This is my guide to play Soldier in VSH.
1. Loadout
Primary: If you are beginning with Soldier use whatever but no Direct Hit, but if you are sharp at aiming then Direct Hit is good
Secondary: Gun Boots for beginners, or those who likes to use Rocket Jumping, but you can use Shotgun if you want. And Mantreads is good too, because you can rocket jump higher and longer than Hale.
Mantreads is ownage in maps with lot of HP packs, but you can use it whenever you just want.
Melee: Equalizer is best because when you get hurt, you run speed of Scout, and that is good for escaping.
2. Strategy
Shoot directly under at legs because it will knock Hale, and when hale gets too close, dont just think that you just can survive, rocket jump off that he doesnt get you.