Ortiz and an own goal counted for the Crusaders three other tallies.

Vinicius Roach Takahashi picked up an assist for Catty on DiPaolo’s goal.

Catty led 3-0 at the half before capturing a 7-3 win over Dieruff as Damian DiPaolo led the way with two goals and two assists.

Derek Troxell also had two goals in the win while Luis Del Rosario, Joseph Merkel and Jordy Leon all had one each.

The Huskies got goals from Henry Pineda (1), Raymond Rivera-Camacho (1) and Jarius Sebro (1).

Catasauqua assists came from: Luis Del Rosario (1), DiPaolo (2) and Joseph Merkel (1).